Printing apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

A printing apparatus includes: a control section; an output means for outputting at least one clock signal by oscillating with the supplied power source; at least one first time measuring component for measuring time in response to an input of at least one clock signal; and a power supply means for stopping power supply to the control means and continuing power supply to the output means and the at least one first time measurement means in a standby state. The control section executes a predetermined process if a time measurement value of the at least one first time measurement section exceeds a predetermined value when the printing apparatus transitions from the standby state to the operating state, and resets the time measurement value of the at least one first time measurement section when the printing apparatus transitions to the standby state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a printing device and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] An inkjet printing device is a representative of a printing device that prints an image while causing a carriage to perform scanning. A typical inkjet printing device is provided with a print head in which ink ejection outlets and a printing element as an energy generating member for ejecting ink droplets (such as a heater and a piezoelectric element) are arranged correspondingly. The inkjet printing device prints an image on a print medium by moving the print head in a main scanning direction and repeating a printing scan for ejecting ink droplets onto the print medium in a printing area and conveying the print medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction.

[0003] If the print head of such an inkjet printing device is left for a long time without any printing operation, foreign matter such as ink residue and dust, which may cause the ink not to be ejected, may adhere to the ejection port of the print head or its vicinity. Therefore, in addition to image printing, a preliminary ink ejection operation for ejecting ink is regularly performed before the printing operation. In addition, it is necessary to regularly perform a recovery operation by sucking out ink from the ejection port to suck out foreign matter together with the ink, or by wiping the area near the ejection port with a thin plate-shaped member made of silicone rubber or the like. In this way, the inkjet printing device is maintained in a state where ink droplets can be ejected smoothly.

[0004] As a time measuring component for such periodic recovery operation, for example, Patent Document 1 describes an image processing apparatus that uses a real-time clock (RTC) connected to a main power supply and a secondary power supply and continues to perform time measurement processing using a secondary battery while the main power supply is turned off.

[0005] Citation List

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-215034 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] In order to meet recent demands for inkjet printing apparatuses such as space saving and cost reduction, it is necessary to continue time measurement even when the main power supply is turned off using a simpler and cheaper configuration without an RTC and a secondary battery.

[0010] The present invention provides a technique that enables time measurement even in a standby state with a simpler and cheaper configuration.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] A printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following configuration. Therefore, the printing device includes:

[0013] A control component, used for controlling the printing device;

[0014] an output section for outputting at least one clock signal by oscillating using the supplied power;

[0015] at least one first time measuring component for measuring time in response to input of the at least one clock signal; and

[0016] a power supply component, used to stop supplying power to the control component and continue supplying power to the output component and the at least one first time measuring component in a standby state of the printing device,

[0017] wherein, when the printing device is transferred from the standby state to the operating state, if the time measurement value of the at least one first time measuring component exceeds a predetermined value, the control component performs a predetermined process, and

[0018] When the printing apparatus shifts to the standby state, the control section resets the time measurement value of the at least one first time measurement section.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] The present invention brings about an advantageous effect of enabling time measurement even in a standby state with a simpler and cheaper configuration.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Note that throughout the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same or similar components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the outline of an inkjet printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the printing apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0025] Figure 3 1 is a diagram illustrating a startup sequence performed when the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 is powered on.

[0026] Figure 4: is a diagram illustrating a sequence performed when the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 shifts from an operable state to a standby state.

[0027] Figure 5 1 is a diagram illustrating a sequence performed when the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 shifts to an operable state in response to the power saving control IC detecting depression of the power key in the standby state.

[0028] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a counter control unit of the power saving control IC according to Embodiment 1.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of processing performed based on the elapsed time from the last preliminary ejection or the elapsed time from the last printing when the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 shifts to the standby state and then shifts to the operating state again.

[0030] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a counter control unit of a power saving control IC according to Embodiment 2.

[0031] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart of a process in which the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 shifts to a standby state and then shifts to an operating state in response to the count value of the periodic communication counter reaching the upper limit.

[0032] Fig.10 : is a diagram showing an example of a clock signal output from a base counter according to Embodiment 1 to a final preliminary ejection time counter and a final printing time counter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. A plurality of features are described in the embodiments, but are not limited to the invention requiring all of these features, and a plurality of these features may be appropriately combined. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations, and their repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the outline of an inkjet printing device 100 (hereinafter referred to as "printing device") according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Note that "printing" according to this embodiment includes not only the formation of meaningful information such as text and graphics, but also the formation of images and patterns on a printing medium in a broad sense (regardless of whether they are meaningful or meaningless) or the processing of the medium. That is, "printing" has nothing to do with whether the information is realized so as to be perceived by human vision. In addition, in this embodiment, a sheet of paper is assumed as the "printing medium", but cloth, plastic film, etc. may also be used.

[0036] The printing apparatus 100 includes a housing (external part) 101, a print head (not shown) that performs a printing operation on a print medium, and an ink reservoir 102 (102a to 102d) as an ink container for storing ink to be supplied to the print head. The ink reservoir 102 is located at the front of the housing 101, and the print head is connected to the ink reservoirs 102a to 102d of each color via an ink flow path corresponding to each color. The printing apparatus 100 is provided with a black ink reservoir 102a on the left side when viewed from the front of the printing apparatus 100, and a cyan ink reservoir 102b, a magenta ink reservoir 102c, and a yellow ink reservoir 102d on the right side when viewed from the front of the printing apparatus 100. The printing apparatus 100 is also provided with a paper tray 103 and a paper cassette 104, which are used as a paper feed unit to bring print media such as paper and sheets into the device. The print medium that has completed printing is discharged from a discharge portion 105 to the outside of the printing apparatus 100. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 100 is provided with an operation unit 106 used by a user to input instructions and the like.

[0037] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the printing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. Note that Figure 2 The portion of the printing apparatus 100 related to power supply is mainly shown. Figure 2 In the figure, for the sake of convenience, regarding the internal configuration of the power supply control unit 202, the power saving control IC 203, and the ASIC 204, one processing block includes a plurality of processing units, but each processing unit may be independent. Alternatively, the power supply control unit 202 and the power saving control IC 203 may be combined into one IC. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , a power supply path is indicated by a dotted line.

[0038] When commercial power is supplied from outside the device, the power supply unit (PSU) 201 converts the supplied power into a DC voltage such as 32V or 24V that is easy to use inside the printing apparatus 100 by AC-DC conversion. When receiving the output voltage from the PSU 201, the power supply control unit 202 generates an even lower power supply voltage such as 5V, 3.3V, or 0.9V using the regulator 301 or the DC-DC converter 302, and supplies it to the power saving control IC 203 or the ASIC 204. When the reset signal 306 from the power saving control IC 203 has a low level, the reset control unit 303 shifts the power supply control unit 202 to the reset state. Regardless of the reset state of the power supply control unit 202, as long as power is supplied from the PSU 201, the regulator power 304 output by the regulator 301 always supplies a predetermined voltage to the power saving control IC 203. This allows the power saving control IC 203 to operate even in the reset state.

[0039] On the other hand, the DC-DC converter 302 stops its output in the reset state. That is, in the reset state, the power supply control unit 202 completely stops supplying the system power supply 305, which supplies power to the ASIC 204. This allows the printing apparatus 100 to shift to a power saving state in which power consumption of the printing apparatus 100 is minimized.

[0040] Next, the configuration of the ASIC 204 will be described.

[0041] When the ASIC 204 is powered on by the system power supply 305, the CPU 401 reads the control program stored in the nonvolatile memory 205 via the memory controller 402, and starts controlling the printing device 100 according to the control program. The key detection unit 403 can detect whether the power key (power source key) 206 is pressed via the power saving control IC 203. When the power key 206 is pressed, the printing device 100 can be changed to another power state. Similarly, the sensor detection unit 404 can detect the state of the sensor provided inside the device via the power saving control IC 203. By detecting the change in the state of the sensor, the ASIC 204 appropriately performs necessary processing. In addition, the ASIC 204 can communicate with the power saving control IC 203 via the communication I / F 405. The communication protocol used by the communication I / F 405 may be a protocol of an I2C or UART interface, or may have a configuration that allows connection via high-speed communication such as PCIe. The communication protocol of the communication I / F 405 may be determined according to the situation of the device. The timer 406 is used to perform time measurement under the control of the CPU 401. Note that the timer 406 can measure a plurality of elapsed times, and the time measurement function of the timer 406 can be realized by the timer function of the CPU 401 or by a software function where the CPU 401 executes a program to perform time measurement.

[0042] Next, the configuration of the power saving control IC 203 will be described.

[0043] The power saving control unit 501 controls a reset signal 306 to the reset control unit 303 of the power supply control unit 202. At the start of supply of the regulator power 304, the power saving control IC 203 controls the reset signal 306 based on detection of key depression of the power key 206 and a state signal from the ASIC 204 received via the communication I / F 502. By controlling the output of the DC-DC converter 302 of the above-mentioned power supply control unit 202 using the reset signal 306, the power state of the printing apparatus 100 can be switched. In addition, the power saving control unit 501 notifies the key detection unit 403 of the ASIC 204 of the state that the power key 206 is depressed, which enables the ASIC 204 to detect depression of the power key 206 even when power is being supplied to the ASIC 204.

[0044] On the other hand, during the stop of the power supply to the ASIC 204, the power saving control unit 501 only needs to detect the pressing of the power key 206. Therefore, the power saving control unit 501 can be implemented with a minimum circuit configuration in which the reset signal 306 to the reset control unit 303 is released (set to a high level) when the pressing of the power key 206 is detected. In addition to the power saving control unit 501, the power saving control IC 203 includes a sensor processing unit 503, a memory unit 504, and a counter control unit 505. The sensor processing unit 503 detects a change in the state of the sensor 207 installed inside the device. The sensor processing unit 503 uses a simple circuit that holds a specific value when a change in the output of the sensor 207 is detected, so that it can operate with less power even in the power saving state. The memory unit 504 is a memory that can hold a specific value according to the operation of the printing device 100. When the memory unit 504 includes only a minimum necessary storage area such as a trigger, the memory unit 504 can operate with less power even in the power saving state. The memory state of the flip-flop is reset by a signal from the communication I / F 502. In addition, the counter control unit 505 can be used to count (measure) the required time. These control units can communicate with the ASIC 204 via the communication I / F 502.

[0045] Since power is not supplied to the ASIC 204 in the power saving state described later, the printing apparatus 100 can shift to a non-operating state to further reduce power consumption in the communication I / F 502. By realizing the power saving control IC 203 with a minimum circuit configuration as described above, the printing apparatus 100 can significantly reduce power consumption while maintaining necessary functions even when power supply to the ASIC 204 is stopped in the power saving state.

[0046] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 5 The operation modes of the printing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 and transition to the operation modes will be described.

[0047] The printing device 100 can present two states: an operable state in which power is being supplied to the ASIC 204; and a standby state (power saving state) in which power is being supplied from the outside of the device but not to the ASIC 204 as the main control unit. The printing device 100 according to Embodiment 1 can present a soft-on state in which the user can operate the printing device 100 through the display; and a power saving state in which power saving control is being performed on unused functional blocks when the printing device 100 is temporarily not operated. In addition, the printing device 100 can present an automatic power-on enabled state in which the printing device 100 can be immediately transferred to the soft-on state when a print job is received from a USB or a wireless LAN, although the display unit does not show any indication. In other words, when power is supplied to the ASIC 204, the printing device 100 is configured to be able to operate all modes in which the printing device 100 can operate. Furthermore, the standby state refers to a state in which the printing apparatus 100 can shift to an operable state while accepting a specific process in a minimum power consumption state in which the power supply to the ASIC 204 is stopped.

[0048] Figure 3 1 is a diagram illustrating a startup sequence performed when the printing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 is powered on.

[0049] In S301, the PSU 201 starts to generate a power supply voltage to be used inside the device when power is supplied from the outside. Then, in S302, the power supply voltage generated by the PSU 201 is supplied to the power supply control unit 202. In S303, the power supply control unit 202 starts to operate the regulator 301 in response to the supply of the power supply voltage. In S304, the power supply control unit 202 starts to supply the regulator power 304 to the power saving control IC 203. Thus, in S305, the power saving control IC 203 starts to operate in response to the supply of the regulator power 304. At this time, the power saving control IC 203 performs a reset process inside the power saving control IC 203 in response to the supply of the regulator power 304. Through this reset process, the power saving control unit 501, the communication I / F 502, the sensor processing unit 503, the memory unit 504, and the counter control unit 505 are reset to a usable state. Then, in S306 , the power saving control IC 203 releases the reset signal 306 to be output to the reset control unit 303 of the power supply control unit 202 (sets the signal 306 to a high level) at the timing when the reset process is completed.

[0050] Thus, in S307, the DC-DC converter 302 of the power supply control unit 202 starts operating, and in S308, the power supply control unit 202 starts supplying the system power 305 to the ASIC 204. In S309, as a result of the supply of the system power 305, the ASIC 204 starts being activated according to the control program stored in the nonvolatile memory 205. Then, in S310, when the activation preparation is completed, the ASIC 204 notifies the power saving control IC 203 of the activation completion.

[0051] Note that although the description of the processing after S310 is omitted, the ASIC 204 recognizes the state and transfers to the next operation. For example, when the ASIC 204 detects the pressing of the power key 206 after startup, the ASIC 204 can directly transfer to the soft-on state, in which the ASIC 204 can be operated by the user. After the processing in S309, the ASIC 204 can read the information set by the user from the non-volatile memory 205 to switch the state according to the information. For example, if the above-mentioned automatic power-on enable state is set, the ASIC 204 transfers to the automatic power-on enable state. In addition, if it is determined that it is not necessary to maintain the operable state after the power saving control IC 203 has released the reset signal 306 (has set the signal 306 to a high level) in S306, the ASIC 204 can achieve power saving by transitioning to the standby state.

[0052] Next, refer to Figure 4 To explain the sequence performed when the state changes from the operational state to the standby state.

[0053] Figure 4 1 is a diagram illustrating a sequence performed when the printing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 shifts from an operable state to a standby state.

[0054] First, in S401, when the pressing of the power key 206 is detected in the operable state, the ASIC 204 determines that a request to terminate the device is made by the user, and starts the termination process of the ASIC 204. When the termination process of the ASIC 204 is completed, in S402, a stop notification is issued to the power saving control IC 203 via the communication I / F 405. Upon receiving the stop notification, in S403, the power saving control IC 203 determines whether a transition to a reset state can be made based on a state signal from the ASIC 204. If it is determined that a transition to a reset state can be made, in S404, the power saving control IC 203 outputs a reset signal 306 at a low level to the power supply control unit 202. Upon receiving the reset signal 306, the power supply control unit 202 performs an internal reset process in S405, and stops the operation of the DC-DC converter 302. As a result, in S406, the power supply control unit 202 stops supplying the system power 305 to the ASIC 204. As a result, the ASIC 204 transitions to the standby state.

[0055] Note that the description after S406 is omitted, but the ASIC 204 remains in the standby state until the pressing of the power key 206 is detected. By performing the processing in S401 to S406 described above, the ASIC 204 can be transferred from the operable state to the standby state. In S401, the termination processing of the ASIC 204 is started in response to the detection of the pressing of the power key 206, but as long as the termination condition is satisfied, the transfer to the processing can be performed even under conditions other than the pressing of the power key 206. For example, a soft-off time can be set, and when the set time is detected, the processing can be transferred to the termination processing. Alternatively, it is also possible to be a configuration in which the device automatically transfers to the standby state if there is no user operation within a certain period of time.

[0056] then, Figure 5 1 is a diagram illustrating a sequence performed when the printing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 shifts to an operable state in response to the power saving control IC 203 detecting depression of the power key 206 in the standby state.

[0057] In S501, the power saving control IC 203 detects the pressing of the power key 206. Thus, in S502, the power saving control IC 203 sets the reset signal 306 to a high level to release the reset of the power supply control unit 202. Thus, in S503, the power supply control unit 202 performs a reset release process and starts the operation of the DC-DC converter 302. Therefore, in S504, the power supply control unit 202 starts supplying the system power 305 to the ASIC 204. In S505, as a result of the supply of power, the ASIC 204 reads the control program stored in the nonvolatile memory 205 via the memory controller 402, and starts processing according to the control program, that is, starts booting. Then, in S506, when the boot preparation is completed, the ASIC 204 notifies the power saving control IC 203 that the boot preparation is completed.

[0058] Note that the description after S506 is omitted, but the printing apparatus 100 remains in the operable state until the condition for transitioning to the standby state is satisfied. Therefore, by performing the processing in S501 to S506 described above, the printing apparatus 100 can transition from the standby state to the operable state. Note that Figure 4 and Figure 5 The transition shown in FIG. 2 can be appropriately performed by pressing the power key 206 or setting a soft-off time.

[0059] Figure 6 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the counter control unit 505 of the power saving control IC 203 according to Embodiment 1.

[0060] The counter control unit communication I / F 601 communicates with the communication I / F 502 of the power saving control IC 203 to access the last preliminary ejection time counter 603 and the last printing time counter 604 described later of the counter control unit 505. The basic counter 602 starts counting when the regulator power supply 304 is supplied from the regulator power supply 304. Fig.10 As shown, for example, the basic counter 602 outputs a clock signal (trigger signal) 610 with a period of 1 second to the last preparatory ejection time counter 603, and outputs a clock signal 611 with a period of 5 seconds to the last printing time counter 604. The periods of the multiple clock signals output by the basic counter 602 are determined by the resolution required by the counter to which the clock signal is input. Fig.10In the example of , the counter built into the basic counter 602 outputs clock signals 610 and 611 of two frequencies (i.e., a period of 1 second and a period of 5 seconds). Therefore, there is no need to measure a time longer than 5 seconds, so the basic counter 602 is configured to count up to 5 seconds, clear to 0, and then count up again. For the oscillation circuit required to operate the built-in counter, it is only necessary to select an appropriate circuit configuration according to the accuracy required by the built-in counter. For example, the oscillation circuit can be a simple LCR oscillation circuit, a crystal oscillator, or an oscillation circuit using a transistor or an operational amplifier. The basic counter 602 may also include an oscillation circuit and a frequency division circuit, which divides the clock signal from the oscillation circuit and outputs the resulting clock signal.

[0061] The last preliminary ejection time counter 603 measures the time that has passed since the print head last performed a preliminary ejection operation. The last preliminary ejection time counter 603 counts up based on the clock signal 610 input from the base counter 602. The last preliminary ejection time counter 603 includes a register for setting the upper limit of the counter accessible from the counter control unit communication I / F 601, a register for reading the current counter value (time measurement value), and a register for resetting the counter value. Therefore, when performing preliminary ejection, the last preliminary ejection time counter 603 resets its counter value according to the reset instruction from the ASIC 204, and starts counting based on the clock signal 610. When the counter value reaches the set upper limit, counting stops.

[0062] The last printing time counter 604 measures the time elapsed since the last printing (printing) was performed. The last printing time counter 604 counts up based on the clock signal 611 input from the base counter 602. In addition, similar to the last preliminary ejection time counter 603, the last printing time counter 604 includes a register for setting the upper limit of the counter accessible from the counter control unit communication I / F 601, a register for reading the current counter value (time measurement value), and a register for resetting the counter value. Therefore, when the printing operation is completed, the last printing time counter 604 resets its counter value according to the reset instruction from the ASIC 204, and starts counting based on the clock signal 611. When the counter value reaches the set upper limit, counting is stopped.

[0063] Figure 7This is a flowchart of processing performed based on the elapsed time since the last preliminary ejection or the elapsed time since the last printing when the printing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 shifts to the standby state and then shifts to the operating state again. Note that it is assumed here that in the operable state, the time elapsed since the print head last performed preliminary ejection (last preliminary ejection time) and the time elapsed since the last printing (last printing time) are measured by the ASIC 204 using the function of the above-mentioned timer 406.

[0064] First, in S701, the ASIC 204 acquires the last preliminary ejection time and the last printing time measured at that time from the timer 406, stores the acquired time in the nonvolatile memory 205, and proceeds to S702. Next, in S702, the ASIC 204 resets the values ​​of the last preliminary ejection time counter 603 and the last printing time counter 604 of the counter control unit 505 to 0. In addition, the upper limit value of the last preliminary ejection time counter 603 is set to T0, and the upper limit value of the last printing time counter 604 is set to T1. The value of T0 is set so that the sum of the last preliminary ejection time and T0 stored in the nonvolatile memory 205 in S701 is equal to the threshold value for determining whether to perform the recovery operation. That is, for example, if the recovery operation is expected to be performed within 50 hours, and the last preliminary ejection time stored in the nonvolatile memory 205 is 10 hours, the upper limit value T0 is set to 40 hours. In addition, similar to T0, T1 is set so that the sum of the last printing time stored in the nonvolatile memory 205 in S701 and T1 is equal to the threshold value for determining whether to perform a recovery operation. Similarly, for example, if a recovery operation is expected to be performed within 100 hours and the last printing time stored in the nonvolatile memory 205 is 40 hours, the upper limit value of T1 is set to 60 hours.

[0065] Next, in S703, the printing device 100 changes from the operable state to the standby state. Figure 4 In the above sequence shown, after the ASIC 204 performs the termination processing (S401), the power supply to the ASIC 204 is stopped. Then, the printing apparatus 100 remains in the standby state until the pressing of the power key 206 is detected in S704. In this standby state, the last preliminary ejection time counter 603 and the last printing time counter 604 are performing the time measuring operation, and when the count value reaches the set maximum value (predetermined value), they stand by in the state where the time measuring operation is completed.

[0066] Then, when the pressing of the power key is detected in S704, the process proceeds to S705. In step S705, the printing device 100 performs the following operations according to the Figure 5 The above sequence shown performs the startup process and Figure 5 When the system power 305 is supplied in step S504 in the above, the ASIC 204 executes the startup process and proceeds to step S706.

[0067] In S706, the ASIC 204 reads the counter value of the last preparatory ejection time counter 603, and determines whether the value has reached the upper limit value T0. If the upper limit value T0 has not been reached, the process ends. On the other hand, if the upper limit value T0 has been reached, the process proceeds to S707. In S707, the ASIC 204 reads the counter value of the last printing time counter 604, and determines whether the value has reached the upper limit value T1. If the upper limit value T1 has been reached, the process proceeds to S708. In S708, the ASIC 204 performs normal head cleaning based on the result indicating that the count value of the last preparatory ejection time counter 603 is the upper limit value T0 and the count value of the last printing time counter 604 is not T1, and ends the process.

[0068] On the other hand, if the counter value of the last printing time counter 604 reaches the upper limit value T1, the process proceeds to S709. In S709, the ASIC 204 performs a more efficient head cleaning than normal head cleaning based on the result indicating that the count value of the last preliminary ejection time counter 603 is the upper limit value T0 and the count value of the last printing time counter 604 is the upper limit value T1, and ends the process. In addition, the ASIC 204 reads the times measured by the last preliminary ejection time counter 603 and the last printing time counter 604 during the standby time, and adds these times to the last preliminary ejection time and the last printing time stored in the nonvolatile memory. Thus, when the device returns to the normal state, the elapsed time during the standby time is added to the time measured until that point, thereby updating the time to the latest elapsed time.

[0069] Note that in Embodiment 1, the time (bit width) that can be measured by the last preparatory ejection time counter 603 and the last printing time counter 604 is limited, so the ASIC measures the time in the normal operation state and measures the elapsed time in the standby state. In addition, when reaching the set upper limit, each counter stops the time measurement operation while maintaining its time measurement value, so the ASIC can detect this when the time measurement value reaches the upper limit during the standby state.

[0070] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, even during the standby state, the elapsed time from the last preliminary ejection and the elapsed time from the last print can be measured with low power consumption. Then, when the device transitions from the standby state to the operating state, recovery processing can be performed depending on whether the elapsed time has reached the maximum value.

[0071] Example 2

[0072] Figure 8 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the counter control unit 505 of the power saving control IC 203 of the printing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2. Here, the internal configuration of the counter control unit 505 and its connection with related peripheral units are mainly described. Figure 8 In the above Figure 6 Common components shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

[0073] The periodic communication counter 801 is set to be able to measure time even in the standby state to regularly notify the central server (not shown) of the operating status of the printing device 100 and the remaining amount of consumables such as ink via the network. The periodic communication counter 801 counts up by the clock signal 611 output from the basic counter 602 to the last printing time counter 604 every 5 seconds. The periodic communication counter 801 includes a register for setting the upper limit of the counter accessible from the counter control unit communication I / F 601, a register for reading the current counter value, and a register for resetting the counter value. Therefore, when notifying the central server, the periodic communication counter 801 resets its counter value according to the reset instruction from the ASIC 204, and starts counting based on the clock signal 611. When the counter value reaches the set upper limit, the periodic communication counter 801 stops counting and asserts the periodic communication reset release signal 802.

[0074] That is, when the counter value of the periodic communication counter 801 reaches the upper limit value set in the register in the standby state, the periodic communication counter 801 sets the periodic communication reset release signal 802 to a high level. The periodic communication reset release signal 802 is logically added to the above reset signal 306 output from the power saving control unit 501 at the OR gate 803, and the logical sum is output to the reset control unit 303 as the reset signal 307. Therefore, when the periodic communication reset release signal 802 is output at a high level, the reset signal 307 is at a high level. As a result, the startup sequence from S503 to S506 is executed in the same manner as when the reset signal 306 is released in Embodiment 1. The ASIC 204 thus started can communicate the operating status of the printing device 100 and the remaining amount of consumables such as ink with the central server via the network as described above.

[0075] Note that as described in Embodiment 1, when the state transitions to the reset state based on the state signal from the ASIC 204, the periodic communication reset release signal 802 is at a low level, so the reset signal 306 can transition to the standby state by being switched to a low level.

[0076] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart of a process of the printing apparatus 100 shifting to the standby state and then shifting to the operating state in response to the count value of the periodic communication counter reaching the upper limit according to Embodiment 2. Assume that in the operable state, the time t2 elapsed since the last communication with the central server is measured by the periodic communication counter 801.

[0077] First, in S901, the ASIC 204 obtains the upper limit value (remaining time) T2 to be set in the periodic communication counter 801 based on the time elapsed since the last communication with the central server measured by the ASIC 204 using the function of the timer 406 or the like. Then, the periodic communication counter 801 is reset, the upper limit value T2 is set in the periodic communication counter 801, and the process proceeds to step S902. Here, the value of T2 is set so that the sum of the elapsed time measured by the ASIC 204 and the upper limit value T2 is equal to the threshold value (time for periodic communication) for determining whether to communicate with the central server. In S902, the printing device 100 transitions from the operable state to the standby state. Thus, in the printing device 100, according to Figure 4 In the above sequence shown, the ASIC 204 performs a termination process (S401), and then the power supply to the ASIC 204 is stopped.

[0078] Here, when the power key 206 is not pressed or other events occur, the standby state continues until the count value of the periodic communication counter 801 reaches the upper limit value T2 in S903. When the count value of the periodic communication counter 801 reaches the upper limit value T2 in S903, the process proceeds to S904. In S904, the periodic communication counter 801 outputs the periodic communication reset release signal 802 at a high level, and proceeds to S905. Since the reset signal 307 is switched to a high level, the reset state of the power supply control unit 202 is released in S905. Thus, the system power 305 starts to be supplied to the ASIC 204, and the ASIC 203 is started. Then, the process proceeds to S906, where the ASIC 204 checks the counter value of the periodic communication counter 801. Here, if it is confirmed that the counter value of the periodic communication counter 801 has reached the upper limit value T2, the process proceeds to step S907. In S907, the ASIC 203 notifies the central server of the state of the printing device 100. Then, the process proceeds to S908, where ASIC 204 performs the following operations according to Figure 4 The sequence changes to the standby state again.

[0079] As described above, according to Embodiment 2, even during the standby state, the printing device can periodically measure the elapsed time to be notified to the central server with low power consumption. When the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the printing device can transition from the standby state to the operating state to notify the central server of the operating status and the remaining amount of consumables, etc.

[0080] Other embodiments

[0081] The present invention can also be implemented by providing a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and causing one or more processors in a computer of the system or device to read and execute the program. The present invention can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) for implementing one or more functions.

[0082] Although the embodiments have been described, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, and various changes / alterations may be made within the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, in order to make the public aware of the scope of the present invention, the following claims are made.

[0083] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-143934, filed on September 9, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Claims

1. A printing device, comprising: A control component, used for controlling the printing device; an output section for outputting at least one clock signal by oscillating using the supplied power; at least one first time measuring component for measuring time in response to input of the at least one clock signal; as well as a power supply component, used to stop supplying power to the control component and continue supplying power to the output component and the at least one first time measuring component in a standby state of the printing device, wherein, when the printing device is transferred from the standby state to the operating state, if the time measurement value of the at least one first time measuring component exceeds a predetermined value, the control component performs a predetermined process, and When the printing apparatus shifts to the standby state, the control section resets the time measurement value of the at least one first time measurement section.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The control component further includes a second time measuring component for measuring time, and When the printing device shifts to the standby state, the control component acquires the time measurement value of the second time measurement component, stores the acquired time measurement value in a non-volatile memory, and resets the time measurement value of the at least one first time measurement component, and when the printing device shifts from the standby state to the operating state, if the sum of the time measurement value stored in the non-volatile memory and the time measurement value of the at least one first time measurement component exceeds a predetermined value, the control component executes the predetermined processing.

3. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein: When the printing apparatus shifts to the standby state, the control section sets an upper limit value in the at least one first time measuring section, the upper limit value being based on the time measurement value stored in the nonvolatile memory and the predetermined value, and When the printing apparatus shifts from the standby state to the operating state, the control section determines whether the total exceeds the predetermined value based on whether the time measurement value of the at least one first time measuring section has reached the upper limit value.

4. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein: The upper limit value is obtained by subtracting the time measurement value stored in the nonvolatile memory from the predetermined value.

5. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein: When the time measurement value of the at least one first time measurement component reaches the upper limit value, the at least one first time measurement component stops the time measurement operation while maintaining the time measurement value.

6. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The output component comprises: an oscillation circuit configured to oscillate using the supplied power; and The frequency dividing circuit is configured to divide the frequency of the clock signal output by the oscillation circuit and output the obtained signal as a first clock signal and a second clock signal with different frequencies.

7. The printing device according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one first time measurement component comprises at least: a third time measuring component for measuring time in response to input of the first clock signal; and The fourth time measuring component is used to measure time in response to the input of the second clock signal.

8. The printing device according to claim 7, wherein: The third time measuring means measures the elapsed time since the last preliminary ejection, and The fourth time measuring section measures an elapsed time since a last printing operation.

9. The printing device according to claim 6, wherein: The frequency of the first clock signal is higher than the frequency of the second clock signal.

10. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The predetermined process is cleaning of the print head.

11. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein: The second time measuring means is implemented by a timer function of the CPU of the control means.

12. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein: The second time measuring means is implemented by time measurement of software executed by the CPU of the control means.

13. A printing device comprising: A control component, used for controlling the printing device; an output section for outputting a clock signal by oscillating using the supplied power supply; a first time measuring component, for measuring time in response to input of the clock signal; as well as a power supply component, used to stop supplying power to the control component and continue supplying power to the output component and the first time measuring component in a standby state of the printing device, When measuring the remaining time in the standby state, the first time measuring component outputs a signal for releasing the standby state to the power supply component. When the standby state is released and the printing apparatus shifts to an operating state, the control section executes a predetermined process in response to the time measurement of the first time measuring section, and The control section acquires a remaining time until the predetermined process is executed and sets the acquired remaining time in the first time measuring section when the printing apparatus shifts to the standby state.

14. The printing device according to claim 13, wherein: The control component further includes a second time measuring component for measuring time, and When the printing apparatus shifts to the standby state, the control section acquires a remaining time until the predetermined process is executed based on the time measurement value of the second time measuring section and sets the acquired remaining time in the first time measuring section.

15. The printing device according to claim 14, wherein: The control section acquires the remaining time by subtracting the time measurement value of the second time measurement section from the elapsed time until the predetermined process is executed when the printing apparatus shifts to the standby state.

16. The printing device according to claim 13, wherein: The output section includes an oscillation circuit for outputting the clock signal by oscillating using supplied power.

17. The printing device according to claim 13, wherein: The predetermined process is a process for notifying a server of an operating status of the printing apparatus or a remaining amount of consumables.

18. The printing device according to claim 14, wherein: The second time measuring means is implemented by a timer function of the CPU of the control means.

19. The printing device according to claim 14, wherein: The second time measuring means is implemented by time measurement of software executed by the CPU of the control means.

20. A control method for controlling a printing device, the printing device comprising: A control component, used for controlling the printing device; an output section for outputting at least one clock signal by oscillating using the supplied power; at least one time measuring component for measuring time in response to input of the at least one clock signal; and a power supply component, used for stopping the power supply to the control component and continuing the power supply to the output component and the at least one time measurement component in the standby state of the printing device, the control method comprising: When the printing apparatus is shifted from the standby state to the operating state, if the time measurement value of the at least one time measuring component exceeds a predetermined value, the control component executes a predetermined process; as well as When the printing apparatus shifts to the standby state, the control unit resets the time measurement value of the at least one time measurement unit.

21. A control method for controlling a printing device, the printing device comprising: A control component, used for controlling the printing device; an output section for outputting a clock signal by oscillating using the supplied power supply; A time measuring component for measuring time in response to input of the clock signal; and a power supply component, used for stopping the power supply to the control component and continuing the power supply to the output component and the time measurement component when the printing device is in a standby state, the control method comprising: When measuring the remaining time in the standby state, the time measuring component outputs a signal for releasing the standby state to the power supply component; executing predetermined processing by the control means in response to the time measurement by the time measuring means when the standby state is released and the printing apparatus shifts to an operating state; and When the printing apparatus shifts to the standby state, the remaining time until the predetermined process is executed is acquired by the control section, and the acquired remaining time is set in the first time measuring section by the control section.

Images