printer

Abstract

To provide a printer which contributes to printing using power supplied from a USB connector even when the USB connector for receiving print data cannot be separated from the USB connector for receiving power supply.SOLUTION: The processor is configured to execute a storage control processing of storing the print datum in the memory in a case where the received electric power detected by the electric power detector is less than a predetermined value when the print datum is received from the external device connected to the USB connector, and a determination processing of determining whether the received electric power detected by the electric power detector is equal to or more than the predetermined value after the storage control processing (S3: YES). And a print control process (S4) of driving a print head according to the print data stored in the memory using the received power to perform printing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer. [Background technology]

[0002] The printer in Patent Document 1 is compatible with USB-PD (Universal Serial Bus-Power Delivery) and can receive power from a power supply device connected to the printer depending on the results of communication between the printer and the power supply device. The printer's flash memory stores a connection time counter. The connection time counter counts the connection time with the power supply device during a single battery charge, dividing the time into segments, as the printer's operating status. When the printer is connected to the power supply device via a cable, it detects the USB standard operating mode of the power supply device via the cable. The printer executes a first identification process and identifies the connection time for the time segment corresponding to the highest counter value among the counters for each time segment in the connection time counter as a specific value for the operating status. The printer determines the receiving current based on the detected USB standard operating mode of the power supply device, the identified specific value, and a first power receiving determination table stored in ROM. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-80510 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional printers, if the USB connector that receives print data and the USB connector that receives power cannot be separated, the USB connector that receives print data may not be able to supply enough power to perform printing, and printing may not be possible using the power supplied from the USB connector.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a printer that contributes to printing using power supplied from a USB connector, even when the USB connector that receives print data and the USB connector that receives power cannot be separated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a printer includes a USB connector capable of receiving print data and power, a power detection unit that detects received power from an external device connected to the USB connector, a print head, memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to execute a storage control process for storing print data in the memory when print data is received from the external device connected to the USB connector if the received power detected by the power detection unit is less than a predetermined value, and a print control process for driving the print head using the received power to print in accordance with the print data stored in the memory if the power detection unit detects received power equal to or greater than the predetermined value after the storage control process. The storage control process and print control process executed by the printer's processor contribute to printing using power supplied from the USB connector even when the USB connector that receives print data and the USB connector that receives power cannot be separated.

[0007] The printer of this aspect may have a single USB connector. Even if the printer has a single USB connector and the USB connector for receiving print data and the USB connector for receiving power cannot be separated, the storage control process and print control process executed by the printer's processor contribute to printing using power supplied from the USB connector.

[0008] The memory of the printer of this aspect may be volatile memory, and the printer may further include a power storage component that supplies power to the memory, and the processor may be configured to, in the print control process, drive the print head using the received power to print according to the print data stored in the memory when the power is turned on from off after the storage control process if the received power detected by the power detection unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. By supplying power to the memory when the power is turned off after the storage control process, the printer's power storage component contributes to increasing the likelihood that the print data stored in the volatile memory will be retained until the power is turned on from off.

[0009] The processor of the printer of this aspect may be further configured to execute a notification control process to notify the user of the printer of notification information including the fact that printing cannot be performed with the received power supplied from the external device connected to the USB connector and that a change in power source is required if the received power from the external device detected by the power detection unit is less than the predetermined value when the print data is received from the external device connected to the USB connector. The notification control process of the printer contributes to prompting the user of the printer to change the power source.

[0010] The processor of the printer of this aspect may be configured to notify the notification information including the time when the power source can be changed in the notification control process, which contributes to encouraging the user of the printer to change the power source within the time when the power source can be changed.

[0011] The processor of the printer of this aspect may be configured to notify the notification information including information identifying an adapter capable of supplying power equal to or greater than the predetermined value during the notification control process. The notification control process of the printer contributes to increasing the likelihood that an adapter capable of executing the print control process will be connected.

[0012] The printer of this aspect may further include a display, and the processor may be configured to display the notification information on the display in the notification control process. The printer display contributes to making it easier for a user of the printer to check the notification information.

[0013] The processor of the printer of this aspect may be configured to further execute, after the notification control process, a reception process for receiving a cancel instruction to cancel printing based on the print data received from the external device connected to the USB connector, and a deletion process for deleting the print data stored in the memory if the cancel instruction is received. The printer's reception process contributes to improving user convenience when printing based on print data received from the external device connected to the USB connector compared to when a cancel instruction is not received. The printer's deletion process contributes to preventing unintended printing based on the print data stored in memory.

[0014] The processor of the printer of this aspect may be configured to further execute, after the notification control process, a reception process for receiving a cancel instruction to cancel printing based on the print data received from the external device connected to the USB connector, and may be configured not to execute the storage control process if the cancel instruction is received. The printer's reception process contributes to improving user convenience when printing based on print data received from the external device connected to the USB connector compared to when a cancel instruction is not received. The printer's storage control process contributes to preventing unintended printing based on print data stored in memory. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a printer 1. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart of a startup process. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of a main process. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a main process according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used to explain technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. In other words, the configurations and the like shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0017] The printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a thermal transfer printer powered by power supplied from an external device 9. The printer 1 can print objects such as letters, symbols, numbers, and figures on a print medium. The print medium is, for example, a thermal label. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes a processor 2, a memory 3, a power storage component 4, a display 5, a print head 6, a USB connector 7, and a power detection unit 8. In FIG. 1, power lines are indicated by dotted lines and communication lines are indicated by solid lines.

[0018] The processor 2 is, for example, a CPU and a ROM that stores programs, and controls the printer 1. The memory 3 is, for example, a RAM, which is a volatile memory that temporarily stores various information. The power storage component 4 is, for example, a capacitor, which supplies power to the memory 3. The display 5 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, which displays various information. The print head 6 is, for example, a thermal head, which prints objects on a print medium.

[0019] The USB connector 7 is a connection port for connecting to a USB device such as an external device 9 via a cable conforming to the USB-PD (USB Power Delivery) standard. The USB connector 7 is capable of both receiving print data and receiving power. The printer 1 of this embodiment has a single USB connector 7. The power detection unit 8 is, for example, a USB PD controller, and detects the power received from the external device 9 connected to the USB connector 7. When power supply conforming to the USB PD standard is possible from the external device 9 via the USB connector 7, the power detection unit 8 measures the amount of power received from the external device 9 under the control of the processor 2, and negotiates with the external device 9 regarding the received power.

[0020] 1, power supplied from the external device 9 is relayed through the USB connector 7 and the power detection unit 8 and then supplied to the display 5, the processor 2, the power storage component 4, and the print head 6. The power storage component 4 supplies the power supplied from the external device 9 or the power stored in the power storage component 4 to the memory 3.

[0021] 1, print data supplied from external device 9 is transmitted to processor 2 via USB connector 7. Processor 2 can output various instructions to display 5, memory 3, and print head 6. Power detection unit 8 can output the magnitude of power received from external device 9 to processor 2.

[0022] The startup process executed by processor 2 of printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Hereinafter, step will be abbreviated as S. After the power is turned on, processor 2 reads a program for executing the startup process into memory 3. Processor 2 executes the startup process, which has the following steps, in accordance with the instructions contained in the program read into memory 3. The program includes instructions for causing processor 2 to execute the following steps. Various data obtained during the startup process is stored in memory 3 as appropriate.

[0023] Processor 2 reads print data stored in memory 3 (S1) and determines whether print data is stored in memory 3 (S2). If print data is not stored in memory 3 (S2: NO), processor 2 performs the process of S6, which will be described later. If print data is stored in memory 3 (S2: YES), processor 2 determines whether the power received from external device 9, as detected by power detection unit 8, is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S3). The predetermined value is set taking into account the power sufficient for print head 6 to execute printing. The predetermined value is, for example, 30 W.

[0024] If power detection unit 8 detects that the received power is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S3: YES), processor 2 performs print control processing (S4) to drive print head 6 using the received power to print in accordance with the print data stored in memory 3, based on the print data read in S1. Processor 2 deletes the print data from memory 3 (S5). Processor 2 transitions to a standby state in which it can print based on the print data from external device 9 (S6), and the startup processing is then completed.

[0025] If the power received from the external device 9 is less than the predetermined value (S3: NO), the processor 2 issues notification information (S7). The notification information includes information indicating that printing cannot be performed with the power received from the external device 9 connected to the USB connector 7 and that a power source change is required. The notification information may be set as appropriate. The notification information may include the time during which the power source can be changed and information identifying an adapter capable of supplying power equal to or greater than the predetermined value. The time during which the power source can be changed is set according to the electrical capacity that can be stored in the power storage component 4. The time during which the power source can be changed is preferably long enough for the user to disconnect the external device 9 from the USB connector 7 and connect an adapter to the USB connector 7. The information identifying an adapter capable of supplying power equal to or greater than the predetermined value may be expressed, for example, by the product name, manufacturer, model number, etc. In this embodiment, the processor 2 displays, as the notification information, a message on the display 5 that includes the time during which the power source can be changed and information identifying an adapter capable of supplying power equal to or greater than the predetermined value. The message reads, "Power is insufficient. Please replace with adapter ABC within 30 seconds. If you wish to cancel printing, please enter a cancel command."

[0026] The processor 2 accepts an instruction to cancel printing based on the print data read in S1 (S8). The cancel instruction is input, for example, from the external device 9 via the USB connector 7. If the cancel instruction is accepted (S8: YES), the processor 2 deletes the print data from the memory 3 without executing printing based on the print data stored in the memory 3 (S5). The processor 2 transitions to a standby state (S6), thereby ending the startup process. If the cancel instruction is not accepted (S8: NO), the processor 2 ends the startup process. In this case, the user connects the adapter identified in the notification information to the USB connector 7 within the time period during which the power source can be changed, in accordance with the notification information notified in S7. When the adapter identified in the notification information is connected to the USB connector 7, the startup process is executed again, and printing of the print data is executed using the power of the adapter (S3: YES, S4).

[0027] The main processing executed by processor 2 of printer 1 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Hereinafter, step will be abbreviated as S. After the power is turned on, processor 2 reads a program for executing the main processing into memory 3. Processor 2 executes the main processing, which has the following steps, in accordance with the instructions contained in the program read into memory 3. The program includes instructions for causing processor 2 to execute the following steps. Various data obtained during the main processing is stored in memory 3 as appropriate.

[0028] After transitioning to the standby state, the processor 2 determines whether or not print data has been received from the external device 9 connected via the USB connector 7 (S11). If print data has not been received (S11: NO), the processor 2 returns the process to S11. If print data has been received (S11: YES), the processor 2 determines whether the received power from the external device 9 detected by the power detection unit 8 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S12). The predetermined value in S12 is the same as the predetermined value in S3.

[0029] If the power detection unit 8 detects that the received power is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S12: YES), the processor 2 performs a print control process (S13) based on the print data received in S11, driving the print head 6 using the received power to print in accordance with the print data stored in the memory 3. The processor 2 then determines whether an instruction to turn the power off has been detected (S20). If an instruction to turn the power off has not been detected (S20: NO), the processor 2 returns the process to S11. If an instruction to turn the power off has been detected (S20: YES), the processor 2 then ends the main process.

[0030] If the received power detected by the power detection unit 8 is less than the predetermined value (S12: NO), the processor 2 executes a storage control process to store the print data in the memory 3 (S14), and executes a notification control process to notify the user that printing cannot be performed with the received power supplied from the external device 9 connected to the USB connector 7 and that a change in power source is required (S15). The notification information may be the same as that in S7, or may be different from the notification information in S7.

[0031] After the notification control process of S15, processor 2 executes a reception process to receive a cancellation instruction to cancel printing based on print data received from external device 9 connected to USB connector 7 (S17). If processor 2 receives a cancellation instruction (S17: YES), processor 2 executes a deletion process to delete the print data stored in memory 3 without executing printing based on the print data stored in memory 3 (S18). If processor 2 does not detect an instruction to turn off the power (S20: NO), processor 2 returns the process to S11.

[0032] If the cancel instruction is not accepted (S17: NO), or if the processor 2 does not detect an instruction to turn off the power (S20: NO), the processor 2 returns the process to S11. The user inputs an instruction to turn off the power and removes the external device 9 from the USB connector 7 in accordance with the notification information displayed on the display 5 in S15. When the external device 9 is removed from the USB connector 7, the power stored in the power storage component 4 is supplied to the memory 3. Although the memory 3 is a volatile memory, it retains the print data stored in S14 using the power supplied from the power storage component 4. The user connects the adapter identified in the notification information to the USB connector 7 within the time allowed to change the power source. When an instruction to turn off the power is detected (S20: YES), the processor 2 ends the main process. When the adapter identified in the notification information is connected to the USB connector 7, the above-mentioned startup process is executed, and the print data is printed using the adapter's power (S3: YES, S4).

[0033] The main processing of the modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the same processes as those in the main processing of FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 4, the main processing of the modified example differs from the main processing of FIG. 3 in that S14 and S18 are omitted and processing of S19 is executed between S17 and S20. The other processes are the same as those in the main processing of FIG. 3. Description of processes that are the same as those in the main processing of FIG. 3 will be omitted. If a cancel instruction is not accepted in processing of S17 (S17: NO), processor 2 executes a storage control process to store print data in memory 3 (S19). If an instruction to turn off the power is not detected (S20: NO), processor 2 returns the process to S11. If a cancel instruction is accepted in processing of S17 (S17: YES), processor 2 does not execute the storage control process. If an instruction to turn off the power is not detected (S20: NO), processor 2 returns the process to S11.

[0034] In the above embodiment and modifications, the printer 1, processor 2, memory 3, power storage component 4, display 5, print head 6, USB connector 7, power detection unit 8, and external device 9 are examples of the printer, processor, memory, power storage component, display, print head, USB connector, power detection unit, and external device of the present invention, respectively. The process of S4 is an example of a print control process of the present invention. The processes of S14 and S19 are examples of a storage control process of the present invention. The process of S15 is an example of a notification control process of the present invention. The process of S17 is an example of a reception process of the present invention. The process of S18 is an example of a deletion process of the present invention.

[0035] Printer 1 of the above embodiment includes a USB connector 7 capable of receiving print data and receiving power, a power detection unit 8 that detects received power from an external device 9 connected to the USB connector 7, a print head 6, a memory 3, and a processor 2. When processor 2 receives print data from external device 9 connected to the USB connector 7, if the received power detected by power detection unit 8 is less than a predetermined value, it executes a storage control process (S14, S19) to store the print data in memory 3, and a print control process (S4) to use the received power to drive print head 6 in accordance with the print data stored in memory 3 and perform printing if power detection unit 8 detects received power equal to or greater than the predetermined value after the storage control process. The storage control process and print control process executed by processor 2 of printer 1 contribute to printing using power supplied from the USB connector 7 even when the USB connector 7 that receives print data and the USB connector 7 that receives power cannot be separated.

[0036] The printer 1 has a single USB connector 7. The storage control process and print control process executed by the processor 2 of the printer 1 contribute to printing using power supplied from the USB connector 7, even when the printer 1 has a single USB connector 7 and the USB connector 7 for receiving print data and the USB connector 7 for receiving power cannot be separated.

[0037] The memory 3 of the printer 1 is a volatile memory and includes a power storage component 4 that supplies power to the memory 3. The processor 2 is configured to, during the print control process, drive the print head 6 using the received power to print according to the print data stored in the memory 3 if the power is turned ON from OFF after the storage control process and the received power detected by the power detection unit 8 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. By supplying power to the memory 3 when the power is turned OFF from the storage control process, the power storage component 4 of the printer 1 contributes to increasing the likelihood of retaining the print data stored in the volatile memory 3 until the power is turned ON from OFF.

[0038] When the processor 2 of the printer 1 receives print data from the external device 9 connected to the USB connector 7, if the received power from the external device 9 detected by the power detection unit 8 is less than a predetermined value (S12: NO), the processor 2 of the printer 1 is configured to execute a notification control process to notify notification information including the fact that printing cannot be performed with the received power supplied from the external device 9 connected to the USB connector 7 and that a change in power source is necessary (S15). The notification control process of the printer 1 contributes to prompting the user of the printer 1 to change the power source.

[0039] The processor 2 of the printer 1 is configured to notify the user of the printer 1 of notification information including the time when the power source can be changed in the notification control process (S15). The notification control process of the printer 1 contributes to encouraging the user of the printer 1 to change the power source within the time when the power source can be changed.

[0040] The processor 2 of the printer 1 is configured to notify notification information including information specifying an adapter capable of supplying a predetermined amount of power or more in the notification control process (S15). The notification control process of the printer 1 contributes to increasing the possibility that an adapter capable of executing the print control process will be connected.

[0041] The printer 1 includes a display 5. The processor 2 is configured to display notification information on the display 5 in a notification control process (S15). The display 5 of the printer 1 contributes to making it easier for the user of the printer 1 to check the notification information.

[0042] After the notification control process, the processor 2 of the printer 1 is configured to execute a reception process (S17) for receiving a cancel instruction to cancel printing based on print data received from the external device 9 connected to the USB connector 7, and a deletion process (S18) for deleting the print data stored in the memory 3 if the cancel instruction is received (S17: YES). The reception process of the printer 1 contributes to improving user convenience when printing based on print data received from the external device 9 connected to the USB connector 7, compared to when a cancel instruction is not received. The deletion process of the printer 1 contributes to preventing unintentional printing based on the print data stored in the memory 3.

[0043] The processor 2 of the printer 1 of this modified example is configured to execute, after the notification control process, a reception process (S17) for receiving a cancel instruction to cancel printing based on print data received from the external device 9 connected to the USB connector 7, and is configured not to execute the storage control process if a cancel instruction is received (S17: YES). The reception process of the printer 1 contributes to improving user convenience when printing based on print data received from the external device 9 connected to the USB connector 7, compared to when a cancel instruction is not received. The storage control process of the printer 1 contributes to preventing unintentional printing based on print data stored in the memory 3.

[0044] The present invention can be implemented in various forms, and may be realized in the form of, for example, a printing program executed by a processor of a printer, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a printing program, or a printer control method.

[0045] (A) The configuration of the printer 1 may be changed as appropriate. The type of printer 1 may be changed as appropriate, and may be an inkjet printer or a label printer. The printer 1 may be equipped with an input unit that can input various instructions, or may receive various instructions wirelessly or via a wired connection from an external device. The input unit may be, for example, a touch screen, a switch, a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, etc. The display 5 may be any device that can display images, and may be, for example, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a plasma tube array display, an electronic paper display using electrophoresis, etc. The printer 1 may perform notification control processing using an illuminant such as an LED instead of the display 5.

[0046] (B) A program including instructions for executing the startup process and the main process may be stored in a storage device of the printer 1 before the processor 2 executes the program. Therefore, the program acquisition method, acquisition path, and device for storing the program may each be changed as appropriate. The program executed by the processor 2 may be received from another device via a cable or wireless communication and stored in a storage device. The other device may include, for example, a PC or a server connected via a network.

[0047] (C) The steps of the startup process and main process are not limited to being executed by the processor 2, and some or all of them may be executed by other electronic devices (e.g., ASIC). The steps of the startup process and main process may be distributed among multiple electronic devices (e.g., multiple CPUs). In other words, the processor of the printer 1 may be multiple electronic devices. The order of the steps of the startup process and main process can be changed, steps can be omitted, or steps can be added as needed. The following modifications may be made to the startup process and main process as appropriate.

[0048] The method of notifying the notification information may be changed as appropriate. For example, the processor 2 may output the notification information to the external device 9 and display the notification information on a display of the external device 9. If the printer 1 is equipped with a speaker, the notification may be made by voice. At least one of S7 and S15 may be omitted. The processor 2 may omit at least one of S8 and S17 and not accept a cancel instruction.

[0049] For example, if one of the multiple USB connectors becomes unusable due to a malfunction or other reason, the problem of not being able to separate the USB connector that receives print data from the USB connector that receives power may arise. For this reason, the present invention may be applied to a printer that has multiple USB connectors.

[0050] The memory 3 may be non-volatile memory. In this case, the printer 1 may omit the power storage component 4. Even if the printer 1 is configured to be able to receive power from sources other than the external device 9 connected to the USB connector 7, a problem may arise in which the USB connector that receives print data and the USB connector that receives power cannot be separated due to a malfunction or power outage. For this reason, the printer 1 may be able to accommodate a battery that can supply power to the print head 6, or may be equipped with a connector that can be connected to a commercial power source. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1: Printer, 2: Processor, 3: Memory, 4: Power storage component, 5: Display, 6: Print head, 7: USB connector, 8: Power detection unit, 9: External device

Claims

1. a USB connector capable of receiving print data and power; a power detection unit that detects power received from an external device connected to the USB connector; A print head; Memory and Processor and Equipped with The processor: a storage control process for storing print data in the memory when the received power detected by the power detection unit is less than a predetermined value when print data is received from an external device connected to the USB connector; a print control process in which, when the power detection unit detects that the received power is equal to or greater than the predetermined value after the storage control process, the print head is driven using the received power in accordance with the print data stored in the memory to perform printing; 10. A printer configured to:

2. 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the USB connector is a single connector.

3. the memory is a volatile memory; further comprising a power storage component for supplying power to the memory; The processor: The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the print control process, when the power is turned on from OFF after the storage control process, if the received power detected by the power detection unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the printer uses the received power to drive the print head in accordance with the print data stored in the memory and perform printing.

4. The processor:

2. The printer according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification control process for notifying notification information including a message that, when the print data is received from the external device connected to the USB connector, if the received power from the external device detected by the power detection unit is less than the predetermined value, printing cannot be performed with the received power supplied from the external device connected to the USB connector and a change of power source is required.

5. The processor:

5. The printer according to claim 4, wherein the notification control process is configured to notify the notification information including a time when the power source can be changed.

6. The processor:

5. The printer according to claim 4, wherein the notification control process is configured to notify the notification information including information specifying an adapter capable of supplying power equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

7. Further comprising a display, The processor:

7. The printer according to claim 4, wherein the notification control process is configured to display the notification information on the display.

8. The processor: a receiving process for receiving a cancel instruction to cancel printing based on the print data received from the external device connected to the USB connector after the notification control process; a deletion process for deleting the print data stored in the memory when the cancellation instruction is received; 5. The printer of claim 4, further configured to:

9. The processor: After the notification control process, a reception process is further executed to receive a cancellation instruction to cancel printing based on the print data received from the external device connected to the USB connector, 5. The printer according to claim 4, wherein the printer is configured not to execute the storage control process when the cancel instruction is received.

Images