JP2010089424A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To satisfy both of the reduction effect of power consumption and usability of a user. <P>SOLUTION: This printer is communicable to a plurality of host devices via a network. The printer includes a storage section that stores histories of printing processes performed in accordance with print commands transmitted from the respective host devices via the network by respectively correlating them with the host devices; a detecting section for detecting a host device connected to the network in the plurality of host devices; a frequency identifying section for identifying a time zone in which a frequency of performing the printing processes is lower than a predetermined frequency on the basis of the history stored in the storage section corresponding to the host device detected with the detecting section; and an operation control section that causes the printer to operate in a power save mode having power consumption lower than that of a predetermined normal mode during the time zone specified with the frequency identifying section and causes the printer to operate in the normal mode in any other time zone. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

  In printers (including printers, multifunction devices with multiple functions such as print function, scan function, copy function, etc.), the operating status of each component such as print engine and operation panel is reduced. (Hereinafter referred to as a power saving mode) and an operating state (hereinafter referred to as a normal mode) that consumes more power than the power saving mode and can immediately perform processing according to external communication or operation. It is a problem from the viewpoint of achieving both the effect of reducing power consumption and the convenience of the user.

  Here, based on the printing history for the past N days including the printing time and the number of printed sheets at each time, the operation frequency in each time zone is calculated, and the normal mode return time and the power saving mode transition are determined from this operation frequency change pattern. There is known a printing apparatus that obtains a time, then returns to the normal mode when each normal mode return time is reached, and shifts to the power save mode when each power save mode shift time is reached (see Patent Document 1). .)

In addition, when printing is not performed within the power saving mode transition time specified by the user, the recommended value of the power saving mode transition time derived from the past print job input interval is displayed on the printing apparatus that shifts to the power saving mode. A technique presented on an interface panel is known (see Patent Document 2).
JP 2007-168295 A JP 2004-268356 A

  In each of the above-mentioned documents, based on past printing results, the transition time to the power saving (power saving) mode after the present is determined or presented to the user. However, the operating frequency of the printing apparatus varies depending on the presence / absence of the current user (employee, etc.) in the environment where the printing apparatus is located (for example, a company office). In particular, when a printing apparatus is shared by a plurality of computers (computers assigned to each user) via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), the printing apparatus may be connected depending on whether each computer is connected or disconnected. The operating frequency varies greatly. Therefore, even if the operation state (power saving mode or normal mode) of the printing apparatus is switched in consideration of only the past printing results of the printing apparatus as in the past, it is not necessarily the optimum switching for the place where the printing apparatus is used. In some cases, it was not possible.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a printing apparatus capable of switching the optimum operation state in accordance with a change in a user in an environment where the printing apparatus is placed. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a printing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of host devices via a network, and performing a printing process executed in response to a print instruction transmitted from each host device via the network. Corresponding to each host device, a storage unit for detecting a host device connected to the network among the plurality of host devices, and a host device detected by the detection unit Then, based on the history stored in the storage unit, a frequency specifying unit that specifies a time zone in which the execution frequency of the printing process is lower than a predetermined frequency, and a printing device in the time zone specified by the frequency specifying unit An operation control unit that operates in a power saving state that consumes less power than a predetermined normal state and operates the printing apparatus in the normal state in other time zones

  According to the present invention, the time zone in which the printing apparatus is operated in the power saving state (power saving mode) based on the history (printing history) corresponding to the host apparatus currently connected to the network among the plurality of host apparatuses. And a time zone for operating in the normal state (normal mode). Therefore, it is possible to realize optimal switching of the operating state of the printing apparatus according to the presence / absence of the user in a network environment sharing the printing apparatus.

  The detection unit transmits a response request to each address on the network assigned to each of the plurality of host devices, and connects the host device corresponding to the address that responded to the response request to the network. It may be detected as a host device that is operating. According to this configuration, it is possible to easily and reliably detect which host device is connected to the network at that time.

  The detection unit may detect a host device that has transmitted the received print instruction as a host device connected to the network when a print instruction is received via the network. According to this configuration, since the printing apparatus detects the host apparatus when a printing instruction is transmitted from a certain host apparatus, the printing apparatus consumes less power than when the printing apparatus actively detects the host apparatus. Can be reduced.

  The storage unit stores a history indicating the number of prints at each time for each host device, and the frequency specifying unit includes a past N (N is 1 or more) constituting a history corresponding to the host device detected by the detection unit. The time zone may be specified based on the number of printed sheets for each day of time. According to this configuration, the printing apparatus is operated in the power saving state according to the number of printed sheets at each time in the past N days according to the printing instruction from the host apparatus currently connected to the network, and in the normal state. Determine the operating time zone. Therefore, the switching of the operating state of the printing apparatus that is optimal for the user currently sharing the printing apparatus is realized.

  The frequency identification unit is a history corresponding to the host device detected by the detection unit, and a history for the past N days excluding a day when the connection time of the host device to the network is shorter than a predetermined reference time The time zone may be specified based on the above. According to this configuration, when trying to determine the timing of switching the operating state of the printing apparatus, the history of past days when the host apparatus currently connected to the network has been connected to the network is short is referred. Therefore, the switching timing more suitable for the user of the host apparatus currently connected to the network can be determined.

  A system including the above-described printing apparatus and a plurality of host apparatuses is also established as one invention. It is also possible to grasp an invention of a printing method including steps corresponding to each part included in the printing apparatus, and an invention of a printing program that causes a computer to execute each function corresponding to each part included in the printing apparatus. Furthermore, the invention of the method corresponding to the said system and the invention of a program can also be grasped | ascertained.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer 10 and the like according to the present embodiment. The printer 10 corresponds to a printing apparatus. The printer 10 is configured to be able to communicate with a plurality of personal computers (PC) 50 (50a, 50b, 50c...) Via a network 60 such as a LAN. Each PC 50 corresponds to a host device, and each is operated by a user. A printer driver for controlling the driving of the printer 10 is installed in each PC 50.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the printer 10 is also connected to the scanner unit 40. That is, the printer 10 functions as a multifunction device by connecting to the scanner unit 40. The scanner unit 40 is an image scanner provided with an operation panel (not shown) including a numeric keypad and a liquid crystal display (LCD). The scanner unit 40, when an operation for instructing the operation panel to start copying is performed, generates image data of the original by scanning the original set on the unit, and represents the generated image data. Print data is created and transmitted to the printer 10. However, in this embodiment, the configuration in which the printer 10 is connected to the scanner 40 is not essential.

  The printer 10 is, for example, a page printer including an operation panel 11, a control unit 12, and a printing mechanism unit 13. The operation panel 11 is a unit for receiving various instructions from the user and presenting the state of the printer 10 to the user. The operation panel 11 includes, for example, an LCD, an LED, a push button switch SW, and the like. The printing mechanism unit 13 is a unit (a so-called print engine) that performs printing on a sheet based on print data transmitted from each PC 50 or scanner unit 40 to the control unit 12. The print data referred to in the present embodiment is, for example, data that represents an image to be printed in a predetermined page description language, data that represents an image to be printed in a bitmap format, or the like.

  The control unit 12 is a unit including a CPU 21, an RTC (real time clock) 22, a control ASIC 23, a host I / F 24, an HDD 25, a RAM 26, a ROM 27, and the like for controlling each unit of the printer 10. The host I / F 24 is an interface that connects the network 60 and the control unit 12. The control ASIC 23 is an ASIC (an ASIC developed for the printer 10) that performs control of data transfer between various devices (CPU 21, host I / F 24, etc.). The HDD 25 corresponds to an example of a storage unit included in the printer 10. However, as the storage unit, various storage devices such as a flash memory card can be employed in addition to the HDD.

  The control ASIC 23 is provided with an operation mode control circuit 30. The operation mode control circuit 30 sets the operation mode of the printer 10 to “normal mode” by referring to information (operation mode time table) defining the switching time of the operation state (operation mode) in the time zone of the day. "Or" Power saving mode ". In the present embodiment, “normal mode” means an operation mode in which printing based on print data transmitted from the PC 50 or the scanner 40 is immediately executed, and “power saving mode” refers to transmission from each PC 50 or the scanner 40. However, since some components in the printer 10 are in a state where the power consumption is low or no power is consumed, the received print data is included in the received print data. This means an operation mode in which printing based on this cannot be started immediately (it takes more time than normal mode to start printing).

  Functions of the control unit 12 (contents of processing that can be executed by the CPU 21 of the control unit 12 according to a predetermined program stored in the ROM 27 while using the RAM 26 as a work area) will be described. In this embodiment, when the printer 10 performs printing based on a print instruction (print data) transmitted from each PC 50 via the network 60, the control unit 12 receives the print data reception time zone (both print time). And a print history including the number of printed sheets (also called the number of printed sheets) is stored in the HDD 25. The print history is stored in association with the PCs 50a, 50b, 50c,. On the premise of such a configuration, the control unit 12 executes the update process of the operation mode time table as follows.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation mode time table update process executed by the control unit 12.
In step S (hereinafter, “step” is omitted) 100, the control unit 12 executes a startup process of the printer 10. That is, when the user performs a power-on operation of the printer 10 via the operation panel 11 or the like, the control unit 12 activates each unit of the printer 10. Further, the control unit 12 executes predetermined initial processing (for example, processing for confirming that each unit constituting the printer 10 operates normally) at the time of activation.

  In S102, the control unit 12 starts detection processing for all PCs 50a, 50b, 50c... That may exist on the network 60. Specifically, the control unit 12 transmits a response request to each address (for example, IP address) on the network assigned to each of the PCs 50a, 50b, 50c... And waits for a response to the response request. The control unit 12 transmits a response request by executing, for example, a ping command.

  In S104, the control unit 12 determines whether or not a response is transmitted from any one of the addresses to which the response request is transmitted (any one of the PCs 50a, 50b, 50c... That can exist on the network 60). If there is a response from the PC 50, it is determined that the detection of the PC 50 that transmitted the response is successful, and the process proceeds to S108. In S104, if the detection of the PC 50 is successful, the control unit 12 records in the predetermined connection state storage area that the PC 50 that has succeeded in the detection is connected to the network 60. The connection state storage area is a storage area secured on the RAM 26, for example. When the control unit 12 succeeds in detecting the PC 50 in S104, only the PC 50 that has been successfully detected is connected to the network 60. Record that it is. Immediately after the activation process (S100), the connection state storage area is in a state indicating that all the PCs 50a, 50b, 50c,... That may exist on the network 60 are not connected.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no response from any of the PCs 50 (when no PC 50 on the network 60 is detected), the control unit 12 stores a predetermined table storage area (for example, an operation mode control circuit). After the operation mode time table stored in the storage area 30 in the memory 30 is set to a default state (S106), the process returns to S102, and the processes after S102 are repeated at a predetermined interval. The default state of the operation mode time table refers to a state where all the time zones defined by the operation mode time table are “power saving mode time zones”. Therefore, when all the PCs 50 that have been connected to the network 60 until then are disconnected from the network 60, the operation mode time table is reset to the default state. In this embodiment, after the printer 10 is started, the operation mode time table is in the default state until the PC 50 is first detected successfully (S104) and the operation mode time table is updated (S110 described later). Maintained.

  In S <b> 108, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the PC 50 connected to the network 60 has changed. That is, immediately before the latest S104, the information stored in the connection state storage area is compared with the information stored in the current connection state storage area, and whether the PC 50 connected to the network 60 has changed. Judge whether or not. If the control unit 12 determines that the PC 50 connected to the network 60 has changed, the control unit 12 proceeds to S110. In S110, the control unit 12 determines whether the operation mode time table stored in the table storage area is based on the print history corresponding to the PC 50 connected to the network 60 among the print histories stored in the HDD 25. Update. On the other hand, if it is determined in S108 that the PC 50 connected to the network 60 has not been changed, the control unit 12 returns to S102, and repeats the processing from S102 onward at a predetermined interval.

  If the PC 50 connected to the network 60 is detected for the first time after the startup of the printer 10 (S104), the determination “Yes” is always made in S108 immediately after. Further, when there is a change (increase or decrease) in the number of PCs 50 whose connection to the network 60 has been confirmed by the previous detection process and the number of PCs 50 whose connection has been confirmed by the current detection process, or the connection to the network 60 The number of PCs 50 that have been confirmed is not changed, but there is a change in the connected PCs 50 (for example, the connection between the PC 50a and the PC 50b was confirmed in the previous detection process, but the PC 50b and PC 50c are detected by the current detection process) In step S108, “Yes (changed)” is determined.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of the processing of S110.
In S1101, the control unit 12 obtains, from the HDD 25, a print history corresponding to each day for the past N (N is an integer of 1 or more) days including the previous day, which is a print history corresponding to the PC 50 successfully detected in the latest S104. read out. The value of N can be arbitrarily set in advance by the user via the operation panel 11 or the like.
In step S1102, the control unit 12 calculates the operating frequency (printing process execution frequency) of the printer 10 in each time slot of the day based on the read print history.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation frequency calculation process and the like in the case where there are three PCs 50a, 50b, and 50c that can be connected to the network 60. In FIG. 4, in the order from the leftmost column A to column E, printing instructions (printing) from the PC 50a in the same time zone (in units of 10 minutes in FIG. 4) within the hour (Hour), minute (Minute), and N days in the day. Data), the total number of prints based on a print instruction from the PC 50b in the same time period of N days, and the total number of prints based on a print instruction from the PC 50c in the same time period of N days. ing. That is, the information shown in the columns C to E is the print history for the past N days corresponding to the PCs 50a, 50b, and 50c.

  Further, in the columns F to H in FIG. 4, the connection status to the network 60 for each of the PCs 50a, 50b, and 50c on today (the day on which the processing of FIGS. Connection) and x (non-connection), and the column L illustrates the timing at which the processing of S110 (update of the operation mode time table) is executed today. In the example of FIG. 4, it is understood that the PCs 50a, 50b, and 50c are connected to the network 60 in the order of time, and then the PC 50a is disconnected from the network 60 at noon (the power of the PC 50a is turned off). Referring to the example of FIG. 4, for example, the print history read in S1101 from the results of S102, S104, and S108 executed at 10:00 level corresponds to the PC 50a and PC 50b connected to the network 60 at that time. Only the print history (column C and column D) to be performed, and the operation frequency (column I in FIG. 4) of the printer 10 is calculated with reference to the print history corresponding to the PCs 50a and 50b.

  Specifically, the control unit 12 sets the operation frequency for each 10-minute time zone to the Nth day of the total number of printed sheets in the corresponding time zone for the past N days recorded in the read print history. As a percentage of the total number of printed sheets (the total number of sheets printed based on the print instructions transmitted from the PCs 50a, 50b, and 50c in the same N days). In the example of FIG. 4, the number of printed sheets between 10:00 and 10:09:59 in the past N days is 40 based on the print instruction from the PC 50a, and is based on the print instruction from the PC 50b. Since the number of printed sheets is 2, the operating frequency in the time zone between 10:00 to 10:09:59 is occupied by the number of printed sheets “40 + 2” with respect to the total number of printed sheets for N days. It is a percentage value. As described above, in S1102, the control unit 12 calculates the operation frequency for each time slot of the day (however, each time slot after the current time). The control unit 12 (CPU 21) can acquire information on the current time from the RTC 22.

  In step S1103, the control unit 12 saves power from the printer 10 from each time zone of the day (however, each time zone after the current time) based on the change pattern of the operation frequency in each time zone calculated in S1102. Specify the time zone (power saving mode time zone) to shift to the mode. Specifically, the control unit 12 specifies a time zone (one or more time zones) in which the operation frequency is lower than a specified value (predetermined frequency) as the power saving mode time zone. The minimum width of the power saving mode time zone specified in S1103 is 10 minutes in this embodiment, and if the time zone of the minimum width whose operation frequency is lower than the specified value is continuous, the continuous time zone is continuous. The time zone is also specified as one power saving mode time zone.

The control unit 12 may determine the number of time zones specified as the power saving mode time zone in advance. For example, the control unit 12 excludes from the power-saving mode time zone in order from the shortest time width when the operation frequency is lower than the specified value and the number of time zone clusters is larger than the predetermined number, The number of power saving mode time zones may be included within the predetermined number. Further, the control unit 12 specifies a time zone other than the specified power saving mode time zone as the normal mode time zone among the time zones of the day (however, each time zone after the current time). In the columns J and K of FIG. 4, the power saving mode time zone and the normal mode time zone specified in this way are respectively illustrated by ◯ marks.

In S1104, the control unit 12 records the start time of each power saving mode time zone specified in S1103 as the transition time to the power saving mode (power saving mode transition time), and the start time of each normal mode time zone is set to the normal mode. An operation mode time table recorded as a return time (normal mode return time) is newly generated. The newly generated table overwrites (updates) the operation mode time table that has been stored in the table storage area.
After finishing the process of S110, the control part 12 returns to S102, and repeats the process after S102 at a predetermined interval. It should be noted that the time interval from once performing the processing of S102 to returning from S104, S108, or S110 to executing the processing of S102 is the same as the time unit of the print history (in this embodiment, 10 minutes). Is appropriate.

  As described above, in this embodiment, while the printer 10 is activated, the control unit 12 repeatedly detects the PC 50 connected to the network 60 at a predetermined timing, and appropriately updates the operation mode time table according to the detection result. . As described with reference to FIG. 2, it can be said that the control unit 12 functions as a detection unit in that it can detect the PC 50 connected to the network 60 among the plurality of PCs 50 that can be connected to the network 60. In addition, as described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the control unit 12 sets a time period when the execution frequency of the print processing is lower than the predetermined frequency based on the print history stored in the HDD 25 corresponding to the detected PC 50. It can be said that it functions as a frequency specifying unit in that (power saving mode time zone) can be specified.

Next, processing executed by the operation mode control circuit 30 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation mode switching process executed by the operation mode control circuit 30 with reference to the operation mode time table. The operation mode control circuit 30 starts the switching process when the startup process of the printer 10 is completed.

  In S200, the operation mode control circuit 30 acquires the current time from the RTC 22, and refers to the latest operation mode time table stored at that time in the table storage area, so that the current time is the power saving mode time. Whether it is included in the band or the normal mode time period is determined. In other words, the operation mode control circuit 30 has a normal mode in which the current time is after a certain power saving mode transition time specified in the referenced operation mode time table and after the one power saving mode transition time. If it is before the normal mode return time closest to the one power saving mode transition time among the return times, it is determined that the current time is the power saving mode time zone. On the other hand, the current time is after one normal mode return time specified in the operation mode time table referred to above, and the one of the power saving mode transition times after the one normal mode return time. If it is before the power saving mode transition time closest to the normal mode return time, it is determined that the current time is in the normal mode time zone. The operation mode control circuit 30 proceeds to S202 when it is determined that the current time is in the power saving mode time zone, and proceeds to S204 when it is determined that the current time is in the normal mode time zone. When the operation mode time table is in the default state, the operation mode control circuit 30 always determines that it is in the power saving mode time zone.

  In S202, the operation mode control circuit 30 performs a power saving mode transition process for setting the operation mode of the printing apparatus 10 to the power saving mode. However, when the printer 10 is in the power saving mode from the most recent time before S200, the operation mode control circuit 30 does not need to perform any particular processing in S202, and maintains the operation mode (power saving mode) of the printer 10 as it is. do it. The power saving mode transition processing is, for example, reducing the voltage supplied to the CPU 21 to a predetermined level (minimum voltage level necessary for the CPU 21 to operate) or lowering the rotational speed of the HDD 25 so that the CPU 21 and the HDD 25 are This is a process of setting the sleep state or stopping the power supply to the LCD of the operation panel 11 and the printing mechanism unit 13. However, in the present embodiment, since the processes of FIGS. 2 and 3 described above are executed even in the power saving mode, considering the smoothness of such processes, the CPU 21 and the HDD 25 are set in the sleep state as the power saving mode transition process. Instead, the power supply to the LCD and the printing mechanism unit 13 may be stopped.

  In S204, the operation mode control circuit 30 performs a normal mode return process for setting the operation mode of the printing apparatus 10 to the normal mode. The normal mode return process is a process for returning the CPU 21 or the HDD 25 from the sleep state or restarting the power supply to the LCD or the print mechanism unit 13. However, when the printer 10 is in the normal mode from the most previous time before S200, the operation mode control circuit 30 does not need to perform any particular processing in S204, and can maintain the operation mode (normal mode) of the printer 10 as it is. That's fine.

  The operation mode control circuit 30 returns to S200 after the processing of S202 or S204, and repeats the processing of S200 and subsequent steps at a predetermined interval. Of course, when the determination process of S200 is performed again, the latest operation mode time table stored in the table storage area at the time of the determination is referred to. It should be noted that the time interval from the determination process of S200 once to the return from S202 or S204 to the execution of the determination process of S200 can be variously set. And the normal mode time zone may be the same as the time zone unit of the print history, which is the minimum time width that can be switched. Thus, the operation mode control circuit 30 operates the printer 10 in the power saving mode during the specified power saving mode time period and operates the printer 10 in the normal mode during the normal mode time period. Corresponds to the division.

  When the print data starts to be transmitted to the control unit 12 while the printer 10 is in the power saving mode, the operation mode control circuit 30 performs the normal mode return process and after the completion of the reception of the print data. When the non-reception time of the print data from becomes equal to or longer than the specified time, the power saving mode transition process is performed. However, if it is time to execute the determination process of S200 before the non-reception time exceeds the specified time, the determination process of S200 is performed as it is (while returning to the normal mode).

As described above, the control unit 12 not only distributes the response request and actively detects the PC 50 on the network 60, but also receives a print instruction (print data) transmitted from the PC 50 via the network 60. The presence of the PC 50 may be detected. That is, when print data is received from a certain PC 50 and at that time, it is not recorded in the connection status storage area that the PC 50 that is the transmission source of the received print data is connected to the network 60. In step S104, it is assumed that the PC 50 that has transmitted the print data is newly detected. Then, the operation mode time table may be generated based on the newly detected PC 50 and the print history of the PC 50 whose connection is recorded in the connection status storage area at that time.
Further, the control unit 12 does not detect the PC 50 by distributing the response request as described above and transmits it via the network 60 until print data is transmitted from any PC 50 after the printer 10 is activated. The PC 50 may be detected only by whether print data is received or not. With such a configuration, it is possible to further reduce power consumption during the power saving mode after the printer is activated.

  In the above description, when the control unit 12 generates the operation mode time table based on the print history corresponding to each PC 50 connected to the network 60, the print history for the past N days is read from the HDD 25. However, even if it is simply the past N days, a day in which there is a history only for a short time (for example, a user of a certain PC 50 was in the office only in the morning, so the power of the PC 50 is only in the morning. May also be included). When the printing history for the past N days including the day for which the history exists only for a short time is employed, an operation mode time table suitable for the user who is currently connected to the network 60 is generated. I can't say that. Therefore, in S1101, the control unit 12 is a print history corresponding to the PC 50 successfully detected in the latest S104, and the connection time of the PC 50 to the network 60 is based on a predetermined reference time (for example, 3 hours). The print history for the past N days excluding short days may be read from the HDD 25. With this configuration, an operation mode time table for switching between the power saving mode and the normal mode in a cycle very suitable for the user of each PC 50 currently connected to the network 60 is generated.

  Thus, in this embodiment, in an environment where a plurality of PCs 50 can use the printer 10 via the network 60, the printer 10 detects the PC 50 currently connected to the network 60 and connects to the network 60. When there is a change (increase / decrease in number or replacement) in the PC 50, a print history corresponding to each PC 50 connected to the network 60 at that time is acquired, and each day of the day is determined based on the acquired print history. Calculates the operation frequency for the time zone, generates an operation mode time table in which the power saving mode transition time and the normal mode return time are recorded according to the calculated change in the operation frequency, and the generated operation mode time table Thus, the process of updating the operation mode time table so far is repeated. The printer 10 switches between the power saving mode and the normal mode based on the latest operation mode time table as needed. In other words, since the power saving mode and the normal mode are switched based on the printing results of only the PC 50 currently connected to the network 60, the PC 50 that is actually connected to the network 60 and sharing the printer 10 is switched. It is possible to achieve both high convenience for the user (the effect that the printer 10 is in the power saving mode when there is a need to perform printing) and the high power saving effect in the printer 10. .

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer and the like according to an embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the process which a control part performs. It is the flowchart which showed the detail of a part of process which a control part performs. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a calculation process of a printer operating frequency. It is the flowchart which showed the process which an operation mode control circuit performs.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printer, 11 ... Operation panel, 12 ... Control part, 13 ... Printing mechanism part, 21 ... CPU, 22 ... RTC, 23 ... Control ASIC, 24 ... Host I / F, 25 ... HDD, 26 ... RAM, 27 ... ROM, 30 ... operation mode control circuit, 40 ... scanner unit, 50, 50a, 50b, 50c ... PC, 60 ... network

Claims (5)

A printing device capable of communicating with a plurality of host devices via a network,
A storage unit for storing a history of print processing executed in response to a print instruction transmitted from each host device via the network in association with each host device;
A detection unit for detecting a host device connected to the network among the plurality of host devices;
A frequency specifying unit for specifying a time zone in which the execution frequency of the printing process is lower than a predetermined frequency based on the history stored in the storage unit corresponding to the host device detected by the detection unit;
An operation control unit that causes the printing apparatus to operate in a power saving state that consumes less power than a predetermined normal state during the time period specified by the frequency specifying unit, and causes the printing apparatus to operate in the normal state during other time periods A printing apparatus comprising:   The detection unit transmits a response request to each address on the network assigned to each of the plurality of host devices, and connects the host device corresponding to the address that responded to the response request to the network. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is detected as a running host apparatus.   The detection unit, when receiving a print instruction via the network, detects a host apparatus that is a transmission source of the received print instruction as a host apparatus connected to the network. Or the printing apparatus of Claim 2.   The storage unit stores a history indicating the number of prints at each time for each host device, and the frequency specifying unit includes a past N (N is 1 or more) constituting a history corresponding to the host device detected by the detection unit. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the time zone is specified based on the number of printed sheets for each day of time.   The frequency identification unit is a history corresponding to the host device detected by the detection unit, and a history for the past N days excluding a day when the connection time of the host device to the network is shorter than a predetermined reference time The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the time zone is specified based on the information.

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