JP6668794B2 - Printer and printer control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer and a printer control method, and more particularly to a printer and a printer control method that enable non-experts to quickly and appropriately set setting information (for example, network setting information and printer setting information).

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, printers (network-compatible printers) that communicate with a host computer using a network address (for example, network setting information such as an IP address) are known.

  When replacing a printer of this type (hereinafter referred to as a printer before replacement) with another printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer after replacement) (typically, replacing a failed printer with another printer that operates normally) In the case of replacement, setting information (for example, network setting information (for example, IP address) and printer setting information (for example, paper width, printing area, print density, printing speed)) can be reset in the printer after replacement. Desired.

  However, in order to set the setting information in the printer after the exchange, specialized knowledge and a dedicated PC are required. For example, when exchanging a printer installed in a store such as a supermarket where a POS system is installed, a specialty is required. It is difficult for a person other than the house (for example, a clerk at the store) to quickly and appropriately set the setting information in the printer after the exchange.

  On the other hand, conventionally, an interface (hereinafter, referred to as an I / F) to which an external memory such as a USB memory can be connected is provided, and it is determined whether or not the external memory is connected to the I / F. When it is determined that is connected, a printer that reads setting information from the external memory and sets the read setting information has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-164872 A

  However, according to Patent Document 1, although the setting information can be set relatively easily in the printer after the exchange, there is the following problem.

  That is, Patent Literature 1 discloses a first board (for example, a sub-board) including a first interface to which a network cable can be connected, and a second board (for example, a main board) including a second interface that can be connected to the first board. It does not relate to a printer having a first substrate and a second substrate. In a printer having the first substrate and the second substrate, even if an attempt is made to set the setting information in a procedure similar to the procedure described in Patent Document 1, the setting information There is a problem that may not be able to be set appropriately.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a non-expert in a printer including a first substrate and a second substrate (for example, a printer after replacement or a printer after new introduction). Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer and a printer control method capable of setting setting information (for example, network setting information and printer setting information) quickly and appropriately.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is a first substrate including a first interface connectable to a network cable equipped with a memory storing setting information including network setting information; A second board including a second interface connectable to the board, a first detection unit that detects whether the first board is connected to the second interface, and a second detection unit that detects whether the first board is connected to the second interface. When it is detected that the first board is connected, a reading unit that reads the setting information from the memory mounted on the network cable; and a network that is configured based on the setting information read by the reading unit. A setting unit for performing settings including a network setting with a host computer connectable via a cable; Characterized by comprising.

  According to this aspect, in a printer including the first substrate and the second substrate (for example, a printer after replacement or a printer after new introduction), even a person other than an expert can use setting information (for example, network setting). Information and printer setting information) can be provided quickly and appropriately.

  This is because when the first detecting section detects that the first board (for example, the sub-board) is connected to the second interface, the reading section reads the setting information (for example, from the memory mounted on the network cable). , Network setting information, and printer setting information), and the setting unit performs setting including network setting with a host computer connectable via a network cable based on the read setting information. It is because of that.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a third interface provided on the first substrate and connectable to a host computer is provided.

  According to this aspect, in a printer including the first substrate and the second substrate and the third interface provided on the first substrate (for example, a printer after replacement or a printer after new introduction), a person other than an expert Even if there is, it is possible to provide a printer capable of setting (succeeding) setting information (for example, network setting information and printer setting information) quickly and appropriately.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a third interface is provided on the second substrate and is connectable to a host computer.

  According to this aspect, in a printer including the first board and the second board, and the third interface provided on the second board (for example, a printer after replacement or a printer after new introduction), a person other than a specialist Even if there is, it is possible to provide a printer capable of setting (succeeding) setting information (for example, network setting information and printer setting information) quickly and appropriately.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, when the first detection unit does not detect that the first substrate is connected to the second interface, the first detection unit communicates with the host computer via the third interface. And a communication unit for performing the following.

  According to this aspect, even when the first board (sub-board) is not connected to the second interface, communication with the host computer via the third interface is performed by the operation of the communication unit. Can be.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the power supply unit is capable of supplying a first power or a second power having a lower voltage than the first power from the second substrate to the first substrate via the second interface. Further comprising: a second detection unit that detects whether the host computer is connected to the third interface; and a power supplied from the power supply unit via the second interface from the second power. A switching unit that switches to the first power, wherein the switching unit is supplied with the second power via the second interface, and the second detection unit causes the host to be connected to the third interface by the second detection unit. When it is detected that the computer is connected, the power supplied via the second interface is changed from the second power to the first power. And wherein the changing Ri.

  According to this aspect, in the normal mode, the first power is supplied from the second board to the first board via the second interface (for example, a dedicated connector), and in the power saving mode, the first power is supplied from the second board to the first board. A second power having a lower voltage than the first power can be supplied via two interfaces (for example, a dedicated connector).

  According to this aspect, when the host computer is connected to the third interface (for example, a USB connector) in a state where the second power in the power saving mode is supplied via the second interface, the switching is performed. By the operation of the unit, the power supplied via the second interface can be switched from the second power in the power saving mode to the first power in the normal mode. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent the power supply to the device connected to the third interface from being insufficient, the operation from becoming unstable, and the printer (for example, the first substrate side control unit) from shutting down.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the network cable includes a plug connectable to the first interface, the plug includes a plurality of pins conforming to a standard, and the read unit includes When the detection unit detects that the first substrate is connected to the second interface, the setting information from the memory is not used for communication with the host computer among the plurality of pins. It is characterized by reading through a pin.

  According to this aspect, in addition to the pins (8 pins) originally provided in a plug (for example, an RJ45 plug) conforming to the standard as in the prior art (for example, JP-A-2011-164872), the setting information is further stored from the memory. A general plug (RJ45 plug) conforming to the standard and a general plug to which this is mounted without preparing a special plug with additional pins (two) for reading The setting information can be read from the memory using an interface (for example, a LAN connector).

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a first board including a first interface connectable to a network cable equipped with a memory storing setting information including network setting information; A detecting method for detecting whether or not the first substrate is connected to the second interface, wherein the detecting step includes: detecting whether or not the first substrate is connected to the second interface. A step of reading the setting information from the memory mounted on the network cable when detecting that the first board is connected to the second interface by the step; and reading the setting information read by the reading step. Based on the setting information, a host computer that can be connected via the network cable A setting step of setting, including the network settings between Ta, characterized by comprising a.

  According to this aspect, in a printer including the first substrate and the second substrate (for example, a printer after replacement or a printer after new introduction), even a person other than an expert can use setting information (for example, network setting). Information and printer setting information) can be provided quickly and appropriately.

  This is because, when the detecting step detects that the first board (for example, the sub-board) is connected to the second interface, the reading step includes setting information (for example, network) from the memory mounted on the network cable. (Setting information, printer setting information) is read, and setting including network setting with a host computer connectable via a network cable is performed based on the read setting information in the setting step. Things.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a printing system (POS system) to which a printer and a printer control method according to the present invention are applied. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a LAN cable C1 with a memory 4; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a printer. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the printer 2 (printer control method). 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process when a sub-board 30 is not connected to a connector 17; 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of writing setting information PD (for example, printer setting information PD2) stored in a ROM 11c of a printer 2 (main board 10) before replacement into a memory 4. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a printer 2A according to a first modification. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a printer 2A according to a first modification. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation (a printer control method) of a printer 2A according to a first modification. FIG. 13 is a system configuration diagram of a printing system including a printer 2B according to a second modification. FIG. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a detection circuit. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a control unit. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating operation timings of a detection circuit and a power supply unit. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation (a printer control method) of a printer 2B according to a second modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the respective drawings, corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

  First, an outline of an embodiment of a printer and a printer control method of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the printer 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 2 of the present embodiment has a LAN connector 62 (first interface) to which a LAN cable C1 (network cable) equipped with a memory 4 storing setting information including network setting information can be connected. And a main board 10 (second board) including a connector 17 (second interface) connectable to the sub-board 30 and whether the sub-board 30 is connected to the connector 17 And a reading unit that reads setting information from the memory 4 mounted on the LAN cable C1 when the first detecting unit 68c detects that the sub-board 30 has been connected to the connector 17. 68a and a connection via the LAN cable C1 based on the setting information read by the reading unit 68a. A setting unit 68b for the settings including the network settings between the ability of the host computer 3 is a printer provided with a.

  The connector 17 is a connector having a special specification for connecting the main board 10 and the sub-board 30 inside the printer 2.

  According to the printer 2 of the present embodiment, in the printer 2 including the sub-board 30 (first board) and the main board 10 (second board) (for example, a printer after replacement or a printer after new introduction), It is possible to provide a printer capable of setting (succeeding) setting information (for example, network setting information and printer setting information) quickly and appropriately even by a person other than the above.

  This is because when the first detecting unit 68c detects that the sub-board 30 (first board) is connected to the connector 17 (second interface), the reading unit 68a connects the LAN cable C1 (network cable). The setting information (for example, network setting information and printer setting information) is read from the mounted memory 4 and connected via the LAN cable C1 (network cable) by the setting unit 68b based on the read setting information. This is because the setting including the network setting with the possible host computer 3 is performed.

  Hereinafter, a printing system 1 (POS system) to which a printer and a printer control method of the present invention are applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a printing system 1 (POS system) to which a printer and a printer control method according to the present invention are applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 (POS system) of the present embodiment includes a host computer 3, a LAN cable C1 with a memory 4, a USB cable C2, and a printer 2 (printing device). The host computer 3, LAN cable C1, USB cable C2, and printer 2 are installed in each lane (first to n-th lanes) in a store such as a supermarket.

  First, the host computer 3 will be described.

  Although not shown, the host computer 3 includes, as a hardware configuration, a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a HDD, and various I / Fs (interfaces) connected to the CPU via a bus.

  The printer 2 is connected to the host computer 3 via an I / F (not shown). Although not shown, the host computer 3 includes a barcode reader for reading a barcode via an I / F, a keyboard for inputting a deposit from a customer, a display for displaying a product name, a price, and the like. Connected.

  The host computer 3 has a function configuration of performing a payment process based on an input from a barcode reader or a keyboard, a function of generating print data, a printer 2 and a LAN cable C1 (typically, Ethernet (registered trademark)). Cable) or the function of communicating via the USB cable C2, the function of transmitting print data to the printer 2 via the LAN cable C1 or the USB cable C2, the setting information PD to the printer 2 via the LAN cable C1 or the USB cable C2. It has a setting function, a function of changing setting information PD stored in the printer 2 via the LAN cable C1 or the USB cable C2, and the like.

  The above functions are mainly performed by the host computer 3 (CPU) for setting or changing a predetermined program (typically, an operating system, a POS application, a printer driver, setting information, etc.) read from the ROM or the HDD into the RAM. By executing a utility for the purpose). Although not shown, the host computer 3 is also connected to a store network via an I / F.

  Next, the LAN cable C1 with the memory 4 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the LAN cable C1 with the memory 4.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a plug C1a to be attached (connected) to the printer 2 (LAN connector 62) is provided at one end of the LAN cable C1 (network cable), and the host computer 3 is provided at the other end. Is provided with a plug C1b to be attached (connected).

  The memory 4 is mounted on the LAN cable C1 (plug C1a). As the memory 4, for example, a 1-wire ROM (for example, DS2431GA manufactured by MAXIM) or another serial memory can be used.

  The plugs C1a and C1b are plugs conforming to the standard, and include a plurality of pins conforming to the standard (eight pins when an RJ45 plug is used as the plug C1a). Note that a pin is also called a terminal. As a result of the study by the present inventor, firstly, since the communication between the printer 2 and the host computer 3 has a relatively small communication amount, the communication speed of 10BASE-T (up to 10 Mbps) or the communication speed of 100BASE-T is considered. (Up to 100 Mbps) is sufficient, and can be realized by using four pins (for example, when the RJ45 plug is used as the plug C1a, the first to third pins and the sixth pin) (that is, the four pins). Second, empty pins not used for communication between the printer 2 and the host computer 3 (for example, when an RJ45 plug is used as the plug C1a, the fourth pin, the fifth pin, and the The 7th pin and the 8th pin can be used as pins for reading (or writing) the setting information PD from the memory 4 (that is, the conventional technique (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. No. 1,164,872), there is no need to add two pins for reading setting information from a memory in addition to the eight pins originally provided in a plug (RJ45 plug) conforming to the standard. That), was found.

  In the present embodiment, based on this finding, at least a part of the four unused pins not used for communication between the printer 2 and the host computer 3 is connected to the memory 4 and used for accessing the memory 4. Can be For example, when a 1-wireROM is used as the memory 4, two of the four empty pins, that is, the fourth pin is connected to the I / O terminal of the 1-wireROM, and the fifth pin is connected to the 1-wireROM. Connected to GND terminal of wireROM. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more pins among the empty pins may be connected to the memory 4 (for example, when I2C communication is used instead of 1-wire communication).

  The setting information PD including the network setting information PD1 is stored in the memory 4. The setting information PD includes at least one of the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2. In addition, the memory 4 stores a printer ID and lane information.

  The network setting information PD1 is, for example, a unique IP address assigned to the printer 2 (or a lane in which the printer 2 is installed). The printer setting information PD2 is, for example, paper width, print area, print density, print speed, font settings, and margin settings. The printer ID is unique identification information (for example, a serial number) assigned to the printer 2. The lane information is unique identification information assigned to the lane where the printer 2 is installed.

  As described above, unused pins not used for communication between the printer 2 and the host computer 3 (for example, when the RJ45 plug is used as the plug C1a, the fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth pins). Is used as a pin for reading the setting information PD from the memory 4, so that a pin (8) originally provided in a plug (RJ45 plug) compliant with the standard as in the related art (for example, JP-A-2011-164872). A general plug C1a (standard) that conforms to the standard without preparing a special plug in which pins (two) for reading setting information from the memory in addition to the special plug and a special connector to which the pin is attached is prepared. The setting information PD can be read from the memory 4 using an RJ45 plug) or a general LAN connector 62 to which the RJ45 plug is attached. Kill.

  Next, the printer 2 will be described.

  The printer 2 is typically a receipt printer (for example, a dot impact, thermal or ink jet type), and has a sub-board 30 (first board) and a main board 10 (second board) as shown in FIG. Substrate) and the like.

  The sub-board 30 (first board) includes a control unit 100 (first board-side control unit) and a LAN connector 62 (first interface) to which a LAN cable C1 (network cable) is connected via a bus. ) Etc.

  The control unit 100 includes a CPU 100a, a RAM 100b, a ROM 100c, and the like. The ROM 100c is, for example, a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash ROM, and includes a storage area for storing network setting information PD1 set or changed by a setting unit 68b described later (or by an operation from the host computer 3). Various programs such as firmware (control program) are stored in the ROM 100c.

  The LAN connector 62 is a connector provided for connecting the printer 2 to a network (host computer 3 connected to the network). The printer 2 and the host computer 3 are connected by attaching one plug C1a of the LAN cable C1 to the printer 2 (LAN connector 62) and attaching the other plug C1b to the host computer 3.

  The main board 10 (second board) includes a main control section 11 (second board side control section), a connector 17 (second interface), a USB connector 332 (third interface) connected thereto via a bus, A power switch 70, a printing unit 14 (printing mechanism), and the like are provided.

  The main control unit 11 includes a CPU 11a, a RAM 11b, a ROM 11c, and the like. The ROM 11c is a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash ROM, for example, and a storage area (for example, a memory) for storing printer setting information PD2 set or changed by an operation from the host computer 3 (or an operation from the printer 2). Switch). The ROM 11c stores various programs such as firmware (control program), a printer ID, and lane information. The printer ID and the lane information are written to the memory 4 at a predetermined timing via the LAN connector 62 (an empty pin, for example, a fourth pin). By referring to (or printing) the printer ID and the lane information written (stored) in the memory 4, the exchange history of the printer 2 for each lane can be grasped.

  The connector 17 is an interface that can be connected to the sub-board 30. The sub-board 30 is detachably mounted on an expansion slot (not shown) provided in the printer 2 to be connected to the main board 10 via the connector 17. The sub-board 30 includes various interfaces such as a parallel interface and a serial interface in addition to a network-compatible interface as in the present embodiment. The printer 2 can support various interfaces by connecting the sub-board 30 of the target interface to the main board 10. When changing the specifications of the interface of the host computer 3 with the printer 2, it is only necessary to replace the sub-board 30. Further, for example, when the printing unit 14 of the printer 2 breaks down, it is only necessary to replace the printer 2 from which the sub-board 30 has been removed, and the sub-board 30 used by the failed printer 2 is common to the printer 2 after replacement. Can be used.

  The USB connector 332 is a connector (for example, TYPE-B) provided for connecting the printer 2 to the host computer 3. The printer 2 and the host computer 3 are connected by attaching one plug C2a of the USB cable C2 to the printer 2 (USB connector 332) and attaching the other plug C2b to the host computer 3. A USB controller (not shown) is connected to the USB connector 332.

  The power switch 70 is a power switch for supplying power to the printer 2.

  The printing unit 14 (printing mechanism) includes a print head, a paper feeding mechanism, a paper cutting mechanism, and the like (all not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 2 includes, as functional components, a reading unit 68a, a setting unit 68b, a first detection unit 68c, a setting change determination unit 68d, a writing unit 68e, a print control unit 68f, and a first communication unit 33. Etc. are provided.

  Each of the above functions is realized mainly by the printer 2 (the CPU 11a on the main board 10 side) executing a predetermined program such as firmware read from the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b.

  The reading unit 68a transfers the setting information PD from the memory 4 mounted on the LAN cable C1 (plug C1a) connected to the LAN connector 62 via the LAN connector 62 (free pin, for example, the fourth pin) at a predetermined timing. Read (when 1-wireROM is used as the memory 4).

  For example, when the LAN connector 62 and the plug C1a of the LAN cable C1 are connected to each other, the power switch 70 of the printer 2 is turned on, and the first detection unit 68c described later connects the sub-board to the connector 17. 30 is the timing at which the connection is detected. The predetermined timing may be, for example, a timing at which the LAN connector 62 and the plug C1a of the LAN cable C1 are connected while the power switch 70 of the printer 2 is on.

  The setting unit 68b sets the network setting information PD1 of the setting information PD read by the reading unit 68a on the sub-board 30, and sets the printer setting information PD2 on the main board 10. Specifically, the setting unit 68b stores the network setting information PD1 of the setting information PD read by the reading unit 68a in the ROM 100c of the sub-board 30, and stores the printer setting information PD2 in the ROM 11c of the main board 10.

  The first detector 68c detects whether or not the sub-board 30 is connected to the connector 17. As a method for detecting whether or not the sub-board 30 is connected, various methods (for example, see JP-A-2015-195038) can be used.

  The setting change determining unit 68d determines whether the network setting information PD1 stored in the ROM 100c of the sub board 30 or the printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 11c of the main board 10 has been changed.

  The writing unit 68e writes the setting information PD to the memory 4 via the LAN connector 62 (an empty pin, for example, a fourth pin) (when a 1-wire ROM is used as the memory 4).

  For example, when the setting change determination unit 68d determines that the network setting information PD1 stored in the ROM 100c of the sub-board 30 has been changed, the writing unit 68e stores the changed network setting information PD1 in the memory 4 in the LAN. Writing is performed via the connector 62 (an empty pin, for example, the fourth pin). Similarly, when the setting change determination unit 68d determines that the printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 11c of the main board 10 has been changed, the writing unit 68e stores the changed printer setting information PD2 in the memory 4. Writing is performed via the LAN connector 62 (an empty pin, for example, the fourth pin).

  The print control unit 68f controls the printing unit 14 (printing mechanism) based on the print data received from the host computer 3 (and the printer setting information PD2 and the like stored in the ROM 11c of the main board 10) to print a receipt.

  The first communication unit 33 communicates with the host computer 3 via the USB connector 332. Specifically, when the first detection unit 68c does not detect that the sub board 30 is connected to the connector 17, the first communication unit 33 communicates with the host computer 3 with the USB connector 332 (and the USB cable C2). Communication via.

  Next, an example of the operation (printer control method) of the printer 2 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation (printer control method) of the printer 2 of the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, in the printing system 1 (POS system) shown in FIG. 1, the printer 2 installed in a specific lane (for example, the first lane) breaks down, and the failed printer 2 (hereinafter, the printer 2 before replacement) The following describes an example in which the printer 2 is replaced with another printer 2 that operates normally (hereinafter, referred to as the printer 2 after replacement).

  The process illustrated in FIG. 4 is executed, for example, in the printer 2 after the replacement.

  In the following description, in the memory 4 mounted on the plug C1a of the LAN cable C1, network setting information PD1 (IP address assigned to the lane) and printer setting information PD2 are stored in advance as setting information PD. Shall be. It should be noted that the printer setting information PD2 is a result of execution of a process described below (a process of writing the printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 11c of the printer 2 before replacement into the memory 4; see FIG. 6) in the printer 2 before replacement. , Written in the memory 4.

  When the printer 2 installed in a specific lane (for example, the first lane) breaks down, the printer 2 before replacement is replaced with the printer 2 after replacement in the following procedure prior to the processing shown in FIG.

  First, the printer 2 (LAN connector 62) after replacement and the host computer 3 are connected. Specifically, the LAN cable C1 (plug C1a on which the memory 4 is mounted) is removed from the printer 2 (LAN connector 62) before replacement, and the removed LAN cable C1 is connected to the printer 2 (LAN connector 62) after replacement. Connecting. At the same time, the USB cable C2 (plug C2a) is removed from the printer 2 (USB connector 332) before replacement, and the removed USB cable C2 is connected to the printer 2 (USB connector 332) after replacement. At this time, since the memory 4 storing the setting information PD is mounted on the LAN cable C1 (plug C1a) (see FIG. 2), the following effects are obtained.

  First, it is not necessary to prepare a separate external memory every time the printer 2 is replaced. Second, the management of the memory 4 in which the setting information PD is stored is easier than in the related art (for example, JP-A-2011-164872), and the setting information PD to be set in the printer 2 after the replacement is stored. In addition, an appropriate memory 4 can be prepared more quickly than the above-mentioned conventional technology. Third, there is no possibility that an erroneous memory 4 different from the appropriate memory 4 in which the setting information PD to be set in the replaced printer 2 is stored (as a result, the replaced 2 can set appropriate setting information PD). Fourth, there is no possibility of losing the memory 4.

  As described above, the memory 4 in which the setting information PD is stored is mounted on the LAN cable C1 (plug C1a). The second setting information PD (for example, the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2) can be quickly and appropriately set in the printer 2 after the replacement.

  The connection between the printer 2 (LAN connector 62) after the replacement and the host computer 3 by the LAN cable C1 and the connection between the printer 2 (USB connector 332) after the replacement and the host computer 3 by the USB cable C2 are as follows. This operation is performed while the power switch 70 of the printer 2 after the replacement is off.

  Next, the power switch 70 of the printer 2 after replacement is turned on.

  When the power switch 70 of the printer 2 after the replacement is turned on (Step S10: Yes), the CPU 11a mounted on the main board 10 of the printer 2 after the replacement performs a predetermined program (eg, firmware) read from the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b. 1 program) (step S12). As a result, the processing of steps S14 to S26 is performed. Further, the CPU 100a mounted on the sub-board 30 of the printer 2 after the replacement executes a predetermined program (second program) such as firmware read from the ROM 100c to the RAM 100b (Step S28). Thereby, the processing of steps S30 to S32 is executed.

  Specifically, first, the first detection unit 68c of the main board 10 detects whether or not the sub-board 30 is connected to the connector 17 (Step S14). This corresponds to the detection step of the present invention.

  Here, since the sub-board 30 is connected to the connector 17, the first detection unit 68c of the main board 10 detects that the sub-board 30 is connected to the connector 17 (Step S14: Yes).

  When it is detected that the sub-board 30 is connected to the connector 17 (step S14: Yes), the reading unit 68a of the main board 10 accesses the memory 4 (step S16), and reads the setting information from the memory 4. The PD is read out via the LAN connector 62 (an empty pin, for example, the fourth pin) (step S18). This corresponds to the reading step of the present invention.

  Here, since the memory 4 stores the network setting information PD1 (IP address assigned to the lane) and the printer setting information PD2 as the setting information PD, the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2 are read. It is. When at least one of the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2 is set to be read, at least one of the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2 is read based on the setting.

  As described above, the reading unit 68a of the main board 10 turns on the power switch 70 of the printer 2 at a predetermined timing, that is, with the LAN connector 62 connected to the plug C1a of the LAN cable C1 (step S10). : Yes), and at the timing when the first detecting unit 68c detects that the sub-board 30 has been connected to the connector 17 (step S14: Yes), the setting information PD from the memory 4 is transmitted to the LAN connector 62 (empty pin). (For example, the fourth pin).

  Next, the setting unit 68b of the main board 10 sets the network setting information PD1 of the setting information PD read by the reading unit 68a on the sub-board 30, and sets the printer setting information PD2 on the main board 10 (Step S20). . This corresponds to the setting step of the present invention. Specifically, the setting unit 68b of the main board 10 stores the network setting information PD1 of the setting information PD read by the reading unit 68a in the ROM 100c of the sub-board 30, and stores the printer setting information PD2 in the ROM 11c of the main board 10. Remember. That is, the setting unit 68b performs setting including network setting with the host computer 3 connectable via the LAN cable C1, based on the setting information PD read by the reading unit 68a.

  As described above, the setting information PD (the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2) is quickly and appropriately set (inherited) to the printer 2 after the replacement.

  Next, a known process is executed based on the network setting information PD1 (IP address) set in the sub-board 30 as described above, and a communication path (for example, between the host computer 3 and the printer 2 after replacement) is performed. , TCP connection) is established (step S30).

  When a communication path has been established between the host computer 3 and the printer 2 after the exchange, that is, when communication between the two is possible (step S22: Yes), the print control unit 68f of the main board 10 14 (printing mechanism) to print that fact (step S24). As a result, even if a person other than a specialist confirms the print contents, the setting based on the network setting information PD1 is performed, and communication with the host computer 3 is enabled. Can be easily grasped.

  After that, the printer 2 after the exchange communicates with the host computer 3 via the LAN cable C1 based on the network setting information PD1 (IP address) set in the printer 2 (sub-board 30) after the exchange as described above. To communicate.

  Then, when the print data is received from the host computer 3 via the LAN cable C1 (and the LAN connector 62) (step S32: Yes), the print control unit 68f of the printer 2 after replacement replaces the received print data and The printing unit 14 (printing mechanism) is controlled to print a receipt based on the printer setting information PD2 and the like set in the printer 2 (main board 10) after the replacement as described above (step S26).

  Next, processing when the sub-board 30 is not connected to the connector 17 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a process when the sub-board 30 is not connected to the connector 17.

  When the first detection unit 68c does not detect that the sub-board 30 is connected to the connector 17 (step S14: No), that is, when the sub-board 30 is not connected to the connector 17, the printer 2 (the first communication unit) 33) communicates with the host computer 3 via the USB connector 332 (and the USB cable C2). For example, the printer 2 communicates with the host computer 3 via the USB connector 332 (and the USB cable C2) from the first communication unit 33 to the USB cable C2 (and the USB connector 332) from the host computer 3. Print data is received via the. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, when the print data is received from the host computer 3 via the USB cable C2 (and the USB connector 332) (step S34: Yes), the print control unit 68f of the printer 2 after the exchange The printing unit 14 (printing mechanism) is controlled to print a receipt based on the received print data and the printer setting information PD2 and the like set in the printer 2 (main board 10) after the exchange (step S36).

  As described above, even when the sub-board 30 (first board) is not connected to the connector 17 (second interface) (step S14: No), the operation of the first communication unit 33 (communication unit) is performed. And the host computer 3 via the USB connector 332 (third interface).

  Next, an example of a process of writing the setting information PD (for example, the printer setting information PD2) stored in the ROM 11c of the printer 2 (main board 10) before replacement into the memory 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of writing setting information PD (for example, printer setting information PD2) stored in the ROM 11c of the printer 2 (main board 10) before replacement into the memory 4.

  The process illustrated in FIG. 6 is, for example, a process executed in the printer 2 before the replacement (the same applies to the printer 2 after the replacement). The printer 2 (the CPU 11a) before the replacement is mainly read from the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b. This is realized by executing a predetermined program such as firmware.

  The printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 11c of the printer 2 (main board 10) before replacement is written to the memory 4 every time at least a part of the printer setting information PD2 is changed. Specifically, it is written as follows. At least a part of the printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 11c of the printer 2 (main board 10) before replacement is changed based on an operation from the host computer 3 (or an operation from the printer 2 before replacement). .

  First, the printer 2 (setting change determination unit 68d) before replacement determines whether the printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 11c of the main board 10 has been changed (Step S80).

  If it is determined that the printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 11c of the main board 10 has been changed (for example, changed based on an operation from the host computer 3) (Step S80: Yes), the printer 2 before replacement (Yes). The writing unit 68e) writes the changed printer setting information PD2 into the memory 4 via the LAN connector 62 (an empty pin, for example, a fourth pin) (Step S82).

  As described above, the printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 11c of the printer 2 before replacement is written to the memory 4 every time at least a part of the printer setting information PD2 is changed (for example, overwritten). ). The network setting information PD1 stored in the ROM 100c of the printer 2 before replacement is also written (for example, overwritten) in the memory 4 every time the network setting information PD1 is changed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a printer including the sub-board 30 (first board) and the main board 10 (second board) and the USB connector 332 (third interface) provided on the main board 10 For example, in a printer after replacement or a printer after new installation, even a person other than a specialist can quickly and appropriately set (succeed) setting information PD (for example, network setting information PD1 and printer setting information PD2). A printer and a printer control method that can be provided.

  This is because when the first detection unit 68c of the main board 10 detects that the sub-board 30 (first board) has been connected to the connector 17 (second interface), the LAN cable C1 ( The setting information PD (for example, the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2) is read from the memory 4 mounted on the plug C1a of the network cable), and is set by the setting unit 68b based on the read setting information PD. This is because the setting including the network setting with the host computer 3 connectable via the LAN cable C1 (network cable) is performed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, even when the sub-board 30 (first board) is not connected to the connector 17 (second interface) (step S14: No), the first communication unit 33 (communication unit) ), Communication with the host computer 3 can be performed via the USB connector 332 (third interface).

  Further, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the pins (8) originally provided in a plug (RJ45 plug) conforming to the standard as in the prior art (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-164872), settings are further made from the memory. Without preparing a special plug with additional pins (two) for reading information or a special connector to which it is attached, a general plug C1a (RJ45 plug) conforming to the standard or a general plug to which it is attached The setting information PD can be read from the memory 4 using a typical LAN connector 62.

  This is because, of the plurality of pins forming the plug C1a of the LAN cable C1, unused pins not used for communication between the printer 2 and the host computer 3 (for example, when an RJ45 plug is used as the plug C1a, This is because pins (fifth, fifth, seventh, and eighth pins) are used as pins for reading the setting information PD from the memory 4.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, even a person other than a specialist can exchange the changed setting information PD changed (for example, changed based on an operation from the host computer 3) by the printer 2 before the exchange. The settings can be quickly and appropriately set in the printer 2 later.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the setting information PD is converted by a very simple procedure of turning on the power switch 70 of the printer 2 while the LAN connector 62 and the plug C1a of the LAN cable C1 are connected. It can be set to the printer 2 after replacement.

  In the above embodiment, a receipt printer is exemplified as the printer 2, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to printers other than the receipt printer.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the printer and the printer control method according to the present invention are described assuming that the printer 2 installed in a specific lane (for example, the first lane) fails in the printing system 1 (POS system) shown in FIG. In the case where the failed printer 2 is replaced with another printer 2 that operates normally, an example in which the failed printer 2 is applied to another printer 2 after the replacement has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, in the printing system 1 (POS system) shown in FIG. 1, when a printer 2 is newly installed in a specific lane (for example, the (n + 1) th lane), the present invention can be applied to the printer 2 after the new installation.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the reading unit 68a transmits the setting information PD from the memory 4 to the LAN connector 62 (empty pin) at a predetermined timing, that is, when the power switch 70 of the printer 2 is turned on (step S10: Yes). For example, the reading has been described through the fourth pin (step S18), but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the reading unit 68a outputs the data from the memory 4 at another predetermined timing, for example, at the timing when the LAN connector 62 and the plug C1a of the LAN cable C1 are connected under the state where the power switch 70 of the printer 2 after replacement is on. The setting information PD may be read out via the LAN connector 62 (an empty pin, for example, the fourth pin).

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the network setting information PD1 is an IP address has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another network address can be used as the network setting information PD1.

  In the above-described embodiment, the reading unit 68a, the setting unit 68b, the first detecting unit 68c, the setting change determining unit 68d, the writing unit 68e, and the printing control unit 68f are executed by the CPU 11a on the main board 10 side to execute the first program. Although an example realized by performing the above has been described, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, at least one or all of the reading unit 68a, the setting unit 68b, the first detecting unit 68c, the setting change determining unit 68d, the writing unit 68e, and the printing control unit 68f are executed by the CPU 100a on the sub-substrate 30 side. May be implemented.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the LAN connector 62 is used as the first interface and the connector 17 is used as the second interface has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another appropriate interface may be used.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the USB connector 332 is used as the third interface has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another interface such as a serial interface or a parallel interface may be used.

  Next, a printer 2A of a first modified example will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the printer 2A according to the first modification.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the printer 2A of this modification is different from the printer 2 of the above embodiment in that a USB connector 332 (third interface) is provided on the sub-board 30A. The configuration is the same as that of the printer 2 of the embodiment. Hereinafter, differences from the printer 2 of the above embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a printer 2A according to a first modification.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the printer 2A according to the present modification includes a notification unit in addition to a first detection unit 68c, a setting change determination unit 68d, a writing unit 68e, a print control unit 68f as a functional configuration on the main board 10A side. 68 g. These functions are mainly realized when the CPU 11a (second board-side control unit) on the main board 10A executes a predetermined program (first program) such as firmware read from the ROM 11c to the RAM 11b.

  When the first detection unit 68c detects that the sub-board 30A is connected to the connector 17, the notification unit 68g notifies the CPU 100a on the sub-board 30A of the detection result via the connector 17.

  The first detection unit 68c, the setting change determination unit 68d, the writing unit 68e, and the print control unit 68f are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

  Further, the printer 2A of the present modification includes a reading unit 68a, a setting unit 68b, and the like as a functional configuration on the sub-board 30A side. These functions are mainly realized by the CPU 100a (first board-side control unit) on the sub-board 30A executing a predetermined program (second program) such as firmware read from the ROM 100c into the RAM 100b.

  The reading unit 68a transfers the setting information PD from the memory 4 mounted on the LAN cable C1 (plug C1a) connected to the LAN connector 62 via the LAN connector 62 (free pin, for example, the fourth pin) at a predetermined timing. Read (when 1-wireROM is used as the memory 4).

  The predetermined timing is, for example, when the LAN connector 62 and the plug C1a of the LAN cable C1 are connected, the power switch 70 of the printer 2A is turned on, and the detection result (the sub-board 30A (A detection result indicating that is connected). The predetermined timing may be, for example, a timing at which the LAN connector 62 and the plug C1a of the LAN cable C1 are connected while the power switch 70 of the printer 2A is on.

  The setting unit 68b is the same as in the above embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, an example of the operation (printer control method) of the printer 2A of the present modified example will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation (printer control method) of the printer 2A of the present modification.

  Hereinafter, in the printing system 1A (POS system) shown in FIG. 7, the printer 2A installed in a specific lane (for example, the first lane) fails, and the failed printer 2A (hereinafter, the printer 2A before replacement) The following describes an example in which the printer 2A is replaced with another printer 2A that operates normally (hereinafter, referred to as the printer 2A after replacement).

  The process illustrated in FIG. 9 is executed, for example, in the printer 2A after the replacement.

  In the following description, it is assumed that network setting information PD1 (IP address assigned to the lane) and printer setting information PD2 are stored in advance in memory 4 as setting information PD. Note that the printer setting information PD2 is obtained by executing the process illustrated in FIG. 6 (the process of writing the printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 11c of the printer 2A before replacement into the memory 4) in the printer 2A before replacement. It has been written to the memory 4.

  When the printer 2A installed in a specific lane (for example, the first lane) breaks down, prior to the processing shown in FIG. 9, the printer 2A before replacement is replaced with the printer 2A after replacement by the same procedure as in the above embodiment. Replace with

  Next, the power switch 70 of the replaced printer 2A is turned on.

  When the power switch 70 of the printer 2A after replacement is turned on (Step S40: Yes), the CPU 11a mounted on the main board 10A of the printer 2A after replacement replaces a predetermined program (eg, firmware) read from the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b. 1 program) (step S42). Thereby, the processing of steps S44 to S54 is executed. The CPU 100a mounted on the sub-board 30A of the printer 2A after replacement executes a predetermined program (second program) such as firmware read from the ROM 100c to the RAM 100b (Step S56). Thereby, the processing of steps S58 to S68 is executed.

  Specifically, first, the first detection unit 68c of the main board 10A detects whether or not the sub-board 30A is connected to the connector 17 (Step S44).

  Here, since the sub-board 30A is connected to the connector 17, the first detection unit 68c of the main board 10A detects that the sub-board 30A is connected to the connector 17 (Step S44: Yes).

  When the first detection unit 68c detects that the sub-board 30A is connected to the connector 17 (step S44: Yes), the notification unit 68g mounts the detection result on the sub-board 30A via the connector 17. The CPU 100a (the first board-side control unit) is notified (step S46).

  Next, when the notification of the detection result is received from the main board side (step S58: Yes), the reading unit 68a of the sub board 30A accesses the memory 4 (step S60) and reads the setting information PD from the memory 4. Reading is performed via the LAN connector 62 (an empty pin, for example, the fourth pin) (step S62).

  Here, since the memory 4 stores the network setting information PD1 (IP address assigned to the lane) and the printer setting information PD2 as the setting information PD, the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2 are read. It is. When at least one of the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2 is set to be read, at least one of the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2 is read based on the setting.

  As described above, the reading unit 68a of the sub-board 30A turns on the power switch 70 of the printer 2A at a predetermined timing, that is, under the state where the LAN connector 62 and the plug C1a of the LAN cable C1 are connected (step S40). : Yes), and at the timing when the notification unit 68g notifies that the sub-board 30A has been connected to the connector 17 (that is, the detection result) (Step S58: Yes), the setting information PD is transmitted from the memory 4 to the LAN connector 62. (A vacant pin, for example, the fourth pin).

  Next, the setting unit 68b of the sub-board 30A sets the network setting information PD1 of the setting information PD read by the reading unit 68a to the sub-board 30A, and sets the printer setting information PD2 to the main board 10A (step S64). . Specifically, the setting unit 68b of the sub-board 30A stores the network setting information PD1 of the setting information PD read by the reading unit 68a in the ROM 100c of the sub-board 30A, and stores the printer setting information PD2 in the ROM 11c of the main board 10A. Remember. That is, the setting unit 68b performs setting including network setting with the host computer 3 connectable via the LAN cable C1, based on the setting information PD read by the reading unit 68a.

  As described above, the setting information PD (the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2) is quickly and appropriately set (inherited) to the printer 2A after the replacement.

  As described above, while the processing (steps S60 to S64) is performed by the reading unit 68a and the setting unit 68b on the sub-board 30A side, the main control unit 11 (second board-side control unit) on the main board 10A is Then, other processing such as mechanical initialization is executed (step S48). That is, the processing executed by the control unit 100 (first substrate-side control unit) (processing by the reading unit 68a and the setting unit 68b; steps S60 to S64) and the other operations executed by the main control unit 11 (second substrate-side control unit) (For example, mechanical initialization; step S48) is performed in parallel.

  Next, a known process is executed based on the network setting information PD1 (IP address) set in the sub-board 30A as described above, and a communication path (for example, between the host computer 3 and the replaced printer 2A). , TCP connection) is established (step S66).

  When a communication path has been established between the host computer 3 and the printer 2A after replacement, that is, when communication between the two is possible (step S50: Yes), the print control unit 68f of the main board 10A sets the printing unit 14 (printing mechanism) to print that effect (step S52). As a result, even if a person other than a specialist confirms the print contents, the setting based on the network setting information PD1 is performed, and communication with the host computer 3 is enabled. Can be easily grasped.

  Thereafter, based on the network setting information PD1 (IP address) set in the printer 2A (sub-board 30A) after the replacement as described above, the printer 2A after the replacement communicates with the host computer 3 via the LAN cable C1. To communicate.

  Then, when print data is received from the host computer 3 via the LAN cable C1 (and the LAN connector 62) (step S68: Yes), the print control unit 68f of the printer 2A after replacement replaces the received print data and the The printing unit 14 (printing mechanism) is controlled to print a receipt based on the printer setting information PD2 and the like set in the replaced printer 2A (main board 10A) as described above (step S54).

  On the other hand, when the first detection unit 68c does not detect that the sub-board 30 is connected to the connector 17 (step S44: No), that is, when the sub-board 30 is not connected to the connector 17, the printer 2A (first The communication unit 33) communicates with the host computer 3 via the USB connector 332 (and the USB cable C2) as in the above embodiment. For example, in the printer 2A, the first communication unit 33 communicates with the host computer 3 via the USB connector 332 (and the USB cable C2), so that the USB cable C2 (and the USB connector 332) can be transmitted from the host computer 3. Print data is received via the. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, when the print data is received from the host computer 3 via the USB cable C2 (and the USB connector 332) (step S34: Yes), the print control unit 68f of the printer 2 after the exchange The printing unit 14 (printing mechanism) is controlled to print a receipt based on the received print data and the printer setting information PD2 or the like set in the replaced printer 2A (main board 10) (step S36).

  As described above, even when the sub-board 30 (first board) is not connected to the connector 17 (second interface) (step S44: No), the host computer 3 is operated by the operation of the first communication unit 33. Can be communicated with the device via the USB connector 332 (third interface).

  According to this modification, a printer (for example, after replacement) including the sub-board 30 (first board) and the main board 10 (second board), and the USB connector 332 (third interface) provided on the sub-board 30 Printers and printer controls that allow non-experts to quickly and appropriately set (succeed) setting information PD (for example, network setting information PD1 and printer setting information PD2) in printers and printers after new installation. We can provide a method.

  Further, according to the present modified example, the processing executed by the control unit 100 (first substrate-side control unit) (processing by the reading unit 68a and the setting unit 68b; steps S60 to S64) and the main control unit 11 (second substrate-side control unit) Other processing (for example, mechanical initialization; step S48) executed by the control unit) can be executed in parallel.

  Further, according to the present modification, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

  Next, a printer 2B of a second modification will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams mainly showing an example of the system configuration of the printer 2B of the second modified example.

  The printer 2B of this modified example is different from the printer 2A of the first modified example in that a configuration for realizing a power saving mode is added. It has a similar configuration. Hereinafter, description will be made focusing on differences from the printer 2A of the first modification, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

  The printer 2B of the present modified example supplies a DC power W1 (first power, for example, a voltage of 24 V) from the main board 10 (second board) to the sub-board 30 (first board) via the connector 17 (second interface). , A current of 100 mA) or a DC power W2 (second power, for example, a voltage of 5 V and a current of 100 mA) that is lower in voltage than the DC power W1 (for example, an AC adapter 7 described later, a printing apparatus-side power supply circuit 15). ), A second detection unit (for example, a detection circuit 37 described later) that detects whether the host computer 3 is connected to the USB connector 332 (third interface), and a power supply unit via the connector 17. (For example, a switching unit that switches the power supplied from the AC power supply 7 to the DC power W1 from the DC power W2). For example, a, a switch 51, OR gate 52) will be described later.

  The switching unit (for example, the switch 51, the OR gate 52) is supplied with the DC power W2 via the connector 17, and is connected to the USB connector 332 by the second detection unit (for example, the detection circuit 37 described later). When it is detected that the computer 3 is connected, the power supplied via the connector 17 is switched from the DC power W2 to the DC power W1.

  Hereinafter, the printer 2B of the second modified example (mainly, a configuration for realizing the power saving mode) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the printer 2 is referred to as the printing device 2, and the host computer 3 (the plug C2a of the USB cable C2) is referred to as a USB device.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the printing system 1 includes a printing device 2 and a host computer 3 that communicates with the printing device 2 and causes the printing device 2 to perform printing. The printing device 2 and the host computer 3 are communicably connected via a network 5 conforming to the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard.

  The host computer 3 has an application for creating print data and a printer driver. The host computer 3 generates information on images and characters to be printed by the printing apparatus 2 using a user's instruction or the like as a trigger. The host computer 3 generates control data of a command system that can be interpreted by the printing apparatus 2 based on the generated image and character information. The host computer 3 transmits the generated control data to the printing device 2 via the network 5. The printing device 2 prints an image on printing paper based on the control data received from the host computer 3.

  The printing apparatus 2 includes a main board 10 and a sub board 30 as an extension board.

  The main board 10 includes a main control unit 11, a nonvolatile memory 12, a buffer memory 13, a printing unit 14, and a printing apparatus side power supply circuit 15.

  The main control unit 11 controls a printing operation as a print engine and centrally controls each unit of the printing apparatus 2. The nonvolatile memory 12 stores programs executed by the main control unit 11, various data, and the like. The buffer memory 13 temporarily stores data received from the host computer 3. The printing unit 14 includes hardware for printing on printing paper under the control of the main control unit 11.

  The printing apparatus-side power supply circuit 15 is connected to the AC adapter 7 that converts commercial AC power into DC power W1. The printing apparatus-side power supply circuit 15 converts the voltage V1 of the DC power W1 (for example, voltage 24 V, current 100 mA) input from the AC adapter 7 into a voltage V2 (for example, 5 V). The printing apparatus-side power supply circuit 15 supplies voltage-converted DC power W2 (for example, voltage 5V, current 100mA, second power) to each part of the main board 10. Further, the printing apparatus-side power supply circuit 15 supplies the DC power W2 to the sub-board 30. The sub-board 30 receives the supply of the DC power W1 from the AC adapter 7.

  The main board 10 has a connector 17 (second interface) mounted thereon, and the sub-board 30 is detachably attached to the main board 10 via the connector 17. The sub-board 30 is an extension board for the main control unit 11 of the main board 10 to exchange data with the host computer 3, and the sub-board 30 has a communication processing unit 35 mounted thereon.

  FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of the sub-board 30.

  The communication processing unit 35 of the sub-board 30 includes a power supply unit 50, an electronic component 31, a first communication unit 33, a second communication unit 34, a detection circuit 37 (second detection unit), and a control unit 100. The power supply unit 50 includes a switch 51, an OR gate 52, a first voltage converter 53, a second voltage converter 54, a third voltage converter 55, a fourth voltage converter 56, and an OR gate 57. The first communication unit 33 includes a USB controller 331 and a USB connector 332 (third interface). The second communication unit 34 includes a MAC (Media Access Control) unit 341, a PHY (Physical Layer) unit 342, and a LAN connector 62 (first interface), not shown.

  The switch 51 controls the input of the DC power W1 supplied from the AC adapter 7 to the power supply unit 50 under the control of the control unit 100. When the switch 51 is turned off by the control unit 100, the supply of the current to the power supply unit 50 is cut off. Therefore, the supply of the DC power W1 to the power supply unit 50 is cut off.

  The OR gate 52 outputs the DC power W2 supplied from the printing apparatus power supply circuit 15 to the first voltage converter 53. When the switch 51 is turned on and the DC power W1 is supplied from the AC adapter 7, the OR gate 52 outputs the supplied DC power W1 to the first voltage conversion unit 53. That is, when the switch 51 is turned on, the OR gate 52 outputs both the DC powers W1 and W2 to the first voltage converter 53.

  The first voltage converter 53, the second voltage converter 54, the third voltage converter 55, and the fourth voltage converter 56 are configured by a DC-DC converter. Various circuits such as a linear regulator, a chopper circuit, and a switching regulator can be used for the DC-DC converter.

  When the switch 51 is turned on and the DC powers W1 and W2 are input via the OR gate 52, the first voltage converter 53 converts the voltage V1 to a voltage using the voltage V1 of the DC power W1, for example. After the conversion, a voltage V3 (for example, 3.3 V), which is a system power supply, is generated. Further, the first voltage converter 53 may convert the voltage V2 to generate the voltage V3.

  When the switch 51 is turned off and the supply of the DC power W1 is cut off, the first voltage converter 53 converts the voltage V2 of the DC power W2 into a voltage V3.

  The first voltage conversion unit 53 outputs the generated voltage V3 to the control unit 100, the second communication unit 34, the second voltage conversion unit 54, and the third voltage conversion unit 55. The control unit 100 performs communication with the second communication unit 34 using the voltage V3. Further, the second communication unit 34 operates using the voltage V3 as a driving voltage.

  The second voltage converter 54 converts the voltage V3 input from the first voltage converter 53 into a voltage V4 (for example, 1.5 V). The second voltage converter 54 supplies the generated voltage V4 to the electronic component 31. The electronic component 31 includes, for example, a memory such as a DRAM for storing data. Further, the second voltage conversion unit 54 supplies the generated voltage V4 to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 uses the voltage V4 to write data to the memory as the electronic component 31 and read data from the memory.

  The third voltage converter 55 converts the voltage V3 input from the first voltage converter 53 into a voltage V5 (for example, 1.1 V). The third voltage conversion unit 55 supplies the generated voltage V5 to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 operates with the voltage V5 supplied from the third voltage conversion unit 55.

  The fourth voltage converter 56 converts (steps down) the voltage V1 of the DC power W1 input from the AC adapter 7 to generate a DC power W3 of a voltage V6 (for example, 5 V) and a current of 550 mA. The generated DC power W3 is output to the OR gate 57.

  The DC power W2 is input to the OR gate 57 from the printing apparatus side power supply circuit 15, and when the switch 51 is on, the DC power W3 is also input from the fourth voltage converter 56.

  The OR gate 57 outputs the DC power W2 input from the printing apparatus power supply circuit 15 to the USB controller 331. When the switch 51 is turned on and the DC power W3 is input from the fourth voltage converter 56, the OR gate 57 outputs the input DC power W3 to the USB controller 331. When the switch 51 is turned on, the OR gate 57 outputs both the DC powers W3 and W2 to the USB controller 331.

  A current limiting circuit (not shown) is provided between the OR gate 57 and the USB controller 331. The current limiting circuit limits the current of the DC power W3 supplied from the fourth voltage converter 56 to the USB controller 331 from 550 mA to 500 mA.

  The USB controller 331 is connected to the USB connector 332, and performs bidirectional data communication with the USB device connected to the USB connector 332 according to the USB standard under the control of the control unit 100.

  When the switch 51 is on, the USB controller 331 is supplied with a DC power W4 (first power) having a voltage V6 (5 V) and a current of 500 mA, and a DC power W2 having a voltage V2 (5 V) and a current of 100 mA. . The DC power W2 supplied from the printing apparatus side power supply circuit 15 is lower in power than the DC power W6 supplied from the fourth voltage converter 56.

  The USB controller 331 uses the DC powers W4 and W2 as a drive voltage for the first communication unit 33. The USB controller 331 supplies the DC power W4 to the USB connector 332 when a USB device is connected to the USB connector 332. Specifically, the USB controller 331 applies a voltage V6 (5 V) to a terminal (referred to as a VBUS terminal) of a USB connector 332 connected to a power supply line (VBUS) of a USB cable connected to a USB device, The DC power W4 is supplied to the USB device.

  When the switch 51 is off, the USB controller 331 is supplied with a voltage V2 (5 V) and a DC power W2 of 100 mA. The USB controller 331 uses the DC power W2 as a drive voltage for the first communication unit 33. When a USB device is connected to the USB connector 332 via a USB cable, the USB controller 331 applies a voltage V2 (5 V) to the VBUS terminal of the USB connector 332 and supplies DC power W2 to the USB device. I do. Further, the USB controller 331 applies the voltage V2 to the VBUS terminal of the USB connector 332 as a temporary voltage even when the USB device is not connected to the USB connector 332. This is a voltage for coping with a case where a USB device operating with USB bus power is connected to the USB connector 332.

  The USB connector 332 is a connector for connecting a USB device to the USB controller 331. The USB connector 332 has four output terminals, a VBUS terminal to which a voltage of 5 V is connected, a GND terminal, and a D + terminal and a D- terminal as data lines.

  The MAC unit 341 is a controller for data link layer processing of the Ethernet, and divides data into packets according to the standard of the network 5, and conversely, assembles packets received via the network 5 into data.

  The PHY unit 342 is a controller that plays the physical layer of Ethernet. The PHY unit 342 converts the encoded data into a signal according to the signal standard of the communication cable, and encodes the received signal. The PHY unit 342 monitors the network 5 and detects a state in which a control data packet related to printing has not been received for a predetermined period of time as an LPI (Low Power Idle) state. When detecting the LPI state, the PHY unit 342 outputs a signal indicating the detection of the LPI state (hereinafter, referred to as a first detection signal) to the control unit 100. Further, when detecting the reception of the control data packet after outputting the first detection signal to the control unit 100, the PHY unit 342 outputs a signal notifying the reception of the packet (hereinafter, referred to as a second detection signal) to the control unit 100. Output to 100.

  The control unit 100 controls the functional units mounted on the sub-board 30 to realize communication conforming to the Ethernet standard and communication conforming to the USB standard.

  The communication processing unit 35 has a normal mode (first mode) and a power saving mode (second mode) as operation modes. The normal mode refers to a mode in which power supply to all components on the sub-substrate 30 is not limited, and all components on the sub-substrate 30 are in a driving state or a drivable state. In the normal mode, the control unit 100 turns on the switch 51 and supplies the DC power W1 to the power supply unit 50.

  The power saving mode is a mode in which power supply to some components on the sub-board 30 is limited to reduce power consumption of the sub-board 30. For example, when the PHY unit 342 detects the LPI state, the control unit 100 stops power supply to the MAC unit 341 that is an upper layer of the PHY unit 342. The control called LPI specified in az is performed.

  In the power saving mode, the control unit 100 turns off the switch 51 to stop the supply of the DC power W1 to the power supply unit 50, thereby reducing the power consumption of the communication processing unit 35. Further, since the supply of the DC power W1 to the power supply unit 50 is stopped, the power supply unit 50 changes the voltage V3 (3.3 V) required as the system power supply and the voltage applied to the VBUS terminal of the USB connector 332 to It is generated based on the DC power W2 supplied from the printing apparatus side power supply circuit 15 of the main board 10.

  In the power saving mode, the control unit 100 operates with a low-speed clock whose operating frequency is lower than that in the normal mode.

  The detection circuit 37 (second detection unit) is a circuit that detects connection of the USB device to the USB connector 332.

  The current required for the operation of a USB device that operates by receiving power supply from the first communication unit 33 differs for each USB device. For example, devices that consume a relatively large amount of current, such as hard disks and scanners, require a current of about 500 mA. Therefore, the USB controller 331 needs to recognize the USB device connected to the USB connector 332. However, when a USB device such as a wireless converter that uses only the power supply lines of VBUS and GND and does not use the signal lines D + and D− is connected, the USB controller 331 recognizes which device is connected. Can not.

  In the power saving mode, the power supplied to the USB controller 331 is the DC power W2 lower than the DC power W4. Therefore, when the supply of the current to the USB device is insufficient, the USB device is not correctly recognized. The operation may become unstable, and the control unit 100 may shut down.

  When the control unit 100 is in the power saving mode, the detection circuit 37 detects connection of a USB device to the USB connector 332 and outputs an interrupt signal to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 that has received the interrupt signal starts up from the power saving mode and turns on the switch 51. As a result, the supply of the power W1 input from the AC adapter 7 to the power supply unit 50 is restarted, and the 5 V, 500 mA DC power W4 is supplied to the USB controller 331.

  FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of the detection circuit 37.

  The detection circuit 37 is configured by a hysteresis comparator having an operational amplifier 38. The resistor R5 is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 38, and the resistor R6 is connected to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 38. A resistor R7 is connected between the output terminal of the operational amplifier 38 and the non-inverting input terminal.

  The other end of the resistor R5 connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 38 is connected to a voltage dividing circuit 42 in which resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series. A voltage obtained by dividing the voltage V2 supplied from the printing apparatus side power supply circuit 15 by the voltage dividing circuit 42 is supplied to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 38.

  Further, a voltage dividing circuit 41 in which resistors R3 and R4 are connected in series is connected to the opposite end of the resistor R6 connected to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 38. A voltage obtained by dividing the voltage V7 output from the OR gate 57 by the voltage dividing circuit 42 is supplied to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 38. The output terminal of the operational amplifier 38 is connected to the control unit 100.

  The voltage V7, which is the output voltage of the OR gate 57, is not a voltage supplied only to the detection circuit 37, but a voltage supplied to a plurality of elements such as a boost terminal of a DC-DC converter. Therefore, the voltage V7 is lower than the voltage V2. When a high-load USB device is connected to the USB connector 332, the voltage V7 drops before the voltage V2 because the voltage is supplied to the plurality of elements.

  The detection circuit 37 outputs an interrupt signal to the control unit 100 when the difference between the voltage V2 as the reference voltage and the voltage V7 is larger than a preset value.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the control unit 100. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating operation timings of the detection circuit and the power supply unit, and FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating voltage changes between the voltage V7 and the interrupt signal. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a change between the voltage V1 input to the power supply circuit and the voltage V6.

  The control unit 100 determines whether the first detection signal has been input from the PHY unit 342 (step S1). The PHY unit 342 monitors the network 5 and outputs a first detection signal to the control unit 100 when a control data packet has not been received for a predetermined period of time.

  If the first detection signal has not been input from PHY section 342 (step S1 / NO), control section 100 repeats the processing of step S1. Further, when the control unit 100 receives the first detection signal from the PHY unit 342 (step S1 / YES), the control unit 100 determines whether or not an interrupt signal is input from the detection circuit 37 (step S2). When the control unit 100 determines that the interrupt signal is input from the detection circuit 37 (step S2 / YES), the control unit 100 stops shifting to the power saving mode and ends this processing flow.

  When the control unit 100 determines that the interrupt signal is not input from the detection circuit 37 (step S2 / NO), the control unit 100 turns off the switch 51 and shifts to the power saving mode (step S3). When the switch 51 is turned off, the supply of the voltage V1 to the power supply unit 50 is cut off, and the voltage used to generate the voltage V3 (3.3 V), which is the system power supply, is changed from the voltage V1 (24 V) to the voltage V2. (5V). Further, the supply of the DC power W4 to the USB controller 331 is stopped. The USB controller 331 applies the voltage V2 of the DC power W2 supplied from the printing apparatus-side power supply circuit 15 to the VBUS terminal of the USB connector 332.

  In the power saving mode, the control unit 100 operates with a low-speed clock whose operating frequency is lower than that in the normal mode.

  When shifting to the power saving mode, the control unit 100 monitors an interrupt signal input from the detection circuit 37. When an interrupt signal is input from the detection circuit 37 (step S4 / YES), the control unit 100 switches the operation mode to the normal mode and turns on the switch 51 (step S6). The control unit 100 changes the operation clock to a high-speed clock having an operation frequency higher than the operation clock in the power saving mode.

  When the interrupt signal has not been input from the detection circuit 37 (step S4 / NO), the control unit 100 determines whether the second detection signal has been input from the PHY unit 342 (step S5). When the second detection signal has not been input from the PHY unit 342 (step S5 / NO), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S4, and monitors the interrupt signal input from the detection circuit 37. In addition, when the second detection signal is input from the PHY unit 342 (step S5 / YES), the control unit 100 turns on the switch 51 and sets the operation mode to the normal mode (step S6).

  When a USB device is connected to the USB connector 332, the value of the voltage V7 decreases. In the example shown in FIG. 14A, at the timing A, the value of the voltage V7 decreases. The detection circuit 37 outputs an interrupt signal to the control unit 100 when the difference between the voltage V2, which is the reference voltage, and the voltage V7 becomes larger than a preset value due to the decrease in the voltage V7. When receiving the interrupt signal, the control unit 100 returns to the normal mode and turns on the switch 51. When the switch 51 is turned on, the voltage V1 of the DC power W1 supplied by the AC adapter 7 increases. In the example shown in FIG. 14B, at the timing B, the voltage value of the voltage V1 increases. Then, as the voltage V1 increases, the voltage value of the voltage V6 also increases. In the example shown in FIG. 14B, the voltage of the voltage V6 increases at a timing C that is later than the timing B.

  Next, an example of the operation (printer control method) of the printer 2B of the present modified example will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation (printer control method) of the printer 2B of the second modification.

  The process illustrated in FIG. 15 is executed, for example, in the printer 2B after the replacement.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the printer 2B is in the power saving mode, and the DC power W2 having a lower voltage than the DC power W1 is supplied from the main board 10 to the sub-board 30 via the connector 17. I do.

  Under this state, the second detection unit (for example, the detection circuit 37) detects whether the host computer 3 (the plug C2a of the USB cable C2) is connected to the USB connector 332 (Step S70).

  The DC power W2 is supplied via the connector 17 and the host computer 3 (the plug C2a of the USB cable C2) is connected to the USB connector 332 by the second detection unit (for example, the detection circuit 37). (Step S70: Yes), the switching unit (for example, the switch 51 and the OR gate 52) changes the power supplied via the connector 17 from the DC power W2 in the power saving mode to the power in the normal mode. Switch to DC power W1 (step S72). As a result, it is possible to prevent the power supply to the USB device connected to the USB connector 332 from becoming insufficient and the operation from becoming unstable and causing the printer (for example, the control unit 100 on the sub-board side) to shut down.

  As described above, the communication processing unit 35 of the present modification includes the USB connector 332, the power supply unit 50, and the control unit 100. The USB connector 332 can connect to a USB device and supply power to the USB device. The power supply unit 50 generates power to be supplied from the USB connector 332. The control unit 100 executes the normal mode and the power saving mode, supplies the DC power W4 generated by the power supply unit 50 to the USB connector 332 in the normal mode, and externally lowers the DC power W4 in the second mode. Upon receiving the supply of the DC power W2, the DC power W2 is supplied to the USB connector 332. Therefore, it is possible to achieve power saving with a simple configuration while supporting power supply to the USB connector 332.

  In addition, the communication processing unit 35 includes a detection circuit 37 that detects connection of the USB device to the USB connector 332. When the detection circuit 37 detects the connection of the USB connector 332 to the USB connector 332, the control unit 100 changes the operation mode from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and restarts the supply of the DC power W4 from the power supply unit 50. . Therefore, the power supplied to the connected USB device is large, and the supply of the DC power W4 can be restarted before the power supply unit 50 shuts down due to insufficient power.

  In addition, the communication processing unit 35 includes a switch 51 that connects and disconnects the supply of the power used to generate the DC power W4 to the power supply unit 50. When shifting to the power saving mode, the control unit 100 controls the switch 51 to cut off the supply to the USB connector 332 in the normal mode. Therefore, when the USB device shifts to the power saving mode, the supply of the DC power W4 is cut off, so that the power consumption can be reduced.

  The communication processing unit 35 includes a second communication unit 34 that performs Ethernet communication. The control unit 100 sets the USB device to the LPI (Low Power Idle) in the power saving mode. Therefore, the power consumption of the USB device in the power saving mode can be reduced.

  Further, the communication processing unit 35 includes a fourth voltage conversion unit 56 having a DC-DC converter that reduces the voltage of the power supply and generates the DC power W4. Therefore, voltage conversion can be performed with a simple configuration, and voltage conversion can be performed with high efficiency.

  The above-mentioned second modification is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the second modification described above, the first communication unit has been described as a communication unit conforming to the USB standard, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a communication device or device compatible with HDMI (registered trademark) capable of supplying power to a device to be connected, IEEE 1394, or the like can be used as the first communication unit.

  Further, the power supply device of the present invention is applicable not only to a printing device but also to, for example, a scanner device and a hard disk device. The printing device may be a dot impact type printer, an ink jet type printer, a thermal sublimation type printer, a laser printer, and may be applied to a printer incorporated in another device, and the application target is not limited. .

  Further, each processing of the communication processing unit 35 shown in the second modification can be provided as a program. Further, the program can be provided by being stored in a recording medium such as a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a flash memory.

  According to the present modification, in addition to the effect of the first modification, the following effect is further obtained.

  First, in the normal mode, the DC power W1 (first power; for example, voltage 24V, current) from the main board 10 (second board) to the sub-board 30 (first board) via the connector 17 (second interface). 100 mA), and in the power saving mode, a DC power W2 (second power, for example, a voltage of 5 V and a current of 100 mA) lower than the DC power W1 can be supplied from the main board 10 to the sub-board 30 via the connector 17. .

  Second, with the DC power W2 in the power saving mode being supplied from the main board 10 to the sub-board 30 via the connector 17, the host computer 3 (the plug C2a of the USB cable C2) is connected to the USB connector 332. When connected, the power supplied from the main board 10 to the sub-board 30 via the connector 17 is changed from the DC power W2 in the power saving mode to the normal mode by the operation of the switching unit (for example, the switch 51 and the OR gate 52). Can be switched to the DC power W1 at the time. Thus, for example, the power supply to the USB device connected to the USB connector 332 is insufficient, and the operation becomes unstable, thereby preventing the printer 2B (for example, the control unit 100 on the sub-board side) from shutting down. .

  In the present modification, an example has been described in which a configuration (see FIGS. 10 and 11) for realizing the power saving mode is added to the printer 2A of the first modification (see FIG. 7). For example, even if a configuration (see FIGS. 10 and 11) for realizing the power saving mode is added to the printer 2 (see FIG. 2) of the above-described embodiment, The effect can be achieved.

  The above embodiments are merely examples in every respect. The present invention is not construed as being limited by the description of the above embodiment. The present invention may be embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics.

  1, 1A: printing system, 2, 2A, 2B: printer (printing device), 3: host computer, 4: memory, 5: network, 7: AC adapter, 10, 10A: main board, 11: main control unit, 11a CPU, 11b RAM, 11c ROM, 12 nonvolatile memory, 13 buffer memory, 14 printing unit, 15 printing device side power supply circuit, 17 connector, 30, 30A sub board, 31 electronic Parts, 33: first communication unit, 34: second communication unit, 35: communication processing unit, 37: detection circuit, 38: operational amplifier, 41: voltage dividing circuit, 42: voltage dividing circuit, 50: power supply unit, 51 ... Switch, 52 OR gate, 53 first voltage converter, 54 second voltage converter, 55 third voltage converter, 56 fourth voltage converter, 57 OR gate, 62 LAN connector , A reading unit, 68b setting unit, 68c first detecting unit, 68d setting change determining unit, 68e writing unit, 68f printing control unit, 68g notification unit, 70 power switch, 100 ... Control unit, 100a CPU, 100b RAM, 100c ROM, 331 USB controller, 332 USB connector, 341 MAC unit, 342 PHY unit, A, B, C timing, C1 LAN cable, C1a C1b plug, C2 USB cable, C2a, C2b plug, PD setting information, PD1 network setting information, PD2 printer setting information, R1, R3, R5, R6, R7 resistance, V1 to V7 voltage W1, W2, W3, W4, W6 ... DC power.

Claims (4)

A first board including a first interface connectable to a network cable having a memory storing setting information including network setting information, a second board including a second interface connectable to the first board;
A first detection unit that detects whether the first board is connected to the second interface;
A reading unit that reads the setting information from the memory mounted on the network cable when the first detection unit detects that the first board is connected to the second interface;
A setting unit configured to perform setting including network setting with a host computer connectable via the network cable based on the setting information read by the reading unit ,
A third interface provided on the first substrate and connectable to a host computer;
A power supply unit capable of supplying a first power or a second power having a lower voltage than the first power from the second substrate to the first substrate via the second interface;
further,
A second detection unit that detects whether the host computer is connected to the third interface;
A switching unit that switches power supplied from the power supply unit via the second interface from the second power to the first power,
The switching unit, when the second power is supplied via the second interface, and when the second detection unit detects that the host computer is connected to the third interface, A printer that switches power supplied via the second interface from the second power to the first power . If the first detection unit does not detect that the first substrate is connected to the second interface, the communication unit further includes a communication unit that communicates with the host computer via the third interface. The printer according to 1 . The network cable includes a plug connectable to the first interface,
The plug includes a plurality of pins conforming to a standard,
When the first detection unit detects that the first substrate is connected to the second interface, the reading unit transmits the setting information from the memory to the host computer among the plurality of pins. printer according to claim 1 or 2 reads through pins not used for communication between. A first board including a first interface connectable to a network cable having a memory storing setting information including network setting information, and a second board including a second interface connectable to the first board. A third interface provided on the first board, to which a host computer can be connected, from the second board to the first board via the second interface from the first power or the first power. A power supply unit capable of supplying low-voltage second power, a second detection unit configured to detect whether the host computer is connected to the third interface, and the power supply via the second interface. control method for a printer having a switch portion, the switching the power supplied from the second power from parts to the first power Oite,
A detecting step of detecting whether or not the first board is connected to the second interface;
A step of reading the setting information from the memory mounted on the network cable when the detection step detects that the first board is connected to the second interface;
Based on the setting information read by the reading step, a setting step of performing settings including network settings with a host computer connectable via the network cable,
When the switching unit is supplied with the second power via the second interface, and when the second detection unit detects that the host computer is connected to the third interface, A switching step of switching power supplied via the second interface from the second power to the first power .