Power supply control device and method, recording device, and image recording device

Abstract

To achieve both power supply operation by a user and power supply operation by a schedule.SOLUTION: A recording device includes a first power supply part capable of switching on and off of power supply, and a second power supply part for always supplying power. RTC is operated by a dedicated power supply. A power control part is operated by the power supply by the second power supply part, turns the first power supply part on in response to a signal from the RTC or operation of a power key, and turns the first power supply part off according to the state of ASIC. When either the operation of the power key or the interruption of the RTC is generated, the ASIC sets a time to turn on the first power supply part or a time to turn off the first power supply part to the RTC, according to the state of the ASIC, and sets the state of the ASIC.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply control device and a recording device, and more particularly to a power supply control device and a recording device that control the supply and stop of power to a load based on a schedule set by a user. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 proposes an image forming apparatus that includes a timer with a dedicated power supply and an alarm function, and controls the power supply to the main control unit based on a schedule setting. The document describes that the power supply is stopped by sending a cutoff signal from the main control unit to the power supply unit at the power-off time, and that the output time of the alarm signal from the timer is set to the next power-on time. The document also describes that the power supply is started by sending an alarm signal from the timer to the power supply unit at the power-on time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-162897 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The configuration described in the cited document 1 was considered to be sufficient in the case of controlling the power supply based only on the schedule setting. However, in a configuration including both a power key for turning on the power and a schedule function, each of which is involved in power supply control for the main control unit, manual operations performed directly on the device such as the power key have a high priority in terms of usability. Therefore, a configuration that can also realize the schedule function based on a configuration that prioritizes power supply control using the power key is required. In addition, there is a possibility that the user will operate the power key before or after starting or stopping the power supply based on the schedule setting (set power off time, set power on time), and a control sequence that takes this into consideration is also required.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a power supply control device and a recording device that are configured to start and stop power supply based on a schedule setting and that take user operation into consideration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration. According to one aspect of the present invention, a power supply means including a first power supply unit capable of switching on and off the power supply and a second power supply unit that constantly supplies power; A control means operated by the power supply from the first power supply unit; a timer means for operating on a power source supplied by the second power source unit or a dedicated power source and outputting a signal when a preset time has elapsed; an operating means for operating on power from the second power supply unit and for allowing a user to switch on and off the power supply from the first power supply unit; a power control means that operates on power from the second power supply unit, turns on the power supply from the first power supply unit in response to a signal from the clock means or an operation by the operation means, and turns off the power supply from the first power supply unit in response to a state of the control means, When at least one of the operation by the operating means or the signal from the clock means is received, the control means sets a time for turning on or off the power supply from the first power supply unit to the clock means and sets a state of the control means, depending on a state of the control means. A power supply control device is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power supply control device and a recording device that are configured to be able to start and stop power supply based on a schedule setting and that take user operations into consideration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an inkjet recording apparatus. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a power supply in a control configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus. [Figure 2B] A diagram showing a control circuit that controls the power supply to an ASIC. [Diagram 3] Start-up sequence diagram when powering on [Figure 4] Sequence diagram of transition from ready to standby state [Diagram 5] Sequence diagram of transition from standby state to operational state [Figure 6] A diagram showing the time patterns of user operations [Figure 7] Control sequence example 1 for changing RTC settings based on time [Figure 8A] Flowchart for changing RTC settings based on time [Figure 8B] Flowchart for changing RTC settings based on time (continued) [Figure 9A] Control sequence example 2 for changing RTC settings based on time [Figure 9B] Figure 3 shows an example of a control sequence for changing the RTC settings based on the time. [Figure 10]Flowchart for changing RTC settings considering power key [Figure 11A] A diagram showing an example of a control sequence for changing the RTC settings taking into account the power key. [Figure 11B] A diagram showing an example of a control sequence for changing the RTC settings taking into account the power key. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] <Explanation of the inkjet recording device (Fig. 1)> FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view of an inkjet recording device 100 (hereinafter, recording device) as a representative recording device to which the present invention can be applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the recording device 100 includes a housing (exterior part) 101, a recording head (not shown) that performs a recording operation on a recording medium, and an ink tank 102 as an ink storage container that stores ink to be supplied to the recording head. The ink tank 102 is disposed on the front of the housing 101, and the recording head and the ink tank 102 are connected for each color by an ink flow path corresponding to each ink. A black ink tank 102a is attached to the left side as viewed from the front of the recording device, and a cyan ink tank 102b, a magenta ink tank 102c, and a yellow ink tank 102d are attached to the right side as viewed from the front of the recording device. The recording device 100 also includes a paper tray 103 and a paper cassette 104 as paper feeders to take in recording media such as paper into the device. The recording media on which recording has been completed are discharged from a discharge part 105 to the outside of the recording device 100. The recording device 100 also includes an operation unit 106 that allows the user to perform operations such as inputting commands.

[0011] Furthermore, the operation unit 106 is provided with a power key (also called a soft power button or simply an operation unit) 206 for the user to manually turn on or off the power. This power key 206 is not a power switch that physically connects or disconnects the power supply, but may be a button that outputs a signal indicating that the power key has been operated (i.e., pressed). A power switch that physically connects or disconnects the power supply may be provided separately from this power key, for example, on the side or back of the housing 101. By turning on the power switch, power is supplied to the PSU 201 from, for example, a commercial AC power source. Note that the name "power key" is adopted for convenience, and the shape and mechanism of the power key may be any as long as it can output a signal indicating that the power key has been operated. Also, the power key may be provided in another part of the housing 101 instead of the operation unit 106.

[0012] <Power supply in the control configuration of an inkjet printing device (Fig. 2A)> Here, the configuration for power supply control of the recording device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 2A. An actual inkjet recording device has a complicated structure using multiple integrated circuits (ICs), but here, components related to this embodiment will be described. For convenience of explanation, the power supply control unit 202, the power saving control IC 203, and the application specific IC (ASIC) 204 are configured to have multiple processing units in one processing block. However, each processing unit may be configured independently, or the power supply control unit 202 and the power saving control IC 203 may be configured as one IC. Note that FIG. 2A shows only the power supply and the configuration for controlling it, and the whole of the configuration may be called a power supply control device. In addition, the inkjet recording device 100 includes a recording unit configured with electronic circuits and machines for forming an image on a medium by an actuator such as a motor driven by the supplied power supply, and a processing unit for generating and processing the image to be recorded.

[0013] Configuration of power supply control unit 202 When power is supplied from outside the device, the power supply unit (PSU) 201 converts the power into a DC voltage such as 32V or 24V that is easy to use inside the recording device 100 by AC / DC conversion. The power supply control unit 202 receives the output voltage of the PSU 201 and generates a further low-voltage power such as 5V, 3.3V, or 0.9V by a regulator 301 and a DC-DC converter 302. The regulator power supply 304 output from the regulator 301 is constantly supplied to the power saving control IC 203 and the real-time clock (RTC) 208 while they are connected to the AC power supply. On the other hand, the system power supply 305 output from the DC-DC converter 302 is supplied to the ASIC 204. The power supply of the system power supply 305 can be switched on and off according to the control of the reset control unit 303. When the reset control unit 303 receives a reset signal 510 from the power saving control IC 203, it transitions the power supply control unit 202 to a reset state. The reset control unit 303 can reset the power supply control unit 202 at the falling edge of the reset signal 510 , for example, and can also reset the power supply control unit 202 in response to a status signal from a communication interface (I / F) 502 .

[0014] The system power supply 305 is off in the reset state, i.e., the supply is stopped, and is on in the reset release state, i.e., the supply is supplied. At this time, the regulator power supply 304 output by the regulator 301 is always supplied to the power saving control IC 203 and the RTC 208 at a predetermined voltage while the power supply from the PSU 201 is being performed, regardless of the reset state of the power supply control unit 202.

[0015] On the other hand, in the reset state, the DC-DC converter 302 stops outputting the system power supply 305. That is, by completely stopping the supply of power from the system power supply 305 that supplies power to the ASIC 204, the recording device 100 can transition to the minimum power state.

[0016] In FIG. 2A, the RTC 208 is supplied with regulator power 304, but if it is necessary to count the time when there is no power supply from outside the device, power can also be supplied using an auxiliary power supply 306 such as a coin battery.

[0017] Configuration of ASIC204 Next, the internal blocks of the ASIC 204 will be described. When the ASIC 204 is powered on by the system power supply 305, the CPU 401 executes the control program stored in the ROM 205 via the memory controller 402, and starts controlling the recording device 100. That is, the ASIC 204 functions as a control unit of the recording device 100. The power-saving event signal detection unit 403 can detect a power-saving event signal 511, which is a control signal for the power-saving control IC 203. By detecting the power-saving event signal 511, the recording device 100 can transition to another power state. Similarly, the sensor detection unit 404 can detect the state of the sensor 207 inside the device via the power-saving control IC 203. The ASIC 204, particularly the CPU 401, executes the necessary processing as appropriate by detecting the change in state of the sensor 207.

[0018] Furthermore, the ASIC 204 can communicate with the power saving control IC 203 via the communication I / F 405. The ASIC 204 can also communicate with the RTC 208 via the communication I / F 405, and can access the internal registers of the RTC 208. The protocol used by the communication I / F 405 may be an interface protocol such as I2C or UART, or a protocol for connecting by high-speed communication such as PCIe. The communication protocol of the communication I / F 405 may be determined along with the corresponding interface according to the circumstances of the device. If the communication methods of the power saving control IC 203 and the RTC 208 are different, they can communicate with each other via separate I / Fs, and if the communication method is I2C or the like, the power saving control IC 203 and the RTC 208 may be controlled on the same bus.

[0019] The ROM 205 is a non-volatile memory and retains data even without power supply to the ASIC 204. In addition, the ROM 205 of the present embodiment can be rewritten by the ASIC 204. The ROM 205 is a non-volatile memory and retains data even without power supply to the ASIC 204. In addition, the ROM 205 of the present embodiment can be rewritten by the ASIC 204. In addition to the program, the ROM 205 includes a power-on setting time storage unit 210 and a power-off setting time storage unit 211 for storing the power-on setting time and the power-off setting time set by the operation unit 106 and the like, respectively. These setting times are information for switching the state of the recording device 100 between an operable state (soft-on) and a standby state (soft-off) described later. This will be described again in the section <Control Configuration of Time Schedule Function in the Present Embodiment> described later. <Control Circuit for Controlling Power Supply to ASIC (Fig. 2B)> The control circuit for controlling the power supply to the ASIC 204 will be described with reference to Fig. 2B. Fig. 2B is a diagram showing the inside of the RTC 208 and the power saving control IC 203 shown in Fig. 2A. Here, the internal blocks of the power saving control IC 203 will be described.

[0020] The power saving control unit 501 controls the reset signal 510 for the reset control unit 303 of the power control unit 202. The power key 206 and the RTC 208 are connected to the power saving control unit 501. Here, in order to implement the power saving control IC 203 with simple logic, it is preferable that the power saving control unit 501 is configured to output the reset signal 510 and the power saving event signal 511 without distinguishing the input of the interrupt signals of the power key and the RTC. In the present embodiment, for example, a logical product signal of the power key signal 521 and the RTC interrupt signal 522 is generated by the logical product 5012 inside the power saving control unit 501.

[0021] The logical product signal is output as a power saving event signal 511, and is latched by the latch 5011 and output as a reset signal 510. This allows the ASIC 204 to detect a power key signal 521 indicating that the power key 206 has been pressed, and also to detect an RTC interrupt signal 522 from the RTC 208 indicating that a set alarm time has been reached. Note that it is assumed here that the power key signal 521 and the RTC interrupt signal 522 are active low (negative logic) signals, and a negative value for each signal indicates that it is active (a key has been pressed and an interrupt has occurred). The value of the latch 5011 that holds the reset release state (negative value) is not changed by the power key signal 521 or the RTC interrupt signal 522. The latch 5011 that holds the reset release state (negative value) rotates forward in response to the state signal from the communication I / F 502 switching from the active state to the stopped state. This causes the reset signal 510 output from the power saving control unit 501 to change from the reset release state to the reset state. The RTC 208 includes a current time information storage unit 601 that stores current time information.

[0022] The RTC 208 in this example has a dedicated power source such as a battery, and can continue to measure time even if the AC power source to the recording device is lost. The RTC 208 also has a configurable alarm time information storage unit 602, and when the current time becomes the alarm time, an alarm function circuit 603 outputs an interrupt signal (alarm notification) 522. Here, the current time of the RTC 208 can be read and the alarm time can be set from the ASIC 204 via the communication I / F 604. The alarm time can be set, for example, by the ASIC 204 writing the time inputted through a predetermined user interface in the operation unit 106 to the alarm time information storage unit 602 or by having the ASIC 204 set the time in the RTC 208 based on the control of the ASIC 204. The current time information can also be adjusted by the ASIC 204. The RTC 208 may also be operated by the regulator power source 301. In that case, however, the real time needs to be reset every time the AC power source is lost.

[0023] As described above, the power saving control unit 501 monitors the power key signal 521 and the RTC interrupt signal 522 while being supplied with regulator power supply 304. After receiving the power key signal 521 or the RTC interrupt signal 522, the power saving control unit 501 outputs a power saving event signal 511 and notifies the power saving event signal detection unit 403 of the ASIC 204 of the detection of these signals. In this way, when the system power supply 305 is supplied to the ASIC 204 (when in the soft-on state), the ASIC 204 is configured to be able to detect the pressing of the power key or an alarm notification by the RTC 208.

[0024] When the ASIC 204 detects a change in at least one of the power key signal 521 or the RTC interrupt signal 522 in the soft-on state (i.e., reset release state), the ASIC 204 performs a stop process for powering off. When the stop process is completed and preparation is completed, the ASIC 204 outputs a signal value indicating the stop state of the ASIC 204 to the communication I / F 502 by the status signal 410 (signal in the communication I / F). The power saving control unit 501 receives the status signal 410 via the communication I / F 502 and controls the reset signal 510. Specifically, the power saving control unit 501 changes the reset signal from the reset release state to the reset state in response to receiving the status signal 410 indicating the stop state of the ASIC 204. This causes the DC-DC converter 302 to stop supplying the system power 305. Conversely, when the reset signal changes from the reset state to the reset release state, the DC-DC converter 302 starts supplying the system power 305. In this way, by controlling the output of the DC-DC converter 302 of the power supply control unit 202 under the control of the reset signal 510, the power state of the recording device 100 can be switched.

[0025] A counter control unit 505 and a storage memory unit 504 are also connected to the communication I / F 502, but since these are not directly related to the power control of this embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] <Definition of power states in this embodiment> The recording device 100 has two states: an operable state in which power is being supplied to the ASIC 204, and a standby state in which power supply to the ASIC 204 is stopped. In the standby state, power is being supplied from outside the recording device 100, but power supply to the ASIC 204, which is the main control unit, is stopped. In this embodiment, the operable state includes operation modes in which the device can accept predetermined operations by supplying power to the ASIC 204, such as a soft-on state, a power saving state, and an automatic power-on enabled state.

[0027] The soft-on state is a state in which the power required for recording is supplied and the recording device 100 can be operated via the display unit. The power saving state is a state in which the supply of power to unused functional blocks is stopped when there is no operation for a while. The automatic power-on enabled state is a state in which the display unit is turned off but the device can immediately switch to the soft-on state when a print job is received via communication such as USB or wireless LAN.

[0028] In contrast, in the standby state, the power supply to the ASIC 204 is stopped, and when a specific operation is received, the recording device 100 transitions to an operable state. The operable state to which the recording device 100 transitions from the standby state may be any of a soft-on state, a power saving state, and an automatic power-on enabled state, but in this embodiment, the soft-on state is used for convenience.

[0029] In this embodiment, the soft-off state, which waits for a key operation of the power key 206, is synonymous with the standby state in this embodiment. Pressing the power key 206 transitions the recording device 100 in the soft-off state to the soft-on state, and pressing the power key 206 transitions the recording device 100 in the soft-on state to the soft-off state.

[0030] <Startup sequence when power is turned on (Figure 3)> The start-up sequence when the recording device 100 is powered on will be described with reference to FIG. (S601) When power is supplied from the outside, generation of a power supply voltage to be used inside the device is started by the PSU 201. Power is supplied to the PSU 201, for example, by turning on the power switch (not shown) described above or by connecting the power cord to an AC power source. (S 602 ) The power supply power generated by the PSU 201 is supplied to the power supply control unit 202 . (S603) When power is supplied, the power supply control unit 202 starts the operation of the regulator 301. (S604) The power supply control unit 202 supplies the regulator power supply 304. This also supplies power to the power saving control IC 203. (S605) When power is supplied, the power saving control IC 203 starts operating. When the regulator power supply 304 is turned on, a reset process is performed inside the power saving control IC 203. At the same time, a reset signal 510 is output. (S606) At the timing of the internal reset of the power saving control IC 203 in S605, the power saving control IC 203 releases (turns off) the reset signal 510 for the reset control unit 303 of the power supply control unit 202.

[0031] (S607) When the reset signal 510 is released by the power saving control IC 203, the DC-DC converter 302 starts operating. (S608) The power supply control unit 202 starts supplying the system power 305 to the ASIC 204. (S609) When power is supplied to the ASIC 204, the ASIC 204 executes the control program stored in the ROM 205 and starts the startup process. (S610) When the start-up process progresses and start-up preparation is completed, the ASIC 204 notifies the power saving control IC 203 of the start-up.

[0032] When the ASIC 204 detects the power key 206 after startup, it can transition to a soft-on state that the user can operate. After the processing of S606, if power supply is started, the ROM 205 can be read to switch the state according to information set by the user. For example, if switching to the above-mentioned automatic power-on enabled state is set, the ASIC 204 transitions to the automatic power-on enabled state. If it is determined that it is not necessary to maintain the soft-on state after transitioning to the soft-on state, power saving is achieved by transitioning to a power-saving state. This determination may be based on, for example, the fact that no job is received or no user operation is performed for a predetermined period of time.

[0033] <Transition sequence from operational state to standby state (Fig. 4)> Here, the sequence in which the recording device 100 transitions from an operational state to a standby state will be described with reference to FIG. (S701) When the power saving control IC 203 detects a press of the power key 206 by the power key signal 521 in an operable state, it sends a power saving event notification to the ASIC 204 by the power saving event signal 511. In response, the ASIC 204 starts a shutdown process. (S702) When the stop processing is completed, the ASIC 204 issues a status notification indicating the completion of the stop processing to the power saving control IC 203. This notification is performed by the above-mentioned status signal 410. The stop processing is a process for preparing for the upcoming stop of the power supply, and may include the issuance of the status notification. (S704) Upon receiving a status notification indicating the completion of the stop process, the power saving control IC 203 issues a reset signal 510 to the power supply control unit 202. (S705) Upon receiving the reset signal 510, the power supply control unit 202, particularly the reset control unit 303, performs a reset process within the power supply control unit 202 and stops the operation of the DC-DC converter 302. (S706) The power supply control unit 202 stops the power supply to the ASIC 204. Note that S706 is a step described in order to visualize the stop of the power supply. Since the power supply to the ASIC 204 has been stopped in S705, no particular process needs to be performed in S706.

[0034] By performing the above steps S701 to S706, the recording device 100 can transition from the operable state to the standby state. Note that, although the above procedure describes the transition to the standby state in response to reception of the power key signal 521, the same procedure can be followed for the RTC interrupt signal 522 when the power-off setting time is reached.

[0035] <Transition sequence from standby state to operational state (Fig. 5)> Next, the operation of the recording device 100 when it detects the pressing of the power key 206 from the standby state and transitions to the operable state will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. (S801) The power saving control IC 203 receives the power key signal 521 and detects that the power key 206 has been pressed. (S802) A reset signal 510 is sent to the power supply control unit 202 to release the reset of the power supply control unit 202. Note that the reset signal 510 may maintain a value indicating the reset during the reset state, or may be configured to maintain the signal value by a latch included in the reset control unit 303. In the latter case, when the reset signal 510 is received in the reset state, the reset is released. (S803) The power supply control unit 202 performs a reset release process in response to the reset signal 510, and starts the operation of the DC-DC converter 302. (S804) The power supply control unit 202 starts supplying system power to the ASIC 204. Note that S804 is a step described in order to visualize the start of power supply. Since the power supply to the ASIC 204 has been started in S803, no particular process needs to be performed in S804. (S805) When power is supplied to the ASIC 204, the ASIC 204 executes the control program stored in the ROM 205 via the memory controller 402, and starts the startup process in accordance with the program. (S806) Upon completion of the startup process, the ASIC 204 notifies the power saving control IC 203 of the status signal 410 indicating the startup status.

[0036] By performing the above steps S801 to S806, the recording device 100 can transition from the standby state to the operable state. Note that, although the above procedure describes the transition to the standby state in response to reception of the power key signal 521, the same procedure can be followed even when receiving the RTC interrupt signal 522 when the power-on time is reached.

[0037] <Control configuration of the time schedule function in the conventional soft-off state> The time schedule function allows you to set a power on / off time schedule in advance on the device, and then the power state will change based on the schedule. For example, you can set the device to turn on at 8:00 and turn off at 18:00 every day, which not only reduces wasted electricity costs caused by forgetting to turn off the power, but also reduces the management burden of having to check that the lights are turned off.

[0038] Conventionally, the soft-off state (hereinafter, the conventional soft-off state) was not a standby state in which power supply to the ASIC was stopped. The conventional soft-off state referred to a state in which power was supplied to the ASIC 204 while only allowing the ASIC 204 to accept the power key, and the power supply was reduced. That is, the conventional soft-off state was a state in which power was supplied to the ASIC, and the clock inside the ASIC was operable and in a timekeeping state. In addition, in a state in which power was supplied to the ASIC, it is possible to periodically repeat returning and shifting the CPU from the power saving mode by enabling a periodic timer interrupt, and it is also possible to execute a short-time process during the return period that does not affect the standby power. Here, when the schedule function is enabled, when a periodic timer interrupt is received, the schedule setting information stored in the storage unit and the clock of the ASIC are referenced, and if the clock of the ASIC has reached the power-on time, the state transitions to the soft-on state. In addition, in the soft-on state, when a periodic timer interrupt is received, the schedule setting information stored in the storage unit and the clock of the ASIC are referenced, and if the power-off time has been reached, the state transitions to the soft-off state.

[0039] <Control configuration of the time schedule function in this embodiment> However, energy-saving requirements are subject to periodic revisions, and standards are established in a way that differentiates products with high energy-saving performance. Therefore, even if a performance value fully met the standard at one time, it may not meet the new standard due to a revision of the standard. For this reason, it is necessary to select a configuration that can achieve the minimum power state that keeps power consumption as low as possible for the main unit.

[0040] In the soft-off state, where the power supply to the ASIC is stopped, the ASIC cannot receive a periodic timer interrupt, as in the conventional soft-off state described above (where power is supplied to the ASIC). If a periodic timer interrupt signal is used, the power supply to the ASIC can be periodically turned on and off repeatedly, but compared to switching the CPU's operating mode, this also involves initialization and termination processing. Therefore, it is difficult to start and stop the power supply in a short time that does not affect the standby power. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to perform the time schedule function, an alarm function of the RTC is used, which outputs an interrupt signal when a set time (hereinafter, the alarm time) is reached.

[0041] In this embodiment, the power on / off of the time schedule function corresponds to an operable state / standby state in the definition of the power state in this embodiment. That is, when the time schedule function is powered on, the recording device 100 is in an operable state (soft-on state), and when the time schedule function is powered off, the recording device 100 is in a standby state (soft-off state).

[0042] <User operation time pattern (Figure 6)> Even when the schedule function is enabled, there is a possibility that a user operation is performed. For example, a user may operate the power key 206 before or after starting or stopping the power supply based on the schedule setting (power off time, power on time). Here, a user operation performed in front of the device, such as pressing the power key, can be said to have a high priority in terms of usability. In this embodiment, a control configuration for controlling the power supply to the ASIC 204 based on the schedule setting and a control sequence that can realize the supply and stop of power to the ASIC 204 based on the schedule setting while prioritizing the power key operation are proposed. First, an example of a time pattern of a user operation for the schedule setting is shown in FIG. 6.

[0043] (Schedule setting) The power-on time is set to 8:00 and the power-off time is set to 18:00. (User operation pattern 1) This is a pattern in which no user operation is performed. Since the transition of the power state is based on the schedule setting, the transition to the soft-on state is based on the RTC interrupt signal 522, and the transition to the soft-off state is also based on the RTC interrupt signal 522. (User operation pattern 2) This is a pattern in which the user presses the power key to turn off the power at 17:00. This is a pattern in which the power off by the user's operation occurs between the power on time and the power off time set in the schedule. The transition to the soft on state is made by the RTC interrupt signal 522, and the transition to the soft off state is made by the power key signal 521. (User operation pattern 3) In this pattern, the user presses the power key to turn on the power at 7:00. In this pattern, the power is turned on by the user's operation before the power-on time set in the schedule. The transition to the soft-on state is made by the power key signal 521, and the transition to the soft-off state is made by the RTC interrupt signal 522.

[0044] (User operation pattern 4) In this pattern, the user presses the power key to turn the power on and off at 7:00 and 17:00, respectively. Because the transition of the power state is based on the pressing of the power key, the transition to the soft-on state is power key signal 521, and the transition to the soft-off state is also power key signal 521. Because this pattern is a combination of user operation pattern 2 and pattern 3, a description thereof will be omitted hereafter.

[0045] In user operation pattern 4, the power operation is limited to manual operation by the user. Here, in the transition sequences of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the detection of pressing of the power key 206 in S701 and S801, respectively, is the starting point for starting the power off / on process. In contrast, in user operation pattern 1, the power operation is limited to the RTC. Also, in this embodiment, the power saving control unit 501 is configured not to distinguish between the input of the power key and the RTC interrupt signal. In the transition sequence of FIG. 4, S701 is the detection of the RTC interrupt signal 522 due to the power off setting time being reached, and the transition sequence thereafter is similar. Also, in the transition sequence of FIG. 5, S801 is the detection of the RTC interrupt signal 522 due to the power on setting time being reached, and the transition sequence thereafter is similar.

[0046] <Control procedure for changing RTC settings based on time (Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B)> In this embodiment, the control flowcharts of Figures 8A and 8B are executed by the ASIC 204, particularly the CPU 401. Figure 8B shows a flowchart of the branch destination of symbol A in the flowchart of Figure 8A.

[0047] This controls the power state of the recording device 100 using the alarm function of the RTC 208. When power supply to the ASIC 204 starts and when the ASIC 204 detects the power saving event signal 511, the ASIC 204 executes the procedures of Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B. If the ASIC 204 is not supplied with power, the ASIC 204 cannot receive the power saving event signal 511, so when the detection of the power saving event signal 511 is used as a trigger, the state is switched from soft-on to soft-off. In that case, the ASIC 204 completes the stop process and then starts Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B. For the same reason, when the power supply to the ASIC 204 is used as a trigger, the state is switched from soft-off to soft-on. Note that both the power-on setting time 210 and the power-off setting time 211 are set separately before this procedure. When the AC power source is connected and the device is started for the first time, the power-off time is set as the alarm time information 602 of the RTC 208.

[0048] When FIG. 8A is executed, the status signal 410 is checked (S900). If the value indicates a stopped state, the process branches to S901 in FIG. 8B. The case where the status signal 410 indicates a stopped state corresponds to a state where the ASIC 204 has just started up after power supply has been started. In that case, it is determined whether the current time is the same as the alarm setting time (S901). Here, the alarm setting time may be either the power-on setting time storage unit 210 or the power-off setting time 211. If either one of them is the same as the current time, the process of FIG. 8A is executed using an RTC interrupt signal as a trigger, and if they are not the same, it can be determined that the process of FIG. 8A was executed due to pressing the power key.

[0049] The current time may be the current time information 601 obtained from the RTC 208. However, since the current time continues to progress over time, there is a possibility that the current time may not match the alarm setting time in S901. Therefore, the progress of the current time due to processing delays by the ASIC 204 or the like may be predicted in advance, and an estimated time may be obtained by subtracting the predicted value from the current time, and the estimated time may be compared with the alarm setting time in the determination in S901. Also, the comparison may not be performed strictly, and it may be determined that the estimated time and the alarm setting time match if the difference between them is smaller than a predetermined value.

[0050] If it is determined in S901 that they do not match, it is determined that the trigger for the process is due to power key signal 521, and status signal 410 is set to "activated state" (S921). In this case, the alarm time setting is not changed, and the current setting is maintained.

[0051] On the other hand, if it is determined in S901 that there is a match, it is determined that the trigger for the process was the RTC interrupt signal 522, and it is determined whether the alarm set time that matches the current time is the power-on set time (S902). If it is the power-on set time, the alarm time information 602 of the RTC 208 is rewritten to the value of the power-off set time storage unit 211 (S903). Finally, the status signal 410 is set to "activated state" (S904). In this way, the power-off time is set as the RTC alarm time information.

[0052] If it is determined in S902 that the alarm setting time that matches the current time is not the power-on setting time, the alarm time information 602 of the RTC 208 is rewritten to the value of the power-on setting time storage unit 210 (S911). The status signal 410 is first set to the "running state" and then to the "stopped state" (S912). In this way, the power-on time is set as the RTC alarm time information. Note that branching from S902 to S911 may occur, for example, when the status signal is set to the stopped state by pressing the power key, and then the ASIC 204 receives the power saving event signal 511 as the power-off setting time is reached.

[0053] In S900, if the status signal 410 indicates an activated state, the process branches to S951. The case where the status signal 410 indicates an activated state corresponds to a state where power is being supplied to the ASIC 204. In that case, it is determined whether the current time is the same as the alarm setting time (S951). Here, the alarm setting time may be either the power-on setting time storage unit 210 or the power-off setting time 211. If either one of them is the same as the current time, the process of FIG. 8A is executed using an RTC interrupt signal as a trigger, and if they are not the same, it can be determined that the process of FIG. 8A was executed due to pressing the power key. The comparison in S951 may be performed in the same manner as in S901.

[0054] If it is determined in S951 that they do not match, it is determined that the trigger for processing is due to power key signal 521, and status signal 410 is set to "stop state" (S971). In this case, the alarm time setting is not changed, and the current setting is maintained.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined in S951 that there is a match, it is determined that the trigger for the process was the RTC interrupt signal 522, and it is determined whether the alarm set time that matches the current time is the power-off set time (S952). If it is the power-off set time, the alarm time information 602 of the RTC 208 is rewritten to the value of the power-on set time storage unit 210 (S953). Finally, the status signal 410 is set to "stop state" (S954). In this way, the power-on time is set as the RTC alarm time information.

[0056] If it is determined in S952 that the alarm setting time that matches the current time is not the power-off setting time, the alarm time information 602 of the RTC 208 is rewritten to the value of the power-off setting time storage unit 211 (S961). The status signal 410 does not need to be changed to "activated state" (S962). In this way, the power-off time is set as the alarm time information of the RTC. Note that branching from S952 to S961 may occur, for example, when the status signal is set to the activated state by pressing the power key, and then the ASIC 204 receives the power saving event signal 511 due to the power-on setting time being reached.

[0057] By following the above procedure, the power-on time and power-off time can be set in the RTC 208, and scheduled power on / off can be executed based on an interrupt signal from the RTC 208. When the power is turned off, the power supply to the ASIC 204, which is the control unit of the inkjet printing apparatus, can also be stopped.

[0058] ● Timing diagram example Next, a specific example will be described with reference to FIG. 7 along with FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0059] <Example 1 of a control sequence for changing settings based on time (Fig. 7)> 7 is a time chart showing the operations of the power key, the RTC, and the ASIC in user operation pattern 1. In pattern 1, the user does not perform the power-off operation or the power-on operation.

[0060] In Figure 7, at time 8:00, the reset signal is released by an RTC interrupt signal and power supply begins. When power supply to the ASIC begins (status signal = Low (stopped state)), the current time and the RTC alarm setting time are checked in S901. If the current time is the alarm setting time, it can be determined that power supply began due to an RTC interrupt signal, otherwise it can be determined that power supply began due to the user pressing the power key.

[0061] In S902, the RTC alarm time is compared with the schedule time of the main body, and if it is the power-on time, the alarm time is changed to the power-off time in S903. Then, in S904, the status signal is set to High (started state).

[0062] At time 18:00, a power saving event signal is output by an interrupt signal of the RTC. When the ASIC receives the power saving event signal, it checks the status signal in S900, and if it is in the activated state, it proceeds to S951.

[0063] In S951, the current time and the RTC alarm setting time are checked. If the current time is the alarm setting time, it can be determined that the power saving event signal is due to an RTC interrupt signal, otherwise it can be determined that the power saving event signal is due to the user pressing the power key.

[0064] In S952, the RTC alarm time is compared with the schedule time of the main unit, and if it is the power-off time, the alarm time is changed to the power-on time in S953. Then, in S954, the status signal is set to LOW (power supply from the power control means is stopped).

[0065] <Control sequence example 2 for changing RTC settings based on time (Fig. 9A)> Next, an example in which unintended power supply or failure to press the power key occurs in the procedures of Figures 8A and 8B will be described using user operation patterns 2 and 2B in Figure 6. Pattern 2 is when the power is turned off at 17:00, and pattern 2B is when the power is turned off at 17:00 and then turned on at 18:00.

[0066] 9A is an example of a time chart showing the operation of the power key, RTC, and ASIC in user operation patterns 2 and 2B. Here, pressing the power key at time 18:00 (circled dotted line) is only pattern 2B. The operation at time 8:00 is the same as in FIG. 7, so the explanation is omitted.

[0067] At time 17:00, the power key is pressed and a power saving event signal 511 is output. When the ASIC 204 receives the power saving event signal 511, it checks the status signal in S900, and if it is in an activated state, it proceeds to S951. Since the current time is not the alarm set time in S951, it proceeds to S971. Then, in S971, the status signal is set to a stopped state. As a result, the supply of system power from the power supply control unit 202 is stopped. If user operation pattern 2 is followed, at time 18:00, the reset signal is released by an interrupt signal from the RTC 208 and power supply is resumed.

[0068] When power supply to the ASIC starts, in S900 it is determined that the status signal is in the stopped state, and in S901 the current time and the RTC alarm setting time are confirmed, and the process proceeds to S902. In S902, the RTC alarm setting time is not the power-on setting time of the main unit, so the process proceeds to S911. In S911, the alarm setting time is changed to the power-on setting time. Then, in S912, the status signal is set to the activated state and then immediately set to the stopped state. This causes the supply of system power from the power supply control unit 202 to stop.

[0069] Also, as in user operation pattern 2B, if the user presses the power key at 18:00, the pressing of the power key and the output of the RTC interrupt signal occur simultaneously. In that case, the ASIC 204 cannot distinguish which signal the power saving event signal 511 is due to. In that case, for example, in S901, it is determined that the current time matches the alarm setting time, and the schedule takes priority. The process then flows to S912, where the power supply is stopped. Since the user wanted power supply at 18:00, the pressing of the power key, which has a higher priority, is missed.

[0070] <Control sequence example 3 for changing RTC settings based on time (Fig. 9B)> Next, as an example of an unintended power supply or power key failure, user operation patterns 3 and 3B in Fig. 6 will be described. In pattern 3, the power is turned on at 7:00, and in pattern 3B, the power is turned off at 8:00 in addition. Fig. 9B is a time chart showing the operation of the power key, RTC, and ASIC in user operation patterns 3 and 3B. Here, the power key press at 8:00 (circled dotted line) only occurs in pattern 3B.

[0071] At time 7:00, the reset signal is released by pressing the power key, and power supply is started. When power supply to the ASIC is started (status signal = stopped state), in S901 it is determined that the current time is not the RTC alarm set time, and it is determined that this is due to the user pressing the power key, and the process proceeds to S921. Then, in S921, the status signal is set to the activated state. If user operation pattern 3 is followed, at time 8:00, only the RTC interrupt signal 522 is generated.

[0072] When the ASIC 204 receives the power saving event signal 511, it checks the state signal in S900, and if it is determined to be in the activated state, the process proceeds to S951.

[0073] Since the current time is the RTC alarm set time in S951, it is determined that the power saving event signal is due to the RTC interrupt signal 522, and the process proceeds to S952. Since the RTC alarm set time is not the power off set time for the main unit in S952, the process proceeds to S961. In S961, the alarm set time is changed to the power off set time. Then, in S962, the status signal is left in the activated state. In other words, the system power 305 from the power supply control unit 202 continues to be supplied.

[0074] Also, as in user operation pattern 3B, if the user presses the power key at 8:00, the pressing of the power key and the output of the RTC interrupt signal occur simultaneously. In that case, ASIC 204 cannot distinguish which signal is causing power saving event signal 511. In that case, for example, in S951, it is determined that the current time matches the alarm setting time, and the schedule takes priority. Then, the flow proceeds to S962, and power continues to be supplied. Since the user wanted to stop the power supply at 8:00, the pressing of the power key, which has a higher priority, is missed.

[0075] According to the procedure of Figures 8A and 8B, by using the RTC alarm setting, scheduled power on / off is possible even if the power supply to ASIC 204 is stopped. However, as explained in Figures 9A and 9B, if scheduled power on / off and power on / off by the user operating the power key are performed simultaneously, the scheduled power operation takes priority. In other words, the user's operation, which should have priority to increase usability, may be ignored.

[0076] Therefore, in the next described embodiment 2, these points are further improved so that even if the power supply to ASIC 204 is stopped, not only is scheduled power on / off possible, but user operations are also given priority.

[0077] [Embodiment 2] The inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but the schedule setting procedure is changed from that of FIGS. 8A and 8B to that of FIG.

[0078] <Control procedure for changing RTC settings taking into account the power key (Fig. 10)> 10 is executed by the ASIC 204, particularly the CPU 401. This controls the power state of the recording device 100 using the alarm function of the RTC 208.

[0079] When power supply to the ASIC204 is started and when the ASIC204 detects the power saving event signal 511, the ASIC204 executes the procedure of FIG. 10. If power is not supplied to the ASIC204, the ASIC204 cannot receive the power saving event signal 511, so when the detection of the power saving event signal 511 is used as a trigger, the state is switched from soft-on to soft-off. In that case, the ASIC204 completes the stop process and then starts FIG. 10. For the same reason, when power supply to the ASIC204 is used as a trigger, the state is switched from soft-off to soft-on. Note that both the power-on setting time 210 and the power-off setting time 211 are assumed to be set separately before this procedure. When the AC power source is connected and the device is started for the first time, the power-off time is set as the alarm time information 602 of the RTC208.

[0080] When FIG. 10 is executed, the status signal 410 is checked (S1100). If the value indicates a stopped state, the process branches to S1103. When the status signal 410 indicates a stopped state, this corresponds to a state in which power supply to the ASIC 204 has just been started and the ASIC 204 has just been started. In this case, if it is the set power-on time, the alarm time information 602 of the RTC 208 is rewritten to the value of the set power-off time storage unit 211 (S1103). Finally, the status signal 410 is set to the "started state" (S1104). In this way, the power-off time is set as the alarm time information of the RTC.

[0081] Note that S1101, S1102, and S1111 enclosed by dotted lines in FIG. 10 are steps that do not actually need to be executed, but are shown for comparison with S902, S903, and S911 in FIG. 8B. In S1101, it is determined whether the current time is the same as the alarm setting time (S1101). However, in S1101, any branch destination is S1102, so it may be skipped. Also, in S1102, it is determined whether the alarm setting time that matches the current time is the power-on setting time. However, in the procedure of FIG. 10, the status signal 410 is in the stopped state and the alarm setting time is not the power-on time. This is because the combination of the alarm setting time and the status signal is either the power-off setting time in S1103 and the running state in S1104, or the power-on setting time in S1153 described later and the stopped state in S1154. Therefore, S1102 does not need to be executed.

[0082] Also, in S1100, if the status signal 410 indicates the running state, the process branches to S1153. There, the alarm time information 602 of the RTC 208 is rewritten to the value of the power-on setting time storage unit 210 (S1153). Finally, the status signal 410 is set to the "stopped state" (S1154). In this way, the power-on time is set as the alarm time information of the RTC.

[0083] Note that S1151, S1152, and S1161 enclosed by dotted lines in Fig. 10 are steps that do not actually need to be executed, but are shown for comparison with S952, S953, and S961 in Fig. 8A. In S1151, it is determined whether the current time is the same as the alarm setting time (S1151). However, in S1151, all branches lead to S1152, so it may be skipped. Also, S1152 may be skipped for the same reason as S1102. Therefore, S1152 does not need to be executed.

[0084] Through the above procedure, the power-on time and power-off time are set in the RTC 208 based on the value of the status signal, and scheduled power on / off can be executed based on the interrupt signal from the RTC 208. When the power is off, the power supply to the ASIC 204, which is the control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus, can also be stopped. Furthermore, in the procedure of FIG. 10, the ASIC 204 that has received the power-saving event signal 511 schedules power-off and then turns on the power if it is in a stopped state, regardless of the cause. Conversely, the ASIC 204 that has received the power-saving event signal 511 schedules power-on and then turns off the power if it is in an activated state, regardless of the cause. In this way, power on / off can be performed while respecting the user's operation, improving operability.

[0085] ● Timing diagram example Next, a specific example will be described along with FIG. 10 with reference to FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B. In the control configuration of this embodiment, when the control flow of FIG. 10 is used, the problems of unintended power supply and failure to detect the power key that occurred in the first embodiment are solved.

[0086] <Example 1 of a control sequence for changing the RTC settings taking into account the power key (Fig. 11A)> Next, Fig. 11A explains a specific example of this embodiment using user operation patterns 2 and 2B in Fig. 6, and shows an example in which the unintended power supply and power key failure that occurred in embodiment 1 are eliminated. Fig. 11A is a time chart showing the operation of the power key, RTC, and ASIC in user operation patterns 2 and 2B.

[0087] The operation at time 8:00 in Fig. 11A is the same as in Fig. 7, and will not be described. At time 17:00, a power saving event signal is output by pressing the power key. When the ASIC 204 receives the power saving event signal, it checks the status signal in S1100, and if it is in the activated state, it proceeds to S1153. In S1153, it changes the alarm setting time to the power-on setting time. Then, in S1154, it sets the status signal to LOW (stopped state). This stops the supply of system power from the power supply control unit 202.

[0088] Also, as in user operation pattern 2B, even if the user presses the power key at 18:00, the alarm setting time has already been changed to 8:00 at 17:00, so no RTC interrupt is output. This eliminates the problem of missing the power key press as explained in 9A, and allows power supply to start normally.

[0089] <Example 2 of control sequence for changing RTC settings taking into account the power key (Fig. 11B)> Next, Fig. 11B will be used to explain the user operation patterns 3 and 3B in Fig. 6, and show an example in which the power key failure that occurred in embodiment 1 has been resolved. Fig. 11B is a time chart showing the operation of the power key, RTC, and ASIC in user operation patterns 3 and 3B. Here, the power key press at time 8:00 (circled dotted line area) is only pattern 3B.

[0090] At time 7:00, the reset signal is released by pressing the power key, and power supply is started. When power supply to the ASIC is started, it is determined that the status signal = stopped state in the procedure of Figure 11 (S1100), and the process branches to S1103. In S1103, the alarm setting time is changed to the power off setting time. Then, in S1104, the status signal is set to High (started state).

[0091] Also, as in user operation pattern 3B, even if the user presses the power key at 8:00, the alarm setting time has already been changed to 18:00 at 7:00. Therefore, no RTC interrupt is output, and the power supply can be stopped normally without missing the power key press as described in the first embodiment.

[0092] As described above, when power supply starts and when a power saving event signal occurs, the schedule is reset regardless of whether the cause is the power key or an interrupt from the RTC. This allows power to be turned on / off while respecting user operations, improving operability. In addition, scheduled power on / off can be achieved even if power supply to the ASIC, which is the control unit, is stopped, further reducing power consumption.

[0093] [Other Examples] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0094] Summary of embodiments The above embodiment can be summarized as follows. [Item 1] A power supply means including a first power supply unit capable of switching on and off the power supply and a second power supply unit that constantly supplies power; A control means operated by the power supply from the first power supply unit; a timer means for operating on a power source supplied by the second power source unit or a dedicated power source and outputting a signal when a preset time has elapsed; an operating means for operating on power from the second power supply unit and for allowing a user to switch on and off the power supply from the first power supply unit; a power control means that operates on power from the second power supply unit, turns on the power supply from the first power supply unit in response to a signal from the clock means or an operation by the operation means, and turns off the power supply from the first power supply unit in response to a state of the control means, When at least one of the operation by the operating means or the signal from the clock means is received, the control means sets a time for turning on or off the power supply from the first power supply unit to the clock means and sets a state of the control means, depending on a state of the control means. A power supply control device comprising: [Item 2] The power supply control device according to item 1, the power control means turns off the power supply from the first power supply unit when the state of the control means changes from an activated state to a stopped state; When at least one of the operation by the operating means or the signal from the clock means is received, if the control means is in an activated state, the control means sets, in the clock means, a time for turning on the power supply from the first power supply unit, and sets the stopped state as the state, and when the control means is in a stopped state, sets, in the clock means, a time for turning off the power supply from the first power supply unit, and sets the activated state as the state. A power supply control device comprising: [Item 3] The power supply control device according to item 1 or 2, the control means includes a non-volatile storage means, and at least one of a time for turning on the power supply from the first power supply unit and a time for turning off the power supply is stored in the storage means; The control means sets the time acquired from the storage means in the clock means. A power supply control device comprising: [Item 4] The power supply control device according to any one of items 1 to 3, the power control means turns off the power supply from the first power supply unit when the state of the control means changes from an activated state to a stopped state; The control means, upon receipt of at least one of the operation by the operating means and the signal from the timing means, When the control means is in an activated state, When the operation is performed by the operating means, the stopped state is set as the state; when the signal is received from the timer means indicating that the time for turning on the power supply has arrived, a time for turning off the power supply from the first power supply unit is set in the timer means; when there is a signal from the timer means indicating that the time to turn off the power supply has been reached, a time to turn on the power supply from the first power supply unit is set in the timer means, and the stopped state is set as the state; When the control means is in a stopped state, When the operation is performed by the operating means, the startup state is set as the state; when there is a signal from the timer means indicating that the time to turn on the power supply has been reached, a time to turn off the power supply from the first power supply unit is set in the timer means, and the start-up state is set as the state; when the signal is received from the timer means indicating that the time to turn off the power supply has been reached, a time to turn on the power supply from the first power supply unit is set in the timer means. A power supply control device comprising: [Item 5] A power supply control device according to any one of items 1 to 4, a recording means for recording an image on a medium; A recording device comprising: [Item 6] A power supply means including a first power supply unit capable of switching on and off the power supply and a second power supply unit that constantly supplies power; A control means operated by the power supply from the first power supply unit; a timer means for operating on a power source supplied by the second power source unit or a dedicated power source and outputting a signal when a preset time has elapsed; an operating means for operating on power from the second power supply unit and for allowing a user to switch on and off the power supply from the first power supply unit; a power control means that operates on power from the second power supply unit, turns on the power supply from the first power supply unit in response to a signal from the clock means or an operation by the operation means, and turns off the power supply from the first power supply unit in response to a state of the control means, When at least one of the operation by the operating means or the signal from the clock means is received, the control means sets a time for turning on or off the power supply from the first power supply unit to the clock means and sets a state of the control means, depending on a state of the control means. A power supply control method comprising:

[0095] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 100 Recording device, 202 Power control unit, 203 Power saving IC, 204 ASIC, 206 Power key, 208 Real time clock

Claims

1. a power supply means including a first power supply unit capable of switching on and off the power supply and a second power supply unit that constantly supplies power; a control means that operates on power from the first power supply unit; a timer means that operates on the power supplied by the second power supply unit or a dedicated power supply and outputs a signal when a set time has elapsed; an operating means that operates on power from the second power supply unit and that allows a user to switch on and off the power supply from the first power supply unit; power control means that operates on power from the second power supply unit, turns on the power supply from the first power supply unit in response to a signal from the clock means or an operation by the operation means, and turns off the power supply from the first power supply unit in response to a state of the control means; When at least one of the operation by the operating means or the signal from the clocking means is received, the control means sets a time for turning on or off the power supply from the first power supply unit to the clocking means and sets the state of the control means, depending on the state of the control means. A power supply control device characterized by:

2. 2. The power supply control device according to claim 1, the power control means turns off the power supply from the first power supply unit when the state of the control means changes from an activated state to a stopped state; When at least one of the operation by the operating means or the signal from the clock means is received, if the control means is in an activated state, the control means sets a time for turning on the power supply from the first power supply unit to the clock means and sets the stopped state as the state, and when the control means is in a stopped state, the control means sets a time for turning off the power supply from the first power supply unit to the clock means and sets the activated state as the state A power supply control device characterized by:

3. 2. The power supply control device according to claim 1, the control means includes nonvolatile storage means, and the storage means stores at least one of a time for turning on the power supply from the first power supply unit and a time for turning off the power supply; The control means sets the time acquired from the storage means in the clock means. A power supply control device characterized by:

4. 2. The power supply control device according to claim 1, the power control means turns off the power supply from the first power supply unit when the state of the control means changes from an activated state to a stopped state; The control means, upon receiving at least one of the operation by the operating means and the signal from the timing means, When the control means is in an activated state, When the operation is performed by the operating means, the stopped state is set as the state; When the signal is received from the timer means indicating that the time to turn on the power supply has arrived, a time is set in the timer means to turn off the power supply from the first power supply unit, when the signal from the timer means indicates that the time to turn off the power supply has arrived, a time to turn on the power supply from the first power supply unit is set in the timer means, and the stopped state is set as the state; When the control means is in a stopped state, When the operation is performed by the operating means, the startup state is set as the state; When the signal from the timer means indicates that the time to turn on the power supply has arrived, a time to turn off the power supply from the first power supply unit is set in the timer means, and the start-up state is set as the state. when the signal from the timer means indicates that the time to turn off the power supply has arrived, a time to turn on the power supply from the first power supply unit is set in the timer means. A power supply control device characterized by:

5. A power supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; a recording means for recording an image on a medium; A recording device characterized by:

6. An apparatus comprising: a power supply means including a first power supply unit capable of switching on and off the power supply and a second power supply unit that constantly supplies power; a control means that operates on power from the first power supply unit; a timer means that operates on the power supplied by the second power supply unit or a dedicated power supply and outputs a signal when a set time has elapsed; an operating means that operates on power from the second power supply unit and that allows a user to switch on and off the power supply from the first power supply unit; power control means that operates on power from the second power supply unit, turns on the power supply from the first power supply unit in response to a signal from the clock means or an operation by the operation means, and turns off the power supply from the first power supply unit in response to a state of the control means; When at least one of the operation by the operating means or the signal from the clocking means is received, the control means sets a time for turning on or off the power supply from the first power supply unit to the clocking means and sets the state of the control means, depending on the state of the control means. A power supply control method comprising:

7. A recording unit that records an image on a recording medium; a control means for turning on the power supply in a first mode and turning off the power supply in a second mode in which power consumption is lower than that in the first mode; a timer that outputs a signal when a first time comes when the mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode or a second time comes when the mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode; an operating means for operating the device by continuously supplying power in both the first mode and the second mode, and for allowing a user to switch between the first mode and the second mode; a power control means that operates by being continuously supplied with power in both the first mode and the second mode, and that switches on and off the power supply to the control means in response to a signal from the timekeeping means or an operation by the operating means, the control means switches from the first mode to the second mode when an operation is performed from the operating means before the first time is reached, and does not switch between the first mode and the second mode when the first time is reached after the operation, 10. An image recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the signal output by said timer means when said first time is reached and the signal output by said timer means when said second time is reached are the same signal.

8. The image recording device described in Claim 7, characterized in that the control means switches from the second mode to the first mode if an operation is performed from the operating means before the second time, and does not switch between the first mode and the second mode after the operation when the second time is reached.

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