Information processing apparatus, control method, storage medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method, a storage medium, and a computer program product. The information processing apparatus includes: a battery; a power receiving unit configured to receive power from a power supply device connected to the information processing device; a processing unit configured to perform a predetermined process by the power of the power supply device or the power of the battery; and a control unit configured to switch power to be supplied to the processing unit to power supplied from the power supply device or power of the battery. The information processing apparatus switches the power to be supplied to the processing unit to the power of the battery when the power supply of the power supply apparatus starts to be restored for a predetermined time from the stop of the power supply of the power supply apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method, a storage medium, and a computer program product, and more particularly to a control technology for an information processing apparatus operated by power supplied from a power supply device. Background Art

[0002] The Universal Serial Bus (USB) power delivery (PD) standard is a standard that connects a power supply device and a power receiving device through a USB Type-C standard connector and cable and enables power supply. In the USB PD standard, a power supply device (power supply device) and a power receiving device (power receiving device) communicate (negotiate) to determine the power that can be supplied or received based on a power rule formed by a combination of voltage value and current value.

[0003] Some power supply devices compliant with the USB PD standard include multiple connectors that can be connected to multiple power receiving devices. Such power supply devices including multiple connectors can negotiate with multiple power receiving devices connected via a universal interface cable and supply optimal power to the power receiving devices.

[0004] Negotiation is performed each time a power receiving device is connected to a power supply device. Therefore, in the case where a power receiving device different from the already connected power receiving device is connected to the power supply device, negotiation is performed. During the negotiation, the power supply from the power supply device is interrupted. Therefore, the power supply to the already connected power receiving device is interrupted, but is restored after the negotiation.

[0005] Therefore, in the case where another power receiving device is connected in the middle of a predetermined process (e.g., printing) performed by a power receiving device that has been connected to a power supply device, the power supply is interrupted momentarily, and an excellent processing result may not be obtained. As an example of an event during printing, the power supply to the paper conveying motor is interrupted momentarily, and the paper conveying speed changes accordingly, forming streaked lines on the print product, thereby wasting paper and ink to reprint. In addition, when the power supply interruption caused by negotiation is not notified to the user of the power receiving device, it is difficult for the user to be aware of the momentary power supply interruption. Therefore, similar events may occur repeatedly, and a large amount of paper and ink may be wasted. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention has been proposed in view of the above problems and will realize a technology that can prevent the processing operation from being stopped even when the power supply from the power supply device is interrupted while the power receiving device is executing a certain process without the user being aware of the interruption of the power supply from the power supply device.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an information processing device, which includes: a battery; a power receiving unit, which is configured to receive power from a power supply device connected to the information processing device; a processing unit, which is configured to perform predetermined processing through the power of the power supply device or the power of the battery; a control unit, which is configured to switch the power to be supplied to the processing unit to the power supplied from the power supply device or the power of the battery, wherein, when the power supply of the power supply device is restored within a predetermined time since the power supply of the power supply device is stopped, the control unit switches the power to be supplied to the processing unit to the power of the battery.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a control method for an information processing device, the control method comprising: wherein the information processing device comprises: a battery; a power receiving unit, the power receiving unit being configured to receive power from a power supply device connected to the information processing device; and a processing unit, the processing unit being configured to perform predetermined processing through the power of the power supply device or the power of the battery, wherein the control method comprises: a switching step, switching the power to be supplied to the processing unit to the power supplied from the power supply device or the power of the battery, and in the switching step, when the power supply of the power supply device is restored within a predetermined time from the stop of the power supply of the power supply device, the power to be supplied to the processing unit is switched to the power of the battery.

[0009] The present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to function as the information processing apparatus as described above.

[0010] The present invention provides a computer program product including a program causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus as described above.

[0011] According to the present invention, even when power supply from the power supply device is interrupted in a state where the user cannot recognize that power supply from the power supply device is interrupted during execution of a certain process by the power receiving device, the processing operation can be prevented from being stopped.

[0012] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view exemplarily showing a system including a power receiving device and a power supply device according to the present embodiment;

[0014] Figure 2is a block diagram exemplarily showing a configuration of a power receiving device included in the system according to the present embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3 is a flowchart exemplarily showing a control process according to the first embodiment;

[0016] Figure 4 is a view exemplarily showing a warning screen displayed on an external device in the control process according to the first embodiment;

[0017] Figure 5 is a flowchart exemplarily showing a control process according to the second embodiment;

[0018] Figure 6 is a view exemplarily showing a warning screen displayed on an external device in a control process according to the second embodiment;

[0019] Figure 7 is a flowchart exemplarily showing a control process according to the third embodiment; and

[0020] Figure 8 is a view exemplarily showing a warning screen displayed on an external device in the control process according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] 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 the invention requiring all of these features is not limited, and a plurality of such features may be appropriately combined. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar configurations, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0022] [First embodiment]

[0023] Now, refer to Figures 1 to 3 A first embodiment is described.

[0024] In the present embodiment, an example of a system will be described in which a power receiving device is an information processing device such as a printing device, a power supply device is a power supply device such as a charger, and a plurality of power receiving devices are connectable to the power supply device.

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view exemplarily showing a system including a power receiving device and a power supply device according to the present embodiment.

[0026] exist Figure 1In the present invention, the printing device 100 as a power receiving device and the power supply device 200 as a power supply device are connected by a universal interface cable 300, so that communication and power transmission / reception can be performed. For example, the printing device 100 is a small, lightweight portable printer or mobile printer suitable for portable use. For example, the power supply device 200 is a universal charger that uses an AC commercial power supply, a mobile battery, or a cigarette lighter socket as a power source. For example, the universal interface cable (hereinafter referred to as the connection cable) 300 is a USB Type-C cable. The printing device 100 and the power supply device 200 can be electrically connected via a connection cable 300 that complies with the USB Type-C standard and includes a connector that complies with the USB Type-C standard.

[0027] In this embodiment, the printing device 100 and the power supply device 200 operate as a power receiving device (power receiving device) and a power supply device (power supply device) adapted to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Delivery (PD) standard. The power receiving device (power receiving device) and the power supply device (power supply device) negotiate based on a power rule to determine the power to be supplied according to a combination of a predetermined voltage value (e.g., 5V, 9V, 15V, or 20V) and a current value (e.g., 3A or 5A). The power supply device 200 can supply a maximum of 100W of power based on the USB PD standard.

[0028] The printing device 100 includes an operation unit 101 and a display unit 102. The operation unit 101 and the display unit 102 are provided on the upper surface portion of the printing device 100. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 101 is a power button, and the user can power on the printing device 100 by operating the power button. The display unit 102 includes a light source such as an LED that can flash or light up. The display unit 102 lights up when the printing device 100 is powered on, and flashes according to the operating state of the printing device 100.

[0029] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 100 includes a connector 103. The connector 103 is provided on a side surface portion of the printing apparatus 100. The connector 103 is a receptacle connector conforming to the USB Type-C standard, for example, and is electrically connectable to the power supply apparatus 200 via the connection cable 300.

[0030] The power supply device 200 includes a connector 201 and a connection terminal 202. The connection terminal 202 is configured to be connectable to an AC commercial power supply. The connector 201 is a socket connector that complies with the USB Type-C standard. The power supply device 200 includes a plurality of (e.g., four) connectors 201, which can be simultaneously connected to a plurality of power receiving devices via a connection cable 300, and can communicate and transmit / receive power with the connected power receiving devices.

[0031] The connection cable 300 includes connectors 301. The connectors 301 are provided on both end portions of the connection cable 300. The connectors 301 are plug connectors conforming to the USB Type-C standard.

[0032] Figure 2 Detailed Description of the Invention Detailed Description of the Invention is a block diagram exemplarily showing the hardware configuration of the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0033] The printing device 100 includes a PD controller 104 that complies with the USB PD standard. When the power supply device 200 that complies with the USB PD standard is connected to the connector 103 via the connection cable 300, the PD controller 104 performs negotiation and requests necessary power from the power supply device 200. The power supply device 200 supplies the power requested by the printing device 100 through the negotiation. The power supply device 200 stops the power supply during the negotiation with the printing device 100, and starts the power supply after the negotiation is completed. The time required for the negotiation is approximately 10 to 500 milliseconds. When the power supply device 200 is connected to the printing device 100, the negotiation is completed instantly, and the power supply is started. The PD controller 104 always monitors the power supplied from the power supply device 200, and can detect the interruption of the power supply from the power supply device 200.

[0034] Under the control of the PD controller 104 , the charge / discharge control unit 105 performs charge control of charging the battery 106 using the power supplied from the power supply device 200 and discharge control of supplying the power of the battery 106 to the power control unit 107 .

[0035] The battery 106 is a secondary battery detachably attached to the printing apparatus 100 , and is, for example, a lithium ion battery capable of supplying electric power to make the printing apparatus 100 operable. The battery 106 is built in the printing apparatus 100 .

[0036] The power control unit 107 performs control to switch the power to be supplied to the control unit 109 and the printing unit 112 to the power supplied from the power supply device 200 or the power of the battery 106 according to the ON state or OFF state of the switch 108 .

[0037] The power control unit 107 sets the switch 108 to the ON state or the OFF state based on the information obtained by the PD controller 104 from the power supply device 200. When the switch 108 is in the ON state, the PD controller 104 outputs the power supplied from the power supply device 200 to the power control unit 107. When the switch 108 is in the OFF state, the PD controller 104 outputs all the power supplied from the power supply device 200 to the charge / discharge control unit 105 to charge the battery 106.

[0038] The control unit 109 includes a processor (CPU) that performs operation processing and control processing of the printing apparatus 100 .

[0039] The storage unit 110 is a nonvolatile memory that stores constants and programs (firmware) for the operation of the control unit 109, and is, for example, an EEPROM or a flash memory. The program according to the present embodiment is configured to execute the operations to be described later. Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The procedure is shown in the flowchart.

[0040] The memory unit 111 is a volatile memory loaded with constants and variables used for the operation of the control unit 109 and a program read out from the storage unit 110, and is, for example, a RAM. The control unit 109 loads the program stored in the storage unit 110 to the memory unit 111 and executes the program, thereby controlling the components of the printing apparatus 100.

[0041] The printing unit 112 performs a printing process of printing image data on paper. The printing unit 112 includes a print head, a head driving circuit, a paper feed roller, a roller driving motor, a motor driving circuit, etc. The communication unit 113 is an interface that can be connected to the external device 400 by wireless communication or wired communication, and includes a communication circuit that transmits / receives data to / from the external device 400. For example, the external device 400 is a communication device such as a smartphone held by a user or an information processing device such as a tablet computer. The printing device 100 receives image data and a print start command from the external device 400 via the communication unit 113. Based on the print start command received from the external device 400, the control unit 109 controls the printing unit 112 and performs a printing process of printing image data on paper. In addition, the printing device 100 transmits status information such as an operation status of the printing device 100 to the external device 400 via the communication unit 113. The external device 400 displays information based on the status information received from the printing device 100, thereby notifying the user of the information.

[0042] The power control unit 107 controls the power to be supplied to the control unit 109 and the printing unit 112. When the switch 108 is in the ON state, the power control unit 107 directly supplies the power supplied from the power supply device 200 to the control unit 109 and the printing unit 112. Since the control unit 109 and the printing unit 112 can be operated by the power supplied from the power supply device 200, the power of the battery 106 is not consumed, and the remaining power of the battery 106 is not reduced. On the other hand, when the switch 108 is set to the OFF state, the power control unit 107 supplies the power of the battery 106 to the control unit 109 and the printing unit 112. Since the control unit 109 and the printing unit 112 can be operated only by the power of the battery 106, the remaining power of the battery 106 is reduced.

[0043] Next, power supply control of the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0044] Figure 3 : is a flowchart exemplarily showing power supply control of the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 The warning screen displayed on the external device 400 in the power supply control of the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment is exemplarily shown.

[0045] It should be noted that Figure 3 The processing shown in is realized by the control unit 109 loading the program stored in the storage unit 110 into the memory unit 111 and executing the program to control the components of the printing apparatus 100. Figure 3 At the start of the process shown in , the printing device 100 is powered on, the printing device 100 and the power supply device 200 connected by the connection cable 300 complete the negotiation, and a state in which the power supply device 200 can supply power to the printing device 100 is obtained. The same applies to the following described Figure 5 and Figure 7 .

[0046] In step S101, the control unit 109 sets the switch 108 to the ON state through the PD controller 104. The power control unit 107 supplies the power supplied from the power supply device 200 to the control unit 109 and the printing unit 112.

[0047] In step S102, the control unit 109 determines whether the power supplied from the power supply device 200 is cut off. When it is determined that the PD controller 104 detects the interruption of the power supply from the power supply device 200, the control unit 109 advances the process to step S103. When it is determined that the PD controller 104 does not detect the interruption of the power supply from the power supply device 200 and continues to supply power from the power supply device 200, the control unit 109 advances the process to step S107.

[0048] In step S103 , the control unit 109 starts counting time using the timer, and measures the time that has elapsed since the power supply of the power supply device 200 was interrupted.

[0049] In step S104, the control unit 109 determines whether the power supply from the power supply device 200 is restored within a predetermined time from the interruption of the power supply of the power supply device 200. When the PD controller 104 detects that the power supply from the power supply device 200 is restored, the control unit 109 refers to the time measured by the timer started in step S103, and determines whether the interruption time of the power supply from the power supply device 200 is the predetermined time or less. When it is determined that the interruption time of the power supply from the power supply device 200 is the predetermined time or less, the control unit 109 advances the process to step S105. When it is determined that the interruption time of the power supply from the power supply device 200 exceeds the predetermined time, the control unit 109 advances the process to step S106.

[0050] In step S105 , the control unit 109 stores the first information indicating that the power supply is momentarily interrupted in the memory unit 111 .

[0051] In step S106, the control unit 109 erases the first information stored in the memory unit 111. It should be noted that the predetermined time is set to about 1 second, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the predetermined time may be set to other times.

[0052] In step S107, the control unit 109 determines whether the communication unit 113 receives a print instruction from the external device 400. Upon determining that a print instruction is received from the external device 400, the control unit 109 advances the process to step S108. Upon determining that a print instruction is not received, the control unit 109 returns the process to step S102.

[0053] In step S108, the control unit 109 determines whether the first information is stored in the memory unit 111. When determining that the first information is stored in the memory unit 111, the control unit 109 advances the process to step S109. When determining that the first information is not stored in the memory unit 111, the control unit 109 advances the process to step S111.

[0054] In step S109, the control unit 109 sets the switch 108 to the OFF state through the PD controller 104. The power control unit 107 switches the power to be supplied to the control unit 109 and the printing unit 112 from the power supplied by the power supply device 200 to the power of the battery 106.

[0055] In step S110, the control unit 109 transmits the first information and the display instruction to the external device 400. The external device 400 displays the first information and the display instruction received from the printing device 100. Figure 4 The warning screen shown in the example. Figure 4 In the example shown in , the first information is information for notifying the user that switching is made from the power supply from the power supply device 200 to the power supply from the battery 106 and the remaining amount of the battery 106 may decrease.

[0056] In step S111, the control unit 109 starts the printing process through the printing unit 112 based on the image data and the printing instruction received from the external device 400, and ends the process. It should be noted that when it is determined in step S108 that the first information is not stored in the memory unit 111, the control unit 109 starts the printing process while keeping the switch 108 in the ON state.

[0057] In step S104, the predetermined time is about 1 second. When a momentary power supply interruption of 1 second or less occurs, first information is stored in the memory unit 111, and in step S108, the switch 108 is ON / OFF controlled based on the first information in the memory unit 111, and printing is started.

[0058] As a hypothetical factor of the instantaneous power supply interruption, there is a case where, after the power supply device 200 is connected to the printing device 100, other power receiving devices other than the printing device 100 are connected to the power supply device 200, and negotiation is performed again. When the user connects or disconnects other power receiving devices during the printing process of the printing device 100, the power supply device 200 negotiates again with all power receiving devices including the connected printing device 100. During the negotiation, the power supply device 200 stops the power supply, and thus, when the switch 108 is in the ON state, the power supply to the printing unit 112 is temporarily stopped. Therefore, the following event occurs: the power supply to the paper conveying motor is momentarily interrupted, the paper conveying speed is changed accordingly, and streaky lines are formed on the printed product, so that paper and ink are wasted to reprint.

[0059] In the present embodiment, when the occurrence of a momentary interruption in the power supply is detected in step S103 and the first information is stored in the memory unit 111 in step S108, it is estimated that there is a high probability that negotiation is performed after the power supply device 200 is connected to the printing device 100, and in step S109, the switch 108 is switched to the OFF state to perform switching from the power supply from the power supply device 200 to the power supply from the battery 106. Since power is supplied from the battery 106 to the printing unit 112 during the printing process, even when a momentary interruption occurs due to the negotiation performed between the printing device 100 and the power supply device 200 during the printing process, the influence on the printed product can be reduced. In addition, since the user is notified in step S110 that the switching to the power supply from the battery 106 is performed, the user can be aware that the remaining power of the battery 106 may decrease due to the printing process, but this is not a malfunction.

[0060] When the first information is not stored in the memory unit 111 in step S108, it is estimated that no negotiation occurs after the power supply device 200 is connected to the printing device 100. In this case, since the possibility that the printing device 100 and the power supply device 200 negotiate again during the printing process is low, the printing process is started while keeping the switch 108 in the ON state, and the power supplied from the power supply device 200 is directly supplied to the printing unit 112. Therefore, the power of the battery 106 is not consumed, and the remaining power of the battery 106 does not decrease.

[0061] In the present embodiment, a configuration in which power can be directly supplied from the power supply device 200 to the power control unit 107 by setting the switch 108 between the PD controller 104 and the power control unit 107 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the case where the switch 108 is not set, control can only be performed by the charge / discharge control unit 105. The power supplied from the power supply device 200 is all sent to the charge / discharge control unit 105 by the PD controller 104, and the charge / discharge control unit 105 does not supply power to the battery 106 but supplies all power to the power control unit 107, thereby achieving the same control as the case where the switch 108 is set.

[0062] [Second embodiment]

[0063] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 A second embodiment is described.

[0064] Figure 5 is a flowchart exemplarily showing power supply control of the printing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. Figure 6The warning screen displayed on the external device 400 in the power supply control of the printing device 100 according to the second embodiment is exemplarily shown.

[0065] The configuration of the printing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. Figure 2 The configuration is the same as in .

[0066] The processing of steps S201 to S208 is Figure 3 The processing of steps S101 to S108 in is the same.

[0067] In step S208, upon determining that the first information is stored in the memory unit 111, the control unit 109 advances the process to step S209. Upon determining that the first information is not stored in the memory unit 111, the control unit 109 advances the process to step S214.

[0068] In step S209, the control unit 109 transmits the second information and the display instruction to the external device 400. The external device 400 displays the second information and the display instruction received from the printing device 100. Figure 6 The warning screen shown in the example. Figure 6 In the example shown in , the second information is information that prompts the user to disconnect power receiving devices other than the printing device 100 connected to the power supply device 200 and not to connect other power receiving devices other than the printing device 100 to the power supply device 200 after printing starts.

[0069] In step S210, similarly to step S102, the control unit 109 determines whether the power supplied from the power supply device 200 is cut off. Upon determining that the PD controller 104 detects an interruption in the supply of power from the power supply device 200, the control unit 109 advances the process to step S211. Upon determining that the PD controller 104 does not detect an interruption in the supply of power from the power supply device 200 and continues to supply power from the power supply device 200, the control unit 109 advances the process to step S213.

[0070] In step S211 , similarly to step S103 , the control unit 109 starts counting time using the timer, and measures the time that has elapsed since the power supply of the power supply device 200 was interrupted.

[0071] In step S212, similarly to step S104, the control unit 109 determines whether the power supply from the power supply device 200 is restored within a predetermined time from the interruption of the power supply of the power supply device 200. When the PD controller 104 detects that the power supply from the power supply device 200 is restored, the control unit 109 refers to the time measured by the timer started in step S211, and determines whether the interruption time of the power supply from the power supply device 200 is the predetermined time or less. When it is determined that the interruption time of the power supply from the power supply device 200 is the predetermined time or less, the control unit 109 advances the process to step S214. When it is determined that the interruption time of the power supply from the power supply device 200 exceeds the predetermined time, the control unit 109 advances the process to step S213.

[0072] In step S213, similarly to step S109, the control unit 109 sets the switch 108 to the OFF state through the PD controller 104. The power control unit 107 switches the power to be supplied to the control unit 109 and the printing unit 112 from the power supplied by the power supply device 200 to the power of the battery 106.

[0073] In step S214, similarly to step S111, the control unit 109 starts the printing process through the printing unit 112 based on the image data and the print instruction received from the external device 400, and ends the process. It should be noted that when it is determined in step S212 that the interruption time of the power supply from the power supply device 200 is a predetermined time or less, the control unit 109 starts the printing process while keeping the switch 108 in the ON state.

[0074] In the present embodiment, when it is detected in step S204 that a momentary power supply interruption has occurred and the first information is stored in the memory unit 111 in step S208, it is estimated that it is highly likely that negotiation will be performed after the power supply device 200 is connected to the printing device 100. Therefore, in step S209, second information that prompts the user to disconnect other power receiving devices connected to the power supply device 200 is displayed on the external device 400. When the user disconnects the other power receiving devices from the power supply device 200 according to the second information, the power supply device 200 performs negotiation with the printing device 100 again, and thus, a momentary power supply interruption occurs. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when it is detected in steps S210 to S212 that a momentary power supply interruption has occurred, it can be determined according to the second information that the user has disconnected the other power receiving devices from the power supply device 200. In this case, since it is less likely that the power supply device 200 performs negotiation with the printing device 100 again during the printing process, the printing process is started while the switch 108 is kept in the ON state.

[0075] On the other hand, when the occurrence of a momentary power supply interruption cannot be detected in steps S210 to S212, it can be determined that the user has not taken appropriate measures based on the second information. In this case, it is highly likely that the user connects or disconnects other power receiving devices to or from the power supply device 200 during the printing process, the power supply device 200 performs negotiation with the printing device 100 again, and a momentary power supply interruption occurs. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in step S213, the printing process is started after the switch 108 is switched to the OFF state. Therefore, even when negotiation is performed again during the printing process and a momentary power supply interruption occurs, the possibility of a printing failure can be reduced.

[0076] [Third embodiment]

[0077] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 A third embodiment is described.

[0078] Figure 7 : is a flowchart exemplarily showing power supply control of the printing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. Figure 8 The warning screen displayed on the external device 400 in the power supply control of the printing device 100 according to the third embodiment is exemplarily shown.

[0079] The configuration of the printing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment. Figure 2 The configuration is the same as in .

[0080] The processing of steps S301 to S310 is Figure 3 The processing of steps S101 to S108, S110 and S111 in is the same.

[0081] In the present embodiment, in step S304, it is detected that a momentary power supply interruption has occurred. Unlike the first and second embodiments, even when the first information is stored in the memory unit 111 in step S308, the switch 108 is not switched to the OFF state, and in step S309, the control unit 109 transmits the third information and the display instruction to the external device 400. The external device 400 displays the third information and the display instruction received from the printing device 100. Figure 8 The warning screen shown in the example. Figure 8 In the example shown in , the third information is information that prompts the user not to connect or disconnect a power receiving device other than the printing device 100 connected to the power supply device 200 during the printing process, and notifies the user that the printing process may be stopped due to a momentary power supply interruption. When the user operates after receiving the third information Figure 8, the process proceeds to step S310 , and the control unit 109 accepts a user operation to start the print process and starts the print process through the printing unit 112 .

[0082] In the present embodiment, when the occurrence of a momentary power supply interruption is detected in step S304 and the first information is stored in the memory unit 111 in step S308, it is estimated that there is a high probability that negotiation will be performed after the power supply device 200 is connected to the printing device 100. Therefore, in step S309, third information that prompts the user not to connect or disconnect other power receiving devices other than the printing device 100 to the power supply device 200 is displayed on the external device 400, thereby reducing the possibility that the power supply device 200 will perform negotiation with the printing device 100 again during the printing process. In addition, even if the user connects or disconnects other power receiving devices other than the printing device 100 to the power supply device 200 during the printing process, the power supply device 200 performs negotiation with the printing device 100 again, and a printing failure occurs, the negotiation can be performed before printing. Figure 8 The third information shown in is notified to the user, thereby making the user aware of the cause of the printing failure and preventing the printing failure from occurring due to the same cause.

[0083] It should be noted that in the above-mentioned embodiment, the printing device is described as an example of a power receiving device connected to the power supply device 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the power receiving device other than the printing device may be a mobile communication device. Since the mobile communication device performs negotiation with the power supply device each time a power receiving device other than the mobile communication device that receives power supplied from the power supply device to which a plurality of power receiving devices can be connected is connected to the power supply device, the power supply from the power supply device to the mobile communication device may be interrupted instantaneously, and the communication processing may be temporarily stopped. In addition, if the connection or disconnection between the power supply device and the other power receiving devices is repeated, it is very likely that the communication is temporarily interrupted frequently. The user can hardly identify the reason for the communication interruption. Therefore, similar to the printing device, for the mobile communication device, if a plurality of power receiving devices can be connected to the power supply device, it is best to switch the power supply of the mobile communication device from the power supply device to the battery.

[0084] [Other embodiments]

[0085] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0086] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The following claims are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An information processing device, comprising: Battery; a power receiving unit configured to receive power from a power supply device connected to the information processing device; a processing unit configured to execute predetermined processing by power of the power supply device or power of the battery; as well as a control unit configured to switch the power to be supplied to the processing unit to the power supplied from the power supply device or the power of the battery, wherein, when the power supply of the power supply device is restored within a predetermined time from when the power supply of the power supply device is stopped, the control unit switches the power to be supplied to the processing unit to the power of the battery.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein After switching the power to be supplied to the processing unit to the power of the battery, the control unit performs control so that the processing unit starts the predetermined process by the power of the battery.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit stores, in a memory, first information indicating that the power supply of the power supply device is resumed within the predetermined time from when the power supply of the power supply device is stopped, and When the power supply of the power supply device is resumed after the predetermined time has elapsed since the power supply of the power supply device was stopped, the first information stored in the memory is erased.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein Based on the first information, the control unit switches the power to be supplied to the processing unit to the power supplied from the power supply device or the power of the battery.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein When the power to be supplied to the processing unit is switched to the power of the battery, the control unit notifies the user of second information indicating that the power to be supplied to the processing unit is switched to the power of the battery and that there is a possibility that the remaining power of the battery will decrease.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein When the power supply to the power supply device is restored within the predetermined time since the power supply to the power supply device is stopped, the control unit will notify the user of third information prompting the user to disconnect other power receiving devices other than the information processing device connected to the power supply device, and after the processing unit starts the predetermined processing, the other power receiving devices will not be connected to the power supply device.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein After notifying the third information, when the power supply of the power supply device is not restored within the predetermined time since the power supply of the power supply device is stopped, the control unit switches the power to be supplied to the processing unit to the power of the battery.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Even when the power supply of the power supply device is restored within the predetermined time since the power supply of the power supply device is stopped, the control unit will still notify the user of the fourth information during the predetermined processing to prompt the user not to connect and disconnect other power receiving devices other than the information processing device connected to the power supply device, and when the user operation to start the predetermined processing is accepted, the control unit controls the processing unit to start the predetermined processing without switching the power to be supplied to the processing unit to the power of the battery.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 7, further comprising a communication unit configured to communicate with an external device, in, The control unit displays the information on the external device.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein Upon receiving an instruction for starting the predetermined process from the external device, the control unit controls so that the processing unit starts the predetermined process.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 and 10, further comprising a switching unit configured to switch the power to be supplied to the processing unit to the power of the power supply device or the power of the battery, in, The power supplied from the power supply device is directly supplied to the processing unit via the switching unit.

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 and 10, wherein The power supply device is capable of simultaneously supplying the power to a plurality of power receiving devices connected to the power supply device.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 and 10, wherein The information processing device and the power supply device comply with the Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery (USBPD) standard.

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 and 10, wherein The information processing apparatus is a printing apparatus, and the predetermined process is a printing process.

15. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 and 10, wherein The information processing apparatus is a mobile communication device, and the predetermined process is a communication process.

16. A method for controlling an information processing device, the control method include: in, The information processing device comprises: Battery; a power receiving unit configured to receive power from a power supply device connected to the information processing device; and a processing unit configured to execute predetermined processing by the power of the power supply device or the power of the battery, Wherein, the control method comprises: a switching step of switching the power to be supplied to the processing unit to the power supplied from the power supply device or the power of the battery, and In the switching step, when the power supply of the power supply device is restored within a predetermined time from the stop of the power supply of the power supply device, the power to be supplied to the processing unit is switched to the power of the battery. 17 . A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 . 18 . A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 .

Images