JP5392013B2 - Printing system, printing apparatus, and driver program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing apparatus, and a driver program.

Some recent printing apparatuses are capable of setting the time from when printing is completed until the mode is shifted to the power saving mode (hereinafter referred to as “power saving transition time”). Such setting of the power saving transition time is performed in advance when the printing apparatus is manufactured (for example, Patent Document 1), or is performed from the touch panel of the printing apparatus.

Here, the power saving mode is a mode in which power supply to each unit (such as a print engine) in the printing apparatus is stopped in order to save power consumption in the printing apparatus. When printing is requested during the power saving mode, the printing apparatus warms up the print engine before printing and takes a long time for the printing process. Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, a state when the printing apparatus is not in the power saving transition mode is referred to as a normal mode.

JP-A-6-032027

By the way, in an environment where a plurality of users use the same printing apparatus, if the setting of the shared printing apparatus is changed for the convenience of one user, it may be inconvenient for other users. is there. For this reason, the power saving transition time set in the printing apparatus is often used without being changed.

However, depending on the set power saving transition time, power is wasted. For example, even if it is possible to shift to the power saving mode immediately after completion of printing, if a long power saving transition time is set, power is wasted.

In addition, depending on the set power saving transition time, the user's work efficiency is deteriorated. For example, when continuous printing is desired, if a short power saving transition time is set, the printer shifts to the power saving mode every time printing is performed, and the user's work efficiency is deteriorated.

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for reducing the wasteful power consumption in a printing apparatus and improving the working efficiency of a user who uses the printing apparatus, as compared with the related art.

The present invention for solving the above problems is a printing system comprising an information processing device and a printing device, wherein the information processing device generates print data that can be printed by the printing device, and shifts to a power saving state. A print data generation unit that adds power saving transition information for instructing the timing to be transmitted to the print data and transmits the print data to the print device, and the print device receives the print data and the reception unit. And a power saving control unit that determines a timing for shifting to the power saving state based on the power saving shift information added to the print data.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printing system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. 1 is a functional configuration diagram of a printing system. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen when a power saving transition time column is touched. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing when print data is received. (A) is a figure which shows the time concerning each printing processing, and a power-saving transition time when print data are sent from the first information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus almost simultaneously. (B) is a diagram showing the time required for each printing process and the power saving transition time when a plurality of print data are continuously sent from the same user (or the same device). It is a flowchart for demonstrating a power-saving transfer process.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printing system 10 to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As illustrated, the printing system 10 includes a printing apparatus 100 and a plurality of information processing apparatuses (a first information processing apparatus and a second information processing apparatus) 200. Printing device 1
00 and the respective information processing apparatuses 200 are connected to each other via a computer network such as the Internet or a LAN so as to be able to communicate with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the printing apparatus 100 and each information processing apparatus 200 (or some information processing apparatuses) are connected to each other via a cable such as a USB cable. Also good.

<Printing apparatus 100>
The printing apparatus 100 functions as a printer that executes general printing processing. As illustrated, the printing apparatus 100 includes a CPU 110, a RAM 120, a ROM 130, a timer circuit 140, an operation panel 150, a USB interface (I / F) 160, a network interface (I / F) 170, and printing. And an engine 180. Of course, the configuration of the printing apparatus 100 is not limited to the above. For example, the USB interface 160 may not be provided.

The CPU 110 is an arithmetic device that controls other units to realize various functions of the printing apparatus 100. The CPU 110 implements various functions by loading a predetermined program stored in a memory such as the ROM 130 into the RAM 120 and executing it.

For example, when receiving data to be printed (hereinafter referred to as “print data”) from the information processing apparatus 200, the CPU 110 extracts information (“power saving transition setting data” described later) added to the print data. Then, the CPU 110 outputs the received print data to the print engine 180 for printing. At the same time, the CPU 110 determines the timing for shifting to the power saving mode (hereinafter referred to as “power saving transition timing”) based on the power saving transition setting data extracted from the print data. When the CPU 110 determines the power saving transition timing, the CPU 110 uses the signals output from the timer circuit 140 at predetermined intervals to count the elapsed time after printing is completed, and at the determined power saving transition timing, the CPU 110 Switch to power saving mode.

The RAM 120 temporarily stores various programs, data, and the like, and is used as a work memory at the time of calculation by the CPU 110. For example, the RAM 120 is the information processing device 20.
Print data transmitted from 0 is temporarily stored.

The ROM 130 is a rewritable storage medium such as a Flash ROM, and stores various programs. For example, the ROM 130 stores a program for managing the state of the printing apparatus 100 (normal mode, power saving mode), a program for determining power saving transition timing, and the like.

The timer circuit 140 continues to notify the CPU 110 of a predetermined signal at a predetermined interval (for example, 1 second).

The operation panel 150 includes a liquid crystal display, a touch panel, etc., displays messages and receives instructions from the user. For example, the operation panel 150 can display a predetermined message and accept the setting of the power saving transition time (default value) from the user.

The USB interface 160 controls data exchange (reception and transmission) with the information processing apparatus 200 connected via the USB cable.

The network interface 170 controls data exchange (reception and transmission) with the information processing apparatus 200 that can communicate via the network.

The print engine 180 prints data to be printed (print data) output from the CPU 110 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 110.

FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the printing system 10. As shown in FIG.
The print data receiving unit 101, the power saving control unit 102, and the print execution unit 103 are included.

The print data receiving unit 101 receives print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200,
The data is stored in a memory such as the RAM 120. The print data receiving unit 101 notifies the print execution unit 103 of the print command received together with the print data.

The power saving control unit 102 manages the state of the printing apparatus 100 (normal mode, power saving mode).
Specifically, the power saving control unit 102 determines the power saving transition timing based on the power saving transition setting data added to the print data. Then, the power saving control unit 102 switches the printing apparatus 100 from the normal mode to the power saving mode at the determined power saving transition timing. Detailed control here will be described later. In addition, when the print data receiving unit 101 receives print data during the power saving mode, the power saving control unit 102 switches the printing apparatus 100 from the power saving mode to the normal mode. When switching from the power saving mode to the normal mode, the power saving control unit 10
2 resumes power supply to the print engine 180 and the like, and notifies the print execution unit 103 to prepare for printing.

The print execution unit 103 prints the print data received by the print data receiving unit 101. Specifically, the print execution unit 103 follows the print command received together with the print data.
The print engine 180 and the print head (not shown) are controlled to execute print processing.

The printing apparatus 100 to which the present embodiment is applied has the above-described configuration. However, the configuration of the printing apparatus 100 is not limited to this. For example, the printing apparatus 100 may be a multifunction machine having a facsimile function.

In addition, the above-described constituent elements are classified according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the printing apparatus 100. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configuration of the printing apparatus 100 can be further classified into more components depending on the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

<Information processing apparatus 200>
Returning to FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 200 will be described.

The information processing apparatus (first information processing apparatus, second information processing apparatus, etc.) 200 functions as a host computer of the printing apparatus 100. As illustrated, the information processing apparatus 200 includes a CPU 210, a RAM 220, a ROM 230, an output device 240, a keyboard,
The computer is a general computer including an input device 250 such as a mouse, a USB interface (I / F) 260, and a network interface (I / F) 270.

The CPU 210 is an arithmetic device that controls other units to realize various functions of the information processing apparatus 200. The CPU 210 implements various functions by loading a predetermined program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 230 or a hard disk (not shown) into the RAM 220 and executing it.

For example, the CPU 210 generates print data that can be printed by the printing apparatus 100, adds power saving transition setting data for instructing power saving transition timing, and transmits the data to the printing apparatus 100. Here, the power saving transition setting data includes information for specifying the power saving transition time designated by the user.

The RAM 220 temporarily stores various programs, data, etc., and is used as a work memory at the time of calculation by the CPU 210. For example, the RAM 220 temporarily stores print data, power saving transition setting data, and the like.

The ROM 230 is a storage medium such as a Flash ROM, and stores various programs.
For example, the ROM 230 stores a driver program for controlling the printing apparatus 100.

The output device 240 includes a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. Various settings screens (for example, print setting screens) are displayed on the output device 240.

The input device 250 includes a keyboard and a mouse. The input device 250 receives an instruction from the user (for example, setting of power saving transition time).

The USB interface 260 controls data exchange (reception and transmission) with the connected printing apparatus 100 via a USB cable.

The network interface 270 is a printing apparatus 1 that can communicate via a network.
Data exchange (reception, transmission) with 00 is controlled.

With reference to FIG. 2, the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 200 will be described. As shown,
The information processing apparatus 200 includes at least a printer driver 201.

The printer driver 201 generates print data and print setting screen 300.
The power saving transition setting data is generated based on the setting of the power saving transition time received in. And
The printer driver 201 adds the power saving transition setting data to the print data and transmits the print data to the printing apparatus 100. Further, the printer driver 201 generates a print command based on the setting content received on the print setting screen 300 and transmits the print command to the printing apparatus 100 together with the print data.

FIG. 3 shows a print setting screen 300 displayed on the output device 240 by the printer driver 201.
It is a figure which shows an example.

As shown in the figure, the print setting screen 300 is provided with at least a power saving transition time column 310 for setting a power saving transition time and an OK button 320 for instructing printing.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print setting screen 300 when the power saving transition time column 310 is touched.

As illustrated, when an operation of touching the power saving transition time field 310 is performed via the input device 250, the printer driver 201 displays a list 315 of candidates that can be set as the power saving transition time on the print setting screen 300. indicate. For example, the printer driver 201
Character strings such as “default”, “0 minutes”, “5 minutes”, “15 minutes”, “30 minutes”, “60 minutes” are displayed as candidates that can be set as the power saving transition time.

Here, “default” means that the power saving transition time is not specified. When “default” is selected, the printing apparatus 100 determines the power saving transition timing based on the already set power saving transition time (default value). In addition, "0 minutes"
Designating the power saving transition time as 0 minutes, that is, shifting to the power saving mode immediately after printing. In addition, “5 minutes”, “15 minutes”, “30 minutes”, “60 minutes” and the like designate the power saving transition time as that time, that is, the designated power saving transition time has elapsed after printing. It means to shift to power saving mode.

Then, when an operation of touching the OK button 320 is performed via the input device 250, the printer driver 201 performs a print command and print data based on the setting contents specified on the print setting screen 300 at that time. Generate power saving transition setting data. For example, when the OK button 320 is touched, the printer driver 201
When “30 minutes” is selected in the power saving transition time column 310 (a check mark shown in the figure), power saving transition setting data for designating the power saving transition time as “30 minutes” is generated. Then, the printer driver 201 adds the power saving transition setting data to the generated print data, and transmits it to the printing apparatus 100 together with the print command. The printer driver 201 is
For the print data to be transmitted to the printing apparatus 100, the user name (or the information processing apparatus 20)
(0 device name) is added.

The information processing apparatus 200 to which this embodiment is applied has the above configuration. However,
The configuration of the information processing apparatus 200 is not limited to this.

In addition, each of the above-described constituent elements is classified according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the information processing apparatus 200. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configuration of the information processing apparatus 200 can be classified into more components depending on the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  Next, a characteristic operation of the printing system 10 having the above configuration will be described.

<Processing when receiving print data>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing at the time of print data reception executed by the printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

For example, the print data receiving unit 101 starts this flow at the timing when print data is sent from the information processing apparatus 200. The processing of this flow is executed every time print data is sent.

When this flow is started, the print data receiving unit 101 receives the print data sent from the information processing apparatus 200 (step S101). Specifically, the print data receiving unit 101
Print data sent from the information processing apparatus 200 (print data to which power saving transition setting data is added) is stored in a memory such as the RAM 120. Further, the print data receiving unit 101 notifies the print execution unit 103 of the print command sent together with the print data.

Next, the power saving control unit 102 analyzes the power saving transition setting data added to the print data received in step S101 (step S102). Specifically, the power saving control unit 10
In step S101, the print data stored in the memory such as the RAM 120 is read in step S101, and the power saving transition setting data added to the read print data is extracted. Then, the power saving control unit 102 identifies the power saving transition time specified by the power saving transition setting data.

Then, the power saving control unit 102 determines whether the timer count of the same user name as the user who transmitted the print data (or the same device name as the information processing apparatus 200 that transmitted the print data) has already been performed at that time. (Step S103). In particular,
The power saving control unit 102 specifies the user name (or device name) added to the print data received in step S101. Then, the power saving control unit 102 searches for a timer (counting timer) having an identification ID that matches the specified user name (or device name), and if there is, the user who has transmitted the print data It is determined that the timer count for the same user name has already been performed at that time. On the other hand, if there is no timer (the counting timer) having an identification ID that matches the specified user name, the power saving control unit 102 counts the same user name as the user who sent the print data. Judge that it is not.

In step S103, when the power saving control unit 102 determines that the timer count of the same user name as the user who has transmitted the print data has not been performed (step S103).
103; No), a new timer is set (step S104). Specifically, the power saving control unit 102 generates a timer using the user name (or device name) added to the print data received in step S101 as an identification ID, and sets the generated timer count value as an initial value. (For example, “0”). Here, the power saving control unit 102 registers the identification ID (user name or device name) of the generated timer in a memory such as the RAM 120.

On the other hand, in step S103, when the power saving control unit 102 determines that the timer count of the same user name as the user who has transmitted the print data is being performed (step S103; Yes), the timer count is stopped. (Step S105).

Then, the power saving control unit 102 resets the timer stopped in step S105 (
Step S106). Specifically, the power saving control unit 102 initializes the count value of the timer stopped in step S105 (for example, “0”).

When the process of step S104 or step S106 is completed, the print execution unit 103 executes printing of the print data received in step S101 (step S107). Specifically, the print execution unit 103 reads the print data stored in the memory such as the RAM 120 in step S101. Then, the print execution unit 103 prints the read print data according to the print command notified from the print data receiving unit 101.

When the printing process in step S107 is completed, the power saving control unit 102 performs step S1.
Based on the power saving transition setting data added to the print data received in 01, the power saving transition timing for the print data is determined (step S108). Specifically, the power saving control unit 102 performs step S102 after the printing process in step S107 is completed.
The timing at which the power saving transition time specified in step elapses is determined as the power saving transition timing.

Then, the power saving control unit 102 starts counting the timer set (reset) in step S104 or step S106 (step S109). In particular,
Each time the power saving control unit 102 receives a predetermined signal output from the timer circuit 140 at predetermined intervals, the power saving control unit 102 counts up the count value for the timer set (reset) in step S104 or step S106.

The power saving control unit 102 starts counting the timer (that is, step S10).
7 is completed), it is determined whether or not the power saving transition time has elapsed (step S110). Specifically, the power saving control unit 102 determines whether the count value being counted up has reached the count value (threshold value) corresponding to the power saving transition time specified in step S102. Here, the power saving control unit 102 determines that the power saving transition time has elapsed when the count value being counted up reaches a count value (threshold) corresponding to the power saving transition time. On the other hand, if the count value being counted up has not reached the count value (threshold value) corresponding to the power saving transition time, it is determined that the power saving transition time has not yet elapsed.

The power saving control unit 102 then waits until the power saving transition time elapses after the printing process is completed (
Step S110; No), the timer count is continued. In addition, the power saving control unit 102
When the power saving transition time has elapsed (step S110; Yes), the timer count ends (step S111). Here, the power saving control unit 102 associates information indicating that the counting has been completed with the identification ID of the timer registered in step S104, stores the information in a memory such as the RAM 120, and ends this flow.

Incidentally, a plurality of information processing apparatuses 200 are connected to the printing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. Therefore, a plurality of print data may be sent from a plurality of information processing apparatuses 200 or from the same information processing apparatus 200 almost at the same time.

For example, FIG. 6A illustrates the time required for each printing process and the power saving transition time when print data is sent from the first information processing apparatus 200 and the second information processing apparatus 200 almost simultaneously. FIG. The printing apparatus 100 performs the above processing independently for both the print data sent from the first information processing apparatus 200 and the print data sent from the second information processing apparatus 200. Run the flow. Accordingly, the printing apparatus 100 can
As shown in the figure, for the print data sent from the first information processing apparatus 200, the timer count ends after the elapse of 30 minutes after the completion of printing, and the second information processing apparatus For the print data sent from 200, the timer count can be ended after the power saving transition time of 10 minutes has elapsed since the completion of printing.

Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the mode is not shifted to the power saving mode until all the timer counts are completed. For this reason, when print data is received from a plurality of information processing apparatuses 200 at substantially the same time, the power saving determined in step S108 among the power saving transition setting data (power saving transition information) added to each print data. The power saving transition timing is determined based on the power saving transition setting data with the last transition timing. In the example shown in the figure, the power saving control unit 102 indicates the timing (dotted line) at which the power saving transition time has elapsed from the completion of printing of the print data sent from the first information processing apparatus 200 as the power saving transition timing. Will be determined.

Therefore, the power saving mode is not arbitrarily switched based on the power saving transition time designated by another user (another device), and work efficiency is improved for all users who use the printing apparatus 100.

FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating the time required for each printing process and the power saving transition time when a plurality of pieces of print data are continuously sent from the same user (or the same apparatus). Also in this case, the printing apparatus 100 executes the above-described flow independently for both print data. Then, as shown in the drawing, the printing apparatus 100 performs the above-described processing of step S105 and step S106 for the print data sent later, thereby counting the timer count (30 for the print data sent first). Minutes) can be canceled and the timer can be reset.

As a result, when a plurality of print data is continuously received from the same user (or the same device), based on the power saving transition setting data (power saving transition information) added to the last received print data. Thus, the power saving transition timing is determined. In the example shown in the drawing, the power saving control unit 102 determines the timing (dotted line) at which the power saving transition time elapses 10 minutes after the printing of the last received print data is completed as the power saving transition timing.

Therefore, when printing is performed continuously, the power saving transition time specified when printing the first print data can be easily changed later, which is convenient.

<Power saving process>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the power saving transition process executed by the printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

For example, the power saving control unit 102 starts this flow at the timing when the timer is first set in a state where there is no timer being counted up.

When this flow is started, the power saving control unit 102 determines whether or not the counting has been completed for all the timers (step S201). Specifically, the power saving control unit 102 is connected to the RAM 1
With reference to the memory 20 or the like, it is determined whether or not information indicating that the counting has ended is associated with the identification IDs of all the registered timers. Here, when the information indicating that the counting has ended is associated with all the timers (identification IDs), it is determined that the counting has ended for all the timers. On the other hand, if there is a timer (identification ID) that is not associated with information indicating that the counting has ended, it is determined that there is a timer that is counting.

The power saving control unit 102 repeats the determination in the same step until it is determined that the counting has been completed for all timers (step S201; No). The power saving control unit 102
If it is determined that the counting has been completed for all the timers (step S201; Yes)
Data registered in the memory such as the RAM 120 (timer identification ID, information indicating that the count has ended) is deleted, and the process proceeds to step S202.

When the process proceeds to step S202, the power saving control unit 102 shifts the state of the printing apparatus 100 from the normal mode to the power saving mode (step S202). That is, the power saving control unit 1
02 stops power supply to each unit (such as the print engine 180) in the printing apparatus 100 in order to save power consumption in the printing apparatus 100.

  Thereafter, the power saving control unit 102 ends this flow.

By performing the processing as described above (processing when receiving print data, power saving transition processing) in the printing apparatus 100, wasteful power consumption in the printing apparatus 100 is suppressed, and the printing apparatus 100.
It is possible to improve the work efficiency of users who use.

Each processing unit of the above-described flow is divided according to main processing contents in order to make the printing apparatus 100 easy to understand. Depending on how the process steps are classified and their names,
The present invention is not limited. The processing performed by the printing apparatus 100 can be divided into more processing steps. One processing step may execute more processes.

Moreover, said embodiment intends to illustrate the summary of this invention, and does not limit this invention. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

For example, in the above embodiment, the timer function (timer count) for counting the passage of the power saving transition time is realized by software. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the printing apparatus 100 may include a plurality of timer circuits 140 having the same timer function, and may count the elapsed power saving transition time using a different timer circuit 140 (hardware) for each print data. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printing system, 100 ... Printing apparatus, 101 ... Print data receiving part, 10
2 ... Power saving control unit, 103 ... Print execution unit, 110 ... CPU (printing apparatus), 12
0 ... RAM (printing device), 130 ... ROM (printing device), 140 ... timer circuit, 150 ... operation panel, 160 ... USB interface (printing device), 1
70: Network interface (printing device), 180 ... Print engine, 2
00 ... Information processing device, 201 ... Printer driver, 210 ... CPU (Information processing device), 220 ... RAM (Information processing device), 230 ... ROM (Information processing device), 240 ..Output device 250 ... Input device 260 ... USB interface (information processing device) 270 ... Network interface (information processing device)
300 ... Print setting screen, 310 ... Power saving transition time column, 315 ... List, 320
・ ・ OK button.

Claims (4)

A printing system comprising an information processing device and a printing device,
The information processing apparatus includes:
A print data generation unit that generates print data that can be printed by the printing apparatus and adds power saving transition information for instructing the timing to shift to the power saving state to the print data and transmits the print data to the printing apparatus;
The printing apparatus includes:
A receiving unit for receiving the print data;
A power saving control unit that determines a timing for shifting to the power saving state based on the power saving transition information added to the received print data, and
The power saving control unit
If multiple print data are received from the same information processing device, the last received
The timing to shift to the power saving state based on the power saving transition information added to the print data
A printing system characterized by determining . The printing system according to claim 1,
The power saving control unit
When print data is received from a plurality of information processing apparatuses, the power saving state is set based on the power saving transition information that is the last time to shift to the power saving state among the power saving transition information added to each print data. Decide when to migrate,
A printing system characterized by that.   A printing device capable of communicating with an information processing device,
  Printing with power-saving transition information added to indicate when to enter power-saving mode
A receiving unit for receiving data from the information processing apparatus;
  Transition to the power saving state based on the power saving transition information added to the received print data
A power saving control unit that determines the timing to be performed,
  The power saving control unit
  If multiple print data are received from the same information processing device, the last received
The timing to shift to the power saving state based on the power saving transition information added to the print data
decide,
A printing apparatus characterized by that.   The printing apparatus according to claim 3,
  The power saving control unit
  When print data is received from multiple information processing devices, it is added to each print data.
Among the power saving transition information, the power saving transition information is the last time to shift to the power saving state.
Based on the power saving state,
A printing apparatus characterized by that.

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