Image formation device and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide an image formation device capable of performing preferable notification when printing is performed using external power.SOLUTION: An image formation device of the present invention is an image formation device capable of printing using power of a battery or power supplied from an external device, and has control means that controls to perform printing. When printing is performed using the power supplied from the external device, if power required for printing on one piece of recording paper is not remaining in the battery, the control means controls to perform predetermined notification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof, and more particularly to a thermal transfer type image forming apparatus and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Dye-sublimation thermal transfer image forming devices are available as image forming devices that can print images taken with digital still cameras, smartphones, etc. Dye-sublimation thermal transfer devices press a heated thermal head against an ink ribbon, causing the ink to sublimate from a solid to a gas and adhere to the recording paper.

[0003] Among dye-sublimation thermal transfer image forming apparatuses, there are compact (highly portable) image forming apparatuses with built-in batteries. In such image forming apparatuses, the battery is charged with power received from an external device via an external interface such as a USB. Some image forming apparatuses are capable of printing using power supplied from an external device (external power) without charging the battery. In such image forming apparatuses, printing can be performed using power supplied from an external device even when the battery level (power remaining in the battery) is in a low battery state. A low battery state is a state in which the battery does not have enough power remaining to print on one sheet of recording paper (single-sheet printing). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-207585 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-272210 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if printing is started using external power while the battery is low, and the external power supply is cut off midway through printing, the printing may not be completed. Furthermore, depending on the remaining battery power, the image forming device may stop (a system shutdown occurs). If a system shutdown occurs, the thermal head cannot be retracted from the printing position, and the ink ribbon and recording paper may stick together, or the heat of the thermal head may cause the ink ribbon to break.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can provide a suitable notification when printing is performed using external power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of printing using battery power or power supplied from an external device, and has a control means for controlling printing, and when printing using power supplied from the external device, the control means controls the apparatus to issue a predetermined notification if there is not enough power remaining in the battery to print on one sheet of recording paper. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a suitable notification when printing is performed using external power. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of a printer. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printer. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. [Figure 4C] FIG. [Figure 4D]FIG. [Figure 4E] FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of a printing operation. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a printing operation. [Figure 7] 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams of various screens. [Figure 8] 1 is a table showing the correspondence relationship between battery voltage and charging time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "printing" refers to the entire series of processes and operations from printing based on a print instruction from a user to paper ejection. Furthermore, "printing" refers to the process and operation of forming an image on recording paper by thermally transferring a transfer material (ink or overcoat) applied to an ink sheet onto the recording paper.

[0011] 1A and 1B are external views of a printer 100, which is an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, and an ink ribbon cassette 300 used in the printer 100. Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the printer 100 as seen from the top side, and Fig. 1B is a perspective view of the printer 100 as seen from the bottom side.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1A, the printer 100 is covered by an upper case 101-1 and a lower case 101-2, which are upper and lower exteriors. One side (one end) of the printer 100 has a paper outlet 101-3 (opening), which is a gap between the upper case 101-1 and the lower case 101-2. During printing, recording paper 113 temporarily protrudes from the printer 100 through the paper outlet 101-3, and recording paper 113 that has been printed is discharged from the paper outlet 101-3. The recording paper 113 is shown in FIGS. 4A to 4E but is not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The light-emitting unit 102 has an internal LED that lights up or flashes in multiple colors through a window on the surface. This lighting and flashing can display status information such as the power status of the printer 100, printing operation, and errors. The power switch 103 is an operation button located adjacent to the light-emitting unit 102. Pressing the power switch 103 turns the printer 100 on and off. A cassette cover 101-4 is provided on another side of the printer 100 and is supported so as to be able to open and close. The chassis 110 within the cassette cover 101-4 has a cassette loading section 110-1, which serves as an opening. The ink ribbon cassette 300 can be loaded into the cassette loading section 110-1 in the direction of arrow 304. The ink ribbon cassette 300 contains an ink ribbon 114 coated with sublimation ink. A USB connector 104, which serves as an external interface, is provided on the same surface as the loading surface of the ink ribbon cassette 300. A tray cover 101-5 is provided on the bottom of the printer 100. By opening the tray cover 101-5, recording paper 113 for printing can be loaded into the printer 100.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printer 100 according to this embodiment.

[0014] The CPU 201 controls the system and performs arithmetic processing of the printer 100. The flash ROM 202 stores a system control program for the printer 100. CPU 201 reads a program from Flash ROM 202 and controls each part based on the read program. Image data is temporarily stored in SDRAM 203. SDRAM 203 is used for data processing. The part consisting of CPU 201, Flash ROM 202, and SDRAM 203 is called main control unit 204, which mainly processes each control of printer 100. The functions and processes of printer 100, which will be described later, are realized by CPU 201 reading and executing a program stored in Flash ROM 202.

[0015] The image processing unit 205 performs image processing on image data sent from a mobile device such as a digital camera or a smartphone. The image processing unit 205 performs various image processing such as decompression of compressed image data, resizing according to the paper being used, and image correction, and generates print data for printing based on the image data that has undergone image processing. Note that the processing of the image processing unit 205 may be performed by the main control unit 204 instead of the image processing unit 205, or may be performed by both the image processing unit 205 and the main control unit 204.

[0016] The thermal head control unit 206 converts the print data generated by the image processing unit 205 into an electrical signal and outputs it to the thermal head 207. The thermal head 207 converts the electrical signal into thermal energy to transfer the dye of the ink ribbon onto the paper.

[0017] A head temperature sensor 208 measures the temperature of the thermal head 207. An environmental temperature sensor 209 measures the environmental temperature inside the printer 100. A head position sensor 210 detects the head's position, such as the pressing position and the retracted position. A paper detection sensor 211 detects the position of the paper. An ink ribbon detection sensor 212 detects information about the ink ribbon. A marker detection sensor 213 detects markers provided on the ink ribbon.

[0018] The motor driver unit 214 controls the motors. The head position drive motor 215 is a motor for driving the head to a pressing position for printing and to a retracted position for replacing the ink ribbon cassette and transporting paper. The paper transport motor 216 is a motor for transporting paper. The main control unit 204 issues commands to the motor driver unit 214 in accordance with the sensor information from each of the above sensors and pre-programmed information, and controls the drive of the head position drive motor 215 and paper transport motor 216.

[0019] The wireless communication unit 217 controls wireless communication with external devices such as a digital camera. The operation unit 218 receives operation instruction information from, for example, the power switch 103 provided on the surface of the main body upper case 101-1. The USB control unit 219 determines information from an external device connected to the USB connector 104, which is an external interface, and controls communication, controls the exchange of power, and controls the transmission of various data such as operation information and image data. Power can be received from the outside by connecting an external power adapter or the like to the USB connector 104 using a USB cable. Note that although the external interface is described as being a USB connector, the external interface is not limited to a USB connector and may be, for example, a dedicated connector for connecting an adapter dedicated to the printer 100.

[0020] The display control unit 220 controls output such as lighting or blinking of the LED of the light emitting unit 102. The battery control unit 221 includes a charging circuit that controls charging of the battery 222. The remaining battery power detection unit 223 detects the power remaining in the battery 222.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the ink ribbon 114 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a development view of the ink ribbon 114. In the case of full-color printing, an ink ribbon with dye-coated surfaces of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) arranged side by side is used as the ink ribbon 114, and a full-color image is formed by printing each color on a printing medium in a superimposed manner. This is generally the case. A colorless and transparent overcoat (OC) surface is provided next. Between each color and OC surface, black band-like markers 114-1 are provided to detect the leading position of each surface. Two markers 114-1Y are provided to indicate the leading edge of the yellow (Y) surface (markers 114-1Y to distinguish the yellow (Y) surface from other surfaces). One marker 114-1M indicates the leading edge of the magenta (M) surface, one marker 114-1C indicates the leading edge of the cyan (C) surface, and one marker 114-1OC indicates the leading edge of the OC surface. The ink ribbon 114 is assumed to be a dye-sublimation ink ribbon. A highly heat-resistant film such as polyethylene terephthalate film with a thickness of approximately 2 to 10 microns is used as the base material. Sublimation inks made by mixing dyes with binders, plasticizers, and binders are applied to this film in thicknesses of approximately 0.2 to 5 μm, forming dye-coated surfaces in yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). A colorless, transparent overcoat surface is then formed by applying a styrene derivative, styrene resin, styrene copolymer resin, binder, and other materials to a thickness of approximately 0.5 to 5 μm. The surface opposite the ink-coated surface is coated with a lubricant to reduce frictional resistance with the sliding parts and stabilize the ink ribbon's movement, and an abrasive to polish and clean the thermal head surface.

[0022] Next, the printing operation of printer 100 will be described using Figures 4A to 4E, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Figures 4A to 4E are cross-sectional views showing the operation of printer 100, and Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts of the printing operation of printer 100. Figures 7A to 7E are schematic diagrams showing various screens, and Figure 8 is a table showing the correspondence between the voltage of battery 222 and charging time. Figure 4A shows the printing standby state, Figure 4B shows the paper feeding state, Figure 4C shows the printing operation state, Figure 4D shows the state after printing has finished and before paper ejection, and Figure 4E shows the state after paper ejection.

[0023] When the user sets the ink ribbon cassette 300 in the printer 100, loads the recording paper 113 into the paper storage section 117, and presses the power switch 103, the printer 100 enters a standby state. The printer 100 is equipped with a platen roller 115 and a thermal head 207. The thermal head 207 is rotatably supported on a thermal head rotation shaft 119, and is positioned with the greatest possible distance from the platen roller 115 so as not to interfere with the ink ribbon cassette 300 when inserting or removing the ink ribbon cassette 300.

[0024] Next, when image data to be printed is designated on an operating terminal such as a digital camera or smartphone and a print instruction is given, the printer 100 receives the print instruction information via the wireless communication unit 217. Then, the printer 100 starts a printing operation. This operation is realized by the CPU 201 of the printer 100 expanding the program stored in the flash ROM 202 into the SDRAM 203 and executing it.

[0025] 5, the CPU 201 detects the power remaining in the battery 222 (remaining battery capacity) using the remaining battery capacity detection unit 223. Since there are individual differences among the batteries 222, it is difficult to accurately estimate the remaining battery capacity by simply measuring the open-circuit voltage of the battery 222. Therefore, it is preferable to estimate the remaining battery capacity with high accuracy using the amount of drop in the battery voltage (voltage of the battery 222) when a pseudo load close to an actual load is applied to the battery 222.

[0026] In S502, the CPU 201 determines whether printing can be performed using only external power (power supplied from an external device). If printing can be performed using only external power, the process proceeds to S503; if not, the process proceeds to S513.

[0027] Consider a case where the external interface of the printer 100 is a dedicated connector for connecting an adapter dedicated to the printer 100. In this case, the external interface is If an external device (an adapter dedicated to the printer 100) is connected, printing can be performed using only external power. Therefore, the CPU 201 only needs to determine whether an external device is connected to the external interface or whether external power is being supplied to the external interface.

[0028] Consider a case where the external interface of the printer 100 is a USB connector. In this case, it is necessary to determine whether the external device has the power supply capacity to supply enough power to perform printing. Consider a case where the printer 100 and the external device are USB PD compatible and the minimum power required for printing is 45 W. In this case, for example, the CPU 201 communicates with the external device using the CC terminal, receives information about the power supply capacity of the external device, and determines whether the external device can supply 45 W or more of power. If the external device can supply 45 W or more of power, printing can be performed using only external power. If the external device cannot supply 45 W or more of power, printing cannot be performed using only external power.

[0029] In S503, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the remaining battery charge detected in S501 is sufficient to print on one sheet of recording paper. If the remaining battery charge is sufficient to print, the process proceeds to S601 in Fig. 6, and if not, the process proceeds to S504. If the process proceeds from S503 to S601, the processes of S601 to S615 are performed using external power.

[0030] In S601, the CPU 201 uses a power source (not shown) to drive and control the head position drive motor 215. As a result, the support portion of the thermal head 207 rotates counterclockwise in Figures 4A to 4E around the thermal head rotation shaft 119, and moves to an intermediate position between the standby position in Figure 4A and the printing position (position where it is nipped with the platen roller 115) shown in Figure 4C, as shown in Figure 4B.

[0031] When the movement of the thermal head 207 is completed, the CPU 201 starts the paper feed operation in S602. When the paper feed operation starts, the pressure plate 120 provided in the printer 100 is urged toward the paper feed roller 121 by a urging means (not shown), pushing up the recording paper 113 stacked in the paper storage unit 117 and pressing it against the paper feed roller 121. In the standby position shown in FIG. 4A, the paper feed roller 121 is retracted to a position away from the recording paper 113. In the intermediate position shown in FIG. 4B, the paper feed roller 121 is pressed down by a driving force (not shown) to a position where it contacts the recording paper 113. At this time, the paper feed roller 121 rotates counterclockwise in FIGS. 4A to 4E by the transmission of driving force from the paper transport motor 216 (not shown), and transports the recording paper 113 that it is pressing against toward the print recording unit composed of the thermal head 207 and the platen roller 115. The recording paper 113 comes into contact with a separation bank 122 provided in the printer 100, and only the topmost sheet of recording paper 113 is conveyed.

[0032] The transported recording paper 113 is then detected by the paper detection sensor 211, which checks for any paper feed malfunctions. If no paper feed malfunctions are detected, the recording paper 113 continues to be transported by the paper feed roller 121, which pushes the rotatably supported switching plate 123 upward, causing it to rotate clockwise in FIGS. 4A to 4E and proceed leftward in FIGS. 4A to 4E. The recording paper 113 then enters the nip between the transport roller 124 and the transport driven roller 125. The transport roller 124 has multiple small protrusions formed on it that pierce the backside of the recording paper 113, allowing the recording paper 113 to be transported accurately. The transport roller 124 is driven by a paper transport motor 216 (not shown). The paper transport motor 216 is a stepping motor, allowing for accurate control of the feed amount.

[0033] After the recording paper 113 is conveyed between the nip between the conveying roller 124 and the conveying driven roller 125, the paper feed roller 121 is moved to the standby position shown in FIG. 4A by a power source (not shown). This is to prevent other sheets of paper in the paper storage section 117 from being mistakenly transported by the paper feed roller 121. The transport roller 124 and the transport driven roller 125 continue to transport the recording paper 113, and when the trailing edge of the recording paper 113 passes the paper detection sensor 211, it is transported a predetermined distance and passes the leading edge of the switching plate 123, after which the transport stops. Next, in S603, the CPU 201 transports the recording paper 113 in the reverse direction and stops it at the print start position shown in FIG. 4C. At this time, the trailing edge of the recording paper 113 passes above the switching plate 123 and below the paper feed roller 121, and is transported into the space between the guide wall 127, which separates and holds the lower part of the battery 222, and the paper storage section wall 128.

[0034] When the paper feeding operation is completed and the recording paper 113 stops at the print start position, the CPU 201 performs a cueing operation for the ink ribbon 114 in S604.

[0035] The operation of positioning the ink ribbon 114 will be described below. The paper is transported to the position shown in FIG. 4C, and when transportation to the print start position is completed, the ink ribbon 114 stored in the ink ribbon cassette 300 is wound up. That is, the tip of the winding shaft 301 disposed in the ink ribbon cassette 300 engages with an engaging portion provided on the printer 100, and is rotated counterclockwise in FIGS. 4A to 4E by a power source (not shown). Then, the ink ribbon 114 wound around the supply shaft 302 is wound onto the winding shaft 301. As shown in FIG. 2, a marker is provided at the beginning of each color of the ink ribbon 114. Two markers are provided at the beginning of yellow (Y), and one marker is provided at the beginning of magenta (M), cyan (C), and overcoat (OC). The printer 100 is equipped with a marker detection sensor 213, which is a reflective optical sensor, and by detecting a marker on the ink ribbon 114 (when the marker blocks reflected light), it stops the ink ribbon from being conveyed and performs a head positioning.

[0036] In S605, CPU 201 determines whether the markers have been detected normally. When cueing yellow (Y), it determines whether two markers have been detected within a specified time, and when cueing magenta (M), cyan (C), or overcoat (OC), it determines whether one marker has been detected within the specified time. If the markers have been detected normally (a predetermined number of markers have been detected within the specified time), the process proceeds to S608; otherwise, the process proceeds to S606.

[0037] In S606, the CPU 201 causes the light emitting unit 102 to blink to indicate an abnormality (error) in the ink ribbon cassette 300. In S607, the CPU 201 notifies the operation terminal via the wireless communication unit 217 that an abnormality has occurred in the ink ribbon.

[0038] When the cueing is complete, in S608, the CPU 201 rotates the unit that holds the thermal head 207 counterclockwise in Figures 4A to 4E around the thermal head rotation shaft 119. As a result, the thermal head 207 moves to the printing position where the ink ribbon 114 and the recording paper 113 are sandwiched between the platen roller 115.

[0039] When the thermal head 207 moves to the printing position, the CPU 201 determines the type of printing in S609. Yellow (Y), magenta (M), or cyan (C) is selected, and if printing of that color is to be performed, the process proceeds to S610; otherwise, the process proceeds to S613.

[0040] In S610, the CPU 201 performs printing in the color that has been cue-detected. As shown in Fig. 4D, the recording paper 113 and ink ribbon 114 are conveyed toward the paper discharge port 101-3 while being pressed and held between the thermal head 207 and the platen roller 115, and are heated by the thermal head 207. Then, the ink applied to the ink ribbon 114 is transferred to the recording paper 113, and printing is performed. An ink ribbon conveying mechanism provided in the printer 100 The thermal head 207 incorporates a torque limiter mechanism (not shown) that causes slippage when a load exceeding a certain torque is applied, and during printing, the ink ribbon 114 and recording paper 113 are transported at the same speed. When printing is performed by heating with the thermal head 207, the ink ribbon 114 and recording paper 113 are transported while maintaining contact for a certain distance, and then transported in directions that move them apart. That is, the recording paper 113 is transported leftward in FIGS. 4A to 4E by the transport roller 124, and the ink ribbon 114 is transported toward the guide shaft 303 disposed within the ink ribbon cassette 300, sliding against a peeling plate 129 disposed integrally with the thermal head 207. The ink ribbon 114 is heated by the thermal head 207 and adheres to the recording paper 113, but is peeled off from the recording paper 113 when transported to the position of the peeling plate 129.

[0041] When printing of the cue color is completed, in S611, the CPU 201 rotates the unit that holds the thermal head 207 using a power source (not shown) and moves it away from the recording paper 113 to the intermediate position shown in Fig. 4B. Then, in S612, the CPU 201 transports the recording paper 113 in the reverse direction and stops it at the printing start position shown in Fig. 4C.

[0042] After printing of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is completed, the CPU 201 performs overcoat (OC) printing in step S613. As described above, printing of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) involves transferring ink dyes. In the overcoat process (overcoat printing), the resin described above is melt-transferred to form an overcoat layer. Transferring the overcoat layer imparts a uniform gloss to the entire surface of the recording paper 113. Information can also be recorded on the overcoat layer by changing the amount of coating resin transferred using the thermal head 207 to form the overcoat layer. More specifically, by controlling the output (heat amount) of the thermal head 207 and applying higher-than-normal energy to certain areas, the surface of the protective layer of the coating resin can be roughened to form low-gloss areas. By partially varying the gloss of the surface of the recording paper 113, the impression (texture) of the printed matter can be changed. Information can also be recorded by varying the gloss (surface treatment).

[0043] When printing of the overcoat is complete, in S614 the CPU 201 rotates the unit that holds the thermal head 207 using a power source (not shown) to retract it from the recording paper 113 to the standby position shown in FIG. 4E. Then, in S615 the CPU 201 further transports the recording paper 113 in the direction that it will be discharged from the paper discharge port 101-3. Paper discharge is complete when the trailing edge of the paper passes through the transport rollers 124. When paper discharge is complete, the printer 100 ends the printing operation. This completes the printing operation in which ink and resin are layered and transferred in the order of yellow, magenta, cyan, and overcoat.

[0044] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5, as described above, if it is determined in S503 that there is no power remaining in the battery 222 sufficient to print on one sheet of recording paper, the process proceeds to S504.

[0045] In S504, the CPU 201 determines whether the remaining battery charge detected in S501 allows the thermal head 207 to be retracted from the printing position. For example, a threshold value is stored in advance in the Flash ROM 202, and the CPU 201 determines whether the remaining battery charge is greater than the threshold value. If the remaining battery charge allows the thermal head to be retracted (if the remaining battery charge is greater than the threshold value), the process proceeds to S505; otherwise, the process proceeds to S506. Note that the threshold value is preferably a value that takes into account a large voltage drop at low temperatures, for example. The printer 100 may have a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the printer 100. The CPU 201 may then determine or change the threshold value depending on the temperature inside the printer 100. For example, the CPU 201 may determine the threshold value taking into account a larger voltage drop the lower the temperature inside the printer 100.

[0046] The battery remaining capacity that allows the thermal head 207 to be retracted is the battery remaining capacity that allows the thermal head 207 to be retracted from the printing position when the external device is disconnected during printing after printing has started using external power and this is detected. If the external device is disconnected during printing, even if a printing load is applied to the battery 222 until this is detected, it is necessary that the battery voltage does not drop (reduced) to the voltage at which the printer 100 stops (the voltage at which a system shutdown occurs). Therefore, the battery remaining capacity that allows the thermal head 207 to be retracted is also the battery remaining capacity at which a system shutdown does not occur even if a printing load is applied to the battery 222 until the disconnection of the external device is detected.

[0047] In S505, the CPU 201 controls the printer 100 to issue a predetermined notification to the user. The predetermined notification is issued using at least one of the display (e.g., LCD) of the printer 100, the light-emitting element (e.g., LED) of the printer 100, and the display of the operation terminal connected to the printer 100. For example, the CPU 201 may display the warning screen 701 shown in FIG. 7A on the display of the printer 100, send a control signal to the operation terminal to display the warning screen 701 on the display of the operation terminal, or light the light-emitting element of the printer 100 in red. The warning screen 701 displays the text "Printing cannot be completed if the external device is disconnected," indicating a situation in which the printer 100 may encounter a situation in which printing is not completed after the power supply from the external device is stopped. The warning screen 701 also displays the text "Do not disconnect the external device," warning the user not to stop the power supply from the external device. Note that one of these two texts does not need to be displayed. After S505, the process proceeds to S601 in FIG. 6. If the process proceeds from S505 to S601, the processes of S601 to S615 are performed using external power.

[0048] In S506, the CPU 201 acquires information about the time (charging time) required to charge the battery 222 to a level of power that allows the thermal head 207 to be retracted from the printing position. For example, the table of FIG. 8 (a table showing the correspondence between battery voltage and charging time) is stored in advance in the Flash ROM 202 or the like. The CPU 201 then reads out the charging time corresponding to the current battery voltage (the battery voltage corresponding to the remaining battery power detected in S501) from the table of FIG. 8. The table of FIG. 8 shows the battery voltage, a description of the battery voltage, and the charging time. Note that when an FG battery or the like is used, the required charging time may be calculated based on the charging current, battery voltage, and the power required to retract the thermal head 207.

[0049] In S507, the CPU 201 performs control to provide a predetermined notification to the user. For example, the CPU 201 displays a warning screen 702 shown in FIG. 7B on the display unit of the printer 100 or transmits a control signal to the operation terminal to display the warning screen 702 on the display unit of the operation terminal. The warning screen 702 displays text such as "The system may stop if an external device is disconnected," indicating a situation in which the printer 100 may encounter a system shutdown after the power supply from the external device is stopped. The warning screen 702 also displays text such as "Do you want to start printing now?", which asks whether to print, and three answer options. The three options are "YES," "NO (start printing after charging for ** seconds)," and "NO (do not print)." A cursor 703 is also displayed on the warning screen 702, and the user uses the cursor 703 to select one of "YES," "NO (start printing after charging for ** seconds)," and "NO (do not print)." "YES" is an option for printing without charging the battery 222 to the power level that allows the thermal head 207 to be retracted from the printing position. "NO (start printing after charging for ** seconds)" is an option for charging the battery 222 to the power level that allows the thermal head 207 to be retracted from the printing position, and then printing. "NO (do not print)" is an option for canceling printing. "** seconds" is the time that is used in S506. Indicates the acquired charging time. Note that "** seconds" does not have to be displayed. Any of "YES", "NO (start printing after charging for ** seconds)", and "NO (do not print)" may not be displayed. The text of the options may be changed as appropriate. For example, "NO (start printing after charging for ** seconds)" may be changed to "wait for charging before starting printing". "The system may stop if an external device is disconnected" does not have to be displayed.

[0050] If the thermal head 207 is not retracted from the printing position and a system shutdown occurs, the ink ribbon may stick to the recording paper, or the heat of the thermal head 207 may cause the ink ribbon to break. A user may connect an external device to the printer 100 when the remaining battery power drops to a level where printing on a single sheet of recording paper (printing one sheet at a time) is no longer possible. In this case, even without the above-described notification, the user can understand at the start of printing that the remaining battery power alone is not enough to print a single sheet. However, the user cannot understand the situation that the printer 100 may encounter if the supply of external power is interrupted during printing. For example, the user cannot understand whether a system shutdown is likely to occur or whether it is possible to retract the thermal head 207 from the printing position. As a result, the user cannot understand what action to take. For example, the user cannot understand whether they should exercise extreme caution to prevent the external device from being disconnected from the printer 100 by a pet, baby, or foot pulling on the cable, or whether it is okay to move away from the printer 100 and the external device. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, different notifications are given depending on whether there is a possibility that the thermal head 207 cannot be retracted from the printing position (the possibility that a system shutdown will occur), thereby encouraging the user to take appropriate action.

[0051] In S508, the CPU 201 determines whether or not "YES" in Fig. 7B is selected. If "YES" is selected, the process proceeds to S601 in Fig. 6, and if not, the process proceeds to S509. If the process proceeds from S508 to S601, the processes of S601 to S615 are performed using external power.

[0052] When proceeding from S508 to S601, the CPU 201 may perform control to provide a predetermined notification to the user. For example, the CPU 201 may display a warning screen 704 (shown in FIG. 7C ) on the display unit of the printer 100, send a control signal to the operation terminal to display the warning screen 704 on the display unit of the operation terminal, or cause the light-emitting unit of the printer 100 to flash red. The warning screen 704 displays the text "Printing cannot be completed if the external device is disconnected," indicating a situation in which the printer 100 may not complete printing after the power supply from the external device is stopped. The warning screen 704 also displays the text "The system may stop," indicating a situation in which the printer 100 may stop operating after the power supply from the external device is stopped. The warning screen 704 also displays the text "Do not disconnect the external device," warning the user not to stop the power supply from the external device. One or two of these three pieces of text may not be displayed.

[0053] Furthermore, when proceeding from S503 to S601, the CPU 201 may perform control to provide a predetermined notification to the user. For example, the CPU 201 may display a warning screen 705 shown in FIG. 7D on the display unit of the printer 100, send a control signal to the operation terminal for displaying the warning screen 705 on the display unit of the operation terminal, or light up the light-emitting unit of the printer 100 in green. The warning screen 705 displays the text "Printing can be completed using built-in battery power even if the external device is disconnected" as a situation in which the printer 100 may be in after the power supply from the external device is stopped. The warning screen 705 also displays the text "Do not disconnect the external device" as a warning to not stop the power supply from the external device. Note that one of these two pieces of text does not need to be displayed.

[0054] In S509, CPU 201 determines whether "NO (start printing after charging for ** seconds)" in Fig. 7B has been selected. If "NO (start printing after charging for ** seconds)" has been selected, the process proceeds to S510; otherwise (if "NO (do not print)" has been selected), the process proceeds to S512.

[0055] In S510, the CPU 201 starts charging the battery 222 with external power.

[0056] In S511, the CPU 201 determines whether the battery 222 has been charged to a level of power that allows the thermal head 207 to be retracted from the printing position. Specifically, the CPU 201 determines whether the time acquired in S506 (the time required to charge the battery 222 to a level of power that allows the thermal head 207 to be retracted from the printing position) has elapsed since S510 (when charging of the battery 222 begins). The CPU 201 waits until charging is complete (the time acquired in S506 has elapsed), and once the time acquired in S506 has elapsed, the CPU 201 proceeds to S601 in FIG. 6. If the process proceeds from S511 to S601, the processes of S601 to S615 are performed using external power. Note that when the process proceeds from S511 to S601, the CPU 201 may perform control so as to provide a predetermined notification to the user. For example, CPU 201 may display warning screen 701 of FIG. 7A on the display unit of printer 100, send a control signal to the operating terminal to display warning screen 701 on the display unit of the operating terminal, or light up the light-emitting unit of printer 100 in red.

[0057] In S512, the CPU 201 stops printing, and the printer 100 ends the printing operation.

[0058] Note that S506 to S512 may be omitted, and if it is determined in S504 that the remaining battery charge is not sufficient to retract the thermal head 207, a predetermined notification such as displaying the warning screen 704 of Fig. 7C may be given, and the process may proceed to S601. S506 to S509 and S512 may be omitted, and if it is determined in S504 that the remaining battery charge is not sufficient to retract the thermal head 207, the process may proceed to S510. In this case, too, a predetermined notification such as displaying the warning screen 701 of Fig. 7A may be given when proceeding from S511 to S601.

[0059] As described above, if it is determined in S502 that printing cannot be performed using only external power, the process proceeds to S513.

[0060] In S513, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the remaining battery power detected in S501 is sufficient to print on one sheet of recording paper. If the remaining battery power is sufficient to print, the process proceeds to S601 in Fig. 6, and if not, the process proceeds to S514. If the process proceeds from S513 to S601, the remaining battery power is used to perform the processes of S601 to S615.

[0061] In S514, the CPU 201 performs control to provide a predetermined notification to the user. For example, the CPU 201 displays the warning screen 706 of FIG. 7E on the display unit of the printer 100, sends a control signal to the operation terminal to display the warning screen 706 on the display unit of the operation terminal, or causes the light-emitting unit of the printer 100 to flash red at high speed. The warning screen 706 displays the text "Printing not possible (please check the charging status of the built-in battery or external device)" indicating that printing is not possible. The printer 100 then ends the printing operation.

[0062] A specific example of the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the table in FIG.

[0063] 5 that printing using only external power is not possible, if the battery voltage is 7.2V (the minimum voltage at which one page can be printed) or higher (YES in S513), printing is performed using the remaining battery power. If the battery voltage is lower than 7.2V (NO in S513), a predetermined notification is given, such as displaying the warning screen 706 in FIG. 7E.

[0064] If it is determined in S502 that printing is possible using only external power, and the battery voltage is 7.2 V or higher (YES in S503), printing is performed using external power. If the battery voltage is 6.5 V or higher but less than 7.2 V (a voltage at which the thermal head 207 can be retracted) (NO in S503 and YES in S504), a predetermined notification, such as displaying the warning screen 701 shown in FIG. 7A, is issued (S505). If the battery voltage is less than 6.5 V (a voltage at which the thermal head 207 cannot be retracted) (NO in S503 and NO in S504), a predetermined notification, such as displaying the warning screen 702 shown in FIG. 7B, is issued (S507). For example, if the battery voltage is 6.4 V, "40 seconds" is displayed as the charging time for the battery 222 until the power level reaches a level at which the thermal head 207 can be retracted. FIG. 8 shows that the lower limit usable voltage of the battery 222 is 6.3V and the end-of-discharge voltage of the battery 222 is 6.0V.

[0065] As described above, this embodiment provides appropriate notifications when printing using external power. For example, different notifications are provided depending on whether or not there is a possibility that the thermal head cannot be retracted (the system may shut down) after the supply of external power is interrupted during printing. This allows the user to understand the situation that the printer may encounter if the supply of external power is interrupted during printing and take appropriate action. Furthermore, providing the option to charge the battery before starting printing further improves convenience. For example, after starting printing, the user does not need to pay attention to the surroundings of the printer to prevent external devices from being disconnected. Instead, the user can leave the printer and return to retrieve the printed materials once charging and printing are complete.

[0066] The above-described embodiment (including modifications) is merely an example, and the present invention also includes configurations obtained by appropriately modifying or changing the configuration of the above-described embodiment within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention also includes configurations obtained by appropriately combining the configurations of the above-described embodiment.

[0067] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0068] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, program, and medium. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus capable of printing using battery power or power supplied from an external device, a control means for controlling the printing; When printing is performed using power supplied from the external device, the control means performs control so as to give a predetermined notification if there is not enough power remaining in the battery to print on one sheet of recording paper. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 2) The predetermined notification is made when the image forming apparatus is in a fault state after the power supply from the external device is stopped. and / or a warning to not stop the power supply from the external device. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, (Configuration 3) The predetermined notification is performed using at least one of a display unit of the image forming apparatus, a light emitting unit of the image forming apparatus, and a display unit of an operation terminal connected to the image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: (Configuration 4) When printing is performed using power supplied from the external device, the control means If the battery does not have enough power to print on one sheet of recording paper, but has enough power to retract the thermal head from the printing position, the device performs control to issue a first notification; If the battery does not have enough power to print on one sheet of recording paper or to retract the thermal head from the printing position, the second notification is issued. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) the first notification indicates a situation in which printing is not completed as a situation in which the image forming apparatus may fall; The second notification indicates a situation in which the image forming apparatus may stop as a situation in which the image forming apparatus may encounter. 5. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4. (Configuration 6) The second notification includes an inquiry as to whether or not to print. 6. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4 or 5. (Configuration 7) The inquiry is performing printing without charging the battery to a level of power that allows the thermal head to be retracted from the printing position; Charging the battery to a level of power that allows the thermal head to be retracted from the printing position, and then printing is performed; and Do not print Each of the following is included as an option: 7. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 6, (Configuration 8) The second notification further indicates the time required to charge the battery to a power level sufficient to retract the thermal head from the printing position. 8. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 7. (Configuration 9) When the option of printing without charging the battery to the power level that allows the thermal head to be retracted from the printing position is selected, the control means performs control to issue a third notification. 9. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 7 or 8. (Configuration 10) The third notification indicates a situation in which the image forming apparatus may stop as a situation in which the image forming apparatus may fall. 10. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 9, (Configuration 11) The third notification further indicates a situation in which printing cannot be completed as a situation in which the image forming apparatus may encounter. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, (Configuration 12) When printing is performed using power supplied from the external device, if the battery does not have enough power to print on one sheet of recording paper and the external device is unable to supply enough power to print on one sheet of recording paper, the control means performs control to issue a fourth notification. 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11. (Configuration 13) The fourth notice indicates that printing cannot be performed. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, (method) A control method for an image forming apparatus capable of printing using battery power or power supplied from an external device, comprising: a step of controlling the printing; a step of controlling the battery to issue a predetermined notification if the battery does not have enough power to print on one sheet of recording paper when printing is performed using power supplied from the external device; A control method comprising: (program) 14. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 13. (medium) 14. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 100: Printer 201: CPU

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus capable of printing using battery power or power supplied from an external device, a control means for controlling the printing; When printing is performed using power supplied from the external device, the control means performs control so as to give a predetermined notification if there is not enough power remaining in the battery to print on one sheet of recording paper. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. The predetermined notification indicates at least one of a situation that the image forming apparatus may encounter after the power supply from the external device is stopped and a warning not to stop the power supply from the external device.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The predetermined notification is performed using at least one of a display unit of the image forming apparatus, a light emitting unit of the image forming apparatus, and a display unit of an operation terminal connected to the image forming apparatus.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. When printing is performed using power supplied from the external device, the control means If the battery does not have enough power to print on one sheet of recording paper but has enough power to retract the thermal head from the printing position, the device performs control to issue a first notification; If the battery does not have enough power to print on one sheet of recording paper or to retract the thermal head from the printing position, the second notification is issued.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. the first notification indicates a situation in which printing is not completed as a situation in which the image forming apparatus may fall; The second notification indicates a situation in which the image forming apparatus may stop as a situation in which the image forming apparatus may encounter.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The second notification includes an inquiry as to whether or not to print.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

7. The inquiry is performing printing without charging the battery to a level of power that allows the thermal head to be retracted from the printing position; Charging the battery to a level of power that allows the thermal head to be retracted from the printing position, and then printing is performed; and Do not print Each of the following is included as an option:

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. The second notification further indicates the time required to charge the battery to a power level that allows the thermal head to be retracted from the printing position.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

9. When the option of printing without charging the battery to the power level that allows the thermal head to be retracted from the printing position is selected, the control means performs control to issue a third notification.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

10. The third notification indicates a situation in which the image forming apparatus may stop as a situation in which the image forming apparatus may fall.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9,

11. The third notification further indicates a situation in which printing cannot be completed as a situation in which the image forming apparatus may encounter.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

12. When printing is performed using power supplied from the external device, if the battery does not have enough power to print on one sheet of recording paper and the external device is unable to supply enough power to print on one sheet of recording paper, the control means controls to issue a fourth notification.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

13. The fourth notification indicates that printing cannot be performed.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12.

14. A control method for an image forming apparatus capable of printing using battery power or power supplied from an external device, comprising: a step of controlling the printing; a step of controlling the battery to issue a predetermined notification if the battery does not have enough power to print on one sheet of recording paper when printing is performed using power supplied from the external device; A control method comprising:

15. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images