Printing device and program

Abstract

The goal is to ensure both power supply to other devices and printing operation are maintained, even when using relatively low-performance, inexpensive components in the power supply and control circuits. [Solution] The printing apparatus comprises a print head, a control device including a drawing data generation unit, a power supply unit that supplies power to other devices, a distribution unit that distributes the power supplied by the power supply unit to the control device, the print head, and other devices, the control device comprises an acquisition unit that acquires print data, a distribution control unit that switches between a first state in which the power distributed to other devices is not reduced and a second state in which the power distributed to other devices is reduced at a timing asynchronous to the timing of acquiring print data, and a print control unit that, after receiving print data, starts a drawing data generation operation in the first state in which the drawing data generation unit generates drawing data from the print data, and after switching from the first state to the second state, starts a printing operation by the print head based on the drawing data.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a program. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, printing apparatuses that achieve both power supply to an external device and information processing have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-176442 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] According to the conventional technology described above, control becomes complicated. Therefore, when inexpensive components with relatively low performance are employed for a power supply circuit or a control circuit, there has been a problem that it is difficult to achieve both power supply to an external device (for example, another device such as a mobile battery, a smartphone, or a tablet device) and a printing operation.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to achieve both power supply to another device and a printing operation even when inexpensive components with relatively low performance are employed for a power supply circuit or a control circuit. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus comprising: a print head that performs printing based on drawing data; a control device including a drawing data generation unit that generates the drawing data from print data provided by a higher-level device; a power supply unit that supplies power to the print head and other devices other than the control device; and a distribution unit that distributes the power supplied by the power supply unit to the control device, the print head, and the other devices, wherein the control device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires the print data; a distribution control unit that switches between a first state in which the power distributed to the other devices is not reduced and a second state in which the power distributed to the other devices is reduced at a timing asynchronous to the timing of the acquisition of the print data; and a print control unit that, after receiving the print data, starts a drawing data generation operation by the drawing data generation unit to generate the drawing data from the print data in the first state, and after switching from the first state to the second state, starts a printing operation by the print head based on the drawing data.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer in a printing apparatus, which comprises a print head that performs printing based on drawing data, a control device including a drawing data generation unit that generates the drawing data from print data provided by a higher-level device, a power supply unit that supplies power to the print head and other devices other than the control device, and a distribution unit that distributes the power supplied by the power supply unit to the control device, the print head, and the other devices, to perform the following actions: acquire the print data; switch between a first state in which the power distributed to the other devices is not reduced and a second state in which the power distributed to the other devices is reduced, at a timing asynchronous to the timing of acquiring the print data; and, after receiving the print data, start a drawing data generation operation by the drawing data generation unit in the first state to generate the drawing data from the print data; and after switching from the first state to the second state, start a printing operation by the print head based on the drawing data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, even when relatively low-performance and inexpensive components are used in the power supply circuit and control circuit, it is possible to achieve both power supply to other devices and printing operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the printing system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the control operation flow of the control device of this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the timing of the control operation of the control device of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The printing system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples, and the embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to the embodiments described below. In all the figures used to illustrate the embodiments, components with the same function are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted. Furthermore, in this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on another element in addition to XX. Also, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on something that has been calculated or processed from XX. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

[0011] [Embodiment] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows an example of the functional configuration of the printing system 1 of this embodiment. The printing system 1 consists of a printing device 10, a power adapter 20, a host device 30, and other devices 40.

[0012] The printing device 10 is, for example, a thermal printer and comprises a control device 100, a power supply unit 110, a distribution unit 120, a print head 130, a paper transport motor 140, a paper detection sensor 150, a battery 160, an outlet 170, and a wireless communication module 180.

[0013] The power supply unit 110 is electrically connected to the power adapter 20. The power adapter 20 is equipped with a switching power supply circuit and a series power supply circuit, and converts the AC power supplied from the outlet of the commercial power supply into DC power that the printing device 10 operates on, and supplies it to the printing device 10. The power supply unit 110 supplies the power supplied from the power adapter 20 to the distribution unit 120.

[0014] It should be noted that the power supply unit 110 being powered by a power adapter 20 is just one example, and is not limited to this. For example, the power supply unit 110 may have the function of a power adapter 20 built in and be powered by a commercial power outlet. The power adapter 20 may also be a battery device that stores electricity.

[0015] The power supply unit 110 supplies operating power to each part of the printing device 10 via the distribution unit 120.

[0016] The distribution unit 120 is equipped with a switch circuit, an inverter circuit, and the like, and distributes the power supplied from the power supply unit 110 to each part of the printing device 10 based on the control of the control device 100. In one example of this embodiment, the distribution unit 120 distributes power to at least the control device 100, the print head 130, the paper transport motor 140, and other devices 40 via the outlet 170.

[0017] In other words, the distribution unit 120 distributes the power supplied by the power supply unit 110 to the control device 100, the print head 130, and other devices 40.

[0018] The print head 130 performs printing based on drawing data D2. The print head 130 includes an element that generates heat using supplied power, and prints graphics and characters based on the drawing data D2 on thermal paper.

[0019] Note that, in an example of the present embodiment, the description is given taking, as an example, a case where the printing apparatus 10 is a thermal printer and the print head 130 performs printing on thermal paper, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The print head 130 only needs to have a function of performing printing using power supplied from the power supply unit 110, and may perform printing by a method other than the thermal method.

[0020] A paper conveyance motor 140 conveys printing paper to the print head 130.

[0021] A paper detection sensor 150 detects the presence or absence and position of printing paper supplied to the print head 130. For example, the paper detection sensor 150 is a photo interrupter including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and detects the presence or absence and position of printing paper when light emitted from the light-emitting element is reflected by the printing paper and enters the light-receiving element (or is blocked by the printing paper and does not enter the light-receiving element). The paper detection sensor 150 operates by power supplied from the power supply unit 110.

[0022] An outlet 170 is a connector that supplies power to the outside using, for example, a general-purpose serial communication interface or the like.

[0023] A wireless communication module 180 performs wireless communication with a device such as a host device 30 located outside the printing apparatus 10 (hereinafter referred to as an external device). Note that, the printing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is described taking, as an example, a case where the host device 30 and the control device 100 are wirelessly connected to acquire print data D1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The printing apparatus 10 may be connected between the host device 30 and the control device 100 via a wired connection.

[0024] Other devices 40 are devices other than the printing device 10, such as mobile batteries, smartphones, or tablet devices, which have an energy storage function. Power is supplied to other devices 40 from the power supply unit 110. In other words, other devices 40 are devices that have the function of storing the power supplied from the power supply unit 110. Alternatively, other devices 40 may be displays or other devices that do not have an energy storage function, in which case the power output by the power supply unit 110 is supplied as driving power for the displays or other devices. In other words, the other device 40 can be any device that receives power from the printing device 10 and performs energy storage or power consumption, and its type is not limited.

[0025] The distribution unit 120 may distribute power to the battery 160 in place of, or in addition to, the other device 40. The battery 160 has the function of storing power supplied from the power supply unit 110, and supplies power to the power supply unit 110 when the power adapter 20 is not connected to the power supply unit 110. In this case, the printing device 10 functions as a portable (mobile) device that can print without being connected to a commercial power source.

[0026] The battery 160 and the other device 40 share the common feature of having an energy storage function. In other words, both the battery 160 and the other device 40 are devices that have an energy storage function. In the following description, when the other device 40 and the battery 160 are not distinguished, they will be collectively referred to as the other device 40 instead of being described as the other device 40 and the battery 160.

[0027] As described above, the distribution unit 120 distributes the power supplied from the power supply unit 110 to the control device 100, the print head 130, and the other devices 40. In other words, the power supply unit 110 supplies power to the control device 100, the print head 130, and the other devices 40.

[0028] In other words, the power supply unit 110 supplies power to the print head 130 which performs printing based on drawing data D2, the control device 100 which includes a drawing data generation unit 103 that generates drawing data D2 from print data D1 given by the host device 30, and other devices 40 which are devices other than the print head 130 and the control device 100.

[0029] The control device 100 is a computer device that operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 110 and controls various parts of the printing device 10. For example, the control device 100 is equipped with a central processing unit (CPU) and operates based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 105, providing various functions.

[0030] The memory unit 105 is composed of, for example, semiconductor memory (flash memory, RAM, ROM), and stores various types of information, such as programs and data that the CPU of the control device 100 reads.

[0031] The control device 100 includes, as its functional units, an acquisition unit 101, a distribution control unit 102, a drawing data generation unit 103, and a printing control unit 104.

[0032] The acquisition unit 101 acquires the print data D1 from the host device 30 via the wireless communication module 180 (or, in the case of wired communication, without going through the wireless communication module 180; the same applies in the following description). The host device 30 is a device that generates or stores the print data D1. The host device 30 is, for example, a computer device that controls a POS register. In this example, the host device 30 generates print data D1 for printing the product name and price of the purchased items. The host device 30 outputs the generated print data D1 to the printing device 10. The acquisition unit 101 of the control device 100 acquires the print data D1 output by the host device 30 via the wireless communication module 180.

[0033] The distribution control unit 102 controls the power distribution state by outputting a distribution instruction D3 to the distribution unit 120. There are two power distribution states: a first state ST1 and a second state ST2.

[0034] The first state ST1 is a distribution state in which the power distributed to other devices 40 is not reduced. The second state ST2 is a distribution state in which the power distributed to other devices 40 is reduced. The output of the distribution instruction D3 by the distribution control unit 102 is performed at a timing asynchronous to the timing of the acquisition of the print data D1 by the acquisition unit 101.

[0035] In other words, the distribution control unit 102 switches between a first state ST1, in which the power distributed to other devices 40 is not reduced, and a second state ST2, in which the power distributed to other devices 40 is reduced, at a timing asynchronous to the timing of acquiring the print data D1.

[0036] The drawing data generation unit 103 generates drawing data D2 based on the print data D1. Drawing data D2 is data for printing that is based on the structure and specifications of the print head 130.

[0037] Generally, print data D1 is data that encodes commands such as the characters to be printed, line breaks, and paper feed. For example, print data D1 is standardized data that can be used in common with various printing devices other than the printing device 10. On the other hand, the drawing data D2 is data that corresponds to the specifications of the print head 130, such as the size of the print head 130, the number of pixels, and the heat generation capacity. For example, the drawing data D2 is data specific to the type of print head 130.

[0038] The drawing data generation unit 103 generates drawing data D2 by converting the print data D1 (for example, standardized data) output by the host device 30 into data specific to the print head 130, for example.

[0039] In other words, the drawing data generation unit 103 generates drawing data D2 from the print data D1 provided by the host device 30.

[0040] The print control unit 104 controls the printing operation of the printing device 10. In this embodiment, after receiving the print data D1, the print control unit 104 starts a drawing data D2 generation operation in the first state ST1, in which the drawing data generation unit 103 generates drawing data D2 from the print data D1. After switching from the first state ST1 to the second state ST2, it starts a printing operation by the print head 130 based on the drawing data D2.

[0041] A specific example of the power distribution operation flow by the control device 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 shows an example of the control operation flow of the control device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 3 shows an example of the timing of the control operation of the control device 100 in this embodiment.

[0042] The power distribution control unit 102 of the control device 100 switches the power distribution state (i.e., first state ST1 and second state ST2) during the power distribution process. The control device 100 periodically starts the power distribution process. In other words, the power distribution process is a periodically scheduled process run by the control device 100. For example, the power distribution process is executed at times t1, t8, t12, etc., as shown in Figure 3.

[0043] As described above, the power distribution process by the distribution control unit 102 is executed at a timing asynchronous to the timing of acquiring the print data D1. In this example, the asynchronous timing is a periodic timing.

[0044] For example, the times t1, t8, t12, etc. shown in Figure 3 indicate that the power distribution process is executed periodically according to the execution period T.

[0045] (Step S10) At time t1 shown in Figure 3, the print control unit 104 determines whether the print head 130 and the paper transport motor 140 are in operation. If the print control unit 104 determines that the print head 130 and the paper transport motor 140 are in operation (or are energized) (Step S10; YES), it terminates the power distribution process. The case in which the print head 130 and the paper transport motor 140 are in operation (or are energized) is, for example, when printing is in progress. In other words, if printing is in progress at the time the power distribution process is started, the print control unit 104 does not switch the power distribution.

[0046] On the other hand, if the print control unit 104 determines that the print head 130 or the paper transport motor 140 is not being driven (or is not receiving power) (step S10; NO), it proceeds to step S20.

[0047] (Step S20) The print control unit 104 determines whether or not there is a print operation instruction from the host device 30. For example, if the acquisition unit 101 acquires print data D1 from the host device 30, the print control unit 104 determines that there is a print operation instruction from the host device 30. If the print control unit 104 determines that there is a print operation instruction (Step S20; YES), it proceeds to step S210. If the print control unit 104 determines that there is no print operation instruction (Step S20; NO), it proceeds to step S110.

[0048] (Step S110) The distribution control unit 102 executes a power distribution plan. The power distribution plan is a process that determines the power supply status of the periodic power supply function and the power supply status of the continuous power supply function.

[0049] [Scheduled power supply function] A periodic power supply function is a function that may operate using power that is periodically switched between supplying power and supplying reduced power (or stopping power) (for example, intermittently supplying power). The periodic power supply function includes the paper detection sensor 150 and the wireless communication module 180. In other words, the paper detection sensor 150 and the wireless communication module 180 may operate intermittently by periodically switching between normal power supply and reduced power supply (or stopping power). Furthermore, for the paper detection sensor 150 and the wireless communication module 180, which are examples of periodic power supply functions, power reduction or shutdown is not required if there is no need to reduce or shut off power. The distribution control unit 102 determines whether or not power reduction or shutdown is necessary for the periodic power supply functions based on the power distribution plan for the print head 130 and the paper transport motor 140, which consume more power. Specifically, if the distribution control unit 102 has executed the power distribution plan for the print head 130 and the paper transport motor 140 and there is sufficient power available, it will determine not to reduce or shut off power to the paper detection sensor 150 and the wireless communication module 180. If there is not sufficient power available, the distribution control unit 102 will determine to reduce or shut off power to the paper detection sensor 150 and the wireless communication module 180.

[0050] For example, the paper detection sensor 150 is supplied with power for a period of 2 ms and the power supply is stopped for a period of 8 ms over a period of 10 ms. In this case, the paper detection sensor 150 has an operating time and a stop time ratio of 1:5. As mentioned above, the paper detection sensor 150 is equipped with, for example, a light-emitting element. The light-emitting element has a lifespan that depends on its operating time (power-on time). By setting the operating time and stop time to a 1:5 ratio, the lifespan of the light-emitting element (i.e., the paper detection sensor 150) can be extended to five times that of continuous operation.

[0051] For example, the wireless communication module 180 has a function to monitor whether an external device has made a connection request when performing wireless communication with an external device. If the wireless communication module 180 is operating continuously, the monitoring function for the connection target will also be operating continuously, increasing power consumption. In this embodiment, power consumption can be reduced by having the wireless communication module 180 operate intermittently.

[0052] The periodic power supply function can also be described as a function that operates in a second state ST2, which reduces the power distributed to other devices 40. In other words, the functions that operate in the second state ST2 include at least one of a paper detection sensor 150 (detection unit) that detects the operating status of the printing device 10 based on the supplied power, and a wireless communication module 180 (wireless communication unit) that performs wireless communication with external devices based on the supplied power. Furthermore, depending on the power supply and power consumption conditions, there may be cases where it is not necessary to reduce the power distributed to other devices 40 when the periodic power supply function (for example, the paper detection sensor 150 or the wireless communication module 180) is operating. In other words, the periodic power supply function can be said to be a function that operates without reducing the power distributed to other devices 40 depending on the power supply and power consumption conditions, and also a function that operates in a second state ST2 in which the power distributed to other devices 40 is reduced depending on the power supply and power consumption conditions.

[0053] [Continuous power supply function] The "always-on power" function is, in principle, a function that operates using power that is constantly supplied. The always-on power function includes the battery 160 and other devices 40. In other words, the battery 160 and other devices 40 are constantly supplied with power.

[0054] As described above, the battery 160 and other devices 40 are equipped with energy storage functions. By continuously supplying power to the energy storage functions of the battery 160 and other devices 40 through the constant power supply function, the charging time of the battery 160 and other devices 40 can be shortened.

[0055] (Step S120) The distribution control unit 102 adjusts the power supply to the continuously powered function. For example, at time t2 shown in Figure 3, the distribution control unit 102 reduces the power supplied to the continuously powered function in order to supply power to the periodic powered function. (Step S130) The distribution control unit 102 adjusts the power supply to the periodic power supply function. For example, at time t2 shown in Figure 3, the distribution control unit 102 supplies the periodic power supply function with the amount of power that was reduced from the power supplied to the continuously power supply function.

[0056] In other words, at time t2, the printing control unit 104 switches the power distribution state from a first state ST1, in which the power distributed to other devices 40 is not reduced, to a second state ST2, in which the power distributed to other devices 40 is reduced.

[0057] Furthermore, if power supply to the periodic power supply function is not required, the distribution control unit 102 omits the power reduction processing for the continuous power supply function.

[0058] [Specific examples of power distribution plans] The distribution control unit 102 performs the power distribution plan as follows. In the following explanation, the meanings of W, Wc1, Wc2, Wr, and Wp are as follows.

[0059] W: Of the power that the power supply unit 110 can supply, power that can be supplied to the continuously powered functions (e.g., battery 160, other devices 40), the periodically powered functions (e.g., wireless communication module 180, paper detection sensor 150), and the printing functions (e.g., print head 130, paper transport motor 140). Wc1: Power supplied to the continuously powered function when the output is not reduced. Wc2: Power supplied to the continuously powered function when the output is reduced. Wr: Power supplied to the periodic power supply function. WP: Power supplied to the printing function.

[0060] If the power calculated by equation (1) is greater than Wc1, the distribution control unit 102 sets the power of the always-on function to Wc2 or less.

[0061] Wc² = W - Wr …(1)

[0062] If the power calculated by equation (2) is greater than Wc1, the distribution control unit 102 sets the power of the always-on function to Wc2 or less.

[0063] Wc² = W - (Wr + Wp) …(2)

[0064] At the end of the power distribution process (for example, time t3 in Figure 3), the distribution control unit 102 stops supplying power to the periodic power supply function and returns the power supply to the continuously power supply function, which had been reduced, back to an unreduced state. That is, at time t3, the printing control unit 104 switches the power distribution state from a second state ST2, in which the power distributed to other devices 40 is reduced, to a first state ST1, in which the power distributed to other devices 40 is not reduced. As a result, at time t4, the supply of power to the continuously power supply function with unreduced power is resumed.

[0065] Returning to Figure 2, the control device 100 finishes the series of power distribution processes and waits for the start timing of the next power distribution process (for example, time t8 in Figure 3).

[0066] On the other hand, the explanation continues for the case where the print control unit 104 determines in step S20 that there is a print operation instruction (step S20; YES).

[0067] The acquisition unit 101 acquires print data D1 at time t5 in Figure 3. The print control unit 104 instructs the drawing data generation unit 103 to generate drawing data D2 at time t6. The drawing data generation unit 103 generates drawing data D2 from time t6 to time t7.

[0068] Here, at time t7, when the generation of drawing data D2 is completed, the print control unit 104 suspends the driving of the print head 130 and the paper transport motor 140 until the power distribution process, which operates asynchronously with the generation of drawing data D2, is started. In other words, while the power distribution process maintains the power distribution state in the first state ST1 (a state in which the power supply to the always-on function is not reduced), it is not possible to secure power for driving the print head 130 and the paper transport motor 140. For this reason, the print control unit 104 suspends driving the print head 130 and the paper transport motor 140 until the power distribution process switches the power distribution state from the first state ST1 to the second state ST2 (a state in which the power supply to the always-on function is reduced).

[0069] In other words, if the print control unit 104 completes the drawing data D2 generation operation before switching from the first state ST1 to the second state ST2, it will postpone the start of the printing operation by the print head 130 until it switches from the first state ST1 to the second state ST2.

[0070] (Step S10) At time t8 shown in Figure 3, the print control unit 104 determines whether the print head 130 and the paper transport motor 140 are running. If the print control unit 104 determines that the print head 130 and the paper transport motor 140 are running (or energized) (Step S10; YES), it terminates the power distribution process. The case in which the print head 130 and the paper transport motor 140 are running (or energized) is, for example, when printing is in progress. In other words, if printing is in progress at the time the power distribution process is started, the print control unit 104 does not switch the power distribution.

[0071] On the other hand, if the print control unit 104 determines that the print head 130 or the paper transport motor 140 is not being driven (or is not receiving power) (step S10; NO), it proceeds to step S20.

[0072] (Step S20) At time t8, the print control unit 104 determines whether or not there is a print operation instruction from the host device 30. As described above, at time t8, the acquisition unit 101 acquires print data D1 from the host device 30, and the drawing data generation unit 103 generates drawing data D2. That is, at time t8, there is a print operation instruction from the host device 30. In this case, the print control unit 104 proceeds to step S210.

[0073] (Step S210) The distribution control unit 102 executes a power distribution plan. The power distribution plan in step S210 differs from step S110 described above in that it plans the supply of power to the printing functions (e.g., the print head 130 and the paper transport motor 140).

[0074] (Step S220) The distribution control unit 102 adjusts the power supply to the continuously powered function. For example, at time t9 shown in Figure 3, the distribution control unit 102 stops the power supply to the continuously powered function in order to supply power to the printing function and the periodic power supply function.

[0075] (Step S230) The distribution control unit 102 adjusts the power supply to the periodic power supply function. For example, at time t9 shown in Figure 3, the distribution control unit 102 supplies a portion of the power that was stopped from supplying the continuously power supply function to the periodic power supply function.

[0076] (Step S240) The distribution control unit 102 adjusts the power supply to the printing function. For example, at time t9 shown in Figure 3, the distribution control unit 102 supplies the remaining power to the printing function from the power that was stopped from supplying the continuously powered function, after subtracting the power supplied to the periodically powered function.

[0077] At the end of the power distribution process (for example, time t10 in Figure 3), the distribution control unit 102 stops supplying power to the periodic power supply function. At this time, the printing function (print head 130 and paper transport motor 140) is still running. Therefore, the distribution control unit 102 continues to supply power to the printing function.

[0078] The print control unit 104 terminates the printing process at time t11. As a result, power consumption by the printing function (print head 130 and paper transport motor 140) ends at time t11. On the other hand, at time t11, the power supply to the always-on function remains stopped. This is because the power supply to the always-on function will not be resumed until the distribution control unit 102 executes the power distribution process at the next timing (for example, time t12). In other words, the distribution control unit 102 does not switch from the second state ST2 (a state in which the power supply to the always-on function is reduced or stopped) to the first state ST1 (a state in which the power supply to the always-on function is not reduced) during printing. After the printing operation is completed (for example, at time t13), the distribution control unit 102 switches from the second state ST2 (a state in which the power supply to the always-on function is reduced or stopped) to the first state ST1 (a state in which the power supply to the always-on function is not reduced).

[0079] In other words, when a printing operation by the print head 130 is started, the distribution control unit 102 does not switch from the second state ST2 to the first state ST1 until the printing operation is completed, and only switches from the second state ST2 to the first state ST1 after the printing operation is completed.

[0080] As described above, the printing apparatus 10 of this embodiment allows for the appropriate distribution of power to each part of the printing apparatus 10 according to its operation, even when the power capacity of the power supply unit 110 is limited. Therefore, the printing apparatus 10 allows for the use of a power supply circuit with a lower rated power and lower cost, while simultaneously supplying power to other devices 40 such as mobile batteries, smartphones, and tablet devices (for example, supplying power for charging) and performing printing operations.

[0081] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 10 of this embodiment performs the power distribution process by periodic processing, which can be executed even by a processor with relatively low processing power compared to interrupt processing. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the control device 100 can be manufactured using inexpensive components with low power consumption.

[0082] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 10 of this embodiment performs the printing process in two stages: a stage for generating drawing data D2 (preliminary stage) and a stage for driving the printing function (post-stage). With the printing apparatus 10 configured in this way, drawing data D2 can be generated immediately after acquiring print data D1, so printing can be started immediately after the power supply to the always-on function is reduced or stopped by the power distribution process. Therefore, the printing apparatus 10 of this embodiment can reduce the delay in starting the printing operation.

[0083] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design modifications and the like are also included within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, a computer program to implement the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. The term "computer system" here may include hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices.

[0084] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to writable non-volatile memory such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and flash memory, portable media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" also includes volatile memory (for example, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when programs are transmitted via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, which retain programs for a certain period of time.

[0085] Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a memory device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) like the Internet or a communication line (communication line) like a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. It may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1…Printing system, 10…Printing device, 20…Power adapter, 30…Host device, 40…Other devices, 100…Control device, 101…Acquisition unit, 102…Distribution control unit, 103…Drawing data generation unit, 104…Print control unit, 110…Power supply unit, 120…Distribution unit, 130…Print head, 140…Paper transport motor, 150…Paper detection sensor, 160…Battery, 170…Outlet, 180…Wireless communication module

Claims

1. A print head that performs printing based on drawing data, a control device including a drawing data generation unit that generates the drawing data from print data provided by a higher-level device, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the print head and other devices other than the control device. A distribution unit distributes the power supplied by the power supply unit to the control device, the print head, and the other devices. Equipped with, The control device is The acquisition unit acquires the aforementioned print data, A distribution control unit switches between a first state in which the power distributed to the other device is not reduced and a second state in which the power distributed to the other device is reduced, at a timing asynchronous to the timing of acquiring the print data. A print control unit, after receiving the print data, initiates a drawing data generation operation by the drawing data generation unit to generate the drawing data from the print data in the first state, and after switching from the first state to the second state, initiates a printing operation by the print head based on the drawing data. A printing device equipped with the following features.

2. If the drawing data generation operation is completed before switching from the first state to the second state, the print control unit will suspend the start of the printing operation by the print head until the switch from the first state to the second state is completed. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. When the print head starts printing, the distribution control unit does not switch from the second state to the first state until the printing operation is completed, and only switches from the second state to the first state after the printing operation is completed. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned asynchronous timing refers to periodic timing. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The functions operating in the second state include at least one of the following: a detection unit that detects the operating status of the printing device based on the supplied power, and a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external device based on the supplied power. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned other device is a device that has the function of storing the power supplied from the power supply unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. A print head that performs printing based on drawing data, a control device including a drawing data generation unit that generates the drawing data from print data provided by a higher-level device, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the print head and other devices other than the control device. A distribution unit distributes the power supplied by the power supply unit to the control device, the print head, and the other devices. The computer of the printing device equipped with: To obtain the aforementioned print data, Switching between a first state in which the power distributed to the other device is not reduced and a second state in which the power distributed to the other device is reduced, at a timing asynchronous to the timing of acquiring the print data, After receiving the print data, the drawing data generation operation is started in the first state, where the drawing data generation unit generates the drawing data from the print data, and after switching from the first state to the second state, the printing operation by the print head based on the drawing data is started. A program to execute.

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