JP2016088062A - Print control unit, printing control method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing device capable of reducing further power consumption than deep sleep.SOLUTION: Power consumption is reduced by switching reception of a print job, accumulation of the print job, or printing according to a battery residual amount or presence or absence of battery mounting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a controller mounted in a printing apparatus (image forming apparatus) such as a printer, a digital copying machine, a digital multifunction peripheral, a facsimile machine, a printing control method in the controller, and a function necessary for a computer that controls the controller (the present invention). And a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  As a conventional printing apparatus, a printer having a function of reducing power consumption by setting a standby state other than during printing is already known. For example, in a standby state, it is widely practiced to reduce power consumption by turning off the power of the engine unit or lowering the set temperature of the engine unit.

  In Patent Document 1, the CPU of the printer prohibits printing in the standby state by the engine unit of the printer according to a specific instruction, stores the print job in the storage unit, and changes from the standby state to the operating state (for example, the current state). A configuration is disclosed in which, when a transition is made to (when printing another job that needs to be obtained immediately as a printed matter), the engine unit continuously prints the job stored in the storage unit.

  Conventionally, various methods for further reducing the power consumption of the printing apparatus have been introduced. Among them, the technology called deep sleep is a technology that makes the power consumption of the printing device very low by stopping the power supply to a part of the printing device when the printing device is not operating for a certain period of time. It is. For example, at the time of deep sleep, the RAM is set in the self-refresh mode, and the power of each part except the RAM, the network interface card (hereinafter referred to as NIC), the power control unit, the power button detection circuit of the operation unit, and the timer is turned off. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption when the printing apparatus is in the deep sleep state to a very low value.

  Here, the printing apparatus has a condition for transitioning from the deep sleep state to the normal state (standby state). When the printing apparatus satisfies the condition, the power supply to the part where the power supply has been stopped is started, and the main function of the printing apparatus is returned to a usable state (standby state).

  Generally, the return condition is (1) when a button on the operation unit of the printing apparatus is pressed, (2) when the NIC of the printing apparatus receives a specific network packet that matches the return condition, (3) When the date and time set in the timer of the printing device is reached, there are three points. Therefore, even when the printing apparatus is in the deep sleep state, power is supplied to the operation unit and the NIC, and it is always determined whether the button is pressed by the sensor or whether the network packet is received. Monitoring.

  The specific network packet that matches the return condition described above is generally 1) a packet addressed to the own device (a packet whose destination MAC address is addressed to the own device), 2) a sleep return packet, 3) a broadcast packet of a specific protocol, etc. It is. The sleep recovery packet of 2) indicates a packet having a specific packet pattern for returning the printing apparatus from the deep sleep state. The broadcast packet or multicast packet of 3) of a specific protocol refers to a packet for another node on the network to search for a printing device on the network. The printing apparatus is configured to return from a deep sleep state to a standby state when a packet received by the NIC is one of these packets (Patent Document 2).

JP 2010-214697 A JP 2006-259906 A

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, even if the power consumption of the printer unit is reduced in a standby state other than during printing, the power consumption of the controller of the printing apparatus is continued, so that the power consumption cannot be reduced. There is.

  Further, in the configuration described in Patent Document 2, even if the power consumption of the printer unit and the controller is reduced by deep sleep, when a print job (packet addressed to the own device) is received, the printer returns from deep sleep and is used for printing. Since the engine unit is energized, there is a problem that power consumption cannot be reduced.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a printing apparatus that can consume less power than deep sleep.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a printing apparatus equipped with a battery, and has a mechanism for switching between power supply from the battery and power supply from an AC power source. It is characterized by memorizing data for.

According to the present invention, according to a specific instruction, the controller shifts to deep sleep and not only energizes a part of the controller but also supplies the controller power from the battery.
In addition, by prohibiting printing by the controller and storing the print job in the storage unit, power consumption can be reduced by extending the time for supplying the controller power from the battery.

1 is an overall view of a communication system according to an example of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an MFP as an example of a printing apparatus 100 according to the present invention. State machine showing an operation example of the power supply control unit 50 of the printing apparatus 100 of the present invention Flowchart for explaining a printing operation from power-on of the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Flowchart for explaining a printing operation from power-on of the printing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart for explaining the operation when the NIC 305 of the present invention receives a print job.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims to the following embodiments, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the means for solving the invention. Not necessarily.

[Example 1]
FIG. 1 is an overall view of a communication system according to the present invention. In the communication system shown in FIG. 1, a printing apparatus 100 is connected to a HUB 102 via a network interface apparatus 101 (hereinafter referred to as NIC). That is, the printing apparatus 100 and the NIC 101 constitute one information processing system. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 100 is an MFP or a printer. The HUB 102 is further connected to the LAN 103, and the printing apparatus 100 can communicate with each apparatus on the network via the network interface apparatus 101. In addition to the NIC 101, a PC 104 and a server 105 are connected to the HUB 102.

  The PC 104 is a personal computer. The PC 104 can transmit a packet instructing printing to the printing apparatus or server 105 in which the printer driver is installed.

  The server 105 is a print server. A print instruction packet from the PC 104 can be received, and the print instruction packet can be transmitted to the printing apparatus in which the printer driver is installed. The server 105 may also have a function of managing whether the printing apparatus 100 is operated as a battery. In that case, the server 105 can transmit a packet instructing the start of battery operation and a packet instructing the end of battery operation. Here, although it has been described that the server 105 has two functions of the print server and the battery operation management, these two functions may be configured by separate servers.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an MFP (Multi Function Printer) as an example of the printing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a scanner unit, which is an image reading unit that reads a document placed by a user and generates image data. The scanner unit 10 exposes a document placed on a platen glass with a document illumination lamp composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, receives reflected light from the document with a CCD sensor, and outputs it as an image signal. The printer unit 20 exposes the photoconductor based on the image data to form an electrostatic latent image, develops the formed electrostatic latent image with a developer (toner), and transfers the image to a recording sheet to form an image. An image forming unit to be formed.

  The scanner unit 10, the printer unit 20, and the FAX unit 60 only need to have general configurations and functions of known printers, scanners, and facsimiles. Details of general functions and structures as an image processing apparatus will be described in detail. The detailed explanation is omitted. The controller unit 30 is connected to the scanner unit 10 that is an image reading device, the printer unit 20 that is an image forming device, the operation unit 40 that is a user interface, and an external I / F such as a LAN, and processes image information and device information. The part to control.

  In the controller unit 30, the CPU 301 executes various programs such as a control processing routine described later. The CPU 301 also executes a program to control the device, thereby preventing printing prohibition instruction means, job storage instruction means, printing execution instruction means, predetermined time specifying means, predetermined number specifying means, predetermined period specifying means according to the present invention. , A predetermined temperature designating unit, a predetermined time designating unit, and a priority designating unit.

  The ROM 302 stores a startup program for operating the CPU 301 and various programs such as a control processing routine described later. The RAM 303 is used as a work area or an image memory that is a temporary storage location for image data when the CPU 301 executes various programs. The NVRAM 304 is a non-volatile RAM that stores various control parameters.

  A NIC (Network Interface Card) 305 is connected to the LAN and performs various network controls such as transmission / reception of electronic mail and input / output of PDL data from the host. The inside of the NIC 305 will be described later. The operation unit I / F 306 is an I / F that performs communication with the operation unit 40 described later. The scanner / printer communication I / F 307 is an I / F unit for communicating with the CPU 301 of the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 20 described above.

  The power supply control I / F 308 instructs the power supply control unit 50 to stop various power supplies according to a command from the CPU 301. Further, the power control I / F 308 receives a power control signal (for example, a PCI standard PME # signal or a PCI Express standard WAKE # signal) from the NIC 305, the timer unit 309, or the power button, and the power control unit 50. Are instructed to energize various power sources. The timer unit 309 internally holds the current time or sets at least one time and monitors whether the set time has elapsed.

The storage unit I / F 318 is an I / F for connecting a storage unit 317, which will be described later, and is, for example, a SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment). The expansion I / F 319 is a bus for transmitting and receiving to and from the NIC, and is, for example, a bus such as PCI or PCI Express, and is connected by the same type of bus as the expansion I / F 324 on the NIC side. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 300.
The storage unit 317 is a non-volatile storage device for storing a program or data, and is, for example, a hard disk or a flash memory.

  An image bus interface (ImageBus I / F) 310 is a bridge that connects the system bus 300 and an image bus 311 that transfers image signals. The following blocks are arranged on the image bus 311. The image compression unit 312 performs compression / decompression processing such as JPEG, JBIG, MMR, and MH. The image rotation unit 313 performs image data rotation processing. A raster image processor (RIP) unit 314 develops a print job (PDL code) into a bitmap raster image.

  The scanner I / F unit 315 is an I / F for connecting a scanner. For example, the scanner I / F unit 315 performs image processing for the scanner such as correction, processing, and editing on input data from the scanner unit 10. The printer I / F unit 316 performs image processing for the printer such as printer correction and resolution conversion on the print output image data, and transfers the print data to the printer unit 20.

  A FAX I / F 305 is an I / F for connecting the FAX unit 60, and performs image processing for fax such as image expansion, correction, processing, and editing on the compressed image data received by the FAX unit 60. The FAX I / F 305 performs facsimile image processing such as image compression, correction, and resolution conversion for fax transmission image data, and transfers print data to the FAX unit 60. The external I / F 331 is an I / F for connecting an external device to the printing apparatus 100. For example, USB (Universal Serial Bus), ID card reader I / F.

  The power control unit 50 generates various DC power sources from the AC power input from the commercial power source, and operates the scanner unit 10, the printer unit 20, the controller unit 30, and the operation according to instructions from the power control I / F 308 of the controller unit 30. Power is supplied to the unit 40 and the FAX unit 60. Here, the commercial power source does not have to be limited to that using power purchased from an electric power company, and may be power supplied from a power consumer generator. Further, conversion from an AC power source to various DC power sources is not an essential requirement of the present invention, and power supplied by DC may be used.

  In the NIC unit 305, the CPU 320 executes various programs such as a control processing routine described later. The ROM 321 holds various programs related to the network 305 such as a startup program for operating the CPU 320, various programs such as a control processing routine described later, and a MAC address. The RAM 322 is used as a temporary storage location for work areas and packets when the CPU 320 executes various programs. The Network I / F 323 is, for example, IEEE 802.3 and its extended version, and is connected to the Hub 102 in FIG.

  The expansion I / F 324 has a bus for connecting the NIC and the system bus 300, for example, PCI, PCI Express, etc., and is connected by the same type of bus as the expansion I / F 319. The LED 325 is connected to the LED via GPIO, and is used as a display unit indicating the state of the NIC 305. For example, the LED 325 can indicate various operation states such as an electrical connection state and a communication mode between the network I / F 323 and the hub 102 by the LED color and blinking pattern. The PME 326 is an interface for notifying the power control I / F 306 of an event for power management. The PME 326 controls signals used for Wake on LAN, such as a PCI standard PME # signal or a PCI Express WAKE # signal via GPIO.

  The battery 70 generates direct-current power by energy such as chemical reaction, combustion, heat, and light. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, it is assumed that the battery 70 is a secondary battery such as a lithium battery or a nickel metal hydride battery that is charged from the power supply control unit 50.

  FIG. 3 is a state machine showing an operation example of the power control unit 50 of the printing apparatus 100 according to the present invention. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 201 denotes a PowerOff state in which the printing apparatus 100 is powered off. In the PowerOff state 201, no power is supplied to any of FIG. The PowerOff state 201 corresponds to a state where the power breaker is shut off (or a state where the outlet (AC voltage inlet) is not stuck). In the PowerOff state 201, since the power supply is cut off, the CPU 301 cannot operate.

  Reference numeral 202 denotes a normal state for supplying power to the printing apparatus 100. For example, in the normal state 202, the printing apparatus 100 is energized in all of FIG. In the normal state 202, the CPU 301 can operate. In the normal state 202, for example, operations such as copying, scanning, and facsimile transmission are performed.

  Reference numeral 203 denotes a Sleep 1 state in which a part of the power of the printing apparatus 100 is supplied. For example, in the Sleep 1 state, as compared with the Normal state 202, the power of the scanner unit 10, the printer unit 20, and the operation unit 40 in FIG. 2 is shut off and the remaining part in FIG. 2 is energized. In the sleep 1 state 203, the CPU 301 can operate. In the sleep 1 state 203, for example, operations such as printing and facsimile reception are performed. Reference numeral 204 denotes a deep sleep state in which a very small amount of power is supplied to the printing apparatus 100.

  In the Deep Sleep state 204, the RAM 303 in FIG. 2 is set in the self-refresh mode, the RAM 303 and the NIC 304, the power control unit 50, the power button detection circuit of the operation unit 40, the timer 309, a part of the power control I / F 308, the external I / F 331. The power of each part except for a part of the FAX unit 60 is turned off. In the Deep Sleep state 204, the CPU 301 cannot operate because the power is shut off.

  Next, the power state of the printing apparatus 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a state machine for explaining the state of the power supply. FIG. 3 includes hardware built in the power supply control I / F 308, the power supply control unit 50, or the NIC 305. 3 may be configured by software based on a program operating on the CPU 301 or the CPU 320. Transition conditions between the states will be briefly described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, a transition from the PowerOff state 201 to the Normal state 202 is made by switching the main power switch. The transition from the normal state 202 to the power-off state 201 is detected by detecting a shut-off operation of the operation unit 40. A transition is made from the normal state 202 to the sleep 1 state 203 when there is no operation for the first predetermined time.

  A transition is made from the Sleep 1 state 203 to the Deep Sleep state 204 when there is no operation for a second predetermined time. A transition is made from the sleep 1 state 203 to the normal state 202 when a print job is received or when a user operation is detected.

  A transition from the deep sleep state 204 to the normal state 202 is made when a print job is received or when a user operation is detected. A transition from the Deep Sleep state 204 to the Sleep 1 state 203 is made when a network packet that cannot be subjected to a proxy response by the NIC is received. From the Deep Sleep state 204 to the Power Off state 201, when there is no operation for a third predetermined time, the state temporarily transits to the Sleep 1 state 202, and then transitions from the Sleep 1 state 202 to the Power Off state 201.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a printing operation from power-on of the printing apparatus 100. 4 is a program stored in the ROM 302, the RAM 303, the NVRAM 304, or the storage unit 317 of FIG. 3 and is executed on the CPU 301.

  In each step surrounded by 400 in FIG. 4, that is, S401 to 406, S415, and a part of S407 and S414, power is supplied to the controller 30 from a commercial power source. Power is supplied from the battery 70 to the controller 30 in each step not surrounded by 400 in FIG. 4, that is, in steps S <b> 408 to S <b> 413 and a part of steps S <b> 407 and S <b> 414. In FIG. 4, S401 is processing for initializing the printing apparatus 100. As described above, prior to this processing, various DC power sources are generated from the AC power source input from the commercial power source from the power source controller 50, and according to instructions from the power source control I / F 308, the scanner unit 10, the printer unit 20, Power is supplied to the controller unit 30, the operation unit 40, and the FAX unit 60.

  S402 is a conditional branch for determining whether to start the battery operation. When starting the battery operation, the process proceeds to Y, that is, S406. When the battery operation is not started, the process proceeds to N, that is, S403. Here, whether to start the battery operation is determined based on, for example, the time set in the timer 309. Alternatively, the battery operation may be started upon receiving a notification from the server 105 that manages the battery operation.

  S403 is a conditional branch for determining whether a print job has been received from the PC 104 or the server 105. If a print job is received, the process proceeds to Y, that is, S404. If a print job has been received, N returns to S402. For example, as will be described later, when a print job including print drawing data is sent directly from the PC 104 or via the server 105, the NIC 305 interprets the received packet and determines whether the print job is received. Notice. Here, the packet received by the NIC 305 may be stored in the RAM 303, and the CPU 301 may interpret the packet and determine whether the job is a print job.

  In step S404, the received print job is developed into bitmap raster image data. For example, the received print job may be interpreted by the RIP unit 314 via the printer communication I / F 307 to form a raster image by hardware. Alternatively, the CPU 301 may interpret the received print job and form a raster image by software. Here, the formed raster image is stored in the RAM 303 or the storage unit 317. Here, print output image data subjected to image processing such as image rotation 313 may be stored.

  In step S405, a raster image is printed by the printer unit 20. For example, the transmission of print image data is notified to the CPU of the printer unit 20 via the printer communication I / F 307. A raster image stored in the RAM 303 or the storage unit 317 is transmitted by the image bus interface 310, and image data for print output subjected to image processing such as image rotation 313 is formed. The printer I / F unit 316 performs printer image processing such as printer correction and resolution conversion on the print output image data, transfers the print data to the printer unit 20, and causes the printer unit 20 to print the image data. .

  S406 is processing for waiting for the end of printing. If the printer unit 20 is printing, Y returns to S406. If the printer unit 20 is not printing, the process proceeds to N, that is, S407. For example, it communicates with the CPU of the printer unit 20 via the printer communication I / F 307 to determine whether the printer unit 20 is printing. S407 is a process of switching the power supplied from various DC power sources generated from the AC power input from the commercial power source to supply power from the batteries using the various DC power sources. For example, a value indicating that the power supply path is a battery is written in a register in the power supply control I / F 308. Here, the hardware of the power control I / F 308 refers to the value of this register, and the power supply path is switched from the commercial power supply to the battery.

  S408 is a process for shifting to deep sleep. For example, the register value of each unit of the controller unit 30 is saved in the RAM 303. 2 is set to the self-refresh mode, the RAM 303 and the NIC 304, the power control unit 50, the power button (described later) detection circuit of the operation unit 40, a part of the power control I / F 308, the timer 309, and the external I / F 331. Turn off the power of each part except a part of FAX60.

  Here, between S408 and S409, the printing apparatus 100 waits for a return factor from deep sleep. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, a case where the return factor from deep sleep is reception of a print job from the network will be described as an example. When the NIC 305 receives a print job from the network, the NIC 305 receives a power control signal (for example, a PCI standard PME # signal or a PCI Express standard WAKE # signal) in the power control I / F 308, and the power control unit 50 is instructed to energize various power sources.

  S409 is a return process from deep sleep. For example, the power of each part of the printing apparatus 100 is turned on. The RAM 303 is set to return from the self-refresh mode, and the normal mode (idle mode or the like) is set. The register value saved in the RAM 303 is written back to each unit of the controller unit 30, or the register is initialized. S410 is a conditional branch for determining whether or not to end the battery operation. When starting the battery operation, the process proceeds to Y, that is, S415. If the battery operation is not terminated, the process proceeds to N, that is, S411. Here, as in S402, whether or not to end the battery operation is determined based on, for example, the time set in the timer 309. Alternatively, the battery operation may be terminated upon receiving a notification from the server 105 that manages the battery operation. Or you may make it judge from the signal supplied from a battery.

  S411 is a conditional branch for determining whether a print job has been received. If a print job is received, the process proceeds to Y, that is, S412. If a print job is received, N returns to S408. Since it is the same as S403, detailed description is omitted. In step S <b> 412, a raster image is printed by the printer unit 20. Since it is the same as S404, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. S412 is in operation by the battery, and without performing the next printing operation, the process returns to S408 to shift to deep sleep.

  S413 is a process of switching power supplied from various DC power sources from a battery to power supply using various DC power sources made from AC power input from a commercial power source. For example, a value indicating that the power supply path is commercial power is written in a register in the power control I / F 308. Here, the hardware of the power supply control I / F 308 refers to the value of this register, and the power supply path is switched from the battery to the commercial power supply.

  S414 is a process of printing the raster image stored in the RAM 303 or the storage unit 317 in S405 or S413. Since S415 is the same as S405, detailed description thereof is omitted. As described in S410 and S412, S415 is being operated by a commercial power source, and a printing operation is performed in S415, and the process returns to S402.

  As described above, in accordance with a specific instruction, the controller shifts to deep sleep and not only energizes a part of the controller but also supplies power to the controller from the battery.

  In addition, by prohibiting printing by the controller and storing the print job in the storage unit, power consumption can be reduced by extending the time for supplying the controller power from the battery. Here, it has been described that power is supplied from the commercial power source or battery 70 to the controller 30, but power may be supplied from the commercial power source or battery 70 to other units as well as the controller 30. I do not care.

[Example 2]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 operates regardless of the remaining battery level. However, the CPU 301 or the storage unit 317 may malfunction if the remaining battery level is insufficient due to the charging time or discharging time.

  In the second embodiment, the battery 70 is equipped with a battery that can read out the battery remaining amount, thereby avoiding malfunction. For example, a mobile information processor interface (MIPI) Alliance Battery Interface (BIF) installed in a mobile phone or an advanced configuration and power interface installed in a notebook PC is used. A known technique such as Smart Battery System (SBS) of ACPI) may be used.

  The operation of the printing apparatus 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the printing operation from power-on of the printing apparatus 100. The flowchart in FIG. 5 is a program stored in the ROM 302, RAM 303, NVRAM 304, or storage unit 317 in FIG. 3 and is executed on the CPU 301.

  In each step surrounded by 500 in FIG. 5, that is, S501 to 505, S520, and a part of S510 and S519, power is supplied from the commercial power source to the controller 30. Power is supplied from the battery 70 to the controller 30 at each step not surrounded by 500 in FIG. 4, that is, at S508 to S509, S511 to S518, and part of S510 and S519.

  In FIG. 5, S501 to S506 are the same as S401 to S405, respectively, and detailed description thereof is omitted. S507 is a conditional branch for checking the remaining battery level. For example, the remaining battery level of the battery 70 is read and compared with a threshold value to determine whether the remaining battery level is sufficient. If the remaining battery level is sufficient, the process proceeds to S510. If the remaining battery level is not sufficient, the process proceeds to S508. Since S508 to S509 are the same as S408 to S409, respectively, detailed description thereof is omitted. In S508 to S509, since the battery capacity is not sufficient, power is supplied from a commercial power source. S510 is a process of switching power supplied from various DC power sources made from AC power input from a commercial power source to supply power from batteries using various DC power sources. Since S510 is the same as S407, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Since S511-S512 are the same as S408-S409, respectively, detailed description is omitted. In S511 to S512, since the battery capacity is sufficient, power is supplied from the battery. S513 is a conditional branch for checking the remaining battery level. Since the battery is consumed even during deep sleep, the remaining battery level is checked after returning from deep sleep. Since the method for checking the remaining battery level is the same as that in S507, detailed description thereof is omitted. If the battery capacity is sufficient, the process proceeds to S514. If the battery capacity is not sufficient, the process proceeds to S517. Since S514 to S518 are the same as S410 to S414, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, an operation when the NIC 305 receives a print job while the printing apparatus 100 of the present invention is in deep deep sleep will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the NIC 305. The flowchart in FIG. 6 is a program stored in the ROM 321 or the RAM 322 in FIG. 3 and is executed on the CPU 320.

  In FIG. 6, S601 is a conditional branch for determining whether the PC 104 or the print server 105 has received a packet inquiring whether a print job can be transmitted. If a packet indicating this inquiry is received, the process proceeds to S602. If a packet indicating this inquiry has not been received, the process returns to S601. S602 is a conditional branch for determining whether the remaining battery level is sufficient. Since it is the same as S507, detailed description is omitted. If the remaining battery level is sufficient, the process proceeds to S603. If the remaining battery level is not sufficient, the process proceeds to S605. S603 is a process of transmitting a packet to respond to the PC 104 or the print server 105 that the print job can be received.

  S603 is a process of receiving a print job, and the controller 30 is returned from deep sleep through the PME 326. This corresponds to S512 in the flowchart of FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, after S603, the process returns to S601. S605 is a process of transmitting a packet that responds to the PC 104 or the print server 105 that the print job cannot be received. Here, the PC 104 or the print server 105 does not transmit a print job to the printing apparatus 100. Next, the process returns to S601.

  In this way, by switching the operation of the printing apparatus 100 according to the remaining battery level, it is possible to eliminate malfunctions due to insufficient battery level. Here, although S507, S513, and S602 have been described as the same process, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the threshold value of the remaining battery level does not necessarily have to be the same value. In addition, although it has been described in S507, S513, and S602 that it is determined whether the remaining battery level is sufficient, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a battery is not attached, the process may be advanced assuming that the remaining battery level is not sufficient.

  In order to extend the battery operating time, it is desirable to maintain the deep sleep state as much as possible. Even when the remaining battery level is sufficient, it is not necessary to receive a print job because the remaining battery level is not always sufficient in S602. Absent.

100 printing device, 20 printer unit, 30 controller unit, 50 power supply control unit,
70 battery, 301 controller CPU, 305 NIC,
308 Power control I / F, 317 Storage unit, 320 Controller unit CPU

Claims (5)

A printing device equipped with a battery,
It has a mechanism to switch between power supply from the battery and power supply from the AC power source,
A printing apparatus that stores data for printing when power is supplied by a battery. A printing device equipped with a battery,
It has a mechanism to switch between power supply from the battery and power supply from the AC power source,
A printing apparatus that stores data for printing when power is supplied by a battery and the remaining battery level is low. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stored data for printing is printed after the power supply by the battery is switched to the power supply from the AC power supply. A printing device equipped with a battery,
It has a mechanism to switch between power supply from the battery and power supply from the AC power source,
A printing apparatus for notifying that data for printing cannot be received when power is supplied by a battery. A printing device equipped with a battery,
It has a mechanism to switch between power supply from the battery and power supply from the AC power source,
A printing apparatus characterized by notifying that data for printing cannot be received when power is supplied by a battery and the remaining battery level is low.