JP2009226832A - Printer and control method of printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To contrive to realize electric power saving by reducing the number of switching times from a power saving mode to an energizing mode. <P>SOLUTION: Under the condition that the printing direction of a print job is issued during the power saving mode except a late-night zone, when the degree of priority of the print job is low and the residual amount of ink is enough, printing of print data is managed to be executed during the late-night time zone (S180), while when the degree of priority of the print jog is low and the residual amount of ink is not enough, printing of print data is managed to be executed during the energizing time zone of the next day (S200). When its degree of priority is high and the residual amount of ink is enough, the power saving mode is changed over to the energizing mode and directed print data and print data stored in a late-night print area are printed immediately (S260), while when its degree of priority is high and the residual amount of ink is not enough, the power saving mode is changed over to the energizing mode and, after the prior notice of the running out of ink is performed (S280), the directed print data and the print data stored in the late-night print area are printed immediately and, when the running out of ink issues, the running out is informed to a user and, after the exchanging ink is executed by the user, printing is continued (S300). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing apparatus control method.

2. Description of the Related Art There is known a printing apparatus that can switch between an energization mode in which a print job can be printed immediately and a power saving mode that saves power compared to the energization mode. For example, in Patent Document 1, in a printing apparatus connected to a plurality of computers, a power saving prohibition period is set in which a shift to a power saving mode is prohibited based on a processing history of a print job of an operating computer. Other than the above, by allowing the shift to the power saving mode, it has been proposed to achieve both speed of printing and power saving.
JP 2006-231632 A

  However, in the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when a printing instruction is given in the power saving mode, it is necessary to execute printing after switching to the energization mode. For this reason, if a printing instruction is issued many times in the power saving mode, the printing apparatus is repeatedly warmed up due to the switching to the energization mode, and the power consumption may increase.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its main object to save power by reducing the number of times of switching to the energization mode.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the main object described above.

The printing apparatus of the present invention includes:
A printing apparatus that is set to a power saving mode that prioritizes power saving in a predetermined power saving time zone including a midnight time zone, and that is set to a power feeding mode in which printing based on a print job can be performed immediately in a predetermined power feeding time zone,
Printing means;
Storage means capable of storing a plurality of print jobs;
When the print instruction of the print job from the user is made during the power saving mode other than the midnight time zone, the print job instructed to print is stored in the storage means and the midnight time zone nearest to the print instruction is stored. Control means for controlling the printing means to temporarily switch to the energization mode and perform printing based on the print job stored in the storage means;
It is equipped with.

  In this printing apparatus, instead of immediately switching from the power saving mode to the energizing mode when printing is issued from the user during a power saving mode other than midnight, the print job is temporarily stored in the storage means. Aside from this, the printer switches to the energization mode during the last midnight time and prints all at once. Therefore, power saving can be achieved by reducing the number of times of switching to the energization mode. In addition, since the printing is generally performed at midnight time when the electricity rate is low, the power cost can be reduced.

  In the printing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the control unit may temporarily store a print job from the user when the print job is in a power saving mode other than the midnight time zone and the priority of the print job instructed for printing is high. And switching the power saving mode to the energization mode to control the printing means to perform printing based on the print job instructed to print and the print job stored in the storage means, and the priority of the print job instructed to print Is low, the print job instructed to be printed is stored in the storage means, and the power saving mode is temporarily switched from the power saving mode to the energization mode in the last midnight time immediately after the print instruction and stored in the storage means. The printing unit may be a unit that controls the printing unit to perform printing based on a print job. When there is a print instruction for a print job with a high priority during the power saving mode other than the midnight time zone, it is necessary to temporarily switch to the energization mode and perform printing without waiting for the midnight time zone. At this time, if there are other print jobs that are already stored in the storage means, and they are printed separately at midnight, the energization mode is used when printing a high priority print job and at midnight. Switching to is required twice. In this printing device, if there is a print instruction for a print job with a high priority during a power saving mode other than midnight, the print job that is stored in the storage means and should be printed after the latest midnight time Are also collectively printed, and it is not necessary to switch back to the energization mode again at midnight, so that even when a print job with a high priority is instructed to be printed, power saving can be achieved.

  In the printing apparatus of the present invention, the remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the recording agent used for the printing means to print the print job, the print job instructed to be printed during the power saving mode other than the midnight time zone, A necessary amount predicting unit for predicting a necessary amount of the recording agent for the printing unit to print the print job stored in the storage unit, and the detected remaining amount of the recording agent from the predicted necessary amount of the recording agent And a remaining amount determining means for determining whether or not the remaining amount of the recording agent is sufficient based on whether there is a large amount or not, and the control means has a print job print instruction from the user other than a midnight time zone. When the remaining amount determination unit determines that the remaining amount of the recording agent is sufficient when the power saving mode is performed, the print job instructed to print is stored in the storage unit, and the print instruction Temporarily during the latest midnight hours When the printing unit is controlled to perform printing based on the print job stored in the storage unit by switching from the power mode to the power mode, and the remaining amount determining unit determines that the remaining amount of the recording agent is not sufficient The printing unit is controlled to temporarily switch from the power saving mode to the energization mode and perform printing based on the print job stored in the storage unit in the midnight time zone immediately before the printing instruction, and the printing instructed The printing unit may be a unit that controls the printing unit so that printing based on a job is performed in an energization time period after the midnight time period immediately after the print instruction. In this way, it is possible to prevent the state where printing is interrupted due to a shortage of recording agent in the midnight time period.

  In this case, it is provided with notifying means for notifying the user of information, and when the print instruction from the user is given during a power saving mode other than midnight time, the control instruction means If the priority of the recording medium is high and the remaining amount determining unit determines that the remaining amount of the recording agent is sufficient, the print job instructed to print by temporarily switching from the power saving mode to the energizing mode and the storage unit The printing unit is controlled to perform printing based on the print job stored in the print job, and the priority of the print job instructed to be printed is high, and the remaining amount determining unit determines that the remaining amount of the recording agent is not sufficient In this case, the notifying unit is controlled so as to notify the user that the replenishment of the recording agent is necessary later, and the printing instruction is temporarily switched from the power saving mode to the energizing mode. The printing apparatus is controlled to perform printing based on the printed print job and the print job stored in the storage unit, and the user is notified that the recording agent is replenished when the recording agent is insufficient. If the notification means controls the print job instructed to have a low priority and the remaining amount determination means determines that the remaining amount of the recording agent is sufficient, the print instruction instructed to print Is stored in the storage means, and the printing means is controlled so as to perform printing based on the print job stored in the storage means by temporarily switching from the power saving mode to the energization mode in the midnight time zone nearest to the print instruction. If the priority of the print job instructed to be printed is low and the remaining amount determining means determines that the remaining amount of the recording agent is not sufficient, the printing of the print job instructed to be printed The notification means is controlled so as to notify the user that it will be performed in the energization time zone after the latest midnight time zone, and the storage mode is temporarily switched from the power saving mode to the energization mode in the midnight time zone nearest to the print instruction. The printing unit is controlled to perform printing based on a print job stored in the unit, and the printing is performed so that printing based on the print job instructed for printing is performed in an energization time period after a midnight time period nearest to the printing instruction. It may be a means for controlling the means. When a print instruction for a print job with a high priority is issued during a power saving mode other than midnight, it is necessary to perform printing based on the print job without waiting for the midnight time. However, the recording agent is consumed by the printing, and there is a possibility that the recording agent is insufficient when performing printing based on the print job stored in the storage means to print at midnight. In this printing apparatus, in order to notify the user that it is necessary to replenish the recording material in advance in such a case, after printing based on the print job instructed by the user to print, the print job stored in the storage unit is displayed. Even if the recording agent runs short during printing based on the printing, it can be expected that the user will replenish the recording agent, and it is possible to prevent the printing from being interrupted due to lack of the recording agent.

  In the printing apparatus of the present invention, when the control unit temporarily switches from the power saving mode to the energization mode and performs printing based on the print job, the printing unit uses the transition period from the power saving mode to the energization mode. Printable print data may be created based on a print job, and the print unit may be controlled to perform printing based on the created print data after the transition to the energization mode is completed. When switching from the power saving mode to the energization mode, a transition period such as a warm-up period is often required. Further, when printing based on a print job is performed, print data that can be printed by the printing unit based on the print job is created, and the printing unit is often controlled to perform printing based on the created print data. In this printing device, by creating the print data during the transition period to the energization mode, the switch to the energization mode and the creation of the print data can be performed in parallel, and the printing is actually performed after the printing instruction is given. It is possible to shorten the time required until the start. Therefore, the user can obtain a printed matter based on the print job earlier.

The control method of the printing apparatus of the present invention includes:
Printing means and storage means capable of storing a plurality of print jobs, set in a power saving mode in which power saving is prioritized in a predetermined power saving time zone including a midnight time zone, and immediately prints in a predetermined power on time zone A control method for a printing apparatus that is set to an energization mode capable of printing based on a job,
(A) when a print instruction of a print job from the user is made during a power saving mode other than midnight, the step of storing the print instruction instructed in the storage unit;
(B) A step of temporarily switching from the power saving mode to the energization mode in the midnight time zone immediately before the print instruction in the step (a), and performing printing based on the print job stored in the storage means in the step (a) When,
Is included.

  In this printing apparatus control method, when a print job print instruction is issued from the user during a power saving mode other than the midnight time zone, the printer does not immediately switch from the power saving mode to the energized mode, but instead prints the data to the storage unit. Store the job and switch to the energization mode at the latest midnight time to print all at once. Therefore, power saving can be achieved by reducing the number of times of switching to the energization mode. In addition, since the printing is generally performed at midnight time when the electricity rate is low, the power cost can be reduced. Note that the printing apparatus control method of the present invention may include various configurations included in any of the above-described printing apparatuses, and a step for realizing the functions of any of the above-described printing apparatuses is added. May be.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a large-sized printer 20 according to the present embodiment.

  The large printer 10 is an inkjet printer capable of high-quality color printing up to A0 size, and is connected to a controller 20 that controls the entire apparatus and a network 80 (for example, a telecommunication network such as a local area network). Interface (I / F) 60 that controls input / output of data to / from the computers 91 to 93, an operation panel 30 that can display information to the user and can input user instructions, and the controller 20 instructs printing. An image processing unit 40 that creates print data that can be printed by the printing mechanism 50 based on the print job, a printer ASIC 51 that controls the printer mechanism 52, and a power supply adjustment unit 58 that supplies power to the printer mechanism 52. And a printer unit 50 configured. The controller 20, operation panel 30, image processing unit 40, printer unit 50, and I / F 60 are electrically connected by a bus 70.

  The controller 20 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU 21 and includes a flash ROM 22 capable of storing and erasing information and storing various processing programs, and a RAM 23 temporarily storing data. The flash ROM 22 stores an energization time zone, a power saving time zone, and a midnight time zone. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that 9 to 17 o'clock is stored as the energization time zone, 17:00 to 9 o'clock as the power saving time zone, and 23 o'clock to 7 o'clock as the midnight time zone. The RAM 23 includes a midnight printing area 24 for storing print data to be printed in the midnight time zone, and a next day printing area 25 for storing print data to be printed the next day. The CPU 21 is connected to the network 80 via an interface (I / F) 60, and receives information such as a print job and a print instruction from the computers 91 to 93 connected to the network 80, or receives information from the computers 91 to 93. Information about printing and the large-sized printer 10 can be passed. Further, the CPU 21 determines whether the current time is an energization time zone or a power saving time zone every predetermined time (for example, 1 minute).

  The operation panel 30 is a device for a user to input various instructions to the large-sized printer 10, and includes a display unit 32 configured by a color liquid crystal panel on which characters and images corresponding to the various instructions are displayed, An operation unit 34 for performing various operations is provided.

  The image processing unit 40 creates print data obtained by converting a print job represented by red (R), green (G), and blue (B) data for which a print instruction has been made into binary data of 2 bits for each of CMYK. To do. Here, 2-bit binarized data is data in which “00” represents no dot, “01” represents a small dot, “10” represents a medium dot, and “11” represents a large dot.

  The printer ASIC 51 is an IC chip having a function of controlling the printer mechanism 52, and controls the printer mechanism 52 so that the print data created by the image processing unit 40 is printed on the recording paper S.

  The printer mechanism 52 includes an ink cartridge 53 that individually stores CMYK inks, an ink remaining amount sensor 54 that detects the remaining amount of each ink in the ink cartridge 53, and pressure applied to each ink supplied from the ink cartridge 53. A pressure generating unit 55 that applies pressure, a nozzle 56 that discharges the ink pressurized by the pressure generating unit 55 onto the recording paper S, and a conveyance roller 57 that conveys the recording paper S. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink remaining amount sensor 54 has a plurality of liquid level detection monitors 58 formed of a highly conductive copper wire or the like attached to the inside of the ink cartridge 53. Based on this, the ink level is detected, and the remaining ink level is output to the printer ASIC 51 based on the position of the level. Further, when the ink remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the ink has run out, and the printer ASIC 51 is notified of the ink running out. FIG. 2 shows a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of ink C in the ink cartridge 53. However, the remaining amount of ink is similarly detected for MYK ink. The pressure generating unit 55 employs a method in which a voltage is applied to a piezoelectric element (for example, a piezoelectric element) to deform the piezoelectric element and pressurize ink. The pressure generating unit 55 may employ a method of pressurizing ink with bubbles generated by applying a voltage to a heating resistor (for example, a heater) to heat the ink.

  The power supply adjustment unit 58 is connected to a power supply (not shown), and switches the power supply state to the printer mechanism 52 according to a command from the CPU 21. The CPU 21 outputs a power-on mode command to the power supply adjustment unit 58 if the current time is a power-on time zone, and outputs a power-saving mode command to the power supply adjustment unit 58 if the current time is a power-saving time zone. Here, the energization mode is a state in which power is supplied to the entire printer mechanism 52 and printing is possible immediately, and the power saving mode is a mode in which power is not supplied to a part of the printer mechanism 52 and power saving is prioritized. State. The power supply adjustment unit 58 supplies power to the entire printer mechanism 52 when the energization mode command is received from the CPU 21 to set the energization mode. When an energization mode command is received during the power saving mode, the printer ASIC 51 performs warm-up such as head cleaning of the printer mechanism 52, and the printer mechanism 52 shifts to the energization mode after the warm-up is completed. On the other hand, when the power supply adjustment unit 58 receives an instruction for the power saving mode from the CPU 21, the power supply to the printer mechanism 52 is partially suspended to put the printer mechanism 52 into the power saving mode.

  Next, the operation of the large-sized printer 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above, particularly the operation during the power saving mode will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a power saving processing routine executed by the CPU 21 of the large-sized printer 10. The power saving processing routine is repeatedly executed every predetermined time (for example, several tens of milliseconds) when the printer mechanism 52 is in the power saving mode.

  When the power saving processing routine is executed, the CPU 21 first determines whether or not the current time is in the midnight time zone (step S100). Whether or not it is the midnight time zone is determined by comparing the current time with the midnight time zone stored in the RAM 23. If it is not the midnight time zone, it is determined whether or not a print instruction has been issued from the computers 91 to 93 (step S110). If there is no print instruction, this routine is terminated. Here, a printer driver for the large-sized printer 10 is installed in the computers 91 to 93. When a user presses a print instruction button such as “print execution” on a print screen (not shown) displayed on the displays of the computers 91 to 93 by the printer driver, the print instruction is sent to the CPU 21 via the network 80 and the I / F 60. Is input. In the following description, a case where a print instruction is issued from the computer 91 will be described as an example, but the same processing is performed when a print instruction is issued from the computers 92 to 93.

  When the print instruction is issued from the computer 91 described above in step S110, the CPU 21 instructs the computer 91 that issued the print instruction via the I / F 60 to display the priority determination screen shown in FIG. 4 (step S120). ). Upon receiving this instruction, the printer driver of the computer 91 displays a priority determination screen on the display. As shown in FIG. 4, the priority determination screen includes a radio button 101 that can select either “priority” “high” or “priority” “low”, and an OK button 102. The priority is determined by selecting either “high” or “low” and pressing the OK button. When the user determines the priority, the determined priority is input to the CPU 21 via the network 80 and the I / F 60, and the CPU 21 acquires the priority (step S130). When the priority is acquired, the CPU 21 determines whether the acquired priority is “high” or “low” (step S140). If the priority is “low”, a print job instructed to be printed this time from the computer 91 is acquired and print data is created (step S150). The print data is created by converting the acquired print job into binarized data by the image processing unit 40 as described above. When the print data is created, the CPU 21 calculates the required amount of ink for each color when printing all the print data instructed to be printed this time and the print data stored in the midnight print area 24 (step S160). . Since the print data is composed of binary data of 2 bits for each CMYK, the number of large dots, medium dots, and small dots is summed for each color and the amount of ink corresponding to the size of each dot is multiplied. Thus, the required amount of ink for each color can be calculated. Here, the print data stored in the midnight printing area 24 will be described in detail later, but is temporarily stored in the midnight printing area 24 in order to print in the midnight time zone when executing the previous power saving processing routine. Print data. When the required ink amount is calculated, the CPU 21 compares the calculated required ink amount and the remaining ink amount for each color (step S170). Here, the ink remaining amount is obtained through the printer ASIC 51 as a value detected by the ink remaining amount sensor 54. If it is determined that the remaining amount of ink is greater than the required amount of ink for all colors, the print data created in step S150 is stored in the midnight printing area 24 (step S180), and this routine is terminated. As described above, when the remaining amount of ink is sufficient, it is determined that both the print data already stored in the late-night printing area 24 and the print data instructed to be printed can be printed in the late-night time period. The printing is not started, but is temporarily stored in the late-night printing area 24.

  If it is determined in step S170 that the remaining amount of ink of any color is less than the required amount of ink, the next day print notification screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed indicating that the print job instructed this time is printed the next day. The computer 91 is instructed via the I / F 60 (step S190). Upon receiving this instruction, the printer driver of the computer 91 displays the next day print notification screen on the display and notifies the user. After instructing the computer 91, the CPU 21 stores the print data instructed to be printed this time in the next day printing area 25 (step S200), and ends this routine. As described above, when the remaining amount of ink is insufficient, it is determined that there is a possibility of running out of ink when the print data instructed to be printed this time is printed in addition to the print data stored in the midnight print area 24. The print data instructed to be printed this time is temporarily stored in the next day printing area 25 in order to start printing from 9:00 of the next day, which is the energization time zone after the latest midnight time zone.

  On the other hand, if the priority is “high” in step S140, an energization mode command is output to the power supply adjustment unit 58 in order to switch from the power saving mode to the energization mode (step S210). As a result, power is supplied to the entire printer mechanism 52, and the printer ASIC 51 starts warm-up of the printer mechanism 52. When the CPU 21 outputs the energization mode command, the CPU 21 obtains a print job instructed to be printed this time from the computer 91 without waiting for the warm-up to end, and creates print data (step S220). The required ink amount for each color when printing all the print data stored in the printing area 24 is calculated (step S230), and the calculated required ink amount and the remaining ink amount are compared for each color (step S230). S240). Since the processing of steps S220 to S240 is the same as the processing of steps S150 to S170 described above, description thereof will be omitted. If it is determined that the remaining amount of ink is greater than the required amount of ink for all colors, the process waits for completion of warm-up, that is, completion of switching to the energization mode (step S250), and print data instructed this time and midnight printing The printer ASIC 51 is controlled to print the print data stored in the use area 24, and printing is performed (step S260). As a result, the printer ASIC 51 controls the pressure generating unit 55 based on the print data, and ejects ink from the nozzles 56 to print the print data based on the print data instructed to be printed this time and the print data stored in the midnight print area 24. It is formed on the recording paper S. When printing is completed, the CPU 21 outputs a power saving mode command to the power supply adjustment unit 58, that is, the printer mechanism 52 is switched to the power saving mode (step S270), and this routine ends. As described above, when a high-priority print instruction is issued, it is necessary to switch to the energization mode without waiting for the midnight time zone and to print, so that it is stored in the midnight printing area 24 for printing in the midnight time zone. The printed data is also collectively printed.

  If it is determined in step S240 that the remaining amount of ink of one of the colors is less than the required amount of ink, the ink out prior notice shown in FIG. The computer 91 is instructed to display a screen (step S280). Upon receiving the instruction, the printer driver of the computer 91 displays a pre-ink out notice screen on the display and notifies the user. Then, after instructing the computer 91, the CPU 21 waits for the warm-up to end (step S290), and prints the print data instructed this time and the print data stored in the midnight print area 24. The ASIC 51 is controlled to perform printing (step S300). When the ink remaining amount sensor 54 detects that the ink is out during printing in step S300, the printer ASIC 51 notifies the CPU 21 of the ink out and temporarily stops printing. When the CPU 21 receives the ink out notification, it instructs the computer 91 to display the ink out notification screen shown in FIG. 7 to prompt the user to replace the ink. When the user confirms the ink out notification screen and replaces the ink, the ink remaining amount sensor 54 detects no ink out, and the printer ASIC 51 controls the printer mechanism 52 to resume printing and print the remaining print data. When printing is completed, the CPU 21 outputs a power saving mode command to the power supply adjustment unit 58 to switch the printer mechanism 52 to the power saving mode (step S310), and the routine is terminated. In this way, when it is predicted that out of ink will occur by printing a print job for which a high-priority print instruction has been issued, the print stored in the midnight print area 24 is notified in advance to the user. Data is also printed.

  When it is determined in step S100 that it is a midnight time zone, it is determined whether there is print data stored in the midnight print area 24 (step S320). If there is no print data, this routine is executed. Exit. On the other hand, when there is print data once stored in the midnight print area 24 by the above-described processing, the CPU 21 instructs the power supply adjustment unit 58 to turn on the power supply mode in order to switch from the power saving mode to the power supply mode. Output (step S330). Thereby, warm-up of the printer mechanism 52 is started. When the CPU 21 outputs the energization mode command, the CPU 21 waits for the warm-up to end (step S340), controls the printer ASIC 51 to print the print data stored in the midnight print area 24, and performs printing (step S350). ). When printing is completed, the CPU 21 outputs a power saving mode command to the power supply adjustment unit 58 to switch the printer mechanism 52 to the power saving mode (step S360), and clears the midnight printing area 24 (step S370). This routine is terminated. In this way, the print data once stored in the midnight printing area 24 is printed together in the midnight time zone.

  Further, the CPU 21 executes a next day printing routine (not shown) separately from the power saving processing routine described above. In this routine, when the current time changes from the power saving time zone to the energization time zone, that is, at 9 o'clock, a command for the energization mode is output to the power supply adjustment unit 58 to switch the printer mechanism 52 from the power saving mode to the energization mode. If there is print data stored in the next day print area 25, the printer ASIC 51 is controlled to perform printing based on the print data stored in the next day print area 25 after the warm-up is completed. The area 25 for use is cleared. In this way, the print data once stored in the printing area 25 for the next day is collectively printed in the energization time zone after the midnight time zone.

  Based on the content described above, an example of a state in which a print job for which a print instruction is given during a power saving mode other than the midnight time zone is printed will be described. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing a state when a print instruction for the low priority print jobs a and b is made during a power saving mode other than the midnight time zone. When a print instruction for the print job a is given and it is determined that the print job a has a low priority and the remaining ink amount is sufficient by the power saving processing routine described above, the print data a based on the print job a is a midnight print area. 24. Next, when a print instruction for the print job b is issued, and it is determined by the power saving processing routine described above that the print job b has a low priority and the ink remaining amount is sufficient to print the print jobs a and b together. The print data b based on the print job b is stored in the midnight print area 24. At midnight, that is, at 23:00, the print data a and b stored in the midnight printing area 24 are printed. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the print instruction for the low priority print jobs a and c is made during the power saving mode other than the midnight time zone. When the print instruction for the print job a is given, it is the same as in FIG. Next, a print instruction is issued for the print job c, and the power saving processing routine described above determines that the print job c has a low priority and that the remaining amount of ink is insufficient to print the print jobs a and c together. The next day print notification is made, and the print data c based on the print job c is stored in the next day print area 25. The print data a stored in the late-night print area 24 is printed at midnight, that is, 23:00, and the print data stored in the next-day print area 25 is printed at the energization time after midnight, that is, 9:00. c is printed. FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram showing a state when a print instruction for a print job a with a low priority and a print job A with a high priority is made during the power saving mode. When the print instruction for the print job a is given, it is the same as in FIG. When the next print job A is instructed to print, the power saving processing routine described above causes the print job A to be switched to the energization mode because the priority is high, and the print data A based on the print jobs A and a. , A are printed. At this time, if it is determined that there is sufficient ink remaining to print the print data A and a together, printing is performed as it is, but if it is determined that the remaining ink is insufficient, the ink runs out before printing. The print data A and a are printed after a prior notice is made. In addition, when the ink runs out, an ink out notice is given, and printing is performed after the user exchanges ink.

  Here, the corresponding relationship between the present embodiment and the present invention will be clarified. In this embodiment, the printer mechanism 52 corresponds to a printing unit, the RAM 23 corresponds to a storage unit, the CPU 21 and the printer ASIC 51 correspond to a control unit, the CPU 21 corresponds to a necessary amount prediction unit and a remaining amount determination unit, and an ink remaining amount. The amount detection sensor 54 corresponds to remaining amount detection means, and the I / F 60 corresponds to notification means. In the present embodiment, an example of the control method of the printing apparatus of the present invention is also clarified by explaining the operation of the large-sized printer 10.

  According to the embodiment described above in detail, when a print instruction of a low priority print job is made during the power saving mode other than the midnight time zone, the printing is not immediately switched from the power saving mode to the energization mode, Since it is once stored in the midnight printing area 24 and collectively printed in the latest midnight time zone, the number of times of switching to the energization mode can be reduced to save power. In addition, since the printing is generally performed at midnight time when the electricity rate is low, the power cost can be reduced. Also, in this case, if the required amount of ink is greater than the remaining amount of ink, printing of the print job instructed for printing this time is performed during the energized time period after the latest midnight time period, so there is not enough recording agent in the midnight time period. Thus, it is possible to prevent the printing from being interrupted.

  Also, if a print instruction for a high-priority print job is given during a power saving mode other than midnight, the printer temporarily switches from the power saving mode to the energized mode without waiting for the midnight time, and prints at midnight. Since the print jobs that should have been printed are also collectively printed, it is not necessary to switch to the energization mode again at midnight, so that power saving can be achieved. In this case, when the necessary amount of ink is larger than the remaining amount of ink, the user is informed in advance that the ink needs to be replaced. Even when ink runs out during printing of the print data stored in the printer, it can be expected that the user replaces the ink, and it is possible to prevent the printing from being interrupted due to insufficient ink.

  Furthermore, when printing is performed by temporarily switching from the power saving mode to the energization mode, a command for the energization mode is output to the power supply adjustment unit 58, and print data is created in parallel with the warm-up. It is possible to reduce the time required from when a printing instruction is issued until the actual printing starts.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to each embodiment mentioned above, and it cannot be overemphasized that it can implement with a various aspect, as long as it belongs to the technical scope of this invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, in the power saving processing routine, it is determined whether or not the priority of the print job instructed to be printed and whether or not the ink remaining amount is sufficient, and printing is performed. It is good also as what prints by determining. That is, in the power saving processing routine of FIG. 3, when it is determined in step S110 that there is a print instruction, the process may proceed to step S150 to execute the subsequent processing. Alternatively, printing may be performed by determining only whether the priority is high. That is, in the power saving processing routine of FIG. 3, when it is determined in step S140 that the priority is high, the processing proceeds to step S250 after executing the processing of steps S210 and S220, and the subsequent processing is executed. If it is determined that the priority is low, the process of step S180 may be executed after the process of step S150 is executed. Furthermore, the priority level and the remaining ink level may not be determined. That is, in the power saving processing routine of FIG. 3, when it is determined in step S110 that there is a print instruction, the process of step S180 may be executed after the process of step S150 is executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, print data created based on a print job instructed to print is stored in the midnight print area 24, but the print job instructed to print may be stored as it is. In this case, when printing is performed by temporarily switching from the power saving mode to the energization mode during midnight, the CPU 21 outputs an energization mode command to the power supply adjustment unit 58 and performs midnight printing in parallel with the warm-up. The print data based on the print job stored in the area 24 may be created, and the print based on the print data may be performed after the warm-up is completed.

  In the above-described embodiment, when a print instruction is issued using a print screen displayed on the displays of the computers 91 to 93, the priority determination screen is instructed to be displayed via the I / F 60. However, the computers 91 to 93 are instructed. A radio button for selecting a priority is provided in advance on the print screen displayed on the display. When the user selects a priority and presses the print instruction button, both the print instruction and the priority are I / F 60. It is good also as what is input into CPU21 via. In this case, it is possible to proceed to step S130 and obtain the priority without performing step S120 of the power saving processing routine of FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 21 displays the priority determination screen and various notification screens on the displays of the computers 91 to 93 via the I / F 60, but may be displayed on the display unit 32 of the large-sized printer 10. In that case, the priority may be determined by the operation unit 34.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the priority determined by the user is high, printing is performed without waiting for the midnight time zone. However, when a print instruction for a file with a high printing frequency is given, it is considered that the priority is high and the midnight is set. You may print without waiting for a time slot | zone. For example, each time a print instruction is issued, the file name and the number of times the print instruction is issued are stored in the computers 91 to 93 or the flash ROM 22, and the number of times corresponding to the file name when the next print instruction is issued is determined. When the predetermined threshold value is exceeded, it may be determined that the printing frequency is high, that is, the priority is high, and printing is performed without waiting for the midnight time zone.

  In the above-described embodiment, the large printer 10 is an ink jet printer, but may be another printer such as a laser printer. Further, the printer may not be a large printer such as a printer capable of printing up to A4 size.

1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a large-sized printer 10 according to the present embodiment. Configuration diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the remaining ink sensor 54 The flowchart of a process routine at the time of power saving. Schematic diagram of a priority determination screen. Schematic of the next day print notification screen. Schematic of the ink out prior notice screen. Schematic of the ink out notification screen. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a print job instructed to be printed during a power saving mode is printed.

Explanation of symbols

  10 large printer, 20 controller, 21 CPU, 22 flash ROM, 23 RAM, 24 midnight printing area, 25 next day printing area, 30 operation panel, 32 display section, 34 operation section, 40 image processing unit, 50 printer section, 51 Printer ASIC, 52 Printer mechanism, 53 Ink cartridge, 54 Ink remaining amount sensor, 55 Pressure generating unit, 56 Nozzle, 57 Conveyance roller, 58 Power supply adjustment unit, 59 Liquid level detection monitor, 60 Interface (I / F), 70 bus, 80 network, 91, 92, 93 computer, 101 radio button, 102 OK button, S recording paper.

Claims (6)

A printing apparatus that is set to a power saving mode that prioritizes power saving in a predetermined power saving time zone including a midnight time zone, and that is set to a power feeding mode in which printing based on a print job can be performed immediately in a predetermined power feeding time zone,
Printing means;
Storage means capable of storing a plurality of print jobs;
When the print instruction of the print job from the user is made during the power saving mode other than the midnight time zone, the print job instructed to print is stored in the storage means and the midnight time zone nearest to the print instruction is stored. Control means for controlling the printing means to temporarily switch to the energization mode and perform printing based on the print job stored in the storage means;
A printing apparatus comprising: The control means temporarily switches from the power saving mode to the energizing mode when the print instruction from the user is in a power saving mode other than midnight, and when the priority of the print job instructed for printing is high. The printing unit is controlled to perform printing based on the print job instructed to print and the print job stored in the storage unit, and when the priority of the print job instructed to print is low, the print job The instructed print job is stored in the storage unit, and temporarily switching from the power saving mode to the energization mode in the midnight time zone immediately before the print instruction, and printing based on the print job stored in the storage unit is performed. Means for controlling the printing means,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
A remaining amount detecting unit for detecting a remaining amount of a recording agent used by the printing unit to print a print job;
A necessary amount predicting unit that predicts a necessary amount of a recording agent for the printing unit to print a print job instructed to be printed during a power saving mode other than midnight and a print job stored in the storage unit;
A remaining amount determining means for determining whether or not the remaining amount of the recording agent is sufficient based on whether or not the detected remaining amount of the recording agent is greater than the predicted necessary amount of the recording agent;
With
The control means, when the printing instruction of the print job from the user is made during a power saving mode other than midnight, when the remaining amount determining means determines that the remaining amount of the recording agent is sufficient, The print job instructed to be printed is stored in the storage unit, and printing is performed based on the print job stored in the storage unit by temporarily switching from the power saving mode to the energization mode in the midnight time zone nearest to the print instruction. The printing unit is controlled so that the remaining amount of the recording agent is not sufficient, the power saving mode is temporarily changed from the power saving mode to the energization mode immediately in the middle of the night time of the printing instruction. The printing unit is controlled to switch to perform printing based on the print job stored in the storage unit, and printing based on the print job instructed for printing is performed after energization after the latest midnight time zone of the printing instruction A means for controlling said printing means to perform the band,
Printing device. The printing apparatus according to claim 3,
A notification means for notifying the user of information;
When the print instruction from the user is in a power saving mode other than midnight, the control means has a higher priority for the print job instructed to print and the remaining amount determination means If it is determined that the remaining amount is sufficient, the print is temporarily switched from the power saving mode to the energization mode to perform printing based on the print job instructed for printing and the print job stored in the storage unit. If the priority of the print job instructed to be printed is high and the remaining amount determining unit determines that the remaining amount of the recording agent is not sufficient, it is necessary to replenish the recording agent later Controlling the notifying means so as to notify the user of the print job and temporarily switching from the power saving mode to the energizing mode, the print job instructed to print, and the print job stored in the storage means. Controlling the printing apparatus to perform printing based on the above, controlling the notification means to notify the user that the recording agent is replenished when the recording agent is insufficient, Is low and the remaining amount determination means determines that the remaining amount of the recording agent is sufficient, the print instruction instructed to print is stored in the storage means, The printing unit is controlled to temporarily switch from the power saving mode to the energizing mode during the midnight time period and perform printing based on the print job stored in the storage unit, and the priority of the print job instructed to be printed is low and When the remaining amount determining means determines that the remaining amount of the recording agent is not sufficient, it is indicated that printing of the print job instructed to be printed is performed in an energized time period after the midnight time period immediately after the print instruction. To the user Controlling the notifying means so as to be notified, and temporarily switching from the power saving mode to the energizing mode in the midnight time zone nearest to the print instruction so as to perform printing based on the print job stored in the storage means. Control means for controlling the printing means to perform printing based on the print job instructed for printing in an energization time zone after the midnight time zone immediately after the print instruction;
Printing device. When the control unit temporarily switches from the power saving mode to the energization mode and performs printing based on the print job, the control unit prints print data that can be printed by the printing unit using the transition period from the power saving mode to the energization mode. A unit that is created based on a job and controls the printing unit to perform printing based on the created print data after the transition to the energization mode is completed;
The printing apparatus of any one of Claims 1-4. Printing means and storage means capable of storing a plurality of print jobs, set in a power saving mode in which power saving is prioritized in a predetermined power saving time zone including a midnight time zone, and immediately prints in a predetermined power on time zone A control method for a printing apparatus that is set to an energization mode capable of printing based on a job,
(A) when a print instruction of a print job from the user is made during a power saving mode other than midnight, the step of storing the print instruction instructed in the storage unit;
(B) A step of temporarily switching from the power saving mode to the energization mode in the midnight time zone immediately before the print instruction in the step (a), and performing printing based on the print job stored in the storage means in the step (a) When,
A control method for a printing apparatus including:

Images