JP2007004783A - Information processing apparatus, control method therefor, program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing apparatus which is enhanced in operability. <P>SOLUTION: A printing apparatus has a USB host interface, a voltage monitoring section and power control section, the USB host interface communicates with a USB device, supplies electric power to the USB device, the voltage monitoring section detects that the USB device is connected to the USB host interface and the voltage monitoring section controls power consumption of the printing apparatus and switches an energy-saving mode to a normal operation mode when the USB device is connected to the USB host interface while the printing apparatus is operating in the energy-saving mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, a program, and a storage medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to reduce power consumption when not in use, a printing apparatus that shifts from a normal operation mode capable of printing processing to a power saving mode with low power consumption when not used for a predetermined time or longer is known. ing. In such a printing apparatus, in the power saving mode, power supply to the microprocessor that controls the printing apparatus, the communication controller that controls the communication unit, and the like is cut off.

In addition, while the printing apparatus is operating in the power saving mode, the printing apparatus can be returned to the normal operation mode by a user operation from a digital camera connected to the printing apparatus via the USB interface, and the printing operation can be performed. An information processing system has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-127188 A

  However, in the information processing system described in Patent Document 1, the printing apparatus cannot be returned to the normal operation mode unless a user operation is performed from the digital camera. Therefore, when a USB memory or the like storing data to be printed is connected to the printing apparatus while operating in the power saving mode, the user can manually operate the operation unit of the printing apparatus to perform print processing or the like. After returning to the normal operation mode, it is necessary to give a print instruction from the operation unit, and operability is low.

  The objective of this invention is providing the information processing apparatus which can improve operativity, its control method, a program, and a storage medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 communicates with an external device in the information processing apparatus that operates in a normal operation state in which a normal operation is possible or a power saving state with low power consumption. Communication means for supplying power to an external device, detection means for detecting that the external device is connected to the communication means, control means for controlling the information processing device, and controlling power consumption of the information processing device And the power control means does not supply power to the communication means and the control means while the information processing device is operating in the power saving state, and the external device is the communication means. When connected, the information processing apparatus is shifted from the power saving state to the normal operation state.

  The control method according to claim 16, wherein the control means operates in a normal operation state in which a normal operation is possible or in a power saving state with low power consumption, communicates with an external device, and supplies power to the external device; A control step of detecting that the external device is connected to the communication means, and a power control step of controlling power consumption of the information processing device. When the external device is connected to the communication unit without supplying power to the communication unit and the control unit while the information processing device is operating in the power saving state, the information processing device Is shifted from the power saving state to the normal operation state.

  A program according to claim 17, wherein the program operates in a normal operation state where normal operation is possible or in a power saving state with low power consumption, and communicates with an external device and supplies power to the external device; In a program executed by an information processing apparatus, the computer causes a computer to execute a detection module that detects that the external device is connected to the communication unit, and a power control module that controls power consumption of the information processing apparatus. The power control module does not supply power to the communication means and the control means while the information processing apparatus is operating in the power saving state, and when the external device is connected to the communication means, The information processing apparatus is shifted from the power saving state to the normal operation state.

  According to the present invention, when the external device is connected to the communication means while the information processing apparatus is operating in the power saving state, the power saving state is changed to the normal operation state without receiving power supply from the external device. Since the migration is performed, the operability of the information processing apparatus can be improved.

  Further, since it detects that the external device is connected to the communication means by detecting a voltage drop in the power supply line that supplies power to the communication means, it detects that the external device is connected to the communication means. It is possible to shift from the power saving state to the normal operation state.

  In addition, when the external device is connected to the communication means, information about the data stored in the external device is displayed, so when the external device is connected to the communication means, it is immediately stored in the external device. By performing processing such as printing on the image data, the operability of the information processing apparatus can be further improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a printing apparatus 100 as an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention operates in a normal operation mode in which a printing process or the like can be performed, or a power saving mode with low power consumption, and operates in a power saving mode. A power saving block 101 is provided in which power supply is cut off. The power saving block 101 includes a system LSI (Large Scale Integration) 105 equipped with each function, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 and an operation unit 110 respectively connected to the system LSI 105.

  The printing apparatus 100 further includes a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 104 and a printer engine 180, which are connected to the system LSI 105, respectively.

  The printing apparatus 100 further includes a power control unit 120, a power saving key 111, a voltage monitoring unit 174, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) host interface 160 (communication means), a power supply 170, and an FET (Field Effect Transistor). Switches 171 and 172 and a resistor 173 are provided.

  The power supply 170 supplies power to the power saving block 101 via the power supply line 211 at a voltage of 3.3 V, and supplies power to the USB host interface 160 via the power supply line (Vbus) 203 at a voltage of 5 V. . The FET switch 171 is provided on the power supply line 211, and the FET switch 172 and the resistor 173 are provided in parallel on the Vbus 203.

  The USB host interface 160 is connected to the system LSI 105 via two data lines (D +, D−) 201, 202 and transmits / receives data to / from the system LSI 105. The USB host interface 160 is grounded via a ground line (GND) 204. The USB host interface 160 is used to communicate with a USB device (not shown) such as a USB memory.

  Although not shown, the system LSI 105 includes a microprocessor that controls the entire printing apparatus 100, a ROM control unit that controls access to the ROM 103, a DRAM control unit that controls access to the DRAM 104, and a USB control unit that controls the USB host interface 160. An image development unit that generates a bitmap image, a video interface unit that converts image data developed on the DRAM 104 into a serial video signal, and the like.

  The ROM 103 stores program code executed by the microprocessor, font information, and the like. The operation unit 110 is used for various settings of the printing apparatus 100 by the user. The DRAM 104 stores a work area of the microprocessor and image data.

  The power saving key 111 is used by the user to switch between the power saving mode and the normal operation mode, and outputs a power saving key return signal to the power control unit 120 via the signal line 208. The voltage monitoring unit 174 monitors the voltage of Vbus 203. When the voltage of Vbus 203 drops, a USB return signal is output to the power control unit 120 via the signal line 214.

  The power control unit 120 outputs a power control signal to the FET switches 171 and 172 via the signal line 210, and controls on / off of the FET switches 171 and 172, so that the power saving block 101 and the USB host interface 160 are controlled. To control the power supply. The FET switches 171 and 172 are turned off when the power supply control signal inputted through the signal line 210 is at the high level, and turned on when the power supply control signal is at the low level.

  The printing apparatus 100 operates in a normal operation mode in which print processing or the like can be performed by turning on the FET switches 171 and 172, and operates in a power saving mode with low power consumption by turning off the FET switches 171 and 172. .

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the power control unit 120 in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the power control unit 120 includes a voltage monitoring unit 121, an OR circuit 122, a flip-flop 123, inverter circuits 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, and a pull-down resistor 219.

  The flip-flop 123 performs switching between the power saving mode and the normal operation mode of the printing apparatus 100 and holds a state corresponding to the switched operation mode. The voltage monitoring unit 121 detects the on / off of the power supply 170 by monitoring the voltage of the power supply line 211, and outputs a reset signal to the inverter circuit 130 via the signal line 221. A power saving key return signal from the power saving key 111 is input to the inverter circuit 131 via the signal line 208. Further, the USB return signal from the voltage monitoring unit 174 is input to the inverter circuit 132 via the signal line 214. When the idle state exceeds a predetermined period, the microprocessor in the system LSI 105 outputs a power cutoff signal to the inverter circuit 134 via the signal line 209 in order to reduce power consumption.

  The OR circuit 122 takes a logical sum of signals indicating a transition condition from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode. That is, the inverter circuits 130, 131, and 132, to which the reset signal from the voltage monitoring unit 121 of the power control unit 120, the power saving key signal from the power saving key 111, and the USB return signal from the voltage monitoring unit 174 are input, These signals are inverted and output signals representing transition conditions are output to the OR circuit 122. The OR circuit 122 outputs a signal indicating the logical sum of signals indicating these transition conditions to the inverter circuit 133. The inverter circuit 133 inverts a signal indicating a logical sum of signals indicating the transition condition and inputs the inverted signal to the SET terminal of the flip-flop. On the other hand, the output of the inverter circuit 134 to which the power cutoff signal is input via the signal line 209 is input to the RST terminal of the flip-flop 123. The output of the flip-flop 123 is input to the inverter circuit 135. The output of the inverter circuit 135 is input to the FET switches 171 and 172 via the signal line 210 as a power supply control signal, and the ON / OFF control is performed. The pull-down resistor 219 stabilizes the level of the power cutoff signal input to the inverter 134 via the signal line 209 when the power supply to the system LSI 105 is cut off.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the operation mode switching process executed by the microprocessor of the printing apparatus 100 of FIG.

  In FIG. 3, when the power supply 170 of the printing apparatus 100 is turned on (step S301), the voltage monitoring unit 121 in the power control unit 120 outputs a signal for a certain period after the voltage level of the power supply line 211 reaches a predetermined value. A reset signal is output to the inverter circuit 130 via the line 221 (step S302). When a reset signal is input to the inverter circuit 130 via the signal line 221, the flip-flop 123 of the power control unit 120 is set to a state in which the normal operation mode of the printing apparatus 100 is set, and the power control unit 120 A level power control signal is output to the FET switches 171 and 172 via the signal line 210 (step S303). When the low-level power supply control signal is input, the FET switches 171 and 172 are turned on (step S304).

  When the FET switches 171 and 172 are turned on, power is supplied to the power saving block 101 from the power supply 170, the microprocessor in the system LSI 105 is activated, and the printing apparatus 100 operates in a normal operation mode in which printing processing and the like are possible. (Step S305).

  When the idle state exceeds the predetermined period (YES in step S306), the microprocessor in the system LSI 105 outputs a high-level power cutoff signal to the inverter circuit 134 of the voltage control unit 120 via the signal line 209 (step S307). ). The flip-flop 123 is reset to a state in which the power saving mode of the printing apparatus 100 is set when a high-level power cut-off signal is input to the inverter circuit 134 via the signal line 209, and the power control unit 120 is set to the high level. Are output to the FET switches 171 and 172 via the signal line 210 (step S308).

  When a high-level power supply control signal is input via the signal line 210, the FET switches 171 and 172 are turned off (step S309). When the FET switches 171 and 172 are turned off, power supply from the power supply 170 to the power saving block 101 is cut off, and power can be supplied from the power supply 170 to the USB host interface 160 through the resistor 173. In step S310, the printing apparatus 100 operates in the power saving mode with low power consumption. In other words, when the USB device is not connected to the USB host interface 160, a voltage is applied to the USB host interface 160, but no current flows.

  Next, when it is detected that the user has pressed the power saving key 111 or the USB device is connected to the USB host interface 160 (step S311) (detection step), the power saving key 111 or the USB host is detected. The interface 160 sends a low-level power-saving key return signal to the inverter circuit 131 of the power control unit 120 via the signal line 208, or sends a low-level USB return signal to the inverter circuit of the power control unit 120 via the signal line 214. It outputs to 132 (step S312) and returns to step S303.

  When the USB return signal is input to the inverter circuit 132 via the signal line 214, the flip-flop 123 of the power control unit 120 is set to a state in which the normal operation mode of the printing apparatus 100 is set. A low-level power supply control signal is output via the signal line 210 (step S303), and the FET switches 171 and 172 are turned on (step S304) (power control step). When the FET switches 171 and 172 are turned on, power is supplied from the power source 170 to the power saving block 101, and power is supplied from the power source 170 through the FET switch 172 to the USB host interface 160. The normal operation mode is entered (step S305).

  According to the processing of FIG. 3, when it is detected that a USB device is connected to the USB host interface 160 (step S311), the USB host interface 160 sends a low level USB return signal via the signal line 214 to the power control unit. Since it outputs to 120 inverter circuits 132 (step S312), the operativity of the printing apparatus 100 can be improved.

  Here, a method of detecting that the USB device is connected to the USB host interface 160 in step S311 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the USB device detection process executed in step S311 of FIG.

  In FIG. 4, when the user connects a USB device such as a USB memory to the USB host interface 160 while the printing apparatus 100 is operating in the power saving mode (step S401), the FET switch 172 is off, so the power supply 170 Current flows into the USB device through the resistor 173 (step S402).

  Next, the voltage of Vbus 203 whose normal voltage is 5 V is dropped by the resistor 173 (step S403). When the voltage monitoring unit 174 detects a voltage drop of the Vbus 203, the voltage monitoring unit 174 outputs a low level USB return signal to the inverter circuit 132 of the power control unit 120 via the signal line 214 (step S404), and ends this processing.

  According to the process of FIG. 4, when the voltage monitoring unit 174 detects a voltage drop of the Vbus 203, the voltage monitoring unit 174 outputs a low level USB recovery signal to the inverter circuit 132 of the power control unit 120 via the signal line 214 (step S404). Therefore, the printing apparatus 100 can shift from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode by detecting that the USB device is connected to the USB host interface 160.

  Next, in the operation mode switching process of FIG. 3, the operation when the USB device is detected to be connected to the USB host interface 160 and the mode is changed from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode will be described with reference to FIG. To do.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 110 in FIG. 1 when a USB device is connected to the USB host interface 160.

  In FIG. 5, the operation unit 110 includes a display unit 112.

  When the microprocessor in the system LSI 105 detects that the USB device is connected to the USB host interface 160 and shifts from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode, the microprocessor accesses the USB device connected to the USB host interface 160. Then, it is determined whether or not image data is stored in the USB device.

  When image data is stored in the USB device, the microprocessor displays a selection screen on the display unit 112 for selecting a process to be executed on the image data stored in the USB device.

  On the selection screen displayed on the display unit 112, a print button 501, a save button 502, a send button 503, and a cancel button 504 are displayed. Here, when the print button 501 is pressed, the printing apparatus 100 prints the image data stored in the USB device. When the save button 502 is pressed, the printing apparatus 100 saves the image data stored in the USB device in a storage device such as a hard disk in the printing apparatus 100. When the transmission button 503 is pressed, the printing apparatus 100 transmits the image data stored in the USB device to a FAX apparatus or the like by e-mail to a personal computer on the network or by FAX. When the cancel button 504 is pressed, the printing apparatus 100 ends the display of the selection screen on the display unit 112.

  Although not shown, when a plurality of image data are stored in the USB device, a screen for prompting selection of image data to be processed or a screen for instructing execution of processing for all image data Is displayed.

  When image data is stored in the USB device, the microprocessor in the system LSI 105 displays the selection screen shown in FIG. 5 for selecting a process to be executed on the image data stored in the USB device. Therefore, when the USB device is connected to the USB host interface 160, processing such as printing is immediately performed on the image data stored in the USB device, thereby improving the operability of the printing apparatus 100. Further improvement can be achieved.

  In this embodiment, when it is detected that the power saving key 111 is pressed by the user or when it is detected that the USB device is connected to the USB host interface 160, the power saving mode is shifted to the normal operation mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode may be made together with an alarm from the timer IC. In this case, for example, the timer IC may shift from the power saving mode to the normal mode at 9:00 am every day. Alternatively, when information is received from an external device via a network, the power saving mode may be shifted to the normal mode.

  In addition, the microprocessor in the system LSI 105 controls the printing apparatus 100 to shift from the normal operation mode to the power saving mode when the idle state exceeds a predetermined period. The normal operation mode may be shifted to the power saving mode by control by a remote UI from an external device connected via the device, and the normal operation mode is shifted from the normal operation mode to the power saving mode at a preset time, for example, at 8 pm every day. You may make it do.

  Further, the communication means is not limited to the USB host interface 160 but may be an interface such as IEEE1394.

  In the above-described embodiment, the system-on-chip configuration in which the microprocessor is built in the system LSI has been described. However, the microprocessor may be independent from the system LSI, that is, a separate configuration. Similarly, the USB control unit may be independent of the system LSI, that is, may have a separate configuration.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. It is also achieved by reading out and executing the program code stored in.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, and a DVD. -RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, etc. can be used. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. This includes a case where part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. This includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the electric power control part in FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation mode switching change process executed by a microprocessor of the printing apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the USB device detection process performed by step S311 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the operation part in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

100 Printer 105 System LSI
110 Operation Unit 111 Power Saving Key 120 Power Control Unit 121, 174 Voltage Monitoring Unit 123 Flip-flop 170 Power Supply 171, 172 FET Switch 173 Resistor 160 USB Host Interface

Claims (18)

In an information processing apparatus that operates in a normal operation state where normal operation is possible or in a power saving state with low power consumption
Communication means for communicating with an external device and supplying power to the external device;
Detecting means for detecting that the external device is connected to the communication means;
Control means for controlling the information processing apparatus;
Power control means for controlling power consumption of the information processing apparatus,
The power control means does not supply power to the communication means and the control means while the information processing apparatus is operating in the power saving state, and when the external device is connected to the communication means, An information processing apparatus that shifts the information processing apparatus from the power saving state to the normal operation state.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power control unit controls to supply power to the communication unit when the information processing apparatus is in the normal operation state.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power control unit controls the power supply to the control unit when the information processing apparatus is in the normal operation state.   A power supply line for supplying power to the communication means; and the detection means detects that the external device is connected to the communication means by detecting a voltage drop in the power supply line. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is characterized in that:   The switch according to claim 4, further comprising a switch and a resistor provided in parallel to the power supply line, wherein the switch cuts off power supply while the information processing apparatus is operating in the power saving state. Information processing device.   The information processing according to claim 1, further comprising: a printing unit that prints data stored in the external device when the external device is connected to the communication unit. apparatus.   7. The information processing according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing data stored in the external device when the external device is connected to the communication means. apparatus.   The transmission device according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit data stored in the external device to another device when the external device is connected to the communication unit. The information processing apparatus described.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit and the communication control unit that controls the communication unit are provided on the same chip.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is a universal serial bus (USB) host interface.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the external device is a USB memory.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is an IEEE1394 interface.   13. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit configured to display information regarding data stored in the external device when the external device is connected to the communication unit. Information processing device.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the information regarding the data stored in the external apparatus is information for selecting a process to be executed on the data.   15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the processing to be executed includes printing by a printing unit, storage by a storage unit, and transmission to another device by a transmission unit. A control method for an information processing apparatus comprising: a communication unit that operates in a normal operation state capable of normal operation or a power saving state with low power consumption, communicates with an external device, and supplies power to the external device; and a control unit In
A detection step of detecting that the external device is connected to the communication means;
A power control step for controlling power consumption of the information processing apparatus,
The power control step does not supply power to the communication means and the control means while the information processing apparatus is operating in the power saving state, and when the external device is connected to the communication means, A control method, wherein the information processing apparatus is shifted from the power saving state to the normal operation state. It is executed in an information processing apparatus that operates in a normal operation state where normal operation is possible or in a power saving state with low power consumption, and communicates with an external device and supplies power to the external device, and a control unit. Program
A detection module for detecting that the external device is connected to the communication means;
Causing a computer to execute a power control module that controls power consumption of the information processing apparatus;
The power control module does not supply power to the communication means and the control means while the information processing apparatus is operating in the power saving state, and when the external device is connected to the communication means, A program for causing an information processing apparatus to shift from the power saving state to the normal operation state.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 17.

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