Processing system, program, and abnormality processing method

Abstract

To provide a processing system capable of eliminating abnormality in occurrence of abnormality in an apparatus supplied with power from a power supply device.SOLUTION: A processing system 10 comprises a CPU 64A. The CPU 64A causes a power supply device 40 to execute processing of supplying power to a printer supplied with the power from the power supply device 40 and thereafter executes processing of eliminating abnormality in the printer in a case where the history of power consumption of the printer obtained from the power supply device 40 does not match with a predetermined power consumption mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing system, a program, and an abnormality processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a home appliance remote monitoring system consisting of a smart tap into which the power plugs of one or more electrical appliances can be plugged, a home appliance with built-in smart tap functionality, and a server, in which the smart tap is equipped with a voltage waveform measuring means and / or a current waveform measuring means and a communication means, and the server determines the operating status of each connected electrical appliance based on the voltage waveform and / or the current waveform received from the smart tap, and if an abnormality in the electrical appliance is detected, has the function of transmitting the detected information to an external network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-072561 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a processing system, a program, and an abnormality processing method that, when an abnormality occurs in a device to which power is supplied from a power supply device, attempts to resolve the abnormality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The processing system of the first aspect includes a processor, and the processor causes the power supply device to execute a process to supply power to an equipment that receives power from the power supply device, and then executes a process to resolve an abnormality in the equipment if the power consumption history of the equipment obtained from the power supply device does not match a predetermined power consumption pattern.

[0006] A processing system of a second aspect is the processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor causes the power supply device to stop supplying power to the device and then to supply power again to resolve the abnormality in the device.

[0007] A processing system of a third aspect is the processing system described in the second aspect, wherein the processor reports an abnormality in the equipment when it determines that the abnormality in the equipment has not been resolved even after performing an operation to resolve the abnormality in the equipment a predetermined number of times.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the processing system is a processing system described in any one of the first to third aspects, wherein when the processor receives a process to save the history of power consumption of the device, the processor records the history of power consumption of the device in a recording unit as the predetermined power consumption pattern.

[0009] A processing system of a fifth aspect is the processing system according to the fourth aspect, wherein the processor determines the power consumption pattern based on a plurality of power consumption histories of the device as a process of saving the power consumption history of the device.

[0010] A processing system of a sixth aspect is a processing system described in any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the processor causes the device to execute a processing operation when it determines that the device is operating normally.

[0011] A seventh aspect of the program causes a power supply device to execute a process to supply power to an equipment that receives power from the power supply device, and then causes a processor to execute a process to resolve an abnormality in the equipment if the power consumption history of the equipment obtained from the power supply device does not match a predetermined power consumption pattern.

[0012] In an eighth aspect of the abnormality processing method, a computer causes a power supply device to execute a process to supply power to an equipment that receives power from the power supply device, and then, if the power consumption history of the equipment obtained from the power supply device does not match a predetermined power consumption pattern, executes a process to resolve the abnormality in the equipment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the processing system of the first aspect, when an abnormality occurs in a device, it is possible to attempt to resolve the abnormality.

[0014] According to the processing system of the second aspect, an attempt can be made to resolve an abnormality that has occurred in the device by restarting the device.

[0015] According to the processing system of the third aspect, the user of the equipment can easily notice that the abnormality in the equipment has not been resolved.

[0016] According to the processing system of the fourth aspect, the user can determine the power consumption mode when the device receiving power from the power supply device operates normally.

[0017] According to the processing system of the fifth aspect, it is easy to distinguish between the power consumption mode when the device is operating normally and the power consumption mode when the device is operating abnormally.

[0018] According to the processing system of the sixth aspect, the convenience of the device is improved.

[0019] According to the program of the seventh aspect, when an abnormality occurs in a device, an attempt can be made to resolve the abnormality.

[0020] According to the anomaly processing method of the eighth aspect, when an anomaly occurs in a device, it is possible to attempt to resolve the anomaly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power waveform record when a printer operates normally according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power waveform record when the printer is operating abnormally according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which a computer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure determines the operation of a printer and resolves an abnormality in the printer. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which a computer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure records a waveform of power consumption accompanying the operation of a printer. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a power supply device according to a modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a procedure in which a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure determines the operation of a printer and resolves an abnormality in the printer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0023] In the following description, the term "user" refers to any person who uses the printer 60 or computer 20 according to this embodiment in some way, without being limited to a specific person.

[0024] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 shows an example of a processing system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the processing system 10 includes a computer 20, a power supply 70, a power supply device 40, and a printer 60, and the computer 20, the power supply device 40, and the printer 60 are connected via a network 76.

[0025] (Computer 20) As shown in Fig. 2, the computer 20 includes a control device 24, a communication unit 28, an input / output unit 26, and a notification unit 30. As shown in Fig. 2, the control device 24 also includes a CPU 24A, a RAM 24B, a ROM 24C, and an input / output interface (I / O) 24E. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 24D.

[0026] The CPU 24A is a central processing unit that executes various programs, including a processing program, and controls each component. The RAM 24B temporarily stores programs or data as a work area. The ROM 24C stores various programs, including a printer driver 25A, which is an example of a "program" according to the present disclosure, power waveform record data 25B, which will be described later, and various data, including power consumption waveform data 25C, which will be described later. Note that although only one piece of power consumption waveform data 25C is shown in FIG. 2, multiple pieces of power consumption waveform data 25C can be stored.

[0027] In the control device 24, the CPU 24A reads various programs including a processing program from the ROM 24C and executes the programs using the RAM 24B as a work area. The CPU 24A executes the processing programs to realize various functions for controlling each part of the computer 20.

[0028] The input / output unit 26 is a device that receives instructions from a user and notifies the received instructions to the CPU 24A of the control device 24. As the input / output unit 26, for example, an input device such as a touch panel or a pointing device, or a display device such as a display, is used.

[0029] The communication unit 28 is a component for communicating with other devices via the network 76. Specifically, the communication unit 28 communicates with other devices by using communication means such as wired, wireless, the Internet, an intranet, and public lines such as telephone lines.

[0030] The notification unit 30 is a component that notifies the user of an abnormality when the CPU 24A determines that the operation of the printer 60 is abnormal in a procedure for determining the operation of the printer 60, which will be described later. Examples of the notification unit 30 include a speaker (not shown) that issues an alarm, or a display (not shown) that displays the abnormality, both of which are included in the computer 20. In other words, the notification unit 30 can take any form as long as the user can perceptually recognize the notification from the CPU 24A.

[0031] In this embodiment, the CPU 64A of the computer 20 is an example of a "processor," and the ROM 64C is an example of a "storage unit."

[0032] (Printer 60) Printer 60 is an example of a "device" according to this embodiment, and is a laser printer having control unit 44, image forming unit 66, and communication unit 68, as shown in Fig. 3. Control unit 44 also functions as computer 20, and has a CPU 64A, RAM 64B, ROM 64C, and input / output interface (I / O) 64E, as shown in Fig. 3. These components are connected to one another via control bus 64D.

[0033] The image forming unit 66 is a component that forms an image on recording paper in the printer 60 according to this embodiment. The image forming unit 66 includes components such as a charging device, a transfer device, a heating device, and a fixing device, which are not shown, and prints an image on recording paper by receiving control operations from the control unit 44.

[0034] Components with the same names as those in the computer 20, such as the communication unit 28, CPU 64A, RAM 64B, etc., have the same functions as those of the components in the computer 20. In this embodiment, the CPU 64A of the printer 60 is capable of receiving a print job from the CPU 24A of the computer 20 via the network 76.

[0035] 3, in this embodiment, the ROM 64C stores, for example, startup history data 65A, firmware 65B, and pre-update firmware 65C. The firmware 65B is software that is first read and executed by the CPU 64A when power is supplied to the printer 60, and the image forming unit 66 starts up when the CPU 64A executes the procedure defined in the firmware 65B. Note that "starting the image forming unit 66" refers to an operation that enables the printer 60 to print on recording paper, and includes, for example, procedures such as charging the charging device and raising the temperature of the heating device to a predetermined temperature.

[0036] The startup history data 65A is data created by the CPU 64A when power is supplied to the printer 60 in this embodiment. More specifically, when power is supplied to the printer 60, the CPU 64A reads the firmware 65B, and starts up the image forming unit 66 in accordance with the procedure defined in the firmware 65B, the CPU 64A creates the startup history data 65A.

[0037] In this embodiment, the CPU 64A erases the startup history data 65A when loading the firmware 65B. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the CPU 64A loads the firmware 65B but the image forming unit 66 does not start and the supply of power to the printer 60 is stopped, the CPU 64A will not be able to load the startup history data 65A from the ROM 64C even when power is next supplied to the printer 60. Therefore, in the printer 60 according to this embodiment, the CPU 64A loads the pre-update firmware 65C instead of the firmware 65B, as shown in FIG. 3, and boots the image forming unit 66 in accordance with the procedure defined in the pre-update firmware 65C.

[0038] Therefore, even if the printer 60 of this embodiment attempts to update the firmware 65B but the update fails, resulting in incomplete firmware 65B being stored in the ROM 64C, the printer 60 can load the pre-update firmware 65C. In other words, if the first startup (supply of power to the printer 60) fails and the image forming unit 66 does not start, the printer 60 of this embodiment loads the pre-update firmware 65C at the second startup to start the image forming unit 66.

[0039] (Power supply unit 40) 4, the power supply device 40 is a device that supplies power to the printer 60, and includes, as an example, a control unit 44, a power meter 44M, a relay 44C, a measurement unit 46, and a communication unit 28. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the power supply device 40 is electrically connected to a power source 70 via a primary power line 72, and is also electrically connected to the printer 60 via a secondary power line 74.

[0040] The control unit 44 is a device that integrally controls other components such as a microcomputer, etc. As shown in Fig. 4, when the control unit 44 receives signals from the measurement unit 46 and the communication unit 28, it operates the relay 44C based on predetermined conditions.

[0041] The relay 44C is a device that connects and disconnects the electrical connection between the primary power line 72 and the secondary power line 74 in response to a signal from the control unit 44. As an example, the relay 44C may be a contact relay such as a magnetic contactor or a non-contact relay such as an SSR (Solid State Relay), and is set appropriately depending on the power consumption of the printer 60.

[0042] 4, the measurement unit 46 is connected to the power meter 44M and is a device that transmits the power flowing through the secondary power line 74 measured by the power meter 44M to the control unit 44. The measurement unit 46 and the power meter 44M may have any configuration, but as an example, the power meter 44M, which is a current transformer, transmits the current flowing through the secondary power line 74 to the measurement unit 46 as an analog signal, and the measurement unit 46, which is an A / D converter, converts the analog signal into a digital signal and transmits it to the control unit 44.

[0043] The communication unit 48 is a component for communicating with other devices via the network 76. Specifically, the communication unit 48 communicates with other devices using communication means such as wired, wireless, the Internet, an intranet, or a public line such as a telephone line. In other words, the function of the communication unit 48 is equivalent to that of the communication unit 28 of the computer 20.

[0044] The control unit 44 in this embodiment transmits the value of the power flowing through the secondary power line (i.e., the power consumption of the printer 60) received from the measurement unit 46 to the computer 20 via the network 76. When the control unit 44 in this embodiment receives an energization signal from the control unit 44 of the computer 20 to connect the primary power line 72 and the secondary power line 74, the control unit 44 changes the relay 44C to a closed state to start the supply of power to the printer 60. When the control unit 44 in this embodiment receives a disconnection signal from the control unit 44 of the printer 60 to disconnect the electrical connection between the primary power line 72 and the secondary power line 74, the control unit 44 changes the relay 44C to an open state to cut off the supply of power to the printer 60. The specific timing at which the computer 20 transmits the energization signal or disconnection signal to operate the relay 44C will be described later.

[0045] (Power consumption when printer 60 is in operation) An example of the power consumption of the printer 60 in this embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Note that at time T1 in Figure 5 and at a time before time T1' in Figure 6, the relay 44C of the power supply device 40 is open. In other words, Figures 5 and 6 show the power consumption of the printer 60 from the state in which the power supply device 40 interrupts the primary power line 72 and the secondary power line 74 until power is supplied to the printer 60 and the printer 60 starts operating.

[0046] (Power consumption of printer 60 during normal operation) When the computer 20 according to this embodiment transmits a print job to the printer 60 and causes the printer 60 to print image data on a recording medium, the computer 20 first transmits a power-on signal to the power supply device 40 at time T1.

[0047] 5, a relatively large amount of current flows through the secondary power line 74 from time T1, when the printer 60 is started, to time T2, when printing starts, compared to other times. This is because power is supplied to the printer 60 and power is consumed to operate the components incorporated in the printer 60, such as the developing device, charging device, and heating device.

[0048] Then, when each component of the printer 60 is stable, the computer 20 transmits a print job to the printer 60 and causes printing to be performed on a recording medium.

[0049] In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, a slightly smaller current flows through the secondary power line 74 from time T2, when printing starts, to time T3, when printing completes, than in the previous period (from time T1 to time T2).

[0050] Subsequently, when the printer 60 completes printing, the components such as the developing device, charging device, and heating device stop consuming power. In this case, as shown in Figure 5, an even smaller current flows through the secondary power line 74 from time T3, when printing is completed, to time T4, when the printer 60 enters standby mode, than in the previous period (from time T2 to time T3).

[0051] Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the printer 60 completed printing, the printer 60 transitions to a standby state in which the supply of power to the above-mentioned developing device, charging device, heating device, and other components is stopped. In this case, as shown in Figure 5, after time T4, when the printer 60 transitioned to the standby state, an even smaller current flows through the secondary power line 74 than during the previous period (from time T3 to time T4).

[0052] After a predetermined time has elapsed since printer 60 entered the standby state, computer 20 sends a shutdown signal to power supply device 40 at time T5. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, no current flows through secondary power line 74 after time T5, which is the time when the shutdown signal is received.

[0053] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the transition of power consumption from when power is supplied to the printer 60 until the printer 60 operates normally and executes a print job is recorded as power waveform recording data 25B in the ROM 24C of the computer 20.

[0054] However, as described above, if the CPU 24A of the printer 60 fails to read the firmware 65B for some reason or if the firmware 65B is corrupted, the CPU 24A cannot start the image forming unit 66.

[0055] (Power consumption when printer 60 is operating abnormally) 6, even after time T1' when computer 20 sends a power-on signal to power supply device 40, time passes without control device 64 of printer 60 operating any of its components. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, a current equivalent to the power consumed only by control device 64 of printer 60 flows through secondary power line 74.

[0056] As described above, when the printer 60 is next started up, the control device 64 of the printer 60 confirms that the previous startup did not start up normally and reads the pre-update firmware 65B from the non-volatile memory and relocates it to the ROM 64C. This allows the printer 60 to execute a print job and print on recording paper again after the next startup. In other words, even if the control device 64 does not operate normally, the printer 60 can be restored to a normal operating state by once power is stopped and then power is supplied again.

[0057] Here, the computer 20 according to this embodiment executes the program read from the ROM 24C to execute the abnormality processing method shown in Figures 7 and 8. As for the specific execution timing, the procedure shown in Figure 7 is executed when the computer 20 causes the relay 44C of the power supply device 40 to be in an interrupted state and causes image data to be printed.

[0058] (Procedure for determining the operation of the printer 60 and resolving abnormalities in the printer 60) First, in step S100, the CPU 24A initializes the number of attempts. More specifically, in step S100, the CPU 24A assigns the value 0 to the number of attempts, which is referred to in steps S110 and S114 described below and indicates the number of times steps S104 to S108 have been executed. Then, the CPU 24A proceeds to step S102.

[0059] Next, in step S102, the CPU 24A sends a power-on signal to the power supply device 40. More specifically, in step S102, the CPU 24A sends a power-on signal to the control unit 44 to supply power to the printer 60. Then, the CPU 24A proceeds to step S104.

[0060] Next, in step S104, the CPU 24A starts acquiring the power consumption of the printer 60 from the power supply device 40. More specifically, in step S104, the CPU 24A causes the control unit 44 to transmit the current value acquired from the measurement unit 46 to the computer 20. In other words, in step S104, the CPU 24A acquires the power consumption history of the printer 60. Then, the CPU 24A proceeds to step S106.

[0061] Next, in step S106, the CPU 24A reads the power waveform record data 25B from the ROM 24C to obtain the power waveform record, and then the CPU 24A proceeds to step S108.

[0062] Next, in step S108, the CPU 24A compares the power consumption of the printer 60 acquired in step S104 with the power waveform record acquired in step S106 and determines whether the shapes are equivalent. More specifically, in step S108, the CPU 24A uses pattern recognition to determine whether the waveform of the power consumption of the printer 60 is equivalent to the power waveform record. In other words, the CPU 24A determines whether the power consumption history of the printer 60, which is the power consumed by the printer 60, matches the power waveform record, which is a predetermined power consumption pattern. If the CPU 24A makes a positive determination in step S108, it proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the CPU 24A makes a negative determination in step S108, it proceeds to step S120.

[0063] Next, in step S110, the CPU 24A determines whether the number of attempts is equal to or less than a predetermined number. In other words, the CPU 24A determines whether the number determined in step S108 is equal to or less than a predetermined number. If the CPU 24A makes a positive determination in step S110, the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if the CPU 24A makes a negative determination in step S112, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0064] Next, in step S112, the CPU 24A sends a shutoff signal to the power supply device 40. In other words, in step S112, the CPU 24A stops the supply of power to the printer 60. Then, the CPU 24A proceeds to step S114.

[0065] Next, in step S114, the CPU 24A adds 1 to the number of trials. More specifically, the CPU 24A adds 1 to the number of trials that was initialized in step S100 and referenced in step S110. Then, the CPU 24A proceeds to step S102.

[0066] Furthermore, in step S116, CPU 24A notifies the user of the abnormality of printer 60. More specifically, in step S116, CPU 24A causes notification unit 30 to notify the user of the abnormality of printer 60, thereby making the user aware of the abnormality of printer 60. CPU 24A then proceeds to step S118.

[0067] Next, in step S118, the CPU 24A accepts a user input regarding continuation of the execution of the printing operation. In other words, in step S118, the CPU 24A determines whether to continue the printing operation by accepting the user input. If the CPU 24A makes a positive determination in step S118, in other words, if the user has made an input instructing continuation of the printing operation, the CPU 24A proceeds to step S120. On the other hand, if the CPU 24A makes a negative determination in step S118, in other words, if the user has made an input instructing cancellation of the printing operation, the CPU 24A determines the operation of the printer 60 and ends the procedure for resolving the abnormality in the printer 60.

[0068] Furthermore, in step S120, the CPU 24A transmits a print job, which is an example of a "processing operation" in the present disclosure, to the printer 60. More specifically, if the determination in step S108 is negative, that is, if it is determined that the printer 60 has started up normally, the CPU 24A transmits the print job to the printer 60. Then, the CPU 24A proceeds to step S122.

[0069] Next, in step S122, the CPU 24A determines whether or not to record the waveform of the power consumption. More specifically, the CPU 24A determines whether or not to record the power consumption of the printer 60 acquired in step S104 in the ROM 24C. The determination in step S122 may be made based on the result of an input operation performed by the user on the computer 20, or may be made based on a predetermined result as to whether or not it is necessary. If the CPU 24A makes a positive determination in step S122, the CPU 24A proceeds to step S124. On the other hand, if the CPU 24A makes a negative determination in step S122, the CPU 24A determines the operation of the printer 60 and ends the procedure for resolving the abnormality of the printer 60.

[0070] Next, in step S124, the CPU 24A records the waveform of the power consumption in the ROM 24C. More specifically, the CPU 24A records the power consumption of the printer 60 acquired in step S104 in the ROM 24C. Then, the CPU 24A determines the operation of the printer 60 and ends the procedure for resolving the abnormality of the printer 60.

[0071] The computer 20 according to this embodiment derives the power waveform record by executing the procedure shown in Fig. 8. More specifically, the procedure shown in Fig. 8 is executed after the computer 20 determines the operation of the printer 60 and executes a procedure to resolve any abnormalities in the printer 60.

[0072] (Procedure for creating a power waveform record) First, in step S202, the CPU 24A acquires multiple waveforms of power consumption recorded in the ROM 24C. More specifically, the CPU 24A acquires multiple recorded power consumption values ​​of the printer 60 by multiple executions of the procedure for resolving the abnormality of the printer 60. The CPU 24A then proceeds to step S204.

[0073] Next, in step S204, the CPU 24A derives a normally expected power waveform based on the multiple power consumption waveforms. More specifically, the CPU 24A derives a power waveform that is expected when the printer 60 operates normally, based on the multiple power consumption waveforms acquired in step S202. In other words, the CPU 24A determines the power consumption pattern based on multiple power consumption histories. Note that the CPU 24A may use any method to derive the power waveform, and one example is a technique such as a convolutional neural network. The CPU 24A then proceeds to step S206.

[0074] Next, in step S206, the CPU 24A records the derived power waveform in the ROM 24C as power waveform record data 25B. More specifically, the CPU 24A records the power waveform derived in step S204 in the ROM 24C as power waveform record data 25B. Then, the CPU 24A ends the procedure for creating the power waveform record.

[0075] The processing system 10 including the computer 20, printer 60, and power supply device 40 according to this embodiment provides the following actions and effects.

[0076] (Action and effect) The processing system 10 according to this embodiment executes processing to resolve an abnormality in the printer 60 if the power consumption history of the printer 60 obtained from the power supply 40 does not match a predetermined power consumption pattern after the CPU 24A causes the power supply 40 to supply power to the printer 60. Therefore, according to the processing system 10 according to this embodiment, a processing system 10 is provided that can resolve an abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the printer 60.

[0077] The processing system 10 according to this embodiment operates to resolve the abnormality by causing the power supply device 40 to stop supplying power to the printer 60 and then supplying power again. Therefore, the processing system 10 according to this embodiment can attempt to resolve the abnormality that has occurred in the printer 60, that is, an abnormality related to the software, such as a hang-up, by restarting the printer 60.

[0078] The processing system 10 according to this embodiment executes an operation to resolve the abnormality a predetermined number of times, and if the abnormality is not resolved even after executing the process the predetermined number of times, notifies the user of the printer 60. Therefore, according to the processing system 10 according to this embodiment, the user of the printer 60 can easily notice that the abnormality in the printer 60 has not been resolved.

[0079] When the processing system 10 according to this embodiment receives a request to save the power consumption history of the printer 60, it records the power consumption history of the printer 60 as a predetermined power consumption pattern in the ROM 24C. Therefore, the processing system 10 according to this embodiment allows the user to determine the power consumption pattern when the printer 60, which is supplied with power from the power supply device 40, operates normally.

[0080] The processing system 10 according to this embodiment determines the power consumption mode based on multiple power consumption histories when it receives a request to save the power consumption history of the printer 60. Therefore, the processing system 10 according to this embodiment makes it easy to distinguish between the power consumption mode when the printer 60 is operating normally and the power consumption mode when the printer 60 is operating abnormally.

[0081] In the processing system 10 according to this embodiment, when the CPU 24A determines that the printer 60 is operating normally, the processing system 10 causes the printer 60 to execute a processing operation. In other words, the user can supply power to the printer 60 when power is not being supplied to the printer 60 and cause the printer 60 to execute a processing operation, so the processing system 10 according to this embodiment improves the convenience of the printer 60.

[0082] Next, a processing system 10 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0083] [Second embodiment] 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a power supply device 40 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the power supply device 40 according to this embodiment further includes a recording unit 150, as compared with the power supply device 40 according to the first embodiment.

[0084] The recording unit 150 of the power supply device 40 according to this embodiment stores various programs including an abnormality resolution program 155A, power waveform record data 155B, and various data including power consumption waveform data 155C. Note that while only one piece of power consumption waveform data 155C is shown in FIG. 9, multiple pieces of power consumption waveform data 155C can be stored. In other words, the recording unit 150 according to this embodiment stores data similar to that of the ROM 24C according to the first embodiment. That is, the control unit 44 according to this embodiment is an example of a "processor." Furthermore, the abnormality resolution program 155A according to this embodiment is an example of a "program."

[0085] Furthermore, by executing the abnormality resolution program 155A, the control unit 44 in this embodiment may send a notification to the computer 20 via the network 76 to cause the printer 60 to execute a print job. Furthermore, by executing the abnormality resolution program 155A, the control unit 44 in this embodiment may send a notification to the computer 20 via the network 76 to cause the notification unit 30 to notify the computer 20 of an abnormality in the printer 60. The specific timing of these will be described later.

[0086] The other configurations of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] Next, the procedure by which the power supply device 40 according to this embodiment executes the abnormality resolution program 155A to determine the operation of the printer 60 and resolve an abnormality in the printer 60 will be described with reference to Figure 10. Note that among the steps shown in Figure 10, those steps that are similar to the procedure by which the operation of the printer 60 is determined and an abnormality in the printer 60 according to the first embodiment will be noted as such and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0088] (Procedure for determining the operation of the printer 60 and resolving abnormalities in the printer 60) In step S300, the control unit 44 receives a power-on signal from the computer 20. Then, the control unit 44 proceeds to step S302.

[0089] In step S302, the control unit 44 closes the relay 44C. More specifically, in step S302, the control unit 44 closes the relay 44C to supply power to the printer 60. Then, the control unit 44 proceeds to step S304.

[0090] Step S304 is the same as step S104 according to the first embodiment.

[0091] Next, in step S306, the control unit 44 acquires the power waveform record from the recording unit 150. Then, the control unit 44 proceeds to step S308.

[0092] Steps S308 to S310 are the same as steps S108 to S110 according to the first embodiment.

[0093] In step S312, the control unit 44 opens the relay 44C. In other words, in step S312, the control unit 44 stops the supply of power to the printer 60. Then, the control unit 44 proceeds to step S314.

[0094] Step S314 is the same as step S114 according to the first embodiment.

[0095] In addition, in step S316, the control unit 44 notifies the user of the abnormality of the printer 60. More specifically, in step S316, the control unit 44 causes the notification unit 30 to notify the user of the abnormality of the printer 60, thereby making the user aware of the abnormality of the printer 60. The control unit 44 then proceeds to step S318.

[0096] Next, in step S318, the control unit 44 accepts input from the computer 20 regarding the continuation of the execution of the printing operation. In other words, in step S318, the control unit 44 determines whether to continue the printing operation by accepting user input entered into the computer 20. Then, if the control unit 44 makes a positive determination in step S318, in other words, if the user operating the computer 20 has made an input instructing the continuation of the printing operation, the control unit 44 proceeds to step S320. On the other hand, if the control unit 44 makes a negative determination in step S318, in other words, if the user operating the computer 20 has made an input instructing the cancellation of the printing operation, the control unit 44 determines the operation of the printer 60 and ends the procedure for resolving the abnormality in the printer 60.

[0097] Furthermore, in step S320, the control unit 44 causes the computer 20 to transmit the print job to the printer 60. More specifically, if the determination in step S308 is negative, that is, if it is determined that the printer 60 has started up normally, the control unit 44 transmits a signal to the computer 20 to cause the printer 60 to transmit the print job. The control unit 44 then proceeds to step S322.

[0098] Steps S322 to S324 are the same as steps S122 to S124 according to the first embodiment. The procedure for creating a power waveform record is also the same as in the first embodiment.

[0099] (Action and effect) In this embodiment, the same functions and effects as those of the processing system 10 according to the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0100] (Variation) In the above description, the CPU 24A and the control unit 44 resolve the abnormality of the printer 60 by stopping the supply of power to the printer 60 and then supplying power again, but the method of resolving the abnormality in the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 24A or the control unit 44 may resolve the abnormality of the printer 60 by notifying the user to prompt them to resolve the abnormality of the printer 60 without stopping the supply of power to the printer 60.

[0101] In the above description, steps S102 to S108 or steps S302 to S308 are attempted a predetermined number of times, but the method of resolving an abnormality in the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the CPU 24A or the control unit 44 may attempt the process only once and not execute the operations after steps S112 and S114 or steps S312 and S314.

[0102] In the above description, the CPU 24A and the control unit 44 record the waveform of power consumption when receiving input processing from the user, but the method of resolving an abnormality in the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the CPU 24A and the control unit 44 may always record the waveform of power consumption in the ROM 24C or the recording unit 150, or may not always record the waveform of power consumption.

[0103] In the above description, the CPU 24A and the control unit 44 derive the power waveform record based on multiple power consumption waveforms, but the method of resolving an abnormality in the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the CPU 24A and the control unit 44 may derive the power waveform record based on a single power consumption waveform.

[0104] In the above description, the CPU 24A and the control unit 44 cause the printer 60 to execute the print job in step S120 or step S320, but the method for resolving the abnormality according to this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, if it is determined that the power consumption waveform differs from the power waveform record even once, the CPU 24A and the control unit 44 may wait until a user input is received without causing the printer 60 to execute the print job in step S120 or step S320.

[0105] In these modified examples, the same functions and effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0106] The above describes an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is clear that a person with ordinary knowledge in the field of technology to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0107] The above processing can also be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit, in which case it may be executed by a single piece of hardware or by multiple pieces of hardware.

[0108] In each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0109] Furthermore, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Alternatively, the operations performed by specific multiple processors in each of the above embodiments may be partially or completely integrated into a single processor. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0110] The program that operates the processing system 10 may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is typically transferred and stored in a memory or storage device. The program may be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each device of the processing system 10 as a function thereof.

[0111] Further preferred aspects of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0112] (((1))) a processor; the processor causes the power supply device to execute a process of supplying power to a device that receives power from the power supply device, and then executes a process of eliminating an abnormality in the device when a power consumption history of the device obtained from the power supply device does not match a predetermined power consumption pattern; Processing system.

[0113] (((2))) The processor causes the power supply device to stop supplying power to the device and then to supply power again to resolve the abnormality in the device. (((1)))'s processing system.

[0114] (((3))) the processor notifies the abnormality of the device when it determines that the abnormality of the device is not resolved even after performing an operation to resolve the abnormality of the device a predetermined number of times; (((2)))'s processing system.

[0115] (((4))) When the processor receives a command to store the history of power consumption of the device, the processor records the history of power consumption of the device in a recording unit as the predetermined power consumption pattern. A processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0116] (((5))) the processor determines the power consumption pattern based on a plurality of power consumption histories of the device as a process of storing the power consumption history of the device; (((4)))'s processing system.

[0117] (((6))) the processor causes the device to execute a processing operation when it determines that the device has operated normally; A processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))).

[0118] (((7))) having a power supply device execute a process to supply power to a device that receives power from the power supply device, and then having a processor execute a process to resolve an abnormality in the device when a power consumption history of the device obtained from the power supply device does not match a predetermined power consumption pattern; program.

[0119] (((8))) a computer causes a power supply device to execute a process for supplying power to a device that receives power from the power supply device, and then executes a process for eliminating an abnormality in the device if a power consumption history of the device obtained from the power supply device does not match a predetermined power consumption pattern; Abnormal handling method.

[0120] According to the processing system of (((1))), when an abnormality occurs in a device, it is possible to attempt to resolve the abnormality. According to the processing system of (((2))), an attempt can be made to resolve an abnormality that has occurred in the device by restarting the device. According to the processing system of (((3))), the user of the equipment can easily notice that the abnormality in the equipment has not been resolved. According to the processing system of (((4))), a user can determine the power consumption mode when an appliance receiving power from a power supply device operates normally. According to the processing system of (((5))), it is easy to distinguish between the power consumption mode when the device is operating normally and the power consumption mode when the device is operating abnormally. According to the processing system of (((6))), the convenience of the device is improved. According to the program (((7))), when an abnormality occurs in the device, an attempt can be made to resolve the abnormality. According to the abnormality processing method (((8))), when an abnormality occurs in the device, it is possible to attempt to resolve the abnormality. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 10 Processing System 20 Computer 24 Control device 24A CPU (an example of a processor) 24B RAM 24C ROM 24D Bus 24E output interface 25A Printer Driver (Example of a program) 25B Power waveform record data 25C Power consumption waveform data 26 Input / output section 28 Communications Department 30. Information Department 40 Power supply 44 Control unit (an example of a processor) 44C relay 44M power meter 46 Measurement section 48 Communications Department 60 Printer (example of equipment) 64 Control Device 64A CPU processor 64B RAM 64C ROM 64D Bus 64E output interface 65A Startup history data 65B firmware 65C Pre-update firmware 66 Image forming unit 68 Communications Department 70 Power supply 72 Primary power line 74 Secondary power line 76 Network 150 Recording Unit 155A Abnormality Resolution Program (Example of a program) 155B Power waveform record data 155C Power consumption waveform data

Claims

1. a processor; the processor causes the power supply device to execute a process for supplying power to a device that receives power from the power supply device, and then executes a process for resolving an abnormality in the device if a power consumption history of the device obtained from the power supply device does not match a predetermined power consumption pattern; Processing system.

2. The processor causes the power supply device to stop supplying power to the device and then to supply power again to resolve the abnormality in the device. The processing system of claim 1 .

3. the processor notifies the abnormality of the device when it determines that the abnormality of the device is not resolved even after performing an operation to resolve the abnormality of the device a predetermined number of times; The processing system of claim 2 .

4. When the processor receives a command to store the history of power consumption of the device, the processor records the history of power consumption of the device in a recording unit as the predetermined power consumption pattern. The processing system of claim 1 .

5. the processor determines the power consumption pattern based on a plurality of power consumption histories of the device as a process of storing the power consumption history of the device; The processing system of claim 4 .

6. the processor causes the device to execute a processing operation when it determines that the device has operated normally; A processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. having a power supply device execute a process to supply power to a device that receives power from the power supply device, and then having a processor execute a process to resolve an abnormality in the device when a power consumption history of the device obtained from the power supply device does not match a predetermined power consumption pattern; program.

8. a computer causes a power supply device to execute a process for supplying power to a device that receives power from the power supply device, and then executes a process for eliminating an abnormality in the device if a power consumption history of the device obtained from the power supply device does not match a predetermined power consumption pattern; Abnormal handling method.

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