Recording device, recording device control method, and program

Abstract

To make it possible to provide a recording device with high operability.SOLUTION: A recording device comprises: storage means which stores a value indicating the state when a power source was turned off at the previous time; and control means which controls whether recording material setup processing is executed or not in preparation processing for recording at an initial time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording device, a control method for a recording device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] After being turned on for the first time, recording devices such as inkjet printers and copiers perform preparatory processing (hereinafter referred to as "preparatory processing") to prepare the device for recording. Because the preparatory processing can take time, users may turn off the power to the recording device to interrupt the preparatory processing work, and then turn the power on later to resume the remaining work. In such cases, it is desirable to be able to skip the processing that has already been performed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for preventing unnecessary initialization processing by satisfying a predetermined condition when the power of a recording device is turned on. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-36941 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a demand for a recording device that is easy to operate and that can execute preparation processing based on the state when the power was last turned off.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a recording device that is easy to operate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A recording device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a storage means for storing a value indicating the state at the time of the previous power-off, and a control means for controlling whether or not to perform a setup process for the recording material in the preparation process for the first recording based on the value stored in the storage means when the power is turned on. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a recording device with high operability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating an example of a recording apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a recording device. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of preparation processing executed by the recording device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a cover open instruction screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an ink set instruction screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ink injection confirmation screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial adjustment screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an automatic update setting screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an error screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. Note that the same components will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0011] After first powering on, recording devices such as inkjet printers and copiers perform preparatory processing to prepare them for printing. This preparatory processing includes a setting process (hereinafter referred to as an ink setting process or ink setup process) that prompts the user to fill the ink, an initial printhead adjustment process, and processes related to automatic updates. The preparatory processing is performed by the recording device in response to user operations on the recording device. Because the preparatory processing prepares the recording device for printing, the processing may take time depending on the type of operation performed on the recording device and the types of settings to be configured on the recording device. For this reason, users may turn off the recording device to interrupt their work for the preparatory processing, then turn it on later to resume the remaining work. In such cases, re-executing processes that have already been performed during the preparatory processing after resuming the work is inefficient and requires the user's unnecessary effort.

[0012] On the other hand, depending on the state when the power was last turned off, it is possible that some of the processes included in the preparation process that have already been executed may need to be re-executed, as will be described later. In other words, it is desirable for the recording device to execute the preparation process according to the state when the power was last turned off.

[0013] In the preparation process, the determination of whether the ink set process needs to be re-executed can be made using a remaining ink sensor capable of detecting the amount of remaining ink, or a sensor that detects the presence or absence of ink, such as an ink cartridge installation sensor. Although not illustrated in the following embodiments, the recording device may use such a sensor to detect the presence or absence of ink. Furthermore, in recent years, in order to reduce costs, some recording devices do not have a sensor that detects the presence or absence of ink. Because such recording devices cannot determine whether the ink set process needs to be re-executed using a sensor that detects the presence or absence of ink, they may re-execute the process even when the process is not necessary. The recording device of the following embodiments can provide a highly operable recording device that can execute the preparation process based on the state at the time of the last power-off, even if the recording device does not have a sensor that detects the presence or absence of ink.

[0014] <<First embodiment>> 1 is an external view showing an example of a recording device 100. The recording device 100 has an operation panel 101, a cassette 102, a discharge tray 103, an ink tank 104, and a cover 105. In this embodiment, the recording device 100 will be described as an inkjet printer.

[0015] In this embodiment, the "front" refers to the side of the recording device 100 that is positioned on the paper surface side of FIG. 1. The "upper" refers to the part of the recording device 100 that is positioned in the opposite direction to the direction in which gravity acts when the recording device 100 is placed. The "rear" refers to the side of the recording device 100 that is positioned on the back side of FIG. 1. The "lower" refers to the part of the recording device 100 that is positioned in the direction in which gravity acts when the recording device 100 is placed.

[0016] An operation panel 101 equipped with a user interface such as operation buttons and a touch panel is provided on the front of the recording device 100. A user can operate the operation panel 101 to perform tasks such as preparation processing. As described above, the preparation processing in this embodiment is processing executed by the recording device to prepare it for recording after the power is turned on for the first time.

[0017] Below the operation panel 101, there is provided a discharge tray 103 for placing recorded recording media, which can be pulled out to the front of the recording device 100. Below the discharge tray 103, there is provided a cassette 102, which is a supply port for supplying recording media.

[0018] The recording device 100 is provided with an ink tank 104. A cover 105 that opens upward is provided on the top of the recording device 100. A user can fill ink into the ink tank 104 by opening the cover 105.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the recording device 100. The recording device 100 has a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a non-volatile memory 204, a display unit 205, an operation unit 206, a recording unit 207, a cover open / close sensor 208, a paper sensor 209, a temperature sensor 210, and a scanner unit 211. These elements shown in Fig. 2 are connected to each other via a system bus.

[0020] The CPU 201 loads a program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executes the loaded program, thereby functioning as a control unit that performs overall control of the recording device 100. The CPU 201 controls the non-volatile memory 204, the display unit 205, the operation unit 206, the recording unit 207, and the like, thereby executing preparation processing and recording processing of the recording device 100.

[0021] The nonvolatile memory 204 is a memory that can retain stored information even when there is no power supply to the recording device 100. In this embodiment, the nonvolatile memory 204 functions as a storage unit that stores values ​​for determining whether or not the ink set process needs to be executed.

[0022] The display unit 205 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal display as part of the operation panel 101. The display unit 205 is a display device for displaying information about the recording device 100, such as the work procedure for the preparation process, the content of the process being executed by the recording device 100, and the content of any errors that have occurred. The user can perform the work for the preparation process while looking at the content displayed on the screen of the display unit 205.

[0023] The operation unit 206 is, for example, configured with physical keys and buttons as part of the operation panel 101. The operation unit 206 may also be configured with soft keys and buttons displayed by software. The operation unit 206 is an input device for inputting control information and the like to the recording device 100. A user can operate the operation unit 206 to power on and power off the recording device 100. Hereinafter, powering on the recording device 100 will be referred to as "power on," and powering off the recording device 100 will be referred to as "power off." A user can operate the operation unit 206 to perform tasks for preparation processing.

[0024] The recording unit 207 performs a recording operation to record an image on a recording medium using a recording material such as ink. In preparation processing, the recording unit 207 performs a filling operation to fill the print head with ink from the ink tank 104 and a cleaning operation to clean the print head. The recording unit 207 is also provided with a carriage (not shown). The carriage is provided so as to be movable in a direction intersecting the direction from the rear to the front of the recording device 100. The user can attach a detachable print head to the carriage. Ink is supplied to the print head via a supply path for supplying ink filled in the ink tank 104.

[0025] The cover open / close sensor 208 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the cover 105 is open. The recording apparatus 100 can use the cover open / close sensor 208 to switch the screen displayed during the ink set process, which will be described later.

[0026] The paper sensor 209 is a sensor for detecting recording media remaining on the discharge tray 103. After the user turns on the power to the recording device 100, the recording device 100 can use the paper sensor 209 to determine whether to perform the discharge process of the recording media in the initialization process described below.

[0027] The temperature sensor 210 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of the print head. Using the temperature sensor 210, the printing apparatus 100 can generate an error indicating an abnormal temperature of the print head during the initial adjustment process described below.

[0028] The scanner unit 211 can generate image data of an original document and input the generated image data to the RAM 203, etc. The recording device 100 can record an image on a recording medium using the recording unit 207 based on the image data generated by the scanner unit 211.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the preparation process executed by the recording device 100 in this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the process executed by the recording device 100 when the power is turned on will be described based on a value stored in the nonvolatile memory 204 indicating the state at the time of the previous power off. The process shown in FIG. 3 is implemented by the CPU 201 of the recording device 100 loading a control program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203, and then having the CPU 201 execute the loaded control program. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 3 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process indicates a step in the flowchart (the same applies to flowcharts in the following specification).

[0030] The flowchart shown in Fig. 3 starts when the user turns on the power. If the user turns off the power after any step in the flowchart shown in Fig. 3, the CPU 201 detects the user's power-off operation and ends the flowchart. In other words, the flowchart shown in Fig. 3 also starts when the user turns off the power during the preparation process, then turns the power on again and starts the preparation process again.

[0031] After the user turns on the power and starts up the recording device 100, but before S301, the CPU 201 performs initialization processing. Examples of initialization processing include processing to reset the contents of RAM 203 to their initial state and processing to eject recording media. The ejection processing is processing to eject recording media that is performed when recording media remain on the ejection tray 103. In addition, during initialization processing, the CPU 201 may perform processing other than the above-described processing in order to start up the recording device 100 normally.

[0032] In S301, the CPU 201 determines whether the recording device 100 is in a print-ready state. In this embodiment, the print-ready state refers to a state in which the recording device 100 should execute preparation processing. If the CPU 201 determines that the recording device 100 is in a print-ready state (Yes), the process proceeds to S302; if the CPU 201 determines that the recording device 100 is not in a print-ready state (No), the process proceeds to S313. The determination of whether the recording device 100 is in a print-ready state is performed by the CPU 201 reading from the non-volatile memory 204 a setting value (hereinafter referred to as a preparation value) indicating whether the recording device 100 should execute preparation processing. For example, the preparation value can be set to a value indicating valid or invalid. When the recording device 100 is powered on for the first time, a value indicating valid is written as the preparation value as an initial value. In S301, the CPU 201 determines that the recording device 100 is in a print-ready state if the preparation value indicates valid, and determines that the recording device 100 is not in a print-ready state if the preparation value indicates invalid. In this embodiment, the CPU 201 writing a predetermined value to a specific setting value stored in the nonvolatile memory 204 may be expressed as setting or clearing a flag.

[0033] Note that a case in which S301 returns "Yes" is a case in which the flowchart of Fig. 3 was started when the recording device 100 was powered on for the first time. Alternatively, a case in which S301 returns "Yes" is a case in which the flowchart of Fig. 3 was started when the recording device 100 was powered on for the first time, but the recording device 100 was powered off at a timing when all preparation processing had not yet been completed. Thereafter, the power was turned on again, causing the flowchart of Fig. 3 to start again. Also, a case in which S301 returns "No" is a case in which all preparation processing had been completed in the recording device 100.

[0034] In S302, the CPU 201 determines whether or not it is necessary to perform the ink set process. If the CPU 201 determines that it is necessary to perform the ink set process (Yes), the process proceeds to S303. If the CPU 201 determines that it is not necessary (No), the ink set process is skipped (the ink set process is not performed) and the process proceeds to S307. In this embodiment, the ink set process is the process from S303 to S305, which will be described later. Therefore, if the determination in S302 is No, the screens displayed in the ink set process from S303 to S305 (screens in FIGS. 4 to 6) are not displayed. Also, as described above, the ink set process is executed by the recording apparatus 100 in response to a user operation on the operation unit 206. The determination of whether or not it is necessary to perform the ink set process is made by the CPU 201 reading from the non-volatile memory 204 a setting value (hereinafter referred to as the ink set value) indicating whether ink has been set. For example, a value indicating unconfirmed or confirmed can be set as the ink set value. In this embodiment, "unconfirmed" means that the ink set process has not been completed. In this embodiment, "confirmed" means that the ink set process has been completed. When the recording apparatus 100 is turned on for the first time, a value indicating "unconfirmed" is written as the initial value to the ink set value.

[0035] Therefore, a case in which S302 is determined to be (Yes) is a case in which the flowchart of Fig. 3 was started when the recording apparatus 100 was powered on for the first time. Alternatively, a case in which S302 is determined to be (Yes) is a case in which the flowchart of Fig. 3 was started when the recording apparatus 100 was powered on for the first time, but the recording apparatus 100 was powered off before the ink set process was completed. The flowchart of Fig. 3 was then started again when the power was turned on. Also, a case in which S302 is determined to be (No) is a case in which the flowchart of Fig. 3 was started when the recording apparatus 100 was powered on for the first time. Then, the recording apparatus 100 was powered off at a time when the ink set process was completed but not all of the preparation processes had been completed, and the flowchart of Fig. 3 was then started again when the power was turned on.

[0036] In S302, the CPU 201 determines that the ink set process needs to be executed if the ink set value indicates that it has not been confirmed, and determines that the ink set process does not need to be executed if the ink set value indicates that it has been confirmed.

[0037] <Ink setting process> The ink set process executed by the recording apparatus 100 will be described from S303 to S305 in FIG. 3 with reference to FIGS.

[0038] In S303, the CPU 201 displays a cover open instruction screen 400 shown in Fig. 4 on the display unit 205. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that instructs the user to open the cover 105 in order to inject ink into the ink tank 104. The cover open instruction screen 400 displays a message urging the user to open the cover 105. It is assumed that the user confirms the message displayed on the display unit 205 and opens the cover 105. Then, the CPU 201 detects via the cover open / close sensor 208 that the cover 105 has been opened, and proceeds to S304.

[0039] In S304, the CPU 201 displays the ink set instruction screen 500 shown in Fig. 5 on the display unit 205. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that instructs the user to set ink and close the cover 105. The ink set instruction screen 500 displays a message that prompts the user to set ink and close the cover 105. The user fills the ink tank 104, attaches a print head to the recording unit 207, and closes the cover 105 while checking the message displayed on the display unit 205. Then, the CPU 201 detects via the cover open / close sensor 208 that the cover 105 has been closed, and proceeds to S305.

[0040] In S305, the CPU 201 displays an ink injection confirmation screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 205. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for prompting the user to confirm the setting of ink. The ink injection confirmation screen 600 displays a message for prompting the user to confirm the setting of ink, and an OK button 601. The OK button 601 is an operator that accepts consent that ink has been injected. Because the recording device 100 is configured without a sensor that detects the presence or absence of ink, the CPU 201 displays the ink injection confirmation screen 600 to prompt the user to confirm that ink has been injected. The CPU 201 detects the user's operation on the OK button 601, and proceeds to S306.

[0041] In S306, the CPU 201 writes a value indicating that confirmation has been completed to the ink set value stored in the non-volatile memory 204. In other words, the CPU 201 sets a confirmation completed flag, and proceeds to S307.

[0042] In S307, the CPU 201 determines whether or not it is necessary to perform the initial adjustment process. If the CPU 201 determines that it is necessary to perform the initial adjustment process (Yes), the process proceeds to S308. If the CPU 201 determines that it is not necessary to perform the initial adjustment process (No), the process skips the initial adjustment process (without performing the initial adjustment process) and proceeds to S311. Note that in this embodiment, the initial adjustment process is the process of S308, which will be described later. Therefore, if the determination in S307 is No, the screen displayed in the initial adjustment process of S308 (the screen in FIG. 7) is not displayed. The determination of whether or not it is necessary to perform the initial adjustment process is performed by the CPU 201 reading a setting value indicating the result of the initial adjustment process (hereinafter referred to as the initial adjustment result value) from the non-volatile memory 204. For example, the initial adjustment result value can be set to a value indicating that the initial adjustment process has not been performed, a value indicating that the initial adjustment process has been successful, or a value indicating that the initial adjustment process has failed. When the recording device 100 is powered on for the first time, a value indicating that the initial adjustment process has not been performed is written as the initial adjustment result value. In S307, if the initial adjustment result value indicates that the initial adjustment process has not been performed or that the initial adjustment process has failed, the CPU 201 determines that the initial adjustment process needs to be performed. Also, if the initial adjustment result value indicates that the initial adjustment process has been successful, the CPU 201 determines that the initial adjustment process does not need to be performed.

[0043] Note that a case in which S307 is determined as "Yes" is a case in which the flowchart of FIG. 3 was started when the recording device 100 was powered on for the first time. Alternatively, a case in which S307 is determined as "Yes" is a case in which the flowchart of FIG. 3 was started when the recording device 100 was powered on for the first time, but the recording device 100 was powered off before the initial adjustment process was completed. Thereafter, the power was turned on, and the flowchart of FIG. 3 was started again. Also, a case in which S307 is determined as "Yes" is a case in which the flowchart of FIG. 3 was started when the recording device 100 was powered on for the first time, but the initial adjustment process failed. Thereafter, the power was turned off / on, and the flowchart of FIG. 3 was started again.

[0044] 3 starts when the recording device 100 is turned on for the first time, and the initial adjustment process is completed but not all preparation processes are completed. The recording device 100 is then turned off, and the recording device 100 is then turned on again, starting the flow chart of FIG. 3 again.

[0045] <Initial adjustment process> The initial print head adjustment process executed by the printing apparatus 100 will be described in step S308 of FIG. 3 with reference to FIG.

[0046] In S308, the CPU 201 displays an initial adjustment processing screen 700 shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 205. The initial adjustment processing screen 700 displays a message notifying the user that the initial adjustment processing is in progress. The initial adjustment processing screen 700 may also display an indication of how much time is left until the initial adjustment processing is completed. After the CPU 201 displays the initial adjustment processing screen 700 and starts the initial adjustment processing, the process proceeds to S309. The initial adjustment processing in this embodiment includes a filling operation for filling the print head with ink from the ink tank 104, and a cleaning operation for cleaning the print head.

[0047] In S309, the CPU 201 determines whether the initial adjustment process was successful. If the CPU 201 determines that the initial adjustment process was successful (Yes), the process proceeds to S310, and if the CPU 201 determines that the initial adjustment process was unsuccessful (No), the process proceeds to S314. In this embodiment, a successful initial adjustment process means that the initial adjustment process has been completed. In this embodiment, a failed initial adjustment process means that the initial adjustment process could not be completed. One example of an initial adjustment process that could not be completed is when an error occurs due to ink not being injected into the printing device 100 or the amount of ink injected being insufficient, and the initial adjustment of the print head is terminated in an insufficient state.

[0048] Here, an error caused by a lack of ink or an insufficient amount of ink is, for example, an error indicating a temperature abnormality of the print head. During the print head cleaning operation in the initial adjustment process, the printing device 100 heats the ink filled in the print head and ejects the heated ink. If ink is not filled or the amount of ink filled is insufficient, the heat used to heat the ink concentrates on the print head, making the print head temperature more likely to exceed a preset threshold value indicating a temperature abnormality of the print head. The CPU 201 compares a value indicating the print head temperature acquired using the temperature sensor 210 with a threshold value indicating a temperature abnormality of the print head stored in the nonvolatile memory 204. If the value indicating the print head temperature exceeds the threshold value, the CPU 201 generates an error indicating a temperature abnormality of the print head. If an error indicating a temperature abnormality of the print head occurs during the print head cleaning operation, the CPU 201 determines that the initial adjustment process has failed.

[0049] In S310, the CPU 201 writes a value indicating that the initial adjustment process was successful to the initial adjustment result value stored in the nonvolatile memory 204. That is, the CPU 201 sets a success flag, and the process proceeds to S311.

[0050] <Automatic update process> The process relating to the automatic update executed by the recording device 100, step S311 in FIG. 3, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0051] In S311, the CPU 201 displays the automatic update setting screen 800 shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting whether to perform automatic updates when the latest firmware is available on the server. The automatic update setting screen 800 displays a message about the automatic update setting, a button 801 for enabling the automatic update setting, and a button 802 for disabling the automatic update setting. The user can enable or disable automatic updates by operating any of the buttons displayed on the automatic update setting screen 800. If the CPU 201 determines that the button 801 has been operated by the user, the CPU 201 sets the automatic update to be enabled. If the CPU 201 determines that the button 802 has been operated by the user, the CPU 201 sets the automatic update to be disabled. That is, the CPU 201 writes the setting value of the automatic update corresponding to the button operated by the user into the non-volatile memory 204, and the process proceeds to S312. If the CPU 201 determines that the button 801 has been operated by the user, the CPU 201 may display other setting screens required for automatic updates on the display unit 205. When S311 is completed, all preparation processes in the recording device 100 are completed.

[0052] In S312, the CPU 201 writes a value indicating invalid to the preparation state value stored in the nonvolatile memory 204. That is, the CPU 201 clears the print preparation state flag and proceeds to S313. Note that in this embodiment, S312 is performed after the user operates button 801 or button 802 displayed on the automatic update setting screen 800.

[0053] In S313, the CPU 201 displays the menu screen 900 shown in Fig. 9 on the display unit 205, and then ends this flow. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen for using various functions provided by the recording device 100. The menu screen 900 displays a copy button 901, a scan button 902, and a maintenance button 903 as some of the functions that can be used by the recording device 100.

[0054] The copy button 901 is a button for transitioning to a recording setting screen for recording processing (not shown), for example. When the user operates the copy button 901, the screen transitions to the recording setting screen. The user can operate the recording setting screen to set the size of the recording medium to be used, color or monochrome printing settings, and the like.

[0055] The scan button 902 is, for example, a button for transitioning to a scan setting screen for scan processing (not shown). When the user operates the scan button 902, transition to the scan setting screen occurs. The user can operate the scan setting screen to set single-sided or double-sided scanning, and color or monochrome scanning, etc.

[0056] The maintenance button 903 is, for example, a button for transitioning to a maintenance screen (not shown). When the user operates the maintenance button 903, the screen transitions to a maintenance screen. The user can operate the maintenance screen to issue instructions for cleaning the print head and the like, and instructions for adjusting the position of the print head and the like.

[0057] In S314, the CPU 201 writes a value indicating that the initial adjustment process has failed to the initial adjustment result value stored in the nonvolatile memory 204. That is, the CPU 201 sets a failure flag and proceeds to S315. The case in which S314 is executed corresponds to the case in which the preparation process has not been completed in the recording device 100.

[0058] In S315, the CPU 201 displays an error screen 1000 shown in Fig. 10 on the display unit 205. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for notifying the user that an error has occurred in the recording device 100. The error screen 1000 displays a message urging the user to turn the power off and on again because an error has occurred. If the user turns the power off at this time, the CPU 201 detects the user's power off operation and ends this flow.

[0059] <Example of when preparation processing should be resumed> The preparation process executed by recording device 100 has been described with reference to Fig. 3, but it is assumed that the user will interrupt the work for the preparation process and turn off the power in the middle of the flowchart shown in Fig. 3. In such a situation, when the user turns on the power to start the work for the preparation process, the preparation process executed by recording device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3.

[0060] <If the user turned off the power in S308 of the previous preparation process> Assume a case where the user turns the power OFF during the initial adjustment process in S308, and then turns the power ON. For example, assume a case where the user must leave the recording apparatus during the initial adjustment process, turning the power OFF, and then turning the power ON again. In this case, the CPU 201 has completed the ink set process in the previous preparation process, but has not performed any processing after the initial adjustment process. In other words, the preparation state value stores a value indicating valid as the initial value. Furthermore, the ink set value stores a value indicating confirmed.

[0061] In S301, the CPU 201 determines that the recording device 100 is in a print preparation state because a value indicating validity is stored in the preparation state value, and the process proceeds to S302.

[0062] In S302, because a value indicating that confirmation has been completed is stored in the ink set value, the CPU 201 proceeds to S307 without executing the processes from S303 to S306. The CPU 201 then executes the processes from S307 onwards.

[0063] If the ink setting process is not skipped when the user turns the power back on, the recording device 100 will display a screen or the like to prompt the user to set ink again, since it does not have a sensor to detect the presence or absence of ink. In this case, even though the user set ink in the previous preparation process, the screen prompting the user to set ink is displayed, which may cause the user to worry about whether the ink was set correctly.

[0064] Therefore, as described above, the recording device 100 references the ink set value to determine whether or not it is necessary to perform the ink set process. If a value indicating that confirmation has been completed is stored in the ink set value, the recording device 100 skips the ink set process, thereby reducing the time required for preparation processing without causing anxiety to the user.

[0065] <If the user turned off the power in S311 of the previous preparation process> Assume a case where the user turns the power off while the automatic update setting screen 800 is displayed in S311, and then turns the power on. For example, assume a case where the user turns the power off to read instructions for setting up automatic updates while the automatic update setting screen 800 is displayed, and then turns the power on again. In this case, the CPU 201 has completed the ink set process and initial adjustment process in the previous preparation process, but has not performed the processes from S312 onwards. In other words, the preparation status value is in a state where a value indicating valid is stored as the initial value. Furthermore, the ink set value is in a state where a value indicating confirmed has been stored. Furthermore, the initial adjustment result value is in a state where a value indicating that the initial adjustment process was successful is stored.

[0066] In S301, the CPU 201 determines that the recording device 100 is in a print preparation state because a value indicating validity is stored in the preparation state value, and proceeds to S302. In S302, the CPU 201 proceeds to S307 without executing the processes of S303 to S306 because a value indicating confirmation is stored in the ink set value.

[0067] In S307, since a value indicating that the initial adjustment process was successful is stored in the initial adjustment result value, the CPU 201 proceeds to S311 without executing the process of S308. Then, the CPU 201 executes the processes from S311 onwards.

[0068] In this way, if the initial adjustment process was completed in the previous preparation process, the recording device 100 skips this process. If the user turns the power back on and the initial adjustment process is not skipped, the initial adjustment process is executed again. In this case, the same process is repeated, which causes the preparation process to take a long time.

[0069] Therefore, as described above, the recording device 100 determines whether or not the initial adjustment process needs to be performed by referring to the initial adjustment result value. If the initial adjustment result value stores a value indicating that the initial adjustment process was successful, the recording device 100 can shorten the time required for the preparation process by skipping the initial adjustment process.

[0070] According to this embodiment, even if the printing device does not have a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of ink, it is possible to provide a printing device with high operability that can execute preparatory processing based on the state at the time of the previous power-off. For example, since an ink set process that has already been executed is not executed again, the time required for preparatory processing can be shortened. Therefore, by not executing processes that have already been executed, it is possible to avoid the preparatory processing from becoming complicated, and it is possible to provide a printing device with high operability for the user.

[0071] <<Other embodiments>> In the first embodiment, the method of determining whether or not the ink set process needs to be performed in S302 is described as referring to the ink set value, but this is not limiting. For example, in S302, the CPU 201 may refer to the initial adjustment result value, and determine that the ink set process does not need to be performed if a value indicating that the initial adjustment process has failed or a value indicating that the initial adjustment process has been successful is stored. In other words, if a value indicating that the initial adjustment process has started is stored in the initial adjustment result value, the CPU 201 performs control such that the ink set process is not performed.

[0072] Furthermore, in S302, the CPU 201 may refer to the initial adjustment result value, and if a value indicating that the initial adjustment process has not been executed is stored, determine that the ink set process needs to be executed. In other words, if a value indicating that the initial adjustment process has not been started is stored in the initial adjustment result value, the CPU 201 performs control to execute the ink set process.

[0073] Alternatively, in S302, the CPU 201 may refer to the initial adjustment result value, and if a value indicating that the initial adjustment process was successful is stored, determine that execution of the ink set process is unnecessary. In other words, if a value indicating that the initial adjustment process has been completed is stored in the initial adjustment result value, the CPU 201 performs control such that the ink set process is not executed.

[0074] In S302, the CPU 201 may refer to the initial adjustment result value as a method of determining whether or not the ink set process needs to be performed, and if a value indicating that the initial adjustment process has failed is stored, determine that the ink set process needs to be performed.

[0075] The advantages of this configuration are as follows. For example, if the initial adjustment result value in S302 indicates that the initial adjustment process has failed, it is possible that ink has not been injected or that the amount of ink injected is insufficient, even though a value indicating that confirmation has been completed is stored in the ink set value. Therefore, in S302, when the ink set value indicates that confirmation has been completed, the CPU 201 further references the initial adjustment result value, and if it indicates that the initial adjustment process has failed, it performs control to execute the ink set process again. This makes it possible to prevent failure of the initial adjustment process in S309.

[0076] In the first embodiment, the automatic update setting screen 800 is displayed in S311, but this is not limiting. For example, the CPU 201 may not display the automatic update setting screen 800 in S311. That is, the CPU 201 may clear the print preparation state flag in S312 after setting the success flag for the initial adjustment process in S310. That is, the automatic update setting screen 800 may not be displayed in the processes included in the preparation process. In this case, the user can configure the automatic update by operating a setting screen (not shown) that can be displayed after the preparation process.

[0077] The initial adjustment process in S308 described above may include a registration process in addition to the operation of filling the print head with ink from the ink tank 104 and the operation of cleaning the print head. The registration process is a process for adjusting the ink landing position on the print medium during the printing process. Also, any successful initial adjustment process in S308 may be omitted. For example, if the operation of filling the print head with ink from the ink tank 104 and the operation of cleaning the print head have been completed during the initial adjustment process, these steps may be skipped and the process may begin with the registration process described above.

[0078] In the first embodiment, the recording apparatus 100 is an inkjet printer, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first embodiment can also be applied to a case where the recording apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic printer. Specific differences when applied to an electrophotographic printer are described below.

[0079] The ink set process in the first embodiment can be replaced with a process for setting a toner cartridge. In this case, in S304, CPU 201 may display a screen, instead of ink set instruction screen 500, that prompts the user to remove the packaging material of the toner cartridge, vibrate the toner cartridge to distribute the toner evenly inside, and then reinstall the toner cartridge,

[0080] In S305, the CPU 201 may display a screen for prompting the user to confirm whether or not the packaging material of the toner cartridge has been removed, instead of the ink injection confirmation screen 600. In this case, in S308, the CPU 201 may perform a test recording process as the initial adjustment process, which records a list of functions and setting values ​​of the recording device 100 to check the recording operation.

[0081] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0082] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes configurations typified by the following recording device example, recording device control method example, and program example.

[0083] <Configuration 1> a storage means for storing a value indicating the state at the time of the previous power-off; a control means for controlling whether or not to execute a setup process for a recording material in a preparation process for initial recording based on the value stored in the storage means when the power is turned on; A recording device comprising:

[0084] <Configuration 2> 2. The recording apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the recording material setup process includes a process of displaying a method for setting the recording material on a display unit provided in the recording apparatus.

[0085] <Configuration 3> The recording device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means performs control not to execute the setup process for the recording material when a value indicating that the setup process for the recording material has been completed is stored in the storage means as the value.

[0086] <Configuration 4> the preparation process includes performing an adjustment process of a recording unit used for recording following a setup process of the recording material; The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the control means performs control not to execute the setup process for the recording material when a value indicating that the adjustment process has started is stored in the storage means as the value.

[0087] <Configuration 5> The recording device according to configuration 4, characterized in that the control means controls execution of the setup process for the recording material when a value indicating that the setup process for the recording material has been completed and a value indicating that the adjustment process has failed are stored as the value in the storage means.

[0088] <Configuration 6> The recording device according to configuration 4 or 5, wherein the control means performs control not to execute the setup process for the recording material when a value indicating that the adjustment process has been completed is stored in the storage means as the value.

[0089] <Configuration 7> The recording device according to configuration 6, wherein the control not to execute the setup process for the recording material is control not to display a method for setting the recording material on a display unit provided in the recording device.

[0090] <Configuration 8> The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the control means controls execution of a setup process for the recording material when a value indicating that a predetermined error has occurred is stored in the storage means as the value.

[0091] <Configuration 9> 9. The recording apparatus according to configuration 8, wherein the predetermined error is an error caused by a recording material not being injected or an insufficient amount of the recording material being injected.

[0092] <Configuration 10> The recording apparatus according to configuration 8, wherein the control for executing the recording material setup process is a control for displaying a method for setting the recording material on a display unit provided in the recording apparatus.

[0093] <Configuration 11> 11. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the recording material is ink or toner.

[0094] <Configuration 12> 8. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 4 to 7, wherein the adjustment process includes an operation of filling the recording material into the recording unit and an operation of cleaning the recording unit.

[0095] <Configuration 13> The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that, in the recording material setup process, the value is stored in the storage means in response to a user operating an operator that accepts consent to the injection of recording material.

[0096] <Configuration 14> 8. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 4 to 7, wherein the storage means stores, when the adjustment process is completed, a value indicating that execution of the preparation process is unnecessary as the value.

[0097] <Configuration 15> The recording apparatus according to configuration 14, wherein the control means controls not to execute the preparatory processing, including the setup processing of the recording material, when a value indicating that the execution of the preparatory processing is unnecessary is stored in the storage means as the value.

[0098] <Configuration 16> a storage step of storing a value indicating the state at the time of the previous power-off; a control step of controlling whether or not to execute a setup process for a recording material in a preparation process for initial recording based on the value stored in the storage step when the power is turned on; 10. A method for controlling a recording apparatus, comprising:

[0099] <Configuration 17> A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the recording device described in any one of configurations 1 to 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 100 Recording device 201 CPU 205 Display section 206 Operation section 207 Recording Department

Claims

1. a storage means for storing a value indicating the state at the time of the previous power-off; a control means for controlling whether or not to execute a setup process for a recording material in a preparation process for initial recording based on the value stored in the storage means when the power is turned on; A recording device comprising:

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording material setup process includes a process for displaying a method for setting the recording material on a display unit provided in the recording apparatus.

3. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the recording material so as not to execute the setup process when the value stored in the storage means indicates that the setup process for the recording material has been completed.

4. the preparation process includes performing an adjustment process of a recording unit used for recording following a setup process of the recording material; 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the recording material so as not to execute the setup process when a value indicating that the adjustment process has started is stored in the storage means as the value.

5. The recording device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control means controls the execution of the setup process for the recording material when the storage means stores a value indicating that the setup process for the recording material has been completed and a value indicating that the adjustment process has failed.

6. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control means controls not to execute the setup process for the recording material when a value indicating that the adjustment process has been completed is stored in the storage means as the value.

7. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control not to execute the recording material setup process is control not to display a method for setting the recording material on a display unit provided in the recording apparatus.

8. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls execution of a setup process for the recording material when a value indicating that a predetermined error has occurred is stored in the storage means as the value.

9. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined error is an error caused by a recording material not being injected or an insufficient amount of the recording material being injected.

10. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control for executing the recording material setup process is a control for displaying a method for setting the recording material on a display unit provided in the recording apparatus.

11. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording material is ink or toner.

12. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the adjustment process includes an operation of filling the recording material into the recording section and an operation of cleaning the recording section.

13. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the storage means stores the value in response to a user operating an operator that accepts consent to the injection of recording material during the recording material setup process.

14. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the storage means stores, when the adjustment process is completed, a value indicating that the preparation process does not need to be performed.

15. The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control means controls not to execute the preparatory processing, including the setup processing of the recording material, when a value indicating that the preparatory processing does not need to be executed is stored in the storage means as the value.

16. a storage step of storing a value indicating the state at the time of the previous power-off; a control step of controlling whether or not to execute a setup process for a recording material in a preparation process for initial recording based on the value stored in the storage step when the power is turned on; 10. A method for controlling a recording apparatus, comprising:

17. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the recording device according to claim 1.

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