Information processing device, printing device, control method, and program

Abstract

Reduce the initial setup time for information processing equipment. [Solution] One embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus having control means for performing a preparation process and a parameter setting process for setting parameters according to a parameter setting method selected from among a plurality of parameter setting methods, wherein, when the parameter setting method selected from among the plurality of parameter setting methods is a method that does not require a restart, the control means performs the preparation process and the parameter setting process in parallel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a printing apparatus, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a printing apparatus that records images using ink, it takes a long time to fill the ink flow path with ink during initial setup (so-called initial ink filling). Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that shortens the initial setup time by performing settings related to a connection interface with an external device in parallel with the initial ink filling and the subsequent maintenance operation of the printing mechanism during the initial setup flow of the printing apparatus. Incidentally, the controller of a printing apparatus is implemented in accordance with various architectures, and depending on the controller used, some controllers require the printing apparatus to be restarted during execution of processing related to interface settings.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when the technology of Patent Document 1 is applied to a printing apparatus equipped with the above-described controller, a case may occur where the printing apparatus is restarted during execution of print preparation processing including initial ink filling and maintenance operations. In this case, there is a risk that ink is consumed excessively or a hardware failure occurs. Therefore, the print preparation processing and the processing related to interface settings cannot be executed simultaneously, and the initial setup time cannot be shortened.

[0005] Therefore, in view of the above issues, this disclosure aims to shorten the initial setup time of the information processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus having control means for performing a preparation process and a parameter setting process for setting parameters according to a parameter setting method selected from among a plurality of parameter setting methods, wherein, if the parameter setting method selected from among the plurality of parameter setting methods is a method that does not require a restart, the control means performs the preparation process and the parameter setting process in parallel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to reduce the initial setup time of the information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the schematic internal configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Perspective view showing the external appearance of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Flowchart of the print preparation process according to the first embodiment [Figure 4] Example of GUI screen transitions according to the first embodiment [Figure 5] Example of GUI screen transitions according to the first embodiment [Figure 6] Flowchart of the print preparation process according to the second embodiment [Figure 7] Example of GUI screen transitions according to the second embodiment [Figure 8] Example of GUI screen transitions according to the second embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the relative arrangement and shape of the components of the apparatus used in the following embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope to those described. Furthermore, redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate in the following description, and the same or similar components will be given the same reference numeral in the drawings.

[0010] [First Embodiment] <Printing device configuration> Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a printing apparatus according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the printing apparatus shown has only a printing function, but it is not limited to this. For example, the printing apparatus may also function as a copier by further incorporating a reader to read images on a document, or it may be a multi-function device (MFP: Multi-Function Peripheral) with other functions added. Furthermore, the technology of this embodiment can be applied to an information processing apparatus equipped with a printing apparatus.

[0011] In Figure 1, the printing device 100 comprises a printer controller 120, a printer engine 150, an HDD 161, and an input / output device 162. The printing device 100 can also be connected to a host computer 190 via a network 191.

[0012] The printer controller 120 has an HDD interface (I / F) 121, an input / output device I / F 122, a ROM I / F 125, and a memory controller 126. The printer controller 120 also has a host I / F 127, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 128, a controller engine interface 129, and an image processing unit 130. These are connected via a system bus 132. Furthermore, the printer controller 120 has a Flash ROM 123 and a RAM 124, which are connected to the system bus 132 via the ROM I / F 125 and the memory controller 126, respectively.

[0013] The CPU 128 is a central processing unit in the form of a microprocessor (microcomputer), and controls the operation of the entire printing device 100 by executing programs and starting hardware. The Flash ROM 123 stores programs for the CPU 128 to execute and various data necessary for the various operations of the printing device 100. The RAM 124 is used as a work area for the CPU 128, as a temporary storage area for various received data, and for storing various setting data. The image processing unit 130 performs various image processing, such as expanding (converting) print data handled by the printing device 100 (for example, data represented in a page description language) into image data (bitmap image data) and other image processing. The image processing unit 130 also converts the color space of the image data contained in the input print data (for example, YCbCr) to the standard RGB color space (for example, sRGB). Furthermore, the image processing unit 130 applies various image processing to the image data as needed, such as resolution conversion to a valid number of pixels (that the printing device 100 can print), image analysis, and image correction. The image data obtained through these image processing steps is stored in RAM124 or HDD161.

[0014] The printer engine 150 is the printing unit that records images. The printer engine 150 includes an inkjet head 151, a cutter unit 152, a transport motor 153, an interface 154 with the printer controller 120, an optical sensor 155, and internal lighting 156. Each part is connected via a system bus 157.

[0015] The inkjet head 151 is a printing unit that performs image printing, and prints an image on a recording medium based on recording data created based on image data. The inkjet head 151 holds, for example, print heads for a plurality of colors, and ejects ink from the print heads in synchronization with the conveyance of the recording medium to record an image on the recording medium. Here, an inkjet printer using ink as a recording material is described as an example of the printing apparatus, but the present embodiment is not limited to this printer. The present embodiment is applicable to printing apparatuses of various printing systems, such as thermal printers (sublimation type, thermal transfer type, etc.), dot impact printers, LED printers, and electrophotographic systems such as laser printers.

[0016] The cutter unit 152 is a mechanism for cutting roll paper used as a recording medium for printing in the present embodiment. The cutter unit 152 cuts the printed roll paper into a predetermined length. The conveyance motor 153 is a motor for driving a conveyance roller that conveys the roll paper, and is controlled by the CPU 128. The optical sensor 155 is a measuring unit for measuring the attribute value of the recording medium, and is a reflective optical sensor configured to include an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a light emitting element, a specular reflection light receiving element, a diffuse light receiving element, and the like. The printing apparatus 100 uses the optical sensor 155 to measure attribute values such as the intensity of specular reflection light and diffuse reflection light of the paper on the platen, and the thickness of the paper. The in-machine illumination 156 is an LED that illuminates the platen during printing, during operations with the cover open such as cleaning the inside of the cover or replacing the inkjet head 151 and the cutter unit 152. The in-machine illumination 156 is controlled by the CPU 128 based on the state of the printer and settings specified by the user.

[0017] The input / output device 162 includes an input unit such as hard keys and a panel for a user to perform various operations, and a display unit for displaying (notifying) various types of information to the user. Further, the input / output device 162 may notify the user of information by outputting sound (buzzer, voice, etc.) based on acoustic information from a sound generator. During paper feeding, the user uses the input / output device 162 to select a paper type and notify the printing apparatus 100 of the correct paper type, whereby the printing apparatus 100 can perform conveyance set for each paper type.

[0018] The HDD 161 is a non-volatile storage area, and can store and read programs to be executed by the CPU 128, print data, and setting information necessary for various operations of the printing apparatus 100. Instead of the HDD 161, or in combination with the HDD 161, another large-capacity storage device such as a flash memory may be used. Note that in the present embodiment, the input / output device 162 is present inside the printing apparatus 100, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be connected as an external configuration via the network 191, for example. Further, the host computer 190 may also serve as the input / output device 162. Further, the printing apparatus 100 may be further connectable to other input / output devices via the network 191 or the like in addition to the input / output device 162. The host computer 190 is, for example, an external apparatus that serves as a supply source of print data, and has a printer driver installed therein. As a connection destination of the printing apparatus 100, instead of the host computer 190, for example, a data providing apparatus that serves as a supply source of print data, such as an image reading reader, a digital camera, or a smartphone, may be provided. The connection form between each device and the printing apparatus 100 is not limited to the connection via the network 191, and may be directly connected by wireless communication, for example.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic external view of the printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, and illustrates the positional relationship between the printing apparatus 100 and the operation panel of the input / output device 162.

[0020] <Print Preparation Processing> The print preparation process performed in the printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the print preparation process according to this embodiment. Figures 4 and 5 show examples of the transitions of the GUI screens displayed on the operation panel of the input / output device 162 during the print preparation process according to this embodiment.

[0021] The CPU 128 of the printer controller 120 starts the print preparation process shown in Figure 3 when the printer 100 is powered on for the first time after being installed in the user environment. When the print preparation process starts, the CPU 128 displays the GUI screen 401. Information indicating whether or not the first power-on has occurred since installation in the user environment is stored in a non-volatile storage means such as FlashROM 123. Therefore, the CPU 128 can use this information to determine whether the most recent power-on is the first startup since installation in the user environment.

[0022] In step S301, the CPU 128 receives user instructions regarding language settings, which are entered via the GUI screen 402. Hereafter, "step S~" will be abbreviated as "S~".

[0023] In S302, CPU 128 receives user instructions regarding time zone settings, which are entered via GUI screen 403.

[0024] In S303, CPU128 receives user instructions regarding the setting of the current date and time, which are entered via GUI screen 404.

[0025] In S304, CPU128 displays GUI screen 405 prompting the user to open the top cover when installing the print head. After detecting that the print head installation operation is complete, the process proceeds to S305.

[0026] In S305, CPU 128 displays GUI screen 406 prompting the user to open the ink tank cover when installing the ink tank. After detecting that the ink tank installation operation is complete, the process proceeds to S306 and S309. The processes from S306 onwards and the processes from S309 onwards are executed in parallel.

[0027] In S306, CPU 128 executes an ink filling process to fill the ink tanks with ink. This ink filling process includes the display process for GUI screen 409, and after the completion of this ink filling process, the process proceeds to S307.

[0028] In S307, CPU128 performs a head cleaning process.

[0029] In S308, the CPU 128 performs nozzle position variation correction processing. During the execution of S307 and S308, a GUI screen 410 is displayed indicating that adjustment is in progress. Once the nozzle position variation correction processing in this step is completed, the series of processes ends and the GUI screen 411 is displayed.

[0030] In S309, CPU128 displays a GUI screen such as GUI screen 407 and determines which parameter setting method (in this example, the method for setting the connection parameters necessary to connect to an external device) the user has selected via the displayed GUI screen. Specifically, if "USB" is selected, the process proceeds to S310; if "Wired LAN" is selected, it proceeds to S311; if "Wireless LAN (Manual)" is selected, it proceeds to S312. If "Easy Connection" is selected, the process proceeds to S313; and if "Do not set now" is selected, the series of processes ends.

[0031] Here, as an example of a case where a restart of the printer 100 during configuration is not required, the processing flow when "USB" is selected in S309 will be explained. When "USB" is selected in S309, in S310, the CPU 128 displays a GUI screen 408 prompting the user to connect a USB cable. GUI screen 408 is a group of static screens that function as a screen to explain the operation of connecting a USB cable (referred to as the USB connection guide screen), and in S310, each of the static screens is displayed sequentially. If S306 is running when S310 is executed, GUI screen 409 will also be displayed. Thus, in this embodiment, when performing parameter setting processing related to USB connection, it is not necessary to restart the printer 100. Furthermore, when performing parameter setting processing related to wired LAN connection or parameter setting processing related to manual wireless LAN connection, it is not necessary to restart the printer 100. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, when these parameter settings are selected, the parameter setting processing and the print preparation processing are executed in parallel. Here, a portion of the print preparation process (S306-S308), which is executed in parallel with the parameter setting process, may cause inconvenience to the user if the printer 100 restarts during execution.

[0032] Next, as an example of a case where the printer 100 unit being configured needs to be restarted, we will explain the process in S313 when "Easy Connection" is selected in S309. More specifically, this process occurs when "Wi-Fi Connection" is selected via GUI screen 407, and then "Easy Connection" is selected via GUI screen 501 (Figure 5) that is displayed in response to that selection. Note that other settings that require the unit to be restarted include "IPv6 Enable / Disable Setting Switching," but are not limited to these.

[0033] Before executing process S313, CPU 128 displays GUI screen 502 if it is currently performing the ink filling process (S306). Once this ink filling process is complete, the head cleaning process is performed (S307), followed by the nozzle position variation correction process (S308). During this time, CPU 128 displays GUI screen 503. After the process in S308 is completed, process S313 is executed.

[0034] In S313, the CPU 128 displays GUI screen 504. The user, upon viewing GUI screen 504, instructs the system to restart by pressing the "Yes" button on GUI screen 504. Upon receiving this "Yes" button input, the CPU 128 displays GUI screen 505, indicating that the system is being configured. After the configuration is complete, the printer 100 is restarted, and the CPU 128 displays GUI screen 506. Subsequently, after the restart process is complete, the CPU 128 displays GUI screen 507, which explains the easy connection procedure. Upon receiving input by pressing the "Software" button on GUI screen 507, the CPU 128 displays GUI screen 508, which is the software installation guide screen. After that, when the user performs the required operation on the host PC, the printer 100 automatically restarts, and the CPU 128 displays GUI screen 509. After the restart, the CPU 128 displays GUI screen 510, which is the standby screen.

[0035] As described above, in this embodiment, when a connection method that does not require restarting the printer 100 is selected, the print preparation process and the parameter setting process are executed in parallel. This reduces the time required for initial setup by the time required for parameter setting. Furthermore, when a connection method that requires restarting the printer 100 is selected, the parameter setting process is executed after the print preparation process is completed. This prevents malfunctions caused by interrupting the print preparation process.

[0036] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The explanation will focus on the differences from the previously described embodiment, and similarities will be omitted as appropriate.

[0037] <Print preparation process> The print preparation process performed in the printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the print preparation process according to this embodiment. Figures 7 and 8 show examples of the transitions of the GUI screen displayed on the operation panel of the input / output device 162 during the print preparation process according to this embodiment.

[0038] The CPU 128 of the printer controller 120 starts the print preparation process shown in Figure 6 when it detects that the power button has been pressed and held for a certain period of time when the printer is powered on for the first time after the printer 100 has been installed in the user environment. When the print preparation process starts, the CPU 128 displays the GUI screen 701.

[0039] Steps S601 to S605 are the same as steps S301 to S305 in the first embodiment (see Figure 3). As shown in Figure 7, in steps S601 to S605, GUI screens 702 to 706 are displayed, as in the first embodiment (see GUI screens 402 to 406 in Figure 4). If the CPU 128 detects the completion of the ink tank installation operation in step S605, the process proceeds to step S606.

[0040] In S606, CPU128 executes the ink filling process. This ink filling process includes the display process for GUI screen 707, and after the completion of this ink filling process, the process proceeds to S607.

[0041] In S607, CPU128 performs a head cleaning process.

[0042] In S608, the CPU 128 performs nozzle position variation correction processing. During the execution of S607 and S608, a GUI screen 708 indicating that adjustment is in progress is displayed. Once the nozzle position variation correction processing in this step is completed, the process proceeds to S609.

[0043] In S609, CPU128 displays a GUI screen such as GUI screen 709, and determines which connection method the user has selected via the displayed GUI screen. Specifically, if "USB" is selected, the process proceeds to S610; if "Wired LAN" is selected, it proceeds to S611; and if "Wireless LAN (Manual)" is selected, it proceeds to S612. If "Easy Connection" is selected, it proceeds to S613, and if "Don't configure now" is selected, the process ends.

[0044] Here, as an example of a case where a restart of the printer 100 during configuration is not required, the processing flow when "USB" is selected in S609 will be explained. When "USB" is selected in S609, in S610, the CPU 128 displays a GUI screen 710 prompting the user to connect a USB cable. The GUI screen 710 is a group of static screens that function as a USB connection guide screen, and in S610, each of the static screens is displayed sequentially. After S610, the series of processes ends, and the CPU 128 displays a GUI screen 711, which is a print waiting screen.

[0045] Next, as an example of a case where the printer 100 unit being configured needs to be restarted, we will explain the process in S613 when "Easy Connection" is selected in S609. More specifically, this process occurs when "Wi-Fi Connection" is selected via GUI screen 709, and then "Easy Connection" is selected via GUI screen 801 (Figure 8) that is displayed in response to that selection.

[0046] In S613, CPU128 displays GUI screen 802. The user, upon viewing GUI screen 802, instructs the system to restart by pressing the "Yes" button on GUI screen 802. Upon receiving this "Yes" button input, CPU128 displays GUI screen 803, indicating that configuration is in progress. After configuration is complete, the printer 100 is restarted, and CPU128 displays GUI screen 804. After the restart process is complete, CPU128 displays GUI screen 805, which explains the easy connection procedure. Upon receiving input by pressing the "Software" button on GUI screen 805, CPU128 displays GUI screen 806, which is the software installation guide screen. Subsequently, when the user performs the required operation on the host PC, the printer 100 automatically restarts, and CPU128 displays GUI screen 807. After the restart, CPU128 displays GUI screen 808, which is the standby screen.

[0047] [Other embodiments] In the embodiments described above, a printing apparatus was used as an example, but the invention is not limited thereto. The technology of this disclosure can also be applied to an information processing apparatus as a higher-level concept than a printing apparatus. This information processing apparatus may be configured to be included in the printing apparatus or may be configured separately from the printing apparatus. This information processing apparatus has control means that performs a preparation process that is executed when it is first started up, and a parameter setting process that sets parameters according to a parameter setting method selected from among a plurality of parameter setting methods. Such plurality of parameter setting methods include a method that requires the information processing apparatus to be restarted during the execution of the parameter setting process when the information processing apparatus is first started up, and a method that does not require such a restart. When the parameter setting method is selected by a user or the like when the information processing apparatus is first started up, if the selected parameter setting method does not require a restart, the control means executes the preparation process and the parameter setting process in parallel. This makes it possible to shorten the initial setup time.

[0048] In the embodiments described above, the print preparation process was shown to include an ink filling process, a head cleaning process, and a nozzle position variation correction process, but the present disclosure is not limited to that embodiment. The technology of the present disclosure can be applied to embodiments in which the print preparation process includes at least one of the ink filling process, the head cleaning process, and the nozzle position variation correction process.

[0049] This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0050] [Technical Features of This Disclosure] This disclosure includes the following components:

[0051] (Configuration 1) An information processing apparatus having control means for performing a preparation process and a parameter setting process for setting parameters according to a parameter setting method selected from among a plurality of parameter setting methods, wherein if the parameter setting method selected from among the plurality of parameter setting methods is a method that does not require a restart, the control means performs the preparation process and the parameter setting process in parallel. (Configuration 2) The information processing apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the plurality of parameter setting methods include a method that requires a restart during the execution of the parameter setting process when the system is first started, and a method that does not require such a restart. (Configuration 3) The information processing apparatus according to Configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, if the parameter setting method selected at the initial startup is a method that does not require a restart, the control means executes the preparation process and the parameter setting process in parallel. (Configuration 4) The information processing device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the parameter setting method is a method for setting connection parameters necessary for connecting to an external device. (Configuration 5) An information processing device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a display control means that displays a screen for accepting an operation to select a parameter setting method from among the plurality of parameter setting methods. (Configuration 6) The information processing device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the method that does not require a restart is a parameter setting method for USB connection, a parameter setting method for wired LAN connection, and a manual parameter setting method for wireless LAN connection. (Configuration 7) The information processing device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the initial startup refers to the startup when the main unit is first powered on after installation in the user environment. (Configuration 8) An information processing device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, further comprising a storage means, the storage means storing information indicating whether or not the first power-on has occurred after installation in the user environment, and the control means using the information to determine whether or not the most recent power-on startup is the first startup. (Configuration 9) A printing apparatus having an information processing device described in any one of Configurations 1 to 8. (Configuration 10) The printing apparatus according to Configuration 9, characterized in that the preparation process is a printing preparation process. (Configuration 11) The printing apparatus according to Configuration 9 or 10, further comprising a head, wherein the print preparation process includes at least one of an ink filling process, a head cleaning process for cleaning the head, and a nozzle position variation correction process for the head. (Control method for an information processing device) A control method for an information processing device having control means for performing a preparation process and a parameter setting process for setting parameters according to a parameter setting method selected from among a plurality of parameter setting methods, wherein, if the parameter setting method selected from among the plurality of parameter setting methods is a method that does not require a restart, the control means has a step of performing the preparation process and the parameter setting process in parallel. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an information processing device having control means for executing a preparation process and a parameter setting process for setting parameters according to a parameter setting method selected from among a plurality of parameter setting methods, wherein, if the parameter setting method selected from among the plurality of parameter setting methods is a method that does not require a restart, the control means has a step of executing the preparation process and the parameter setting process in parallel. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 100 Printing equipment 120 Printer Controllers 128 CPU

Claims

1. An information processing device having control means for performing a preparation process and a parameter setting process for setting parameters according to a parameter setting method selected from among multiple parameter setting methods, If the selected parameter setting method from the plurality of parameter setting methods does not require a restart, the control means executes the preparation process and the parameter setting process in parallel. An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. The aforementioned parameter setting methods include a method that requires a restart during the execution of the parameter setting process when the system is first launched, and a method that does not require such a restart. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. If the parameter setting method selected at the initial startup is one that does not require a restart, the control means executes the preparation process and the parameter setting process in parallel. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The parameter setting method described above is a method for setting connection parameters necessary for connecting to an external device. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

5. The system further includes a display control means that displays a screen for accepting an operation to select a parameter setting method from among the aforementioned plurality of parameter setting methods. The information processing apparatus according to feature 4.

6. The aforementioned methods that do not require a restart include a parameter setting method for USB connection, a parameter setting method for wired LAN connection, and a manual parameter setting method for wireless LAN connection. The information processing apparatus according to feature 5.

7. The aforementioned initial startup refers to the startup that occurs when the device is first powered on after being installed in the user's environment. The information processing apparatus according to feature 3.

8. It further possesses a means of memory, The storage means stores information indicating whether or not the first power-on has occurred after installation in the user environment. The control means uses the information to determine whether the most recent power-on startup is the first startup. The information processing apparatus according to feature 7.

9. A printing apparatus having the information processing device described in claim 1.

10. The aforementioned preparation process is a print preparation process. The printing apparatus according to feature 9.

11. It has an additional head, The print preparation process includes at least one of an ink filling process, a head cleaning process for cleaning the head, and a nozzle position variation correction process for the head. The printing apparatus according to feature 10.

12. A control method for an information processing device having control means for performing a preparation process and a parameter setting process for setting parameters according to a parameter setting method selected from among multiple parameter setting methods, If the parameter setting method selected from the plurality of parameter setting methods does not require a restart, the control means has the step of executing the preparation process and the parameter setting process in parallel. A control method characterized by the following:

13. A program for causing a computer to perform the method described in claim 12.

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