JP2005349663A - Processor, image forming apparatus, and printer having built-in storage - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow at least one processing unit to operate corresponding to a condition of a battery even when all the processing units simultaneously cannot operate because of the lowering of the residual amount of the battery. <P>SOLUTION: This processor has the plurality of processing units which can independently operate by being supplied with power from an identical battery. When the battery section is in a condition that it can supply the power to a first processing unit and a second processing unit in the plurality of processing units, the battery supplies the power to the first and second processing units. When the battery is in a condition it can supply the power to only one of the first and second processing units, the battery supplies the power to the first processing unit on a priority basis. When the battery cannot sufficiently supply the power to the first processing unit, the battery supplies the power to the second processing unit if sufficiently available to supply thereto. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to a processing apparatus equipped with a plurality of processing units, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus in which power is supplied to an image forming unit and a storage unit by the same battery.
The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus.

  In recent years, there are image forming apparatuses driven by a built-in battery, such as an image forming apparatus that performs so-called direct printing by connecting to a digital camera.

On the other hand, although different from the technical field of the present invention, in the technical field related to mobile phones, mobile phones using lithium ion batteries are widespread. Conventionally, in such a mobile phone, the remaining battery level is estimated by measuring the voltage between the battery terminals in a certain cycle and observing the transition, and when this voltage falls below the operable voltage, , He had turned off his own power (Patent Document 1).
JP-A-7-131410.

  Here, consider mounting a storage device such as a hard disk drive in the battery-driven image forming apparatus as described above. Such a device has an advantage that image data acquired by a digital camera or the like can be temporarily saved in a storage device of the image forming apparatus.

  In such an image forming apparatus incorporating a storage device, power consumption by the storage device is added in addition to power consumption by an image forming unit such as a recording paper transport mechanism and a print head. Here, as in the above document, one voltage threshold is set based on the power consumption of the entire device, and the power supply of the entire device is automatically turned off when the voltage between the terminals of the battery falls below this voltage threshold. A method of controlling the power supply from the battery is also conceivable.

  However, with this method, there is a problem that even if only one of the mechanisms is used, the battery can still supply power, but it cannot be used. For example, even if only an image forming unit can supply sufficient power from a battery, the power supply of the entire apparatus is cut off, and printing is interrupted. Furthermore, since the storage device generally consumes less power than the image forming unit, there are cases where the storage device alone can supply sufficient power from the battery. Even in such a case, the power of the entire apparatus is cut off, so that the image data cannot be stored in the storage device. This means that since the storage device is built in the printer, the battery cannot be used effectively.

  Therefore, the present invention aims to solve at least one of such problems and other problems. Other issues can be understood throughout the specification.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is a processing apparatus including a plurality of processing units that can operate independently of each other, the battery individually supplying power to the plurality of processing units, and the plurality of the processing units. If the battery is in a state in which power can be supplied to the first processing unit and the second processing unit, the power to the first processing unit and the second processing unit. Supply. Further, if the battery can supply power to only one of the first processing unit and the second processing unit, power is preferentially supplied to the first processing unit. In addition, although power cannot be sufficiently supplied to the first processing unit, power is preferentially supplied to the second processing unit as long as power can be sufficiently supplied to the second processing unit.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the state of the battery is recognized in three or more states, and a plurality of processing units can be operated exclusively according to the recognized state of the battery. In this way, even if not all the processing units can be operated at the same time, at least one processing unit can be operated according to the state of the battery. .

In the following, an embodiment useful for understanding the general concept, intermediate concept and subordinate concept of the present invention will be described. Note that not all of the concepts included in the following embodiments are described in the claims. However, it should be understood that this is not intentionally excluded from the technical scope of the patented invention, but is not described in the scope of claims because it is equivalent to the patented invention.
I want to go.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of a printer with a built-in storage according to the present invention. The printer unit 1 is a processing unit for executing image forming processing. The storage unit 2 is a hard disk drive or the like, and is generally a storage unit that has a larger storage capacity than a semiconductor memory and consumes more power than a semiconductor conductor memory having the same storage capacity. The battery unit 3 is a power source that supplies power to the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2. In this example, it is shared by the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2. The interface unit 4 is an interface circuit for connecting to a digital camera or a personal computer. The interface unit 4 operates in accordance with communication standards such as USB, IEEE 1394, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.11 series, IrDA, and the like.

  For example, when the interface unit 4 receives a command instructing printing and image data from the connected digital camera, the received image data is transferred to the printer unit 1 via the transmission / reception path 51. On the other hand, when receiving a command instructing saving from the digital camera, the interface unit 4 transfers the image data received from the digital camera to the storage unit 2 via the transmission / reception path 52. Further, the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 are connected via a transmission / reception path 54, and image data stored in the storage unit 1 can be transferred to the printer unit 1 for printing. Further, when the remaining amount of the battery unit 3 is abnormal, the image data used in the printer unit 1 can be transferred to the storage unit 2 and saved. The printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 share the battery 3, but can operate independently.

  The printer unit 1 includes a CPU 11 that comprehensively controls each unit included in the printer unit 1 and calculates various data. The RAM 12 is a volatile storage circuit that stores various data related to the operation of the CPU 11. The ROM 13 is a nonvolatile storage circuit that stores in advance a control program executed by the CPU 11 and various data. The I / O port unit 14 is a communication circuit for communicating with the interface unit 4. The printer module 15 is an image forming unit that includes a print head, a conveyance motor for paper supply / discharge, and the like, and prints image data transmitted from the interface unit 4 or the storage unit 2 on recording paper. Since the printer module 15 includes a conveyance motor and the like, the printer module 15 may occupy most of the power consumption of the printer unit 1 particularly during image formation.

  The storage unit 2 includes an I / O port unit 21 for communicating with the printer unit 1 or the interface unit 4, a RAM 22 for speeding up transmission / reception, and an HDD 23 serving as a recording device.

  The battery unit 3 includes a battery 31 and a battery control unit 32. The battery control unit 32 measures the voltage that is an electrical parameter of the battery 31, identifies the battery state based on the measured voltage, and notifies the printer unit 1, the storage unit 2, and the interface unit 4 of the power state. . The battery unit 3 supplies power to the printer unit 1 through a power supply line 55 and to the storage unit 2 through a power supply line 57. Further, the power supply state is notified to the printer unit 1 through the battery control line 56, to the interface unit 4 through the battery control line 53, and to the storage unit 24 through the battery control line 58.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a battery check operation in the related art of the present invention. The vertical axis in FIG. 2 represents the measured battery voltage, and the horizontal axis represents time. Reference numeral 201 indicates a print stop determination voltage for determining whether or not to stop printing. Printing is executed in the first state where the voltage is higher than the print stop determination voltage 201, while printing is immediately stopped in the second state where the voltage is lower than the print stop determination voltage 201, and the printer unit 1 I had to stop supplying power to.

  However, in a printer including the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 that can operate independently, when the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 operate simultaneously, the voltage temporarily drops below the print cancellation determination voltage 201. There is. In this case, if only the printing is performed, the printing is stopped even though the battery has a sufficient remaining amount. This discontinuation not only wastes the battery, but also wastes paper and ink, which is considered unusable for the user.

  Now, in the example of FIG. 2, the reason why the print stop occurs despite the printable voltage is that a voltage drop section occurs from 202 to 203. Therefore, it is considered that the probability of successful printing can be increased by executing the operations of the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 exclusively in the section 202 and 203.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the printer including the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 that operate independently, the state of the battery unit 3 is distinguished into three or more states, and the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 in each state. This problem is solved by appropriately controlling the above.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the state of the battery according to the present embodiment is distinguished into three or more states. More specifically, an example in which the state of the battery is expanded from the conventional two to four is shown.

  By providing determination threshold values 301, 302, and 303 that serve as a reference for the battery control unit 32 to recognize the state of the battery 31, the voltage state of the battery 31 can be divided into four and recognized. Then, the operations of the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 corresponding to each state are respectively defined. That is, if n determination thresholds are prepared, n + 1 states can be defined. The battery control unit 32 notifies the printer unit 1 of the voltage state through the battery control line 56, notifies the storage unit 2 of the voltage state through the battery control line 58, and notifies the interface unit 4 of the voltage state through the battery control line 53. .

  If the measured voltage of the battery 31 is greater than or equal to the determination threshold 301, the battery control unit 32 determines that the state is the first state. In this first state, even if the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 operate at the same time, both operations are guaranteed. That is, the determination threshold value 301 is set so that the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 can operate stably at the same time. In such a first state, the data communication path 51 laid between the interface unit 4 and the printer unit 1, the data communication path 52 laid between the interface unit 4 and the storage unit 2, and the printer unit 1. Through the data communication path 54 laid between the storage unit 2 and the storage unit 2, the printer unit 1, the storage unit 2, and the interface 4 can operate independently.

  If the measured voltage of the battery 31 is below the determination threshold 301 and is equal to or higher than the determination threshold 302, the battery control unit 32 determines that the state is the second state. In the second state, when the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 operate at the same time, there is a possibility that the voltage may be lower than the printable voltage. Therefore, in the second state, the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 are operated exclusively (selectively). That is, the battery control unit 32 preferentially supplies power from the battery 31 to one of the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2. If the storage unit 2 is stopped and the printer unit 1 can be operated, the battery control unit 32 continues to supply power to the printer unit 1 while the power to the storage unit 2 is supplied. Stop supplying. For example, when the interface unit 4 receives a print command from a digital camera, only the printer unit 1 operates to execute print processing.

  Thereby, the processing unit can be effectively operated even when the remaining amount of the battery is low. In particular, in the case of an image forming apparatus, the possibility of abruptly stopping printing due to a decrease in battery voltage during image formation becomes smaller than in the past. Therefore, waste of recording paper and waste of ink can be reduced.

  Even if the interface unit 4 receives a notification regarding the second state from the battery control unit 32 and then receives a storage request for image data from the digital camera or PC as an external device to the storage unit 2, the interface unit 4 It will not be accepted until the printing process is completed. At this time, the interface unit 4 may return a rejection signal to the digital camera or the like. Thereby, the printer unit 1 can be stably operated. Above all, since the printing operation is not hindered, it is possible to obtain a printing result, and it is possible to prevent troubles such as the operation being terminated in the middle of the thermal transfer printer and the film and the paper sticking together.

  When the CPU 11 is notified that the printing has been completed, the interface unit 4 resumes accepting the image data storage request from the external device to the storage unit 2. In addition, when the CPU 11 is notified that printing has been completed, the battery control unit 32 may stop the power supply to the printer unit 1 and resume the power supply to the storage unit 2. . Thereby, even if the storage amount of the battery is reduced, the storage unit 2 can also be used effectively.

  On the other hand, when the image data stored in the storage unit 2 is being printed by the printer unit 1, it is desirable that the image data can be printed to the end. Therefore, when receiving a notification representing the second state, the CPU 11 temporarily stops the operation of the printer module 15. Since the maximum power consumption during printing by the printer module 15 is dominant in the printer unit 1, it is effective to stop the printer module 15 from the viewpoint of suppressing power consumption. Subsequently, the CPU 11 transfers the image data being printed from the storage unit 2 to the RAM 12. When the CPU 11 recognizes that the transfer has been completed, the CPU 11 notifies the battery control unit 32 of a transfer completion notification. When the battery control unit 32 receives this notification, the battery control unit 32 stops the power supply to the storage unit 2. Thereafter, the CPU 11 resumes the operation of the printer module 15 and executes printing while reading out image data from the RAM 12.

  Therefore, when the printer unit 1 is printing image data stored in the storage unit 2, even if the remaining battery level is low, the possibility that the image data can be printed to the end increases.

  If the measured voltage of the battery 31 is lower than the determination threshold 302 and is equal to or higher than the determination threshold 303, the battery control unit 32 determines that the state is the third state. In the third state, the voltage of the battery 31 is so low that the printer unit 1 cannot operate, while the operation of the storage unit 2 is guaranteed. In this third state, the battery control unit 32 stops power supply from the power supply line 55 to the printer unit 1 and executes only power supply from the power supply line 57 to the storage unit 2. If the printer 1 falls into the third state during printing, the printer unit 1 executes a print cancellation process. When the printing process is executed, the operation of the printer module 15 is stopped. If the canceled printing process is based on a print request from a digital camera or the like, the CPU 11 saves the image data being printed stored in the RAM 12 to the storage unit 2. When recognizing that the evacuation is completed, the CPU 11 notifies the battery control unit 32 of an evacuation completion notification. When the battery control unit 32 receives the save completion notification, the battery control unit 32 stops supplying power to the printer unit 1 and supplies power only to the storage unit 2.

As a result, the image data received from the external device can be held without being volatilized, so that the trouble of retransferring the image data from the external device again can be saved. The CPU 11 stores the name of the file whose printing has been interrupted and a flag indicating that the printing has been interrupted in the nonvolatile ROM 13, and after the battery is sufficiently charged, reads the flag and indicates that the interruption has occurred. When this is detected, the printing process of the image data may be automatically restarted. In this way, there is an advantage that it is possible to omit the restart instruction from the user. When the measured voltage of the battery 31 falls below the determination threshold voltage 303, the battery control unit 32 determines that it is in the fourth state. In the fourth state, the voltage of the battery 31 is so low that neither the printer unit 1 nor the storage unit 2 can operate. Therefore, the battery control unit 32 stops supplying power to both the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 after notifying each of the fourth states. As described above, the fourth state is a state in which the operation of the printer with a built-in storage is impossible, and charging or battery replacement is necessary.

  FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart regarding the power supply control method according to the present embodiment.

  In step S <b> 401, the battery control unit 32 measures the terminal voltage Vn of the battery unit 31.

  In step S402, the battery control unit 32 determines whether the measured voltage Vn is lower than the operable voltage of the storage unit 2. For example, the battery control unit 32 reads the determination threshold value 303 stored in the RAM or the like, and determines whether the measured voltage Vn is below the determination threshold value 303. The RAM of the battery control unit 32 may store a table that represents the relationship between the measured voltage and the corresponding state. If the measured voltage Vn is lower than the storage operable voltage, the process proceeds to step S403, and if not, the process proceeds to step S404.

  In step S403, the battery control unit 32 executes a shutdown process such as the above-described print cancellation process or save process. That is, the switch of the power supply line 55 to the printer unit 1 is switched to open. In addition, the switch of the power supply line 57 to the storage unit 2 is switched to open. Normally, since the fourth state is reached after passing through the third state, the shutdown process of the printer unit 1 should already be performed in the third state. Therefore, in this step, the storage unit 2 is shut down. Further, if the battery has, the battery control unit 32 turns off its own power source.

  In step S404, the battery control unit 32 determines whether the measured voltage Vn is lower than the printer operable voltage. For example, the battery control unit 32 reads the determination threshold value 302 stored in the RAM or the like, and determines whether the measured voltage Vn is below the determination threshold value 302. If the measured voltage Vn is lower than the printer operable voltage, the process proceeds to step S405, and if not, the process proceeds to step S406.

  In step S <b> 405, the battery control unit 32 executes a stop process for the printer unit 1. For example, the battery control unit 32 notifies the printer unit 1 of the battery state through the control line 56. The battery status in this case will correspond to a print stop command. When the CPU 11 of the printer unit 1 receives the battery status through the control line 56, the CPU 11 determines whether printing is in progress. If printing is in progress, the CPU 11 executes a print cancel process. For example, the image data being printed stored in the RAM 12 is read out and saved to the hard disk drive 23 of the storage unit 2 through the transmission / reception path 54. When the saving of the image data is completed, the CPU 11 sends a saving completion notification to the battery control unit 32 through the control line 55. When the battery control unit 32 receives the completion notification, the battery control unit 32 stops the power supply to the printer unit 1. Thereafter, only the storage function is provided until it falls below the determination threshold 303 (third state).

  In step S <b> 406, the battery control unit 32 determines whether the measured voltage Vn is lower than the simultaneously operable voltage of the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2. For example, the battery control unit 32 reads the determination threshold value 301 stored in the RAM or the like, and determines whether or not the measured voltage Vn is below the determination threshold value 301. If the measured voltage Vn is lower than the simultaneously operable voltage of the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2, the process proceeds to step S407, otherwise the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step S407, the battery control unit 32 controls the printer unit 1, the storage unit 2, and the interface unit 4 so that the printing process and the storage access process are not executed simultaneously. For example, when the interface unit 4 receives an image data print request from a digital camera, the battery control unit 32 receives that fact via the control line 53. Then, the battery control unit 32 inquires of the CPU 11 by polling whether or not printing is being executed through the control line 56 in advance. If the printing is being executed, the battery control unit 32 stops the power supply to the storage unit 2. On the other hand, when the interface unit 4 receives a print request for image data stored in the storage unit 2, the battery control unit 32 is notified accordingly. The battery control unit 32 instructs the CPU 11 to read out the image data from the storage unit 2 and print it. The CPU 11 reads the image data from the storage unit 2 and stores it in the RAM 12. When the transfer of the image data to the RAM 12 is completed, the CPU 11 transmits a completion notification to the battery control unit 32. When the battery control unit 32 receives the completion notification, the battery control unit 32 stops the power supply to the storage unit 2. By minimizing the supply of power in this way, the success probability of the printing process can be increased (second state).

  If it is determined in step S406 that the measured voltage Vn is a voltage at which the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 can operate simultaneously, the battery control unit 32 supplies power to the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 in step S408. Supply. As a result, both can operate independently.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the battery state is recognized by dividing it into three or more states, and the print unit 1 and the storage unit 2 operate exclusively according to the recognized battery state. Let In this way, even if all the processing units cannot be operated at the same time because the remaining amount of the battery has decreased, at least one processing unit according to the state of the battery can be operated.

[Other Embodiments]
Although various embodiments have been described above, it is needless to say that the technical idea of the present invention can be applied to apparatuses other than image forming. That is, the present invention can be applied to any apparatus that includes a plurality of processing units that can operate independently and supplies power to these processing units from a common battery.

  In the above example, the voltage is used for the description. However, other electrical parameters may be used as long as they relate to the remaining battery level. In addition, the battery control unit 32 performs each operation while supplying power to both the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 according to the state of the battery 31 if the battery 31 is in a state where it can supply power. The first operation mode to be executed and the operation request to both the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 are accepted, but the power is selectively supplied to only one of them to execute each operation. While switching the mode and the third operation mode for accepting an operation request for only one of the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 and supplying power to the unit related to the accepted operation request and executing the operation The power may be controlled to be preferentially supplied. Here, the second operation mode may be an operation mode capable of accepting an operation request to the other processing unit when one of the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 is operating. In addition, the third operation mode may be an operation mode in which only one of the printer unit 1 and the storage unit 2 can operate, but an operation request for the other processing unit is not accepted. These controls may be performed in cooperation with the CPU 11, the control unit of the storage unit 2, and the control unit of the interface unit 4 as well as the battery control unit 32. The battery control unit 32 includes a ROM that stores a control program in charge of the above-described control, a RAM that stores detection data, data for managing control states, and the like, and a CPU that executes control processing according to the control program. It may be. Of course, it may be realized by a logic circuit such as an ASIC. Of course, the control program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of a printer with a built-in storage according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a battery check operation in the related art of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the state of the battery according to the present embodiment is distinguished into three or more states. FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart regarding the power supply control method according to the present embodiment.

Claims (15)

A processing apparatus comprising a plurality of processing units operable independently of each other,
A battery for individually supplying power to the plurality of processing units;
Among the plurality of processing units, if the battery can supply power to the first processing unit and the second processing unit, the first processing unit and the second processing unit If power is supplied to the first processing unit and power is supplied to only one of the first processing unit and the second processing unit, power is preferentially supplied to the first processing unit, A power supply control unit that preferentially supplies power to the second processing unit if power to the second processing unit is in a state where power can be supplied to the second processing unit. Including processing equipment. An image forming unit for forming an image;
A storage unit capable of storing data of the image and operating at a maximum power consumption smaller than a maximum power consumption during image formation in the image forming unit;
A battery unit for supplying power to the image forming unit and the storage unit;
An acquisition unit for acquiring an electrical parameter relating to the remaining amount of the battery unit;
If the acquired electrical parameter is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, power is supplied to both the image forming unit and the storage unit, and the acquired electrical parameter is less than the first threshold value and the second threshold value. If the electrical parameter is less than the second threshold and greater than or equal to the third threshold, power is supplied to the image forming unit in preference to the storage unit. An image forming apparatus including: a control unit that controls to supply power to the storage unit in preference to the forming unit. In the printer with built-in storage in which the printer unit and the storage unit share one battery,
Measuring means for measuring the voltage of the battery;
Recognizing means for recognizing one of three or more predefined battery states according to the measured voltage;
A printer with a built-in storage, comprising: control means for controlling stop or execution of the printer unit and stop or execution of the storage unit according to the recognized battery state.   The battery state of three or more includes a first state in which the printer unit and the storage unit can be operated simultaneously, a second state in which the printer unit can be operated by stopping the storage unit, and 4. The third state in which the storage unit can be operated when the printer unit is stopped and the fourth state in which the printer unit and the storage unit cannot be operated simultaneously are included. The printer with built-in storage. If the recognized battery state is a state in which the printer unit and the storage unit can be operated simultaneously, the control means operates the printer unit and the storage unit independently of each other,
If the recognized battery state is a state in which the printer unit and the storage unit cannot be operated at the same time, the control means operates the storage unit and the printer unit exclusively. 4. The storage-embedded printer according to claim 3, wherein the printer has a built-in control.   When the recognized battery state is a state in which the printer unit and the storage unit cannot be operated at the same time, the control unit operates the storage unit while the printer unit is executing a printing process. 6. The storage-embedded printer according to claim 5, wherein the storage unit is controlled to operate after the printing process of the printer unit is finished.   When the battery state is not in a state where the printer unit and the storage unit can be operated simultaneously while image data being printed is still present in the memory of the printer unit, The printing process of the printer unit is stopped, the image data being printed is saved from the memory to the storage unit, and when the saving is completed, the power supply to the printer unit is stopped and only the storage unit is operated. 6. The storage built-in printer according to claim 5, wherein the printer is controlled as follows.   While the printer unit is printing the image data stored in the storage unit, the control is performed when the battery state is not operable to operate the printer unit and the storage unit at the same time. The means interrupts the printing process of the printer unit until the transfer of the image data from the storage unit to the memory of the printer unit is completed, and when the transfer of the image data is completed, supplies power to the storage unit The printer with built-in storage according to claim 5, wherein the printer is stopped and the printing process in the printer unit is resumed. A processing apparatus comprising a plurality of processing units operable in parallel,
A battery for individually supplying power to the plurality of processing units;
Depending on the state of the battery,
If power can be supplied from the battery to the first processing unit and the second processing unit among the plurality of processing units, the first processing unit and the second processing unit A first state in which each operation is performed while supplying power;
Receiving operation requests to both the first processing unit and the second processing unit, and alternatively supplying power to the first processing unit or the second processing unit, the respective operations A second state of executing
Accepts an operation request for only one of the first processing unit and the second processing unit, and switches between a third state in which power is supplied to the one processing unit that has received the operation request to operate. And a power supply control unit that preferentially supplies power.   The second state is an operation state in which when one of the first processing unit and the second processing unit is operating, an operation request to the other processing unit can be accepted. The processing apparatus according to claim 9.   The third state is an operation state in which only one of the first processing unit and the second processing unit is operable, and an operation request for the other processing unit is not accepted. Item 10. The processing apparatus according to Item 9. A control method for a processing apparatus comprising a plurality of processing units operable in parallel and a battery for individually supplying power to the plurality of processing units,
Depending on the state of the battery,
If power can be supplied from the battery to the first processing unit and the second processing unit among the plurality of processing units, the first processing unit and the second processing unit A first state in which each operation is performed while supplying power;
Receiving operation requests to both the first processing unit and the second processing unit, and alternatively supplying power to the first processing unit or the second processing unit, the respective operations A second state of executing
Accepts an operation request for only one of the first processing unit and the second processing unit, and switches between a third state in which power is supplied to the one processing unit that has received the operation request to operate. A control method for a processing apparatus, wherein power is preferentially supplied.   The second state is an operation state in which, when one of the first processing unit and the second processing unit is operating, an operation request to the other processing unit can be accepted. The method for controlling a processing apparatus according to claim 12.   The third state is an operation state in which only one of the first processing unit and the second processing unit is operable, and an operation request for the other processing unit is not accepted. Item 13. A method for controlling a processing apparatus according to Item 12. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a control program of a processing apparatus including a plurality of processing units operable in parallel and a battery for individually supplying power to the plurality of processing units,
Depending on the state of the battery,
If power can be supplied from the battery to the first processing unit and the second processing unit among the plurality of processing units, the first processing unit and the second processing unit A first state in which each operation is performed while supplying power;
Receiving operation requests to both the first processing unit and the second processing unit, and alternatively supplying power to the first processing unit or the second processing unit, the respective operations A second state of executing
Accepts an operation request for only one of the first processing unit and the second processing unit, and switches between a third state in which power is supplied to the one processing unit that has received the operation request to operate. A computer-readable storage medium that stores a control program that preferentially supplies power.

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