Printing device

Abstract

To take usability into consideration by unfixing the conventionally fixed contents of modes that can execute printing while suppressing power consumption.SOLUTION: A printing device includes: a printing unit that prints on a medium; and a control unit that controls the printing unit. Device states that are set by the control unit include a first operating mode and a second operating mode in which the power required for printing by the printing unit is supplied, and a sleep mode in which the power required for printing by the printing unit is not supplied, the second operating mode consuming less power than the first operating mode but more power than the sleep mode, and the second operating mode allows customization of a power consumption reduction method via a user interface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device that prints on a medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that sets a color image recording unit to a low power consumption mode when recording a monochrome image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-048317 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 can record monochrome images while suppressing power consumption by setting the color image recording unit to a low power consumption mode when recording monochrome images. However, the mode that allows recording while suppressing power consumption is fixed, and usability is not taken into consideration. In particular, in the event of a disaster, for example, commercial power sources may become unavailable, forcing businesses to use small generators or portable batteries, making it difficult to secure sufficient power. Even in such a situation, however, there are cases where businesses want to maximize the use of printing functions to transmit information, i.e., they want to achieve both power consumption reduction and printing functionality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the printing device of the present invention is a printing device comprising a printing unit that prints on a medium and a control unit that controls the printing unit, and has the following states of the device set by the control unit: a first operating mode and a second operating mode in which the power required for printing by the printing unit is supplied, and a sleep mode in which the power required for printing by the printing unit is not supplied, and the second operating mode is a mode that consumes less power than the first operating mode and more power than the sleep mode, and further, the second operating mode is characterized in that the method of reducing power consumption can be customized via a user interface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a print sensor group. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a scan sensor group. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an environment detection unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication IF group. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing after power is turned on. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the UI displayed on the operation panel. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the UI displayed on the operation panel. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the UI displayed on the operation panel. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the UI displayed on the operation panel. [Figure 12] A diagram showing the UI displayed on the operation panel. [Figure 13] A diagram showing the UI displayed on the operation panel. [Figure 14] A diagram showing the UI displayed on the operation panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention will be briefly described below. A printing device according to a first aspect is a printing device comprising a printing unit that prints on a medium and a control unit that controls the printing unit, and has the following states of the device set by the control unit: a first operating mode and a second operating mode in which the power required for printing by the printing unit is supplied, and a sleep mode in which the power required for printing by the printing unit is not supplied; the second operating mode consumes less power than the first operating mode and more power than the sleep mode; and the second operating mode is characterized in that the method of reducing power consumption can be customized via a user interface.

[0008] According to this aspect, the second operating mode allows the method of reducing power consumption to be customized via the user interface, thereby enabling printing according to user needs while reducing power consumption, thereby improving usability.

[0009] The second aspect is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that it has a display unit that displays various information, and that monochrome display can be selected as the display mode of the display unit in the second operating mode via the user interface. According to this aspect, since monochrome display can be selected as the display mode of the display unit in the second operation mode, power consumption in the second operation mode can be reduced.

[0010] The third aspect is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that it comprises a display unit that displays various information, and that the user can select, via the user interface, a reduction in the display area as the display mode of the display unit in the second operating mode.

[0011] According to this aspect, since it is possible to select a reduced display area as the display mode of the display unit in the second operation mode, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the second operation mode. This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, but may also be applied to the second aspect.

[0012] The fourth aspect is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that it is provided with a display unit that displays various information, and that, via the user interface, the brightness of the display unit can be set to the minimum setting at least during printing as the display mode of the display unit in the second operating mode. According to this aspect, as the display mode of the display unit in the second operation mode, it is possible to set the brightness of the display unit to the minimum setting at least during printing, thereby further reducing power consumption.

[0013] The fifth aspect is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, characterized in that it is provided with a display unit that displays various information, and that, via the user interface, it is possible to select, as the display mode of the display unit in the second operating mode, at least turning off the display unit during printing.

[0014] According to this aspect, the display mode of the display unit in the second operation mode can be selected to be at least turned off during printing, thereby making it possible to reduce power consumption in the second operation mode. It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect, but may be applied to any of the second to fourth aspects.

[0015] The sixth aspect is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that the device comprises a detection means for detecting a change in the state of the device, and the control unit is capable of canceling the sleep mode when a signal change occurs in the detection means while the device is in the sleep mode, and selecting, via the user interface, to cut off the power supply to the detection means in the second operating mode.

[0016] According to this aspect, it is possible to selectively cut off the power supply to the detection unit in the second operation mode, and therefore it is possible to reduce power consumption in the second operation mode. This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, but may be applied to any of the second to fifth aspects.

[0017] The seventh aspect is a dependent aspect of the first aspect, and is characterized in that it comprises a media loading section for loading media before feeding, and a media size detection section for detecting the size of the media loaded on the media loading section, and that it is possible to select, via the user interface, to cut off the power supply to the media size detection section in the second operating mode.

[0018] According to this aspect, it is possible to select to cut off the power supply to the medium size detection unit in the second operation mode, and therefore it is possible to reduce power consumption in the second operation mode. It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect, but may be applied to any of the second to sixth aspects.

[0019] The eighth aspect is a dependent aspect of the first aspect, and is characterized in that the device is provided with an environment detection unit that detects the installation environment of the device, and it is possible to select, via the user interface, to cut off the power supply to the environment detection unit in the second operating mode.

[0020] According to this aspect, it is possible to select to cut off the power supply to the environment detection unit in the second operation mode, and therefore it is possible to reduce power consumption in the second operation mode. It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect, but may be applied to any of the second to seventh aspects.

[0021] The ninth aspect is a dependent aspect of the first aspect, and is characterized in that the device includes an environment detection unit that detects the installation environment of the device, and the control unit transitions to the second operating mode when the detection result of the environment detection unit exceeds a predetermined range.

[0022] When the detection result of the environment detection unit exceeds a predetermined range, it can be determined that an abnormality such as a disaster has occurred. According to this aspect, when the detection result of the environment detection unit exceeds the predetermined range, the control unit transitions to the second operation mode, thereby making it possible to appropriately reduce power consumption of the device when an abnormality has occurred and improving usability. This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, but may be applied to any of the second to eighth aspects.

[0023] The tenth aspect is a mode dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that the control unit is capable of receiving an emergency earthquake warning, and when the emergency earthquake warning is received, transitions to the second operating mode.

[0024] According to this aspect, the control unit is capable of receiving an emergency earthquake alert, and upon receiving the emergency earthquake alert, transitions to the second operating mode, thereby appropriately reducing the power consumption of the device when an earthquake occurs and improving usability. This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, but may be applied to any of the second to ninth aspects.

[0025] The present invention will be specifically described below. A printing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. 1, the X-axis direction is the depth direction of the printing device 1. The +X direction, which is the direction of the arrow in the X-axis direction, is the direction from the rear of the device to the front of the device, and the -X direction is the direction from the front of the device to the rear of the device. The X-axis direction is also an example of the width direction of the medium. The Y axis direction is the width direction of the printing device 1, and the +Y direction, which is the direction of the arrow in the Y axis direction, is the left direction when viewed from a user facing the front of the device, and the -Y direction is the right direction. The Z axis direction is the device height direction of the printing device 1, and is a vertical direction, and the +Z direction, which is the direction in which the arrow points, is vertically upward, and the -Z direction is vertically downward. In the following explanation, the +Z direction may be simply referred to as upward, and the -Z direction may be simply referred to as downward.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 1 includes a printing unit 10. The printing unit 10 according to this embodiment is an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink, an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as printing paper. The printing device 1 includes a line head 18, an example of a printing section. The term "printing" may also be referred to as "recording" or "image formation." A scanner section 12, an example of an image reading device, is provided above the printing unit 10. In other words, the printing device 1 is a so-called multifunction device, and the scanner section 12 is used to realize functions such as copying, scanning, and facsimile. However, the printing unit 10 is not limited to an inkjet printer, and may be configured to print using other methods, such as a laser printer, a thermal transfer printer, or a dot impact printer.

[0027] The printing unit 10 includes a main body 14, a medium storage section 16 that stores the medium, a medium transport section (not shown) that transports the medium, a line head 18, and an in-body discharge section 22 from which the medium is discharged. The printing unit 10 also includes a control section 20 that controls the entire printing device 1, and an operation panel 2 that serves as a display section that accepts various setting operations and displays various information.

[0028] The medium storage unit 16 includes, from top to bottom, a first medium cassette 17A, a second medium cassette 17B, a third medium cassette 17C, and a fourth medium cassette 17D. These medium cassettes are an example of a medium loading unit on which media is loaded before being fed. A transport path for transporting media is provided inside the main body 14. Reference symbol T1 indicates a feed path along which media sent out from each media cassette is fed to a position opposite the line head 18 (described later). Reference symbol T2 indicates an ejection path along which media after recording is ejected. Reference symbol T3 indicates a path along which media is fed when recording on both sides of the medium, and is a switchback path for switching back the medium. Reference symbol T4 indicates a path along which media is fed from the switchback path T3, and is a reversing path for reversing the medium. Reference symbol T5 indicates a supply path along which media is supplied from the media supply tray 19. The media supply tray 19 is provided on the -Y direction side of the printing unit 10 so as to be openable and closable. The supply path T5 merges with the feed path T1. The media supply tray 19 is an example of a medium loading section on which media is loaded before being fed.

[0029] The line head 18 has a plurality of ink ejection nozzles (not shown) arranged to correspond to the entire area in the X-axis direction, i.e., the width direction, of the medium. The line head 18 prints on the medium by ejecting ink supplied from an ink tank (not shown) from the plurality of ink ejection nozzles toward the medium. However, the ink ejection head serving as the printing unit may be of a type that performs recording while moving in the width direction of the medium. The medium printed by the printing unit 10 is discharged to the internal discharge section 22 via the discharge path T2 and is stacked on an internal discharge tray 23 provided in the internal discharge section 22.

[0030] The scanner unit 12 includes a scanner main body 12a and an automatic document feeder 12b. The automatic document feeder 12b rotates around a rotation axis (not shown) relative to the scanner main body 12a to open and close a document table (not shown) provided on the scanner main body 12a. The scanner main body 12a includes a reading unit 13. The reading unit 13 is an image sensor that extends in the X-axis direction and is movable in the Y-axis direction. The automatic document transport unit 12b includes a document tray 12c on which documents are placed, and transports the documents set on the document tray 12c toward a reading position by a transport means (not shown).

[0031] The control unit 20 controls the entire printing device 1 including the line head 18 based on information input via the operation panel 2 . 2, the control unit 20 includes a CPU 40, a volatile memory 41, and a non-volatile memory 43. The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the operation panel 2, the printing unit 10, the scanner unit 12, the power supply unit 25, and a communication IF group 42.

[0032] The CPU 40 loads the program 44 stored in the non-volatile memory 43 into the volatile memory 41 and executes it. The program 44 includes various programs for controlling the printing unit 10, as well as programs for implementing each operation mode, which will be described later. The control unit 20 executes the program 44 using the volatile memory 41 as a work area, thereby implementing various functions including a sleep mode execution module 50, a normal mode execution module 51, and an emergency operation mode execution module 52. The sleep mode execution module 50 implements the sleep mode, which will be described later. The normal mode execution module 51 implements the normal mode, which will be described later. The emergency operation mode execution module 52 implements the emergency operation mode, which will be described later.

[0033] The implementation of the various functions described above is not limited to software processing, but may instead be implemented by dedicated hardware circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The nonvolatile memory 43 also stores setting data 45 input via the operation panel 2. This setting data 45 includes information set via various user interfaces, which will be described later. In view of the above functions, the control unit 20 can also be called an information processing device or a computer.

[0034] The operation panel 2 includes an LCD 3 and an LED 4. The LED 4 can be turned on or off under the control of the control unit 20. When the LED 4 is turned on, the area that lights up can be limited, and the amount of light emitted can be adjusted. The LCD 3 also functions as a so-called touch panel, serving as part of an operation reception unit that receives operations from the user. A user interface is realized on the LCD 3 under the control of the control unit 20. For convenience, the term user interface will be referred to as "UI" hereinafter. The program 44 includes programs for realizing various UIs. Hereinafter, when describing the processing and operations of the printing device 1 based on various UIs, it is assumed that the processing and operations are realized by the control unit 20 executing the program 44.

[0035] The power supply unit 25 supplies the necessary power to each component of the printing device 1 under the control of the control unit 20.

[0036] The printing unit 10 is equipped with a printing sensor group 26. The printing sensor group 26 includes a cassette installation / removal sensor 60, an ink storage section sensor 61, a medium set sensor 62, and a medium size sensor 63, as shown in FIG. A cassette attachment / detachment sensor 60 is provided for each of the first media cassette 17A, second media cassette 17B, third media cassette 17C, and fourth media cassette 17D. The control unit 20 can detect whether each media cassette has been removed or attached based on the detection information from the cassette attachment / detachment sensor 60.

[0037] The ink containing section sensor 61 detects the open / closed state of a cover (not shown) that opens and closes the ink containing section (not shown). The control section 20 can detect whether the cover is open or closed based on the detection information from the ink containing section sensor 61. The medium setting sensor 62 detects that a medium has been set in the medium supply tray 19. The control unit 20 can detect that a medium has been set in the medium supply tray 19 based on the detection information from the medium setting sensor 62.

[0038] A medium size sensor 63 is provided for each of the first medium cassette 17A, second medium cassette 17B, third medium cassette 17C, fourth medium cassette 17D, and medium supply tray 19. The control unit 20 can detect the size of the media set in each medium cassette or medium supply tray 19 based on the detection information from the medium size sensor 63. The print sensor group 26 is not limited to these sensors and may include other sensors, or may not include one or more of the sensors shown in FIG. Of the print sensor group 26, the cassette attachment / detachment sensor 60, the ink container sensor 61, and the medium set sensor 62 are examples of detection means 59 that detect changes in the state of the device.

[0039] Next, the scanner unit 12 includes a scan sensor group 27 (see FIG. 2). The scan sensor group 27 includes a unit open / close sensor 65, a document set sensor 66, and a document size sensor 67, as shown in FIG. The unit open / close sensor 65 detects whether the automatic document feeder 12b is open or closed. Based on the detection information from the unit open / close sensor 65, the control unit 20 can detect whether the unit open / close sensor 65 is open or closed. The document set sensor 66 detects that a document has been set on the document tray 12c. Based on the detection information from the document set sensor 66, the control unit 20 can detect that a document has been set on the document tray 12c.

[0040] The document size sensor 67 detects the size of the document set on the document tray 12c. The control unit 20 can detect the size of the document set on the document tray 12c based on the detection information from the document size sensor 67. The scan sensor group 27 is not limited to these sensors and may include other sensors, or may not include one or more of the sensors shown in FIG. Of the scan sensor group 27, the unit open / close sensor 65 and the document set sensor 66 are examples of a detection means 59 that detects changes in the state of the device.

[0041] Next, the printing device 1 has an environment detection unit 28 (see FIG. 2) that detects the installation environment of the device. The environment detection unit 28 includes a temperature and humidity sensor 70, a tilt sensor 71, and a vibration sensor 72, as shown in FIG. For example, the temperature and humidity sensor 70 is provided outside the housing of the printing device 1. The control unit 20 can grasp the temperature and humidity of the installation environment of the printing device 1 based on the information detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 70, and can provide feedback to adjust the drying time after printing, for example. The tilt sensor 71 detects the tilt of the installation state of the printing device 1. The control unit 20 can detect the installation angle of the printing device 1, particularly any deviation from horizontal, based on the detection information from the tilt sensor 71. This allows the control unit 20 to issue a warning if the installation angle of the printing device 1 is inappropriate. The vibration sensor 72 detects vibrations in the installed state of the printing device 1. The control unit 20 can detect vibrations and shaking of the printing device 1 based on the information detected by the vibration sensor 72. The environment detection unit 28 is not limited to these sensors and may include other sensors, or may not include one or more of the sensors shown in FIG.

[0042] Next, the communication IF group 42 (see FIG. 2) includes a USB communication unit 75, a wired communication unit 76, a wireless communication unit 77, a FAX communication unit 78, and a mobile communication unit 79, as shown in FIG. The USB communication unit 75 functions as a host that controls a USB device connected to the printing device 1 . The wired communication unit 76 is a module that handles communication when the printing device 1 is connected to a network such as a local area network by wire. The wireless communication unit 77 is a module that handles communication when the printing device 1 is wirelessly connected to a network such as a local area network. The FAX communication unit 78 is a module that handles facsimile communication when the printing device 1 is connected to a communication line. The mobile communication unit 79 is a communication module for receiving area mail such as emergency earthquake alerts. The communication IF group 42 is not limited to these communication units and may include other communication units, or may not include one or more of the communication units shown in FIG.

[0043] The configuration of the printing device 1 has been described above, and an example of the operation mode switching process will now be described with reference to FIG. The printer 1 can switch between normal mode, emergency operation mode, and sleep mode as device states controlled by the control unit 20. The normal mode is an example of a first operation mode, and the emergency operation mode is an example of a second operation mode. Note that the names normal mode and emergency operation mode are merely examples, and the emergency operation mode may be called other names such as disaster mode or power-saving operation mode. The normal mode and emergency operation mode are modes in which the power necessary for printing by the line head 18 is supplied. Of course, the power necessary for printing includes the power necessary for feeding, transporting, and ejecting the medium. The sleep mode is a mode in which the power necessary for printing by the line head 18 is not supplied. The name of the sleep mode may also be referred to as the standby mode, the power saving mode, etc.

[0044] In normal mode, the necessary power is supplied to each part of the printing device 1, and all functions of the printing device 1 operate normally. In emergency operation mode, the power supply to each part of the printing device 1 is limited compared to normal mode, but printing by at least the line head 18 is possible. In sleep mode, power is supplied to some sensors, specifically the detection means 59 that detects changes in the device status described above, the LCD 3 of the operation panel 2, and the control unit 20, but not to the rest. In sleep mode, power is not supplied to the LED 4 of the operation panel 2, and the operation panel 2 is turned off. In emergency operation mode, power is supplied to the LED 4 of the operation panel 2 depending on the conditions, and the operation panel 2 is turned on. The emergency operation mode consumes less power than the normal mode and more power than the sleep mode.

[0045] 7, it is assumed that the printing device 1 is in sleep mode and that it was in normal mode before entering this sleep mode. In this state, if a power-on event occurs (Yes in step S101), the control unit 20 performs power-on processing (step S102). That is, power is supplied to parts that were not supplied with power in sleep mode, and sleep mode is canceled. Examples of power-on events include a signal change in the detection means 59 that detects changes in the state of the device, the user's finger touching the LCD 3, receiving print data from an external device, etc. The control unit 20 then causes the operation panel 2 to display the normal UI (step S103), which places the printing device 1 in the normal mode. Note that if the printing device 1 was in the emergency operation mode rather than the normal mode at step S101, the printing device 1 returns to the emergency operation mode at step S103.

[0046] Next, if the printing device 1 has been in an inactive state for a predetermined time (Yes in step S104), the control unit 20 turns off the operation panel 2 (step S108) and performs processing to transition to sleep mode (step S109). The inactive state refers to a state in which the user does not touch the printing device 1 and no print data is received from the outside. If the no-operation state does not reach the predetermined time (No in step S104) and an emergency event does not occur (No in step S105), the control unit 20 maintains the normal mode.

[0047] When an emergency event occurs (Yes in step S105), the control unit 20 sets the UI of the operation panel 2 to an emergency UI (step S106) and performs a process of transitioning to the emergency operation mode (step S107). An example of the emergency event is the user tapping the emergency operation mode transition button (see FIG. 8), but other examples will be described later.

[0048] UI90 in Fig. 8 is a home screen in normal mode, and is composed of a header area 100 at the top, a footer area 102 at the bottom, and a main area 101 in the center. Note that each UI shown in Fig. 8 and subsequent figures only shows displays, buttons, etc. necessary for explanation, and other details are omitted. Each UI shown in Fig. 8 and subsequent figures is displayed in color, except for UI94 shown in Fig. 12.

[0049] The header area 100 has an emergency operation mode transition button 110 and a sleep mode transition button 111. When the emergency operation mode transition button 110 is tapped, the device transitions to the emergency operation mode, and when the sleep mode transition button 111 is tapped, the device transitions to the sleep mode. Note that when the device has transitioned to the emergency operation mode, tapping the emergency operation mode transition button 110 returns the device to the normal mode. The main area 101 has buttons for using the functions of the printing device 1, such as a copy button and a scan button, and also has a setting button for making various settings. Tapping a setting button transitions to a setting UI (not shown) for making various settings of the printing device 1. This setting UI (not shown) has an emergency operation mode setting button (not shown), and tapping this emergency operation mode setting button transitions to a UI 91 shown in FIG. 9. The setting button in FIG. 8 may be the emergency operation mode setting button.

[0050] 9 is a setting screen for the emergency operation mode, in other words, a setting screen for the power consumption suppression method. The settings made on this screen are executed in the emergency operation mode. Reference numeral 113 is a stepper for setting the screen brightness. Reference numeral 114 is a toggle switch for setting whether or not to convert the screen to monochrome. Reference numerals 115 and 116 are toggle switches for setting the reduction of the screen area. Note that when one of the toggle switches 115 and 116 is set to on, the other is displayed in gray and cannot be set. Reference numeral 117 is a toggle switch for turning off the operation panel 2 when printing.

[0051] When the toggle switch 114 is set to ON, the operation panel 2 displays in monochrome, which reduces power consumption compared to a color display. When either one of the toggle switches 115 and 116 is set to ON, the screen area is reduced at the set reduction rate, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0052] UI92 in FIG. 10 is a home screen when the toggle switch 115 is set to ON and the reduction rate is set to 70%. In this embodiment, the main area 101 is displayed in a reduced size, and the hatched area is an unlit area. However, the entire screen, including the header area 100 and footer area 102, may also be displayed in a reduced size. UI93 in FIG. 11 is a home screen when the toggle switch 116 is set to ON and the reduction rate is set to 50%. Of course, the reduction rate may be set to any other appropriate value.

[0053] Furthermore, when the toggle switch 117 is set to on, the operation panel 2 remains lit until the print execution button (not shown) is tapped, and then turns off once the print execution button (not shown) is tapped, thereby reducing power consumption. In this case, when the print execution button (not shown) is tapped, a message such as "The screen will be turned off to save power. Printing will continue" may be displayed for a predetermined period of time, for example, 1 to 3 seconds. In this embodiment, when the toggle switch 117 is set to ON, the screen is turned off regardless of the setting of the stepper 113, but when the toggle switch 117 is set to OFF, the screen brightness is set based on the setting of the stepper 113. If the screen brightness is set to the minimum, at least during printing, power consumption can be further reduced. If the toggle switch 117 is set to ON, the brightness at which the screen is turned on can also be determined by the setting of the stepper 113. In this case, if the screen brightness is set to the minimum, power consumption can be further reduced. It should be noted that either the toggle switches 114 and 117 or the toggle switches 115 and 116 can be set to ON together.

[0054] 12 is an example of a screen that is monochrome when the toggle switch 114 is set to on, and corresponds to the home screen shown in FIG. 8 in monochrome. In the UI94 of Fig. 12, the LED4 is dimmed or turned off compared to the home screen shown in Fig. 8. The number of operation icons is reduced compared to the home screen shown in Fig. 8, and only frequently used icons are displayed. This reduces power consumption.

[0055] 13 is a setting screen for the emergency operation mode in the administrator mode. The administrator mode is a mode that can be entered when an administrator mode transition button (not shown) is tapped and administrator authority is confirmed by entering a password or the like. In this administrator mode, tapping an emergency operation mode setting button (not shown) transitions to the UI95 in FIG. 13. Note that this UI95 may also be accessible by general users. Reference numeral 118 denotes a toggle switch for setting the automatic power saving. When this switch is set to on, the toggle switches 119, 120, and 121 are displayed in gray and cannot be set. For example, when the toggle switch 118 is set to on, the toggle switches 119, 120, and 121 are all set to on.

[0056] Also, reference numeral 119 denotes a toggle switch for disabling the sensor for returning from sleep mode. When the toggle switch 119 is set to on, power is not supplied to the detection means 59 that detects the above-mentioned changes in the state of the device, thereby reducing power consumption. Also, reference numeral 120 denotes a toggle switch for disabling the paper size sensor. When the toggle switch 120 is set to on, power is not supplied to the above-mentioned medium size sensor 63 (see FIG. 3) and document size sensor 67 (see FIG. 4), thereby reducing power consumption. Furthermore, reference numeral 121 denotes a toggle switch for disabling the installation environment sensor. When the toggle switch 121 is set to on, power is not supplied to the above-mentioned environment detection unit 28 (see FIG. 5), thereby reducing power consumption.

[0057] As described above, the printer 1 has the following states set by the control unit 20: normal mode and emergency operation mode, in which the power required for printing by the line head 18 is supplied, and sleep mode, in which the power required for printing by the line head 18 is not supplied. The emergency operation mode consumes less power than the normal mode, but consumes more power than the sleep mode. In addition, the method for reducing power consumption in the emergency operation mode can be customized via UI 91 (see FIG. 9) or UI 95 (see FIG. 13). This allows printing according to user needs while reducing power consumption, improving usability.

[0058] For example, in the event of a disaster, commercial power may become unavailable, forcing businesses to use small generators or portable batteries, making it difficult to secure sufficient power. Even in such a situation, however, there may be cases where businesses want to maximize the use of printing functions to transmit information, i.e., they want to achieve both power consumption reduction and printing functionality. For example, power consumption can be reduced while color printing is performed in the emergency operation mode of the printing device 1. In other words, power consumption can be reduced while maintaining printing functionality.

[0059] In this embodiment, monochrome display can be selected as the display mode of the operation panel 2 in the emergency operation mode via the UI 91 (see FIG. 9), thereby reducing power consumption in the emergency operation mode.

[0060] In this embodiment, it is also possible to select, via the UI 91 (see FIG. 9), a reduced display area as a display mode for the operation panel 2 in the emergency operation mode, thereby reducing power consumption in the emergency operation mode.

[0061] In this embodiment, via the UI 91 (see FIG. 9), the user can select, as the display mode of the operation panel 2 in the emergency operation mode, to turn off the operation panel 2 at least during printing. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption in the emergency operation mode.

[0062] In this embodiment, when a signal change occurs in the detection means 59 that detects the above-described state change of the device while in the sleep mode, the control unit 20 cancels the sleep mode (step S101 in FIG. 7). In this embodiment, it is possible to select, via the UI 95 (see FIG. 13), to cut off the power supply to the detection means 59 in the emergency operation mode. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption in the emergency operation mode. It is also possible to provide a UI (not shown) that allows the user to arbitrarily select a sensor to cut off the power supply to from among the multiple sensors that make up the detection means 59, and cut off the power supply to the sensor based on the UI.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the emergency operation mode, it is possible to select via the UI 95 (see FIG. 13) to cut off the power supply to the medium size detection unit, i.e., the medium size sensor 63 and the document size sensor 67. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption in the emergency operation mode. It is also possible to provide a UI (not shown) that allows the user to arbitrarily select the sensor to cut off the power supply to, between the medium size sensor 63 and the document size sensor 67, and cut off the power supply to the sensor based on the UI.

[0064] In this embodiment, it is possible to select, via the UI 95 (see FIG. 13), to cut off the power supply to the environment detection unit 28 in the emergency operation mode, thereby reducing power consumption in the emergency operation mode. It is also possible to provide a UI (not shown) that allows the user to arbitrarily select a sensor to cut off the power supply to from among the multiple sensors that make up the environment detection unit 28, and cut off the power supply to the sensor based on the UI.

[0065] 13 may be added with a toggle switch (not shown) capable of cutting off the power supply to the communication IF group 42 (see FIG. 6). In this case, a UI (not shown) may be provided that allows the user to arbitrarily select a communication IF to which power supply is to be cut off from among the multiple communication IFs that make up the communication IF group 42, and the power supply to the communication IF may be cut off based on the UI. 13 may be added with a toggle switch (not shown) that can cut off the power supply to the entire scanner unit 12 and to the automatic document feeder 12b that constitutes the scanner unit 12. Furthermore, if an optional device, such as an additional media cassette, is connected to the printing device 1, a toggle switch (not shown) that can cut off the power supply to the optional device may be added to the UI 95 shown in FIG.

[0066] As a modified example, if the detection result of the environment detection unit 28 exceeds a predetermined range, the system may be configured to transition to an emergency operation mode. For example, since the occurrence of an earthquake can be detected by the vibration sensor 72, if the detection result of the vibration sensor 72 exceeds a predetermined range, the device may be configured to transition to the emergency operation mode. In this case, the device may transition to the emergency operation mode automatically, or a message prompting the user for confirmation may be displayed as in UI96 shown in Fig. 14, and the device may transition to the emergency operation mode when the user taps the emergency operation mode transition button 125.

[0067] As a variant, the control unit 20 may be configured to transition to emergency operation mode when it receives an earthquake early warning. In this case, the transition to emergency operation mode may be automatic, or a message prompting the user for confirmation may be displayed, as in UI 96 shown in FIG. 14, and the transition to emergency operation mode may be made when the user taps the emergency operation mode transition button 125. Furthermore, disaster information related to the installation location of the printing device 1 may be periodically obtained from an external server, and in the event of a disaster, the printing device 1 may transition to emergency operation mode in the same manner as described above.

[0068] Although the emergency operation mode described above is set via the operation panel 2 provided on the printing device 1, this is not limiting. For example, the emergency operation mode may be set via a printer driver running on an external computer that can access the printing device 1. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and it goes without saying that these are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1...printing device, 2...operation panel, 3...LCD, 4...LED, 10...printing unit, 12...scanner section, 12a...scanner main body section, 12b...automatic document feeder section, 12c...document tray, 13...reading section, 14...main body section, 16...media storage section, 17A...first media cassette, 17B...second media cassette, 17C...third media cassette, 17D...fourth media cassette, 18...line head, 19...media supply tray, 20...control section, 22...internal discharge section, 23...internal discharge tray, 25...power supply unit, 26...printing sensor group, 27...scanning sensor group, 28...environment detection section, 40...CPU, 41...volatile memory, 42...communication IF group, 43...non-volatile memory, 44...program, 45...setting data, 50...sleep mode execution module, 51...normal mode execution module, 52...emergency operation Mode execution module, 59...detection means, 60...cassette installation / removal sensor, 61...ink storage section sensor, 62...medium set sensor, 63...medium size sensor, 65...unit open / close sensor, 66...original set sensor, 67...original size sensor, 70...temperature / humidity sensor, 71...tilt sensor, 72...vibration sensor, 75...USB communication unit, 76...wired communication unit, 77...wireless communication unit, 78...fax communication unit, 79...mobile communication unit, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95...UI, 100...header area, 101...main area, 102...footer area, 110...emergency operation mode transition button, 111...sleep mode transition button, 113...stepper, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121...toggle switches, 125...emergency operation mode transition button

Claims

1. a printing unit that prints on the medium; a control unit that controls the printing unit; A printing device comprising: The device state set by the control unit is: a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which power necessary for printing by the printing unit is supplied; a sleep mode in which power necessary for printing by the printing unit is not supplied; and the second operation mode is a mode that consumes less power than the first operation mode and consumes more power than the sleep mode, Furthermore, in the second operation mode, a method for reducing power consumption can be customized via a user interface. A printing device characterized by:

2. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, Equipped with a display unit that displays various information, a monochrome display can be selected as the display mode of the display unit in the second operation mode via the user interface; A printing device characterized by:

3. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, Equipped with a display unit that displays various information, a user can select, via the user interface, a reduction in the display area as a display mode of the display unit in the second operation mode; A printing device characterized by:

4. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, Equipped with a display unit that displays various information, a display mode of the display unit in the second operation mode, wherein the brightness of the display unit can be set to a minimum setting at least during printing execution, via the user interface; A printing device characterized by:

5. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, Equipped with a display unit that displays various information, a display mode of the display unit in the second operation mode that allows the user to select, via the user interface, turning off the display unit at least during printing execution; A printing device characterized by:

6. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, a detection means for detecting a change in the state of the device; the control unit cancels the sleep mode when a signal change occurs in the detection means while the device is in the sleep mode; via the user interface, it is selectable to cut off the power supply to the detection means in the second operating mode; A printing device characterized by:

7. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, a medium placement unit for placing the medium before feeding; a medium size detection unit that detects the size of the medium placed on the medium placement unit; Equipped with a user can select, via the user interface, to cut off the power supply to the medium size detection unit in the second operation mode; A printing device characterized by:

8. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, an environment detection unit that detects the installation environment of the device; a user can select, via the user interface, to cut off the power supply to the environment detection unit in the second operation mode; A printing device characterized by:

9. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, an environment detection unit that detects the installation environment of the device; the control unit transitions to the second operation mode when the detection result of the environment detection unit exceeds a predetermined range. A printing device characterized by:

10. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, The control unit is capable of receiving an emergency earthquake warning, and when the emergency earthquake warning is received, the control unit transitions to the second operation mode. A printing device characterized by:

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