JP2001100968A - Print system with power-saving mode - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the print wait time while saving the electric power by quickly starting up a printer in a power-saving standby mode. SOLUTION: A host computer sends release data to a printer in specific timing, e.g. at OS start time, application program start time, print preview picture display time, print setting picture calling time, printer driver calling time, and print execution indication time. The printer once receiving the release data releaser the power-saving mode. Consequently, the printer can be started up more speedily than before and the print wait time can be shortened.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system having a power saving mode.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a printer is not in a printing operation and is in a standby state, power consumption during the standby state can be reduced by cutting or reducing power. The control mode for suppressing the power consumption is referred to as a power saving mode in this specification. For example, when a predetermined condition such as that print data is not received for a predetermined time or more is satisfied, the mode shifts to a power saving mode in which power supply to a fixing device, a cooling fan, or the like is cut or reduced. At the time of printing, the power saving mode is released, and the fixing device and the like are heated to prepare for printing.

Various methods are known for canceling the power saving mode. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 58-58 describes a technique for canceling the power saving mode when data received from a host computer is data accompanied by printing (print data). In other words, the printer is in the power saving mode while the print data is being generated on the host computer side, and the power saving mode is released only when the print data is generated and transmitted to the printer. Therefore, it takes time from printing instruction on an application program such as word processing software to obtaining the first printed matter, and the usability is low.

Accordingly, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-62466 proposes a technique for transmitting data for canceling the power saving mode before transmitting print data. According to this technique, it is possible to instruct the printer to release the power saving mode at substantially the same time as generating print data. Accordingly, the generation of print data on the host computer side and the recovery operation from the power saving mode on the printer side are performed substantially in parallel, and the time until the start of printing can be reduced.

[0005]

In the prior art in which the data for canceling the power saving mode is transmitted prior to the transmission of the print data, the recovery operation from the power saving mode is started almost simultaneously with the start of the generation of the print data. it can. However, if the time from the start of print data generation to the end of print data generation is shorter than the time from release of the power saving mode to recovery to the normal mode, the recovery time from the power saving mode cannot be shortened much. Less effective.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described various problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing system capable of recovering a printer from a power saving mode more quickly when performing printing. It is in.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, in a printing system according to the present invention, information for canceling a power saving mode is transmitted at a predetermined timing before a print execution instruction is issued. I have.

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a host computer for transmitting print data, and a printer having a power saving mode for saving power supplied to each section from a normal state when a predetermined power saving condition is satisfied. In the printing system, the host computer monitors whether or not a predetermined timing before a print execution instruction has arrived, and when the monitoring unit detects the arrival of the predetermined timing, the host computer performs the saving. The printer includes a release information transmitting unit that transmits release information for releasing the power mode, and a print data generating unit that generates print data based on information passed from the application program. Power saving means for shifting to the power saving mode when the power saving condition is satisfied; When the bets computer has received the cancellation information is characterized by being configured to include a release means for releasing the power saving mode.

Here, the "predetermined power saving conditions" include:
For example, a case where the next print data cannot be received even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the printing is completed, a case where a shift to the power saving mode is instructed from the host computer or the operation panel of the printer, and the like can be cited. "Each part" means a mechanism or a part that consumes power, such as a fixing device, a cooling fan, or a rotating motor of a polygon mirror, and can save power supply in a power saving mode. I do. “Saving power more than usual” means that power supply to each unit is completely stopped or the supplied power is reduced as compared with usual time. The "predetermined timing before the print execution instruction" means, for example, a timing before a print menu is opened from an application program such as word processing software and a print instruction is issued to the printer. Examples include calling of the generation unit, display of a print setting screen for performing various print settings, display of a print image, activation of an application program that may perform a print instruction, and activation of an operating system of the host computer. “Application programs that may issue print instructions” typically include word processing software (including editors), image processing software, graphic creation software, spreadsheet software, web browsers, etc. Can be.

There are various processes from the start of the host computer to the instruction to execute printing. For example, turning on the power to the host computer, starting the operating system of the host computer, starting the application program, creating / editing a document using the application program, checking the print image, various print settings on the print setting screen, the printer to be used Selection of,
An operation of a print execution button or the like exists (however, the order may be changed or some steps may be omitted).

When the monitoring means detects the arrival of a preset predetermined timing, the release information transmitting means transmits the release information to the printer. Upon receiving the release information from the host computer, the printer releases the power saving mode by the release means, energizes each unit, and starts the recovery operation. Then, after the printing is enabled, the print data received from the host computer is interpreted and printed. If the next print data cannot be received after a predetermined time has elapsed after printing is completed, the power saving unit shifts to a power saving mode and waits.

As described above, since the release information is transmitted at a predetermined timing before the print execution is instructed, the power saving mode of the printer can be released at a timing earlier than in the prior art. Therefore, the print waiting time can be reduced.

The transmission timing of the release information is, as described above, the display of a print setting screen for performing various print settings, the display of a print image, the activation of an application program that may issue a print instruction, and the host computer. Any one or a plurality of timings can be appropriately selected from the respective timings of starting the operating system.

If the release information is transmitted at a plurality of timings, the power saving mode can be released a plurality of times at a later time. That is, even if the power saving mode is canceled by the first release information but the print data is not received within the predetermined time and the mode is shifted to the power saving mode again, the power saving mode can be released by the next release information. . When the release information is transmitted at a plurality of timings, for example, by setting a short reception waiting time for shifting to the power saving mode, it is possible to realize rapid printing while suppressing an increase in power consumption. There will be.

On the other hand, two or more types of timings set in the monitoring means are weighted, and a score is set in the release information based on each of the timings.
The power saving mode may be released when the total score of the release information reaches a predetermined value.

That is, the release information based on each timing is provided with the information on the score, and the printer counts the scores of the release information. Then, the canceling means cancels the power saving mode when the total value reaches a predetermined value. For example, a setting may be made such that a score is given to a print execution instruction as release information based on a distant timing is reduced, and a score is increased as the print execution instruction is approached. As a result, the power saving mode can be canceled as the possibility of performing printing increases. For example, in the case of a network printing system in which a plurality of host computers share a printer, when each host computer starts the OS, release information with a low score is transmitted from each host computer and counted. Then, when an application program is started or a print setting screen is called in some of the host computers, release information of a slightly higher score is transmitted and added in the printer. In other words, as the possibility of executing printing increases from the viewpoint of the entire network printing system,
The probability of canceling the power saving mode is improved, and the print waiting time can be reduced.

[0017] The release information may have the same structure as the print data.

That is, by setting the release information so as to have a data structure similar to that of ordinary print data, there is no need to transmit a special signal for release via a special communication line, etc. Can be effectively used.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

1. First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment.

For example, a host computer 1 that can be realized as a personal computer, a workstation, or the like
Has a data processing unit 2 and a user interface unit (hereinafter abbreviated as “UI unit”) 3.

The data processing unit 2 includes a communication unit 4, a print data generation unit 5, an application program 6, a monitoring unit 7,
A release data transmission unit 8 is provided. The communication unit 4 is a LAN
And the like via a communication line CN. The print data generation unit 5 as “print data generation means” generates print data to be transmitted to the printer 11 based on data input from an application program 6 such as word processing software or graphic creation software. I do. The application program 6 is not limited to the above example, and various software such as a text editor, spreadsheet software, and a browser can be used. In the following description, the print data generation unit 5 may be called a printer driver.

The monitoring section 7 as "monitoring means" detects whether or not a predetermined timing set in advance has arrived. The release timing that can be set in the monitoring unit 7 is
It will be described later with reference to FIG. Upon receiving the notification from the monitoring unit 7, the release data transmission unit 8 as the “release information transmission unit” causes the printer 11 to transmit release data as “release information” via the communication unit 4. The release data is formed to have the same structure as the print data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be formed as a dedicated command for canceling the power saving mode.

The printer 11 includes a printer controller 1
2 and a print engine 13. The printer controller 12 includes a communication unit 14, a reception buffer 1
5, interpreting unit 16, image generating unit 17, output buffer 1
8, a power saving unit 19 and a release unit 20 are provided.

The communication section 14 as a "receiving means" receives print data and commands from the host computer 1 via the communication line CN. The received data and the like are stored in the reception buffer 15. The interpretation unit 16 takes out and interprets the print data and the like stored in the reception buffer 15.
In the case of print data, the image generation unit 17 generates image data for printing. The print image data is sent to the print engine 13 via the output buffer 18.
Is entered and printed.

The power saving unit 19 as “power saving means”
When a predetermined power-saving condition is satisfied, the power consumption during standby is reduced by cutting or reducing the power supplied to each section of the printer. Examples of the predetermined power saving condition include a case where print data cannot be received even after a predetermined time has elapsed. Alternatively, the mode can be shifted to the power saving mode by a command from the host computer 1 or an instruction from the operation panel of the printer 11. In the power saving mode, for example, power supply to a cooling fan, a fixing device, and the like is cut off.

Upon receiving the release data from the host computer 1, the release unit 20 as a "release means" outputs a release signal to the power saving unit 19 to release the power saving mode and recover to a printable state. It is to let.

Next, FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a series of processes when the host computer performs an operation involving printing. Note that in the following description, the steps are referred to as “S”.
Abbreviated.

First, when the user turns on the power of the host computer 1, the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
m) starts up, checks the connection environment, etc.
erating System) is activated (S1). Next, the user selects the desired application program (in the figure,
It may be abbreviated as “application” or “app”. ) Is selected and activated (S2). This allows
The user executes various operations such as document creation, spreadsheet calculation, and drawing through the UI unit 3 (S3).

If the user desires to print the work result, a print preview screen may be displayed (S
4). After confirming the print preview screen, the user calls a print setting screen (sometimes called a print dialog) (S5). The user selects a printer to be used for printing from a menu on the print setting screen (S6). The user can freely select a desired printer from a locally connected printer or a printer connected via a network. Then, the user performs various settings of the selected printer, for example, paper size, paper orientation, paper feeding method, paper discharging method, and the like (S7).

Of the above steps, OS startup (S
1), activation of application program (S2), display of print preview screen (S4), call of print setting screen (S5), call of printer driver (S6)
Can be selected as “predetermined timing before print execution instruction”. When these timings arrive, the release data transmitting unit 8 can transmit the release data. The display of the print preview screen (S4) and the call of the print setting screen (S5) are not always performed, and the order may be changed.

When the preparation for printing is completed in this way, the user performs a print execution instruction button (OK button in some cases) displayed on a print setting screen or the like.
Is operated to instruct the execution of printing to the selected printer (S8). Accordingly, the printer driver (print data generation unit) corresponding to the selected printer generates print data for the printer (S9) and transmits the print data (S1).
0). The release data can also be transmitted at the step of instructing the execution of printing.

Next, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a monitoring process at a predetermined timing executed on the host computer 1 side. The monitoring unit 7 determines whether a plurality of preset timings have arrived. That is, the monitoring unit 7
Whether the OS has been started (S21), whether the application program has been started (S23), whether the print preview screen has been displayed (S25), whether the print setting screen has been called (S27), the printer It is determined whether the driver has been called (S29) and whether the print execution instruction button has been operated (S31). And
When the arrival of each timing is detected, a determination of "YES" is made, and release data is transmitted at each timing (S22, S24, S26, S28, S30, S3).
2).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the power saving mode release processing on the printer 11 side. First, when data is received from the host computer 1 (S41: YE
S), the received data is interpreted by the interpreter 16 (S42).

If the received data is release data (S43: YES), it is determined whether or not a transition to the power saving mode is being made (S44). In the power saving mode (S44: YE
S), the power saving mode is released, and necessary power is supplied to each unit such as the cooling fan and the fixing device to return to a printable state (S45). If the received data is not release data (S4
3: NO) or when not in power saving mode (S44: NO),
The process ends.

Note that the processing for shifting to the power saving mode is not the gist of the present invention, and will not be described. As an example, it can be configured to include a step of determining whether a predetermined power saving condition is satisfied and a step of cutting or reducing power to each unit when the predetermined power saving condition is satisfied. .

FIG. 5 is a time chart schematically showing the relationship between the transmission timing of the release data from the host computer 1 and the state of the printer 11.

Now, when the OS starts at a certain time T1,
Release data is transmitted to the printer 11. Printer 11
It is assumed that the main power supply is turned on. Upon receiving the release data, the printer 11 releases the power saving mode and enters the warm-up state.

Similarly, when the application program is started at time T2, when the print preview screen is displayed at time T3, when the print setting screen is called at time T4, the printer driver is called at time T5. In this case, when print execution is instructed at time T6, release data is transmitted to the printer 11 respectively.

As described above, upon receiving the release data during the transition to the power saving mode, the printer 11 releases the power saving mode and returns to the printable state. If the print data does not arrive within a predetermined time after returning to the printable state, the printer shifts to the power saving mode again and waits. Therefore, even if the release data is transmitted at each of the times T1 to T5 and the power saving mode is once released, if the print data cannot be received within the predetermined time, the mode is switched to the power saving mode again.

According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

First, since the release data is transmitted at a predetermined timing before the print execution instruction, the power saving mode of the printer can be released earlier than before. Therefore,
It is possible to shorten the print waiting time and improve the usability.

Second, the release data is transmitted at a plurality of timings when the OS is started, when the application program is started, when the print preview is displayed, when the print setting screen is called, and when the printer driver is called. Even if an interruption occurs in the work process, the release data can be transmitted again after the work is resumed, and the power saving mode of the printer can be released. The closer the transmission timing of the release data is to the print execution instruction, the more efficiently the power saving mode can be released. This is because the probability of performing printing increases, and the possibility of shifting to the power saving mode again decreases. On the other hand, the closer the transmission timing of the release data is to the print execution instruction, the longer the print waiting time becomes. Therefore, in this embodiment, the printer is started up early by transmitting the release data at a plurality of timings. In addition,
In this case, by setting the print data waiting time as a power saving condition shorter than the normal waiting time, the printer can be started up early while suppressing power consumption.

Third, since the release data has the same structure as the print data, there is no need to prepare a dedicated command or a dedicated communication interface, and the printer can be started up quickly at low cost.

2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following embodiments, the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. A feature of this embodiment is that the administrator of the printing system can variably set the release data transmission timing of each host computer.

On the communication line CN, a plurality of host computers PC1 to PCn (hereinafter, abbreviated as PC as a whole)
And a plurality of printers NP1 to NPn (hereinafter, N
P). The configuration of each of the host computer PC and the printer NP is the same as that of the first embodiment. The management host computer ADPC that manages the network printing system is operated by a system administrator. The management host computer ADPC is provided with a timing setting means 31 and a timing setting table 32. Further, as described later, the management host computer ADPC may include a history collection unit 33 and a history management table 34.

The timing setting means 31 is for setting the release data transmission timing of each host computer PC based on the setting contents of the timing setting table 32. That is, each host computer PC may transmit the release data at the same timing, or may transmit the release data at different timings. The system administrator can appropriately set the release data transmission timing of each host computer PC via the timing setting means 31.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the timing setting table 32. As shown in FIG. 7, a weekday pattern and a holiday pattern are set for each host computer PC. For example, since the operation opportunity of the printer NP increases on weekdays, the transmission timing of the release data is set to be large, and the transmission timing is reduced on holidays, so that the power consumption can be reduced. Further, for example, a host computer PC in which the use frequency of the printer NP is high, such as a host computer of a development department design department where the development time of a new product is approaching, or a host computer of an accounting department where the closing time is approaching, Set more transmission timings,
A host computer P that uses the printer NP less frequently
The transmission timing of C can be set less.

Further, by providing the history collecting means 33 and the history management table 34 in the management host computer ADPC, the timing of transmitting the release data set in each host computer PC may be optimized.

That is, the history collecting means 32 collects the time from when each host computer PC transmits the release data at each timing until the host computer PC actually instructs the execution of the printing, and the probability of the printing execution. As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG.
The collected time from the transmission of the release data to the execution of the printing and the printing execution probability are stored in the history management table 34. By reflecting the contents of the history management table 34 in the timing setting table 32, it is possible to improve the release data transmission timing set in each host computer PC.

For example, in the case of a host computer in which the power saving mode is unnecessarily released because the average work time is long even if the release data is transmitted when the application program is activated, the transmission timing when the application program is activated is excluded from the setting. be able to. Further, for example, in the case of a host computer in which the time from when the print preview screen is displayed to when the print execution is instructed is short and the printing probability is high, the release data is transmitted when the print preview screen is displayed, and the power saving mode is set efficiently. It can be canceled.

In this embodiment having the above-described structure, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.
In addition to this, the following effects are further obtained.

First, since different transmission timings can be set for each host computer PC on the network, the printer NP can be set according to the characteristics of each host computer PC (for example, the installation location of each PC, printing frequency, etc.).
Can be released from the power saving mode.

Second, the release data transmission timing of each host computer PC is determined by the management host computer AD.
Since the management can be performed centrally by the PC, the user of each host computer PC cannot change the transmission timing without permission, and the power saving and the usability of the entire network printing system can be improved. However, within the scope of the present invention, in addition to the configuration in which the management host computer ADPC performs centralized management, each host computer P
A configuration in which the user individually sets the transmission timing on C is also included.

Thirdly, the history collection means 32 and the history management table 34 are provided, and the release data transmission timing-the time until the print execution instruction in each host computer PC and the print execution probability for each transmission timing are collected, and the timing setting is performed. Since this is reflected in the table 32, it is possible to optimize the release data transmission timing of each host computer.

3. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The feature of the present embodiment is that the release data transmitted at each timing is provided with information on the score, and when the total value of the scores of the release data received by the printer exceeds a predetermined value, the power saving mode is set. The point is to cancel.

FIG. 9 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system according to the present embodiment. A score table 43 is provided in the data processing unit 42 of the host computer 41.
In the score table 43, a predetermined score is set in advance for each timing of transmitting the release data. More specifically, the score is set to be higher as the user approaches the print execution instruction. In addition, the score at the time of the print execution instruction is set to a value sufficient to cancel the power saving mode. This is for canceling the power saving mode regardless of the state of scoring the score when print execution is instructed. When notified of the arrival of the predetermined timing from the monitoring unit 7, the release data transmission unit 44 reads the score set at the timing with reference to the score table 43, and generates release data including information on the score. Send.

On the other hand, the printer controller 52 of the printer 51 is provided with a counting section 53. Tabulation unit 53
Sums up the scores of the received release data. When the total score of the release data reaches a predetermined value, the release unit 54 releases the power saving mode.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the power saving mode release processing according to the present embodiment. This processing includes the steps of S41 to S45 shown in FIG.
In addition, in the present process, when the release data is received (S43: YES), the scores of the release data are extracted and counted (S51), and it is determined whether or not the total value of the scores has reached a predetermined value. A determination is made (S52). Then, when the total score reaches a predetermined value (S52: YES), it is determined whether or not the power saving mode is set (S44), and if the power saving mode is set, the mode is canceled (S45).

In this embodiment having the above-described structure, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition to this, in the present embodiment, a score is given for each transmission timing, and the power saving mode is canceled when the total value of the reception scores on the printer side reaches a predetermined value.
The usability of the network printing system can be improved. That is, since the printer 51 aggregates the scores of the release data received from all the host computers, the printer 51 does not release the power saving mode based on the printability of each host computer, but prints the entire network printing system. The power saving mode can be canceled based on the characteristics.

It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various additions and changes within the scope of the present invention described in each of the above embodiments.

For example, although the timing of transmitting the release data is described as starting the application program or displaying the print preview screen, it is not necessary to use all of these timings. Further, another timing before the print execution instruction can be added.

Further, a delay can be set for transmitting the release data. It is preferable that the delay time is shortened as approaching the print execution instruction. For example, if the delay time is set based on the average work time on the application program, the average display time on the print preview screen, and the like, the release data can be transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed from a predetermined timing. This can prevent useless release of the power saving mode. This configuration, for example,
"The printing system transmits the release information for releasing the power saving mode after a lapse of a predetermined delay time when the monitoring unit detects the arrival of the predetermined timing." be able to.

[0064]

As described above, according to the printing system of the present invention, it is possible to cancel the power saving mode of the printer at an early stage while suppressing the power consumption, to shorten the printing waiting time and to improve the usability. Can be done.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system to which a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart schematically showing a series of processing up to a print instruction performed on the host computer side.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing monitoring processing of release data transmission timing executed on the host computer side.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a power saving mode release process on the printer side.

FIG. 5 is a time chart illustrating a relationship between transmission timing of release data and an operation state of the printer.

FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a timing setting table.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a history management table.

FIG. 9 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a power saving mode release process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 host computer 5 print data generation unit 6 application program 7 monitoring unit 8 release data transmission unit 11 printer 19 power saving unit 20 release unit 31 timing setting unit 32 timing setting table 33 history collection unit 34 history management table 41 host computer 43 score table 44 Release data transmission unit 51 Printer 53 Totaling unit

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A printing system comprising: a host computer for transmitting print data; and a printer having a power saving mode for saving power supplied to each unit when a predetermined power saving condition is satisfied, compared to a normal time. A host computer monitors whether or not a predetermined timing before a print execution instruction has arrived, and a release for releasing the power saving mode when the monitoring unit detects the arrival of the predetermined timing. A release information transmitting unit that transmits information; and a print data generating unit that generates print data based on the information passed from the application program. Power saving means for shifting to the power saving mode; and When receiving the divided information to a printing system, characterized in that it is configured to include a release means for releasing the power saving mode. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined timing is a call of the print data generation unit. 3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined timing is a display of a print setting screen for performing various print settings. 4. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined timing is a display of a print image. 5. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined timing is activation of an application program that may issue a print instruction. 6. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined timing is activation of an operating system of the host computer. 7. The monitoring means may call the print data generation means, display a print setting screen for performing various print settings, display a print image, and give a print instruction as the predetermined timing. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein at least two or more of the timings of activating an application program and activating the operating system of the host computer can be set to be changeable. 8. A weight is assigned to two or more types of timings set in the monitoring means, and a score is set for each of the release information based on each of the timings. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the power saving mode is canceled when a value of the power saving mode has reached a predetermined value. 9. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the release information has the same structure as the print data. 10. A host computer for transmitting print data to a printer having a power saving mode that saves power supplied to each unit from a normal state when a predetermined power saving condition is satisfied, wherein a predetermined value before a print execution instruction is issued. Monitoring means for monitoring whether or not the timing has arrived, and when the monitoring means detects the arrival of the predetermined timing, release information transmitting means for transmitting release information for releasing the power saving mode, A host computer, comprising: print data generation means for generating print data based on information passed from an application program. 11. The monitoring means may call the print data generation means, display a print setting screen for performing various print settings, display a print image, and issue a print instruction as the predetermined timing. 11. The host computer according to claim 10, wherein at least any two or more timings of starting an application program and starting an operating system of the host computer can be set to be changeable. 12. A printer having a power-saving mode for saving power supplied to each unit when a predetermined power-saving condition is satisfied, compared with a normal mode, a receiving means for receiving release information with a set score, Power saving means for shifting to the power saving mode when the power saving condition is satisfied; and canceling means for canceling the power saving mode when the total value of the scores of the cancellation information reaches a predetermined value. And a printer comprising: 13. A monitoring function for monitoring whether a predetermined timing before a print execution instruction has arrived on a recording medium storing a program for controlling a power saving mode of the printer, and the arrival of the predetermined timing. And a function for transmitting the release information for releasing the power saving mode when the power saving mode is detected. A program for causing the computer to realize the function is recorded in a form readable and understandable by the computer. Medium.