JP4650162B2 - Printing apparatus, power saving mode transition time extension method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a power saving mode transition time extension method, and a program.

Some recent printing apparatuses can save power consumption by shifting to a power saving mode when a predetermined event such as a print instruction does not arrive for a predetermined time. In such a printing apparatus, a timer is started when the predetermined instruction is given, and the predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as power saving mode transition time) is measured (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-163772 A

  However, once the mode is shifted to the power saving mode, a return time for shifting to the printing mode is required to perform printing thereafter. For those who are going to print from now on, this return time is troublesome. If the power saving mode transition time is lengthened, the probability that the printing apparatus is in the power saving mode is reduced when printing is attempted, so this annoyance is somewhat reduced, but the power consumption increases and from the viewpoint of power saving. Not desirable.

  Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a power saving mode transition time extension method, and a program that can suppress an increase in power consumption even if the power saving mode transition time is lengthened.

  In order to solve the above problems, a printing apparatus according to the present invention includes an event detection unit that detects the predetermined event in the printing apparatus configured to shift to a power saving mode when there is no predetermined event; The power saving mode transition time storage means for storing the power saving mode transition time from when the event ends to the transition to the power saving mode, and stored in the power saving mode transition time storage means after the predetermined event ends A power saving mode shift means for shifting to a power saving mode when a power saving mode shift time elapses; a print instruction estimated time storage means for storing a print instruction estimated time from when a client performs a predetermined first operation until a print instruction is given; A first operation signal receiving means for receiving a signal from the client that the predetermined first operation has been performed; and a first operation signal receiver. When the signal indicating that the predetermined first operation has been received is received, the power saving mode extending means for extending the time for shifting to the power saving mode in accordance with the print instruction estimated time stored in the print instruction estimated time storage means It is characterized by including these.

  According to this, when there is a predetermined first operation, the time for shifting to the power saving mode can be extended by the stored print instruction estimated time. That is, the time for shifting to the power saving mode can be extended when necessary, so that the power consumption can be suppressed from increasing even if the time for shifting to the power saving mode is lengthened.

  Further, in the printing apparatus, when the time for shifting to the power saving mode is extended by the power saving mode extending means, a second operation signal receiving means for receiving a signal indicating that a predetermined second operation has been performed; And a power saving mode extension canceling means for canceling the extension of the time to shift to the power saving mode when the second operation signal receiving means receives the signal indicating that the predetermined second operation has been performed. .

  According to this, since it is possible to cancel the extension of the time for shifting to the power saving mode when the extension is not necessary, it is possible to suppress the increase in power consumption due to the extension.

  In each of the printing apparatuses, the client is a computer that transmits a print instruction to the printing apparatus, and the predetermined first operation and the predetermined second operation are performed by a user of the computer on the computer. It may be an operation to be performed.

  According to this, when the user performs a predetermined operation (for example, file open or file close) on the computer, a process for extending the time for shifting to the power saving mode or a process for canceling the extension of the time for shifting to the power saving mode. Will be able to do.

  In each of the printing apparatuses, a print instruction operation for receiving a signal indicating that a print instruction operation has been performed when the first operation signal receiving unit receives a signal indicating that the predetermined first operation has been performed. After receiving the signal indicating that the predetermined first operation has been received by the receiving means and the first operation signal receiving means, the signal indicating that the print instruction operation has been received is received by the print instruction operation receiving means. Update means for updating the print instruction estimated time stored in the print instruction estimated time storage means based on the time until the printing is performed.

  According to this, it becomes possible to extend the power saving mode transition time suitable for the printing time tendency.

  Further, in this printing apparatus, the print instruction estimated time storage unit stores the print instruction estimated time for each application running on the computer, and the first operation signal receiving unit receives the predetermined first operation. When receiving a signal indicating that there has been an application, the application that has accepted the predetermined first operation is acquired, and the power-saving mode extending means indicates that the predetermined first operation has been performed by the first operation signal receiving means. When the above signal is received, the time to shift to power saving may be extended according to the estimated print instruction time stored for the acquired application.

  According to this, it becomes possible to extend the power saving mode transition time suitable for the application related to the predetermined operation.

  The power saving mode transition time extending method according to the present invention is a power saving mode transition time extending method for extending a time for a printing apparatus configured to enter a power saving mode to enter a power saving mode when there is no predetermined event. The power saving mode stored in the power saving mode transition time storage means for storing the event detection step for detecting the predetermined event and the power saving mode transition time from the end of the predetermined event to the transition to the power saving mode. A power saving mode transition step for shifting to a power saving mode when the mode transition time elapses; a print instruction estimated time storage step for storing a print instruction estimated time from when the client performs a predetermined first operation until a print instruction is given; A first operation detecting step of detecting that the predetermined first operation has been performed, and detecting the first operation. A power saving mode extending step of extending a time to shift to the power saving mode according to the print instruction estimated time stored in the print instruction estimated time storage means when detecting that the predetermined first operation is performed in step It is characterized by including these.

  The program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a printing apparatus configured to shift to the power saving mode when there is no predetermined event, and is an event detection unit that detects the predetermined event. A power saving mode transition time storage means for storing a power saving mode transition time from the end of the predetermined event to a transition to the power saving mode; stored in the power saving mode transition time storage means after the predetermined event ends A power saving mode transition means for shifting to a power saving mode when a power saving mode transition time elapses, a print instruction estimated time storage means for storing a print instruction estimated time from when the client performs a predetermined first operation until a print instruction is given, First operation signal receiving means for receiving a signal from the client that the predetermined first operation has been performed; and When the first operation signal receiving unit receives a signal indicating that the predetermined first operation has been performed, the time for shifting to the power saving mode according to the print instruction estimated time stored in the print instruction estimated time storage unit A program for further causing the computer to function as power saving mode extending means for extending the power.

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

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a printing system 1 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes a printing apparatus 10 and a computer 30. The printing apparatus 10 and the computer 30 are connected by a USB cable 40.

  The computer 30 is a so-called personal computer and functions as a client of the printing apparatus 10. The computer 30 includes a CPU, a memory, and a user interface (not shown), and the memory stores application programs and various data. The CPU executes an application program stored in the memory, displays the execution result on the user interface, and accepts an operation by the user via the user interface.

  Some of these application programs have a printing function. When executing this printing function, the computer 30 generates print data in accordance with a user's print instruction operation and outputs the print data to the printing apparatus 10 via the USB cable 40. This print data includes the data to be printed itself and information indicating print settings for printing the data.

  The printing apparatus 10 is an apparatus having a printing function such as a multifunction machine, a single function printer, and a FAX. Here, the printing apparatus 10 includes a CPU 12, ROM 13, RAM 14, printing unit 15, main SW 17, power supply unit 18, operation panel 19, host IF unit 20, image processing unit 21, timer 22, and nonvolatile memory 23. These are connected to each other via a bus 11. The printing unit 15 includes a fixing device 16.

  The power supply unit 18 is connected to a commercial power supply and supplies power to the printing apparatus 10. The main SW 17 is a switch for accepting power-on by the user. When accepting power-on by the user, the main SW 17 causes the power supply unit 18 to start supplying power to the printing apparatus 10.

  The CPU 12 controls each unit of the printing apparatus 10 and executes programs stored in the ROM 13, the RAM 14, and the nonvolatile memory 23.

  The ROM 13 stores programs and various data. The data stored in the ROM 13 is retained even if no power is supplied from the power supply unit 18. Each command included in one of the programs is sequentially executed by the CPU 12 when power supply from the power supply unit 18 to the printing apparatus 10 is started. Instructions included in other programs are sequentially executed by the CPU 12 at a predetermined timing.

  The RAM 14 temporarily stores print image data in addition to programs and various data. Instructions included in this program are also sequentially executed by the CPU 12 at a predetermined timing.

  The nonvolatile memory 23 stores programs and various data. The data stored in the non-volatile memory 23 is retained even if no power is supplied from the power supply unit 18. This nonvolatile memory 23 stores a power saving mode transition time (described later). The nonvolatile memory 23 also stores a print instruction estimated time (described later) in association with a predetermined operation (a predetermined first operation, for example, a file open). Further, the non-volatile memory 23 stores a predetermined operation (predetermined second operation, for example, file close) as an extended interruption operation (described later).

  The operation panel 19 provides an interface for transmitting various settings such as various settings of the printing apparatus 10 and stop of printing once started and various commands to the CPU 12 to the user. The operation panel 19 outputs the input content to the CPU 12 when a user inputs a setting or a command in this interface. The CPU 12 performs processing according to settings and commands input from the operation panel 19.

  The host IF unit 20 is connected to the computer 30 via the USB cable 40. The host IF unit 20 outputs print data input from the computer 30 to the image processing unit 21.

  The image processing unit 21 generates print image data by analyzing the input print data, temporarily stores it in the RAM 14, and outputs print settings included in the print data to the printing unit 15.

  The printing unit 15 outputs the toner corresponding to the print image data stored in the RAM 14 on the paper by a method according to the input print setting. By doing so, the printing unit 15 prints the print image data. At this time, the fixing device 16 fixes the toner on the paper by applying predetermined heat to the toner output on the paper.

  The timer 22 measures the arrival of time and the passage of time.

  The power supply unit 18 will be described again. The power supply unit 18 supplies power to the printing apparatus 10 in either the normal mode or the power saving mode. In the normal mode, the power supply unit 18 maintains power supply to each unit so that printing can be started immediately when the user attempts to print in the printing apparatus 10. When printing, the mode of the power supply unit 18 needs to be this normal mode. On the other hand, in the power saving mode, the power supply unit 18 stops the supply of power to the fixing device 16 and restricts the power supply to functions other than those necessary for receiving inputs from the operation panel 19 and the host IF unit 20. When the power supply unit 18 receives an input from the operation panel 19 or the host IF unit 20, the power supply unit 18 shifts from the power saving mode to the normal mode so that printing can be started as necessary.

  The power supply unit 18 detects a predetermined event (a series of processes performed in the printing apparatus 10) such as a printing event by the printing unit 15. The power supply unit 18 shifts to the power saving mode when a predetermined power saving mode transition time elapses after the last predetermined event ends. That is, when the predetermined power saving mode transition time has elapsed from the predetermined timing, the mode is shifted to the power saving mode. Specifically, the power supply unit 18 has elapsed the power saving mode transition time stored in the nonvolatile memory 23 by the timer 22 from the time when the printing unit 15 completed the last printing or the last time the operation panel 19 was operated. Is monitored, and the power saving mode is entered when the power saving mode transition time has elapsed.

  While monitoring the elapse of the power saving mode transition time by the power supply unit 18, the CPU 12 performs a process of determining whether or not the user has performed a predetermined operation on the computer 30 or the operation panel 19.

  Of these determination processes, a process for determining whether or not the user has performed a predetermined operation on the computer 30 will be specifically described. The computer 30 reads a predetermined operation (a predetermined first operation and a predetermined second operation) stored in the nonvolatile memory 23. The computer 30 detects that the read predetermined operation has been performed, and outputs detection information indicating the content of the predetermined operation to the printing apparatus 10 when it is detected. When the detection information is input in this way, the CPU 12 determines that the user has performed a predetermined operation on the computer 30.

  If the CPU 12 determines that the user has performed a predetermined operation while monitoring the elapse of the power saving mode transition time, the CPU 12 sets the power saving mode transition time in accordance with the estimated print instruction time stored in the nonvolatile memory 23 in association with the predetermined operation. The power supply unit 18 is instructed to extend.

  Further, the CPU 12 determines whether or not a predetermined operation stored as an extension interruption operation in the nonvolatile memory 23 has been performed by the user in the computer 30 or the operation panel 19 when the power saving mode transition time has entered the extension time. ing. When the result of this determination is affirmative, the CPU 12 terminates the extension of the power saving mode transition time. That is, the power supply unit 18 is shifted to the power saving mode.

  The function of the printing system 1 having the above configuration will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the printing system 1. As shown in the figure, the computer 30 functionally includes an application unit 31, a print data creation unit 32, a file management unit 33, and a printing apparatus IF unit 34. Further, the printing apparatus 10 functionally includes a computer IF unit 50, a power saving transition control unit 51, an extended time calculation unit 52, a history data storage unit 53, a power saving transition instruction unit 54, a print instruction unit 55, and a print execution unit 56. It is comprised including.

  The computer IF unit 50 is realized by the host IF unit 20. The power saving transition control unit 51, the extended time calculation unit 52, and the history data storage unit 53 are realized by the CPU 12, the ROM 13, the RAM 14, and the nonvolatile memory 23. The power saving transition instruction unit 54 is realized by the power supply unit 18. The print instruction unit 55 and the print execution unit 56 are realized by the printing unit 15, and a part of the print execution unit 56 is realized by the fixing device 16.

  The file management unit 33 manages a file (document file) including a document created by word processing software or spreadsheet software.

  The application unit 31 operates an application program. Specifically, when the user performs an operation for opening a document file on the computer 30, the application that created the document file (or an application determined by the extension of the document file) is started, and the user Allow viewing and editing of files. Also, when the user performs an operation for closing the opened document file, the operation of the application program is stopped.

  The application unit 31 includes a first operation detection unit 31a, a second operation detection unit 31b, and a print instruction operation detection unit 31c.

  The first operation detection unit 31a detects that a predetermined first operation stored in a history data storage unit 53 described later or a print instruction estimated time storage unit 52a described later has been performed by the user. The predetermined first operation will be described here as an operation of “opening a document file”.

  The second operation detection unit 31b detects that a predetermined second operation stored in the history data storage unit 53 described later is performed by the user. The predetermined second operation will be described here as an operation of “close document file”.

  The detection information indicating that the second fixed operation has been detected may include a corresponding predetermined first operation (a predetermined first operation in which a document file to be printed is opened). The second operation detection unit 31b may perform the above detection process when the power saving mode transition time is extended by an extension unit 51a described later.

  The print instruction operation detection unit 31c detects that a print instruction operation has been performed. This print instruction operation is an instruction to print the contents of the document file, and includes print settings. The print instruction operation detection unit 31 c outputs detection information indicating that a print instruction operation has been detected to the printing apparatus 10.

  The detection information indicating that the print instruction operation has been detected may include a corresponding predetermined first operation (predetermined first operation that opens the document file to be printed). In addition, the print instruction operation detection unit 31c may perform this detection process only after the predetermined first operation is detected and until the corresponding predetermined second operation is detected.

  When the print instruction operation is performed, the print data creation unit 32 converts the content of the document file into print data of a predetermined format according to the print setting included in the instruction, and outputs the print data together with the instruction to the printing apparatus 10.

  The printing apparatus IF unit 34 and the computer IF unit 50 are interfaces for transmitting and receiving various data between the computer 30 and the printing apparatus 10.

  The history data storage unit 53 stores a predetermined first operation. The history data storage unit 53 stores a predetermined second operation as an extended interruption operation.

  The history data storage unit 53 further stores a history table that stores a history of time (printing time) from when a predetermined first operation is performed until a print instruction operation is performed for each predetermined first operation. Yes. FIG. 3 is an example of this history table. As shown in the figure, the history table stores a history number and a time until printing (printing time) in association with a predetermined first operation A (for example, file open), and stores the predetermined first operation B (for example, file opening). As for (file change), the history number and the time until printing (printing time) are stored in association with each other.

  The extended time calculation unit 52 includes a print instruction estimated time storage unit 52a. The extended time calculation unit 52 is based on the print time history stored in the history table, and is a print instruction estimated time for each predetermined first operation (from a user performing a predetermined first operation until a print instruction operation is performed). (Estimated value of time) is calculated and stored in the print instruction estimated time storage unit 52a. That is, the print instruction estimated time storage unit 52a stores the print instruction estimated time in association with the predetermined first operation. The extension time calculation unit 52 calculates the extension time of the power saving mode transition time when an instruction is given from the power saving transition control unit 51. Details of the extended time calculation process will be described later.

  The print instruction unit 55 determines the print order of the print data input from the computer 30 and causes the print execution unit 56 to execute printing. The print execution unit 56 executes print data printing in accordance with an instruction from the print instruction unit 55.

  The power saving transition control unit 51 controls the shift of the printing apparatus 10 to the power saving mode and the return to the normal mode. Specifically, the power saving transition control unit 51 generates mode change information indicating either the transition to the power saving mode or the return to the normal mode, and outputs the mode change information to the power saving transition instruction unit 54. Note that the power saving transition control unit 51 monitors the elapse of the power saving mode transition time from the time when printing is last performed by the print execution unit 56 or the time when the operation panel 19 is last operated. The printer 10 is controlled to shift to the power saving mode.

  The power saving transition control unit 51 will be described again. The power saving transition control unit 51 includes an extension unit 51a, an extension release unit 51b, and an update unit 51c, and receives the detection information from the computer 30 and performs the following processing. That is, when the power saving transition control unit 51 receives detection information from the computer 30 that indicates that the user has performed a predetermined first operation, a predetermined second operation, or a print instruction operation, the following processing is performed. Do.

  When the detection information indicating that the predetermined first operation has been detected is input, the extension unit 51a causes the extension time calculation unit 52 to calculate the extension time for the predetermined first operation, and the extension as a result thereof. Extend power saving mode transition time according to time. That is, even if the power saving mode transition time has elapsed since the last time printing was performed in the print execution unit 56 or when the detection information was last input, the power saving is continued until the extended time elapses. The power saving transition control unit 51 is controlled so as not to shift to the mode.

  The extension cancellation unit 51b receives detection information indicating that a predetermined second operation for the application has been detected while the extension unit 51a extends the power saving mode transition time (extension period). The extension of the power saving mode transition time by the extension 51a is canceled. That is, the printing apparatus 10 is shifted to the power saving mode.

  In addition, the extension canceling unit 51b sets the extension time to 0 if the calculated extension time is not 0 before entering the extension period by the extension 51a, thereby setting the power saving mode transition time by the extension 51a. Prevent extension.

  The update unit 51c is configured to store a print instruction stored in association with the predetermined first operation by the extended time calculation unit 52 based on a time from when the predetermined first operation is detected until the print instruction operation is detected. Update the estimated time. That is, when the detection information indicating that the predetermined first operation has been detected is input, the update unit 51c waits for detection information indicating that the print instruction operation has been detected. Then, the update unit 51c starts timing by the timer 22 when detection information indicating that a predetermined first operation has been detected is input, and detection information indicating that a print instruction operation has been detected is input. When the time measurement ends, the time from when the predetermined first operation is detected until the print instruction operation is detected is measured. When the detection information indicating that the print instruction operation has been detected is input, the update unit 51c associates the predetermined first operation with the measured time and writes it in the history table. When this writing is completed, the extended time calculation unit 52 performs a print instruction estimated time calculation process for the predetermined first operation, and updates the stored print instruction estimated time.

  Here, the print instruction estimated time and extended time calculation processing executed in the extended time calculation unit 52 will be described in detail with reference to the explanatory diagram shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of processing in the printing system 1. In the figure, each of the following three cases will be described.

  First, Case 1 is a case where there is no extension of the power saving mode transition time. When the power saving mode transition counter (time counter for counting the passage of the power saving mode transition time) starts, the point A1 (the starting point of the passage of the power saving mode transition time) has arrived, the power saving transition control unit 51 sets the power saving mode transition counter. Start monitoring. At time A2 when the power saving mode shift counter reaches the power saving mode shift time T1, the power saving shift control unit 51 shifts the printing apparatus 10 to the power saving mode.

  Next, Case 2 is a case where the power saving mode transition time is extended. When the predetermined first operation A3 (here, opening a document file) is performed while the power saving transition control unit 51 performs the monitoring, the power saving transition control unit 51 causes the extension time calculation unit 52 to store the document file. The extension time T2 is calculated.

  The extended time calculation unit 52 calculates the print instruction estimated time T3 based on the average value and standard deviation of the time stored in the history table. Specifically, the extended time calculation unit 52 calculates the print instruction estimated time T3 by performing calculations of Expressions (1) to (3). Here, each time stored in the history table is xi, the average is E (x), and the standard deviation is σ.

  By adopting 1.96 as the coefficient of σ in the equation (3), the statistical reliability of the print instruction estimated time T3 calculated by the extended time calculation unit 52 is 95%.

  Next, the extension time calculation unit 52 calculates the extension time T2 by performing the calculation shown in Expression (4). Note that the power saving mode transition time stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 23 is T1, and the value of the power saving mode transition counter at the time when an extension time calculation processing start instruction is received from the extension unit 51a is t1.

  The power saving transition control unit 51 shifts the printing apparatus 10 to the power saving mode at time A4 when the power saving mode transition counter reaches the power saving mode transition time T1 + T2.

  Finally, Case 3 is a case where the extension of the power saving mode transition time is interrupted. In case 2, when the predetermined second operation A5 (here, the document file is closed) is performed during the extension time, the power saving transition control unit 51 interrupts the extension and puts the printing apparatus 10 into the power saving mode. Transition.

  The above processing will be described again in more detail with reference to the flowchart showing the processing flow of the printing apparatus 10 and the computer 30 and the sequence between the apparatuses.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the printing apparatus 10 and the computer 30 and a sequence between the apparatuses. As shown in the figure, when printing is executed (S1), the printing apparatus 10 clears and starts the power saving mode transition counter t1 (S2). The power saving mode transition counter t1 is a counter that is counted up as time passes. Next, the printing apparatus 10 substitutes 0 for the extended time T2 (S3). If none of the file open operation detection information, the print instruction operation detection information, and the file close operation detection information described later is received, the printing apparatus 10 has a relationship between the power saving mode transition counter t1 and the power saving mode transition time T1 of t1 ≧ T1 + T2 ( However, in this case, since T2 = 0, the determination process (S7) for determining whether or not t1 ≧ T1 is satisfied is repeated until it is determined that it is satisfied (hereinafter, the period during which this determination process is repeated). , Called the monitoring period). If the printing apparatus 10 determines that t1 ≧ T1 + T2 is satisfied in this determination process, that is, determines that the power saving mode transition time has elapsed, the printing apparatus 10 shifts to the power saving mode (S8).

  The computer 30 detects the opening of the document file by the user (S100), and transmits file open detection information indicating that the file open operation (predetermined first operation) has been performed to the printing apparatus 10 (S101). Note that when an instruction to open a document file is input by the user, an application for opening the document file is activated if the document file is not already activated.

  Further, the computer 30 detects a print instruction operation of the document file by the user (S102), and transmits print instruction operation detection information indicating that the print operation instruction has been made to the printing apparatus 10 (S103).

  Further, the computer 30 detects closing of the document file by the user (S104), and transmits file closing detection information indicating that the file closing operation (predetermined second operation) has been performed to the printing apparatus 10 (S105). ). When the user inputs a document file close instruction, if no other document file used by the same application is opened, the application started to open the document file is terminated. The

  When receiving the file open operation detection information within the monitoring period (S4), the printing apparatus 10 calculates the extended time basic amount T2 '(S41). Specifically, the printing apparatus 10 calculates an average of the “time from the file open operation to the print instruction operation” stored in the history table in the extended time calculation unit 52, and the calculation result Is acquired as the extended time base amount T2 ′. Then, the printing apparatus 10 determines whether or not the calculated T2 'is equal to or greater than T2 (S42), and if it is equal to or greater than T2, sets the extension time base amount T2' as the extension time (S43). Thus, by providing the extended time basic amount, the longest one of the extended time basic amounts calculated for each file when a plurality of files are opened can be set as the extended time.

  Further, when receiving the print instruction operation detection information within the monitoring period (S5), the printing apparatus 10 executes printing (S51), ends the monitoring, and returns to S2.

  Further, when receiving the file close operation detection information within the monitoring period (S6), the printing apparatus 10 determines whether all the document files corresponding to the file open operation detection information received so far have been closed. (S61) When all are closed, the extension is canceled by substituting 0 for T2 (S62).

  As described above, when a predetermined operation is performed, the printing system 1 realizes extending the power saving mode transition time by a time corresponding to the predetermined operation. That is, since the power saving mode transition time can be extended by a necessary length when necessary, the printing system 1 can suppress an increase in power consumption even if the power saving mode transition time is lengthened.

  In addition, since the printing system 1 can cancel the extension of the power saving mode transition time when the extension is no longer necessary, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption due to the extension.

  Further, when the user performs a predetermined operation (for example, file open or file close) on the computer 30, it is possible to perform processing for extending the power saving mode transition time or processing for canceling the extension of the power saving mode transition time.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

  For example, in the history table in the above embodiment, a predetermined first operation and a printing time may be stored in association with each application. A modification in which the printing time for each application is stored in the history table in this way will be described in detail below.

  In this modification, the history data storage unit 53 stores a predetermined first operation and a predetermined second operation for each application, and the extended time calculation unit 52 estimates a print instruction for each predetermined first operation for each application. Calculate time. Then, the print instruction estimated time storage unit 52a stores the print instruction estimated time in association with a predetermined first operation for each application.

  The first operation detection unit 31a acquires application information indicating an application program that has accepted the predetermined first operation (an application program started in response to the predetermined first operation). The first operation detection unit 31a includes the application information in detection information indicating that a predetermined first operation has been detected, and outputs the detection information to the printing apparatus 10.

  Similarly, the second operation detection unit 31b displays application information indicating an application program that has received the predetermined second operation (an application program started to open a document file closed by the predetermined second operation). get. The second operation detection unit 31b includes the application information in detection information indicating that the second fixed operation has been detected, and outputs the detection information to the printing apparatus 10.

  The extension unit 51a calculates the extension time for the application and the predetermined first operation by the extension time calculation unit 52 when detection information indicating that the predetermined first operation for the application is detected is input. Let For this calculation, the extension time calculation unit 52 performs a print instruction estimated time calculation process for the application and the predetermined first operation, and updates the stored print instruction estimated time.

  By doing so, it is possible to calculate the extension time suitable for the application related to the predetermined operation and extend the power saving mode transition time.

  When the printing apparatus 10 is connected to a plurality of computers 30 and receives input of print data from each computer 30 (when each computer 30 becomes a host computer of the printing apparatus 10), in the history table in the above embodiment, For each computer 30, a predetermined first operation and a printing time may be stored in association with each other.

  FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram of the printing system 1 according to this modification. As shown in the figure, a printing system 1 according to this modification includes a printing apparatus 10 and a plurality of computers 30 (a computer 30-a and a computer 30-b are shown in FIG. 6). Has been. The printing apparatus 10 and each computer 30 exist as nodes on the LAN 41 and communicate with each other using IP packets.

  In the present modification, the history data storage unit 53 stores a predetermined first operation and a predetermined second operation for each computer 30, and the extended time calculation unit 52 prints for each predetermined first operation for each computer 30. The estimated instruction time is calculated. Then, the print instruction estimated time storage unit 52a stores the print instruction estimated time in association with a predetermined first operation for each computer 30.

  The first operation detection unit 31 a acquires computer identification information indicating the own computer 30. The first operation detection unit 31a includes the computer identification information in detection information indicating that a predetermined first operation has been detected, and outputs the information to the printing apparatus 10. Similarly, the second operation detection unit 31b and the print instruction operation detection unit 31c include the computer identification information in the detection information and output it to the printing apparatus 10.

  The extension unit 51a acquires the computer 30 in which the predetermined first operation is detected based on the computer identification information included in the detection information, and the extension time calculation unit 52 sets the extension time for the computer 30 and the predetermined first operation. Let it be calculated. For this calculation, the extended time calculation unit 52 performs a print instruction estimated time calculation process for the computer 30 and the predetermined first operation, and updates the stored print instruction estimated time.

  In this way, an extension time suitable for the tendency of the printing time of the user of each computer 30 (the time from when the predetermined first operation is performed until when the printing instruction operation is performed) is calculated, and the power saving mode transition time is calculated. Can be extended.

  In this modification as well, the extended time basic amount is calculated for each computer 30 by the same processing as the processing shown in FIG. 5 (particularly S41 to S43), and the longest extended time basic amount is set as the extended time. . According to this, after a predetermined first operation is detected in one computer 30 and the extension time is calculated, the extension time is appropriately determined even when a predetermined first operation is detected in another computer 30. be able to.

  Further, a predetermined first operation and a printing time may be stored in the history table in association with each user of the computer 30. As described above, various modification examples of the history table storage method are conceivable. By selecting an appropriate modification example, it is possible to appropriately change a parameter used for determining the extension time.

  In the above embodiment, it has been described that the opening of the document file in the computer 30 is the predetermined first operation and the closing is the predetermined second operation. However, any operation that can be detected by the computer 30 or the printing apparatus 10 can be used. The present invention can be applied to such operations. For example, it is possible to determine the extension time based on a user operation on the operation panel 19 or a user operation on a printer utility application activated on the computer 30.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a functional block diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a log | history table which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the process in the printing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the processing flow and sequence of the printing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a system configuration figure of a printing system concerning a modification of an embodiment of the invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1 printing system, 10 printing device, 11 bus, 12 CPU, 13 ROM, 14 RAM, 15 printing unit, 16 fixing device, 17 main SW, 18 power supply unit, 19 operation panel, 20 host IF unit, 21 image processing unit, 22 timer, 23 non-volatile memory, 30 computer, 31 application unit, 31a first operation detection unit, 31b second operation detection unit, 31c print instruction operation detection unit, 32 print data creation unit, 33 file management unit, 34 printing apparatus IF Unit, 40 USB cable, 41 LAN, 50 computer IF unit, 51 power saving transition control unit, 51a extension unit, 51b extension release unit, 51c update unit, 52 extension time calculation unit, 52a print instruction estimated time storage unit, 53 history data Storage unit, 54 Power saving transition instruction unit, 55 Print instruction unit, 56 Print execution unit.

Claims (6)

In a printing device configured to enter a power saving mode when there is no predetermined event,
Event detection means for detecting the predetermined event;
A power saving mode transition time storage means for storing a power saving mode transition time from the end of the predetermined event to a transition to the power saving mode;
Power saving mode transition means for transitioning to power saving mode when the power saving mode transition time stored in the power saving mode transition time storage means has elapsed since the predetermined event has ended,
A print instruction estimated time storage unit that stores a print instruction estimated time from when the client performs a predetermined first operation until a print instruction is issued;
First operation signal receiving means for receiving a signal from the client that the predetermined first operation has been performed;
When the first operation signal receiving unit receives a signal indicating that the predetermined first operation has been performed, a time for shifting to the power saving mode according to the print instruction estimated time stored in the print instruction estimated time storage unit Power saving mode extension means for extending
A print instruction operation receiving means for receiving a signal indicating that a print instruction operation has been performed when the first operation signal receiving means receives a signal indicating that the predetermined first operation has been performed;
The time from when the signal indicating that the predetermined first operation has been received by the first operation signal receiving means until the signal indicating that the print instruction operation has been received by the print instruction operation receiving means. Updating means for updating the print instruction estimated time stored in the print instruction estimated time storage means,
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
A second operation signal receiving means for receiving a signal indicating that a predetermined second operation has been performed when the time for shifting to the power saving mode is extended by the power saving mode extending means;
When the second operation signal receiving means receives a signal indicating that the predetermined second operation has been performed, the power saving mode extension canceling means for canceling the extension of the time for shifting to the power saving mode;
The printing apparatus further comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The client is a computer that transmits a print instruction to the printing apparatus;
The predetermined first operation and the predetermined second operation are operations performed by a user of the computer in the computer.
A printing apparatus characterized by that. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The print instruction estimated time storage means stores the print instruction estimated time for each application running on the computer,
The first operation signal receiving means acquires an application that has accepted the predetermined first operation when receiving a signal indicating that the predetermined first operation has been performed;
The power saving mode extension means responds to the estimated print instruction time stored for the acquired application when the first operation signal receiving means receives a signal indicating that the predetermined first operation has been performed. , Extend the time to shift to power saving,
A printing apparatus characterized by that. A power saving mode transition time extending method in which a printing apparatus configured to shift to a power saving mode when there is no predetermined event extends a time for shifting to a power saving mode,
An event detection step of detecting the predetermined event;
The power saving mode transition step of shifting to the power saving mode when the power saving mode transition time stored in the power saving mode transition time storage means for storing the power saving mode transition time from the end of the predetermined event to the transition to the power saving mode. When,
A print instruction estimated time storage step for storing a print instruction estimated time from when the client performs a predetermined first operation until a print instruction is given;
A first operation detecting step of detecting that the predetermined first operation has been performed by the client;
When it is detected in the first operation detecting step that the predetermined first operation has been performed, the time for shifting to the power saving mode is extended according to the print instruction estimated time stored in the print instruction estimated time storage means. Power saving mode extension step,
A print instruction operation receiving step for receiving a signal indicating that a print instruction operation has been performed when the signal indicating that the predetermined first operation has been received in the first operation detecting step;
The time from when the signal indicating that the predetermined first operation has been received in the first operation detecting step to when the signal indicating that the print instruction operation has been received is received in the print instruction operation receiving step. An update step of updating the print instruction estimated time stored in the print instruction estimated time storage step,
A method for extending the power saving mode transition time. A program for causing a computer to function as a printing apparatus configured to shift to a power saving mode when there is no predetermined event,
Event detection means for detecting the predetermined event;
A power saving mode transition time storage means for storing a power saving mode transition time from the end of the predetermined event to a transition to the power saving mode;
Power saving mode transition means for shifting to the power saving mode when the power saving mode transition time stored in the power saving mode transition time storage means elapses after the predetermined event ends,
A print instruction estimated time storage unit that stores a print instruction estimated time from when the client performs a predetermined first operation until a print instruction is issued;
First operation signal receiving means for receiving a signal from the client that the predetermined first operation has been performed;
When the first operation signal receiving unit receives a signal indicating that the predetermined first operation has been performed, a time for shifting to the power saving mode according to the print instruction estimated time stored in the print instruction estimated time storage unit Power saving mode extension means to extend the
A print instruction operation receiving means for receiving a signal indicating that a print instruction operation has been performed when the first operation signal receiving means receives a signal indicating that the predetermined first operation has been performed; and
The time from when the signal indicating that the predetermined first operation has been received by the first operation signal receiving means until the signal indicating that the print instruction operation has been received by the print instruction operation receiving means. Updating means for updating the print instruction estimated time stored in the print instruction estimated time storage means,
A program for further functioning the computer.

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