Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To maintain an on-state of a power source when a timing of executing a regular event comes during a regular maintenance.SOLUTION: A power source management part 46 performs control so that a power source part 48 is turned on prior to execution of a regular maintenance by a maintenance part 6, on the basis of a scheduled time obtained from a memorizing part memorizing the scheduled time for the regular maintenance that is regularly executed by the maintenance part 6; and performs control so that an information processing device is shut down after the regular maintenance is finished. Further the power source management part 46, when a timing at which the power source part 48 is turned on by a timer function comes during execution of the regular maintenance, performs control so that the on-state of the power source part 48 is kept, without shutting down the information processing device, after finishing the regular maintenance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, and Information Processing By law Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, image forming devices that require periodic maintenance (such as inkjet nozzle cleaning) have been equipped with a function that automatically starts the device and starts the periodic maintenance if the device is left with the main power supply turned off while the power plug is connected to a commercial AC power source. When the periodic maintenance is performed and completed, the image forming device returns to the main power supply turned off. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that allows a print command to be accepted simultaneously with the start of a standby timer, thereby reducing the user's waiting time, with the aim of reducing the waiting time (time during which printing is not possible) after automatic maintenance.

[0003] Conventional information processing devices have had the problem that even if the time to execute a periodic event, such as the weekly timer power-on time or automatic firmware update time, arrives during scheduled maintenance, the device will shut down once the scheduled maintenance is completed. Patent Document 1 does not solve the problem that even if the power-on time or automatic firmware update time of the weekly timer arrives during regular maintenance, the device shuts down when the regular maintenance ends. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and its purpose is to keep the power on when the time comes to execute a regular event during regular maintenance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the invention of claim 1 is an information processing device comprising: a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on a component requiring maintenance; and a power management unit having a timer function that turns on a power unit at a predetermined timing, the power management unit turning on a power unit at a predetermined timing based on a scheduled time acquired from a storage unit that stores scheduled times for regular maintenance that the maintenance unit is to periodically perform. ,before The power supply unit is controlled to be turned on before the maintenance unit performs regular maintenance, and the information processing device is controlled to be shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, and the power supply management unit controls the information processing device to maintain a power-on state of the power supply unit without shutting down the information processing device even after the regular maintenance is completed, when the timing to turn on the power supply unit based on the timer function arrives during the execution of the regular maintenance. The information processing device includes a determination unit that determines whether the regular maintenance is valid based on a difference between a scheduled time of the regular maintenance and a start-up time of the power supply unit, and the power supply management unit controls the power supply unit to turn off after the regular maintenance is completed when the determination unit determines that the regular maintenance is valid. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, when the time to execute a periodic event arrives during periodic maintenance, the power can be maintained in an on state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus, which is an example of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a timing chart for explaining problems of the related art. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing functional operation contents of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5]4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus including the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a chart of a management table of events for an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing screen transitions in an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The present invention has the following configuration in order to maintain the power on state when the timing for executing a periodic event arrives during periodic maintenance. In other words, the information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device comprising a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on parts that require maintenance, and a power management unit that has a timer function that turns on the power supply unit at a predetermined timing, and the power management unit controls the power supply unit to be turned on before the maintenance unit performs the regular maintenance based on a scheduled time obtained from a memory unit that stores the scheduled time of regular maintenance to be performed periodically by the maintenance unit, and controls the information processing device to be shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, and further, when the timing to turn on the power supply unit based on the timer function arrives while regular maintenance is being performed, the power management unit controls the information processing device to keep the power supply unit turned on without shutting down the information processing device even after the regular maintenance is completed. With the above configuration, if the time to execute a regular event arrives during regular maintenance, the power can be kept on. The features of the present invention described above will be explained in detail with reference to the following drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the components, types, combinations, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. described in the embodiments are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The above-mentioned features of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] <Overall configuration of image forming apparatus> FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus, which is an example of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The inkjet recording device shown in FIG. 1 includes, inside a device body 1, an engine unit 2 for forming an image, a paper feed cassette 3 for storing recording media such as paper, a waste liquid tank 8 for storing waste liquid, and a scanner 18. The engine unit 2 includes a carriage 5 and a rod 17, and moves the carriage 5 along the rod 17 in the main scanning direction (the left-right direction on the paper surface of FIG. 1). The engine unit 2 feeds recording media from a paper feed cassette 3 located at the bottom of the device main body 1, and while transporting the recording media in the sub-scanning direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Figure 1) using a transport means not shown, multiple recording heads 4 mounted on a carriage 5 eject ink onto the recording media to form an image.

[0010] In addition to the recording head 4, the engine section 2 includes a maintenance section 6, a suction pump 7, a wiper blade 9, a cap 13, a discharge tube 15, and a waste liquid introduction duct 16. In this inkjet recording device, there are cases where the ink cannot be ejected normally due to drying inside the recording head 4 or the like. Therefore, the engine unit 2 tightly contacts the cap 13 with the recording head 4 to keep the recording head 4 moist. Furthermore, when performing maintenance on the recording head 4, the engine unit 2 attaches a suction cap 14 to the recording head 4, and then forcibly sucks the ink out of the recording head 4 using the suction pump 7. The ink sucked by the suction pump 7 in the engine unit 2 becomes waste liquid, which is introduced from the suction pump 7 into a discharge tube 15 and stored in a waste liquid tank 8 through a waste liquid introduction duct 16. Furthermore, when ink is sucked from the recording head 4, the ink adheres to the nozzle surface of the recording head 4. For this reason, the engine unit 2 wipes the nozzle surface of the recording head 4 with a wiper blade 9, and recovers the waste liquid from the ink recovery port 19 into the waste liquid tank 8. After such maintenance is performed, fresh ink is sent to the recording head 4, and normal printing is possible.

[0011] In FIG. 1, 10 denotes an ink cartridge, 11 denotes an ink recovery container, and 12 denotes a belt for conveying paper.

[0012] <Hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The operation unit 30 accepts various inputs according to user operations, and displays various information (for example, information according to the accepted operations, information indicating the operating status of the MFP, information indicating the setting state, etc.). The CPU 32 controls the overall operation of the main body. The CPU 32 uses the RAM 34 as a work area and executes programs stored in the ROM 36 or HDD 38, thereby controlling the operation of the entire main body and realizing various functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a fax function, and a printer function. The communication I / F 40 is an interface for connecting to the network N1. The engine unit 2 is hardware that performs general-purpose information processing and processing other than communication in order to realize the copy function, scanner function, fax function, and printer function. For example, it is equipped with a scanner (image reading unit) that scans and reads images of documents, a plotter (image forming unit) that prints on recording media such as paper, a fax unit that performs fax communication, etc. It also has specific options such as a finisher that sorts printed recording media and an ADF (automatic document feeder) that automatically feeds documents. The NVRAM 44 is a non-volatile memory that stores setting values ​​such as scheduled maintenance times, timer settings, network settings, etc. The HDD 38 stores the user's address book and accumulated image data. The power supply management unit 46 controls the on / off of the power supply unit 48. The power supply management unit 46 also has a built-in RTC (real-time clock) that keeps time, and starts up the MFP when a preset time arrives while the power supply unit 48 is off. The power supply unit 48 is connected to a commercial power supply (AC power supply) 50 via a power switch 52, and when the power switch 52 is on, it converts AC power supplied from the AC power supply into DC power and supplies it to each part within the device.

[0013] <Conventional problems> FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining the problems of the conventional technology. At time t1, when the current time kept by the RTC is a threshold time before the scheduled start time of regular maintenance acquired from the NVRAM 44, the power management unit 46 starts up the MFP. At time t2, when the scheduled start time of regular maintenance arrives, power management unit 46 starts regular maintenance on the MFP. At time t3, the power management unit 46 assumes that an event occurs during regular maintenance that requires the device to remain powered on, such as the power-on time of a weekly timer or the time of an automatic firmware update. At time t4, power management unit 46 determines that regular maintenance has ended and the MFP will automatically shut down. In this case, there were cases where the main power was turned off even though the weekly timer was set to turn the power on, and cases where automatic firmware updates could not be performed.

[0014] <Function block diagram> FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional operation of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, in this embodiment, as an example of the execution of a periodic event, a weekly timer function that turns the power supply unit 48 on / off in accordance with the on / off times set for each day of the week related to a specified event will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a maintenance unit 6, a nonvolatile memory 44a, and a power management unit . The maintenance unit 6 carries out maintenance on parts that require maintenance. The nonvolatile memory 44a stores the scheduled time of regular maintenance that the maintenance unit 6 is to periodically perform. The power supply management unit 46 has a weekly timer function that turns the power supply unit 48 on and off in accordance with the on time and off time set for each day of the week related to a predetermined event. The power management unit 46 includes a control unit 54 that controls the power supply unit 48 to turn on before the maintenance unit 6 performs regular maintenance based on the scheduled time obtained from the non-volatile memory 44a, and controls the image forming device 1 to shut down after the regular maintenance is completed. In addition, the power management unit 46 may control the power supply unit 48 to turn on before the maintenance unit 6 performs regular maintenance based on the scheduled time obtained from an externally installed server via the communication I / F 40, and may control the image forming device 1 to shut down after the regular maintenance is completed. When the time for turning on the power supply unit 48 according to the weekly timer function arrives while regular maintenance is being performed, the control unit 54 controls the power supply unit 48 to maintain the on state even after the regular maintenance is completed.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a determination unit 56 that determines whether the regular maintenance is valid or not based on the difference between the scheduled time of the regular maintenance and the start-up time of the power supply unit 48. If the determining unit 56 determines that the periodic maintenance is valid, the control unit 54 controls the power supply unit 48 to turn off after the periodic maintenance is completed.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a determination unit 56 that determines whether the regular maintenance is valid or not based on the difference between the scheduled time of the regular maintenance and the time when the power is turned on. If the determining unit 56 determines that the periodic maintenance is not valid, the control unit 54 controls the power supply unit 48 to remain on even after the periodic maintenance is completed.

[0017] If the difference value is within a reference threshold, the judgment unit 56 judges that regular maintenance has been initiated, and if the difference value is greater than the reference threshold, the judgment unit 56 judges that the power switch 52 has been turned on. In addition, the reference threshold value used by the determination unit 56 may be calculated by machine learning. Here, machine learning is a technology that allows a computer to acquire human-like learning capabilities, in which the computer autonomously generates algorithms necessary for judgments such as data classification from learning data that is input in advance, and applies these to new data to make predictions. The learning method for machine learning may be any of supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning, or may be a combination of these learning methods; any learning method for machine learning is acceptable.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 30. During the execution of regular maintenance, the control unit 54 controls the display unit 30a to display a screen including a cancel button that can accept cancellation of shutdown after the regular maintenance is completed, and if the cancel button is pressed, controls the power supply unit 48 to remain on even after the regular maintenance is completed.

[0019] If an event occurs during scheduled maintenance and the event ends during the scheduled maintenance, the control unit 54 performs control so that the system is shut down after the scheduled maintenance ends.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an event type determination unit 58 that determines the type of event. The control unit 54 controls the image forming apparatus 1 to determine whether to perform shutdown after the event ends, based on the determination result by the event type determination unit 58.

[0021] If an error occurs during regular maintenance, the control unit 54 performs control to cancel the shutdown.

[0022] The component is characterized by being a recording head 4 that ejects ink onto a recording medium to form an image.

[0023] <Operation details of image forming device> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus including the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. First, in step S1, when the user turns off the power switch, the control unit 54 starts a shutdown. In step S5, the control unit 54 sets the start time of the next scheduled maintenance in the NVRAM before turning off the power supply unit 48. This causes the power supply unit 48 to start up at the start time of the next scheduled maintenance.

[0024] In step S10, the control unit 54 starts up the image forming apparatus 1. That is, when the power switch is turned on or when the time counted by the timer reaches the start date and time acquired from the NVRAM, the control unit 54 starts up. In step S15, the control unit 54 calculates the difference between the time measured by the timer and the scheduled time of regular maintenance acquired from the NVRAM. In step S20, the control unit 54 determines whether the calculated difference value is smaller than a reference threshold value. If the difference value is smaller than the reference threshold value, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if the difference value is larger than the reference threshold value, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S35. In step S25, if the difference value is smaller than the reference threshold value, the control unit 54 determines that regular maintenance is being initiated.

[0025] In step S30, the control unit 54 issues a regular maintenance instruction to the engine unit 2, causing the maintenance unit 6 to start regular maintenance. In step S35, the control unit 54 monitors whether or not an event has occurred. That is, the control unit 54 monitors for an event that has occurred during scheduled maintenance. For example, the control unit 54 monitors the power-on time of the weekly timer, the time of automatic firmware update, etc. In step S40, the control unit 54 ends the regular maintenance. In step S45, the control unit 54 determines whether an event has occurred that requires the power to be maintained in the on state. If an event has occurred that requires the power to be maintained in the on state, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S60. On the other hand, if an event has not occurred that requires the power to be maintained in the on state, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S65.

[0026] On the other hand, in step S50, if the difference value is greater than the reference threshold value, the control unit 54 determines that the user has turned on the power switch. Next, in step S55, the control unit 54 performs normal scheduled maintenance.

[0027] In step S60, the control unit 54 transitions to the normal state. That is, by issuing a notification indicating that the state has transitioned to the normal state to the engine unit 2, the engine unit 2 becomes able to perform functions such as printing and scanning. In step S65, the control unit 54 shuts down the MFP. That is, the MFP is shut down, but the control unit 54 waits until the next scheduled maintenance time.

[0028] Second Embodiment FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. At time t21, when the current time kept by the RTC is a threshold time before the scheduled start time of regular maintenance acquired from the NVRAM 44, the control unit 54 starts up the MFP. At time t22, when the scheduled start time for regular maintenance arrives, control unit 54 starts regular maintenance on the MFP. At time t23, the control unit 54 assumes that an event has occurred during scheduled maintenance that requires the device to remain powered on, such as the power-on time of a weekly timer or the time of an automatic firmware update. For example, a log saving start event has occurred. At time t24, it is assumed that the log storage is completed before the end of the regular maintenance. At time t25, when the regular maintenance is completed, the control unit 54 automatically shuts down the MFP.

[0029] Third Embodiment FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. I don't want to shut down after maintenance is complete, but there are some events that I want to shut down after the event is over. At time t31, when the current time kept by the RTC is a threshold time before the scheduled start time of regular maintenance acquired from the NVRAM 44, the control unit 54 starts up the MFP. At time t32, when the scheduled start time for regular maintenance arrives, control unit 54 starts regular maintenance on the MFP. At time t33, when the firmware update start time arrives, the control unit 54 postpones the shutdown, and the CPU 32 starts the firmware update. At time t34, the control unit 54 wants to shut down when the firmware update is complete. Whether or not a shutdown is necessary depends on the event, so a management table such as Table 1 is provided and the control unit 54 refers to it.

[0030] <Management table> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a chart of a management table of events for an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows an example of a management table that holds information indicating whether or not to shut down after the completion of an event for each event type. (1) When the event type is weekly timer power on, this indicates that shutdown will not be performed after the event is completed. (2) When the event type is the log save time, it indicates that a shutdown will be performed after the event is completed. (3) When the event type is firmware update time, this indicates that a shutdown will be performed after the event is completed. (4) When the event type is the address book backup time, this indicates that the shutdown will be performed after the event is completed. (5) When the event type is brightness detection, it indicates that shutdown will not be performed after the event is completed.

[0031] <Fourth embodiment> FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. When the image forming device 1 starts automatically and some error occurs during regular maintenance, if the device is shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, a problem occurs in which the user cannot be informed that there is an abnormality (error) in the device, and no action can be taken in this case. Therefore, at time t41, when the current time kept by the RTC is a threshold time before the scheduled start time of regular maintenance acquired from the NVRAM 44, the control unit 54 starts up the MFP. At time t42, when the scheduled start time for regular maintenance arrives, control unit 54 instructs the MFP to start regular maintenance. At time t43, the control unit 54 starts (occurs) a log saving process during regular maintenance. At time t44, a log storage error occurs during regular maintenance in the control unit 54. Note that such errors are not limited to log storage errors. There will be no shutdown even after scheduled maintenance is completed.

[0032] <Operation details of image forming device> Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the processes from steps S1 to S65 shown in Fig. 10 are the same as steps S1 to S65 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 for the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof may be omitted. In step S45, the control unit 54 determines whether an event that requires the power to be maintained in the on state has occurred. If an event that requires the power to be maintained in the on state has occurred, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if an event that requires the power to be maintained in the on state has not occurred, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S65.

[0033] In step S105, the control unit 54 determines whether the event has ended. If the event has ended, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S65. On the other hand, if the event has not ended, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the control unit 54 determines whether an error has occurred in the device. If an error has occurred in the device, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S120. On the other hand, if an error has not occurred in the device, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S115. In step S115, the control unit 54 refers to the management table (FIG. 8) and determines whether or not the setting is to shut down after the event ends. If the setting is not to shut down after the event ends, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S60. On the other hand, if the setting is to shut down after the event ends, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S65. In step S120, the control unit 54 displays an error screen including a message indicating that an error has occurred on the display unit 30a. Next, the process proceeds to step S60.

[0034] <Screen transition contents> 11 is a flow diagram showing the screen transition contents of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Screens G1 to G15 shown in FIG. 11 are generated by the control unit 54 and displayed on the display unit 30a.

[0035] When the device is started up to perform regular maintenance, screen G1 is displayed on the display unit 30a. Screen G1 displays information informing the user that the device has been automatically started up. For example, screen G1 displays the following message: "The device has been started up for regular maintenance. It will automatically shut down after maintenance is complete. If you want to cancel the shutdown, press the cancel button." Screen G1 also displays a "Cancel" button B1. If the user wishes to continue using the device, he or she presses the "Cancel" button B1. When the "Cancel" button B1 is pressed, the screen G1 disappears and the normal startup screen appears. If the power-on time of the weekly timer arrives and an event occurs while screen G1 is being displayed, the screen will transition to screen G5. If an error occurs in the device while screen G1 is displayed, the screen will transition to error screen G10. If the regular maintenance ends without any events occurring while the screen G1 is displayed, the screen will move to the screen G15.

[0036] Screen G5 displays the message "The device has been shut down for scheduled maintenance." Screen G5 also displays a "Confirm" button B2. When the "Confirm" button B2 is pressed, screen G5 disappears and the normal startup screen appears. If an error occurs in the device while screen G5 is displayed, the screen will transition to error screen G10.

[0037] Screen G10 displays "An error has occurred. Error code: SCXXX-XXX." Screen G15 displays "Shutting down. Please wait a moment."

[0038] Seventh Embodiment FIG. 12 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, the information processing device 500 is constructed by a computer, and as shown in FIG. 12, it includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, an HD 504, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, a display 506, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, a network I / F 509, a data bus 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, a media I / F 516, a power management unit 46, and a power supply unit 48. Of these, the CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the information processing device 500. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as an IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data, such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 504 under the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information, such as a cursor, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external device is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a printer.

[0039] The network I / F 509 is an interface for performing data communication using the communication network 100. The bus line 510 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting the components such as the CPU 501 shown in FIG. The keyboard 511 is a type of input means having multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading and writing of various data from a DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that this is not limited to a DVD-RW, and may be a DVD-R, etc. The media I / F 516 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from a recording medium 515, such as a flash memory.

[0040] The power supply management unit 46 and the power supply unit 48 shown in FIG. 12 will be described. The power supply management unit 46 controls the on / off of the power supply unit 48. The power supply management unit 46 also has a built-in RTC (real-time clock) that keeps time, and starts up the MFP when a preset time arrives while the power supply unit 48 is off. The power supply unit 48 is connected to a commercial power supply (AC power supply) 50 via a power switch 52, and when the power switch 52 is on, it converts AC power supplied from the AC power supply into DC power and supplies it to each part within the device. The power management unit 46 and the power supply unit 48 are the same as those shown in FIG. 2 (first embodiment).

[0041] The information processing device 500 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is applicable to the information processing device 500 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, and the explanation of FIGS. 4 to 11 used in the explanation of the first to sixth embodiments will be omitted. In the first to sixth embodiments, inkjet nozzle cleaning is the subject of periodic maintenance. In contrast to this, in the information processing device 500 according to the seventh embodiment, backup of the HD 504 and connection tests of the network module mounted on the network I / F 509 are subject to periodic maintenance.

[0042] <Effects of this embodiment> This embodiment has the following features when turning the power supply unit 48 on and off during regular maintenance: In short, it is possible to monitor events that occur during regular maintenance, and if an event occurs that requires the power supply unit 48 to remain on, it is possible to cancel the shutdown that would occur after the regular maintenance is completed. Even if the timing for turning on the power supply unit 48 by the timer function or the time for automatic firmware update arrives during regular maintenance, these events can be carried out, thereby improving convenience. Events that occur during scheduled maintenance are monitored, and if an event occurs that requires the power supply unit 48 to remain on, the shutdown that occurs after scheduled maintenance is completed can be canceled, allowing automatic firmware updates, etc. to be implemented.

[0043] <Summary of the functions and effects of the exemplary embodiment> <First aspect> The information processing device of this embodiment is an information processing device that includes a maintenance unit 6 that performs maintenance on parts that require maintenance, and a power management unit 46 that has a timer function that turns on a power supply unit 48 at a predetermined timing, and the power management unit 46 controls the power supply unit 48 to turn on before the maintenance unit 6 performs regular maintenance based on a scheduled time obtained from a memory unit that stores the scheduled time of regular maintenance that the maintenance unit 6 is to perform periodically, and controls the information processing device to shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, and further, when the timing to turn on the power supply unit 48 based on the timer function arrives during the performance of regular maintenance, the power management unit 46 controls the power supply unit 48 to remain powered on even after the regular maintenance is completed without shutting down the information processing device. According to this aspect, when the timing for turning on the power supply unit 48 by the timer function arrives while regular maintenance is being performed, the power supply unit 48 can be controlled to remain on even after the regular maintenance is completed. This allows the power to remain on when the time comes to execute a regular event during regular maintenance.

[0044] <Second mode> The information processing device of this embodiment is characterized by including a judgment unit 56 that judges whether or not the regular maintenance is legitimate based on the difference value between the scheduled time of the regular maintenance and the start-up time of the power supply unit 48, and when the judgment unit 56 judges that the regular maintenance is legitimate, the power supply management unit 46 controls the power supply unit 48 to turn off after the regular maintenance is completed. According to this aspect, if the periodic maintenance is determined to be valid, the power supply unit 48 can be turned off after the periodic maintenance is completed.

[0045] <Third aspect> The information processing device of this embodiment is characterized by including a judgment unit 56 that judges whether or not the regular maintenance is legitimate based on the difference value between the scheduled time of the regular maintenance and the time when the power is turned on, and the power management unit 46 controls the power supply unit 48 to maintain an on state even after the regular maintenance is completed if the judgment unit 56 judges that the regular maintenance is not legitimate. According to this aspect, if the periodic maintenance is determined to be invalid, the power supply unit 48 can be kept on even after the periodic maintenance is completed.

[0046] <Fourth aspect> The judgment unit 56 of this embodiment is characterized in that it judges that regular maintenance has been initiated when the difference value is within a reference threshold value, and judges that the power switch 52 has been turned on when the difference value is greater than the reference threshold value. According to this embodiment, if the difference value is within a reference threshold value, it can be determined that regular maintenance has been initiated, and if the difference value is greater than the reference threshold value, it can be determined that the power switch 52 has been turned on. In addition, the reference threshold value used by the determination unit 56 may be calculated by machine learning. Here, machine learning is a technology that allows a computer to acquire human-like learning capabilities, in which the computer autonomously generates algorithms necessary for judgments such as data classification from learning data that is input in advance, and applies these to new data to make predictions. The learning method for machine learning may be any of supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning, or may be a combination of these learning methods; any learning method for machine learning is acceptable.

[0047] <Fifth aspect> In the information processing device of this aspect, the reference threshold value is calculated by machine learning. According to this aspect, the reference threshold value can be calculated by machine learning.

[0048] <Sixth aspect> The information processing device of this embodiment is equipped with an operation unit 30, and a power management unit 46 controls the operation unit 30 to display a cancel button that can accept cancellation of shutdown after the regular maintenance is completed while the regular maintenance is being performed, and when the cancel button is pressed, controls the power unit 48 to remain on even after the regular maintenance is completed. According to this aspect, when the cancel button is pressed, the power supply unit 48 can be controlled to remain on even after the regular maintenance is completed.

[0049] <Seventh aspect> The power management unit 46 of this embodiment is characterized in that, if an event occurs during regular maintenance and the event ends during the regular maintenance, it performs control so that the power management unit 46 shuts down after the regular maintenance ends. According to this aspect, if an event occurs during scheduled maintenance and the event ends during the scheduled maintenance, shutdown can be performed after the scheduled maintenance ends.

[0050] <Eighth aspect> The information processing device of this embodiment is characterized by including an event type determination unit 58 that determines the type of event, and the power management unit 46 controls the device to determine whether or not to shut down after the event has ended, based on the determination result by the event type determination unit 58. According to this aspect, it is possible to control so as to determine whether or not to perform shutdown after the event ends, based on the determination result by the event type determination unit 58.

[0051] <Ninth aspect> The power management unit 46 of this embodiment is characterized by performing control so as to cancel shutdown if an error occurs during regular maintenance. According to this aspect, if an error occurs during regular maintenance, the shutdown can be canceled.

[0052] <Tenth aspect> The component of this embodiment is characterized by being a recording head 4 that ejects ink onto a recording medium to form an image. According to this embodiment, when the timing for turning on the power supply unit 48 by the timer function arrives while regular maintenance is being performed on the recording head 4, the power supply unit 48 can be controlled to remain on even after the regular maintenance is completed.

[0053] <Eleventh aspect> The information processing method of this embodiment is an information processing method by an information processing device, and includes a maintenance unit 6 that performs maintenance on parts that require maintenance, and a power management unit 46 that has a timer function that turns on a power supply unit 48 at a predetermined timing, and the power management unit 46 controls the power supply unit 48 to turn on before the maintenance unit 6 performs regular maintenance based on a scheduled time obtained from a memory unit that stores the scheduled time of regular maintenance that the maintenance unit 6 is to perform periodically, and controls the information processing device to shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, and further, when the timing to turn on the power supply unit 48 based on the timer function arrives during the performance of regular maintenance, the power management unit controls the power supply unit 48 to maintain its power-on state without shutting down the information processing device even after the regular maintenance is completed. According to this aspect, when the timing for turning on the power supply unit 48 by the timer function arrives while regular maintenance is being performed, the power supply unit 48 can be controlled to remain on even after the regular maintenance is completed. This allows the power to remain on when the time comes to execute a regular event during regular maintenance.

[0054] <Twelfth aspect> The program of this aspect is characterized by causing a processor to execute each step of the information processing method according to the eleventh aspect. According to this aspect, each step can be executed by a processor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1...image forming apparatus, 2...engine unit, 3...paper feed cassette, 4...recording head, 5...carriage, 6...maintenance unit, 7...suction pump, 8...waste liquid tank, 9...wiper blade, 13...cap, 14...suction cap, 15...discharge tube, 16...waste liquid introduction duct, 17...rod, 18...scanner, 19...ink recovery port, 30...operation unit, 30a...display unit, 32...CPU, 34...RAM, 36...ROM, 38...HDD, 40...communication I / F, 44a...non-volatile memory, 46...power management unit, 48...power supply unit, 52...power switch, 54...control unit, 56...determination unit, 58...event type determination unit, 500...information processing device, B1...button, B2...button [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0056] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3555459

Claims

1. An information processing device, a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on parts that require maintenance; a power supply management unit having a timer function for turning on the power supply unit at a predetermined timing, The power supply management unit based on a scheduled time acquired from a storage unit that stores a scheduled time of regular maintenance to be periodically performed by the maintenance unit, controls the power supply unit to be turned on prior to the maintenance unit performing the regular maintenance, and controls the information processing device to be shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, and further, when the timing to turn on the power supply unit based on the timer function arrives during the execution of the regular maintenance, the power management unit controls the information processing device to maintain the power supply unit in a powered on state without shutting down the information processing device even after the regular maintenance is completed; the information processing device includes a determination unit that determines whether the regular maintenance is valid based on a difference between a scheduled time of the regular maintenance and a start-up time of the power supply unit; The information processing apparatus is characterized in that, when the determination unit determines that the periodic maintenance is valid, the power management unit controls the power supply unit to be turned off after the periodic maintenance is completed.

2. An information processing device, a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on parts that require maintenance; a power supply management unit having a timer function for turning on the power supply unit at a predetermined timing, The power supply management unit based on a scheduled time acquired from a storage unit that stores a scheduled time of regular maintenance to be periodically performed by the maintenance unit, controls the power supply unit to be turned on prior to the maintenance unit performing the regular maintenance, and controls the information processing device to be shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, and further, when the timing to turn on the power supply unit based on the timer function arrives during the execution of the regular maintenance, the power management unit controls the information processing device to maintain the power supply unit in a powered on state without shutting down the information processing device even after the regular maintenance is completed; the information processing device includes a determination unit that determines whether the regular maintenance is valid based on a difference between a scheduled time of the regular maintenance and a start-up time of the power supply unit; The information processing device is characterized in that the power management unit controls the power supply unit to remain on even after the regular maintenance is completed if the judgment unit determines that the regular maintenance is not legitimate.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the judgment unit judges that the periodic maintenance has been started when the difference value is within a reference threshold value, and judges that the power switch has been turned on when the difference value is greater than the reference threshold value.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the reference threshold value is calculated by machine learning.

5. An information processing device, a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on parts that require maintenance; a power supply management unit having a timer function for turning on the power supply unit at a predetermined timing, The power supply management unit based on a scheduled time acquired from a storage unit that stores a scheduled time of regular maintenance to be periodically performed by the maintenance unit, controls the power supply unit to be turned on prior to the maintenance unit performing the regular maintenance, and controls the information processing device to be shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, and further, when the timing to turn on the power supply unit based on the timer function arrives during the execution of the regular maintenance, the power management unit controls the information processing device to maintain the power supply unit in a powered on state without shutting down the information processing device even after the regular maintenance is completed; the information processing device includes an operation unit, the power management unit controls, during the execution of the scheduled maintenance, so that after the scheduled maintenance is completed, a cancel button that can accept cancellation of shutdown is displayed on the operation unit; When the cancel button is pressed, the information processing apparatus is controlled so that the power supply unit remains on even after the scheduled maintenance is completed.

6. An information processing device, a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on parts that require maintenance; a power supply management unit having a timer function for turning on the power supply unit at a predetermined timing, The power supply management unit based on a scheduled time acquired from a storage unit that stores a scheduled time of regular maintenance to be periodically performed by the maintenance unit, controls the power supply unit to be turned on prior to the maintenance unit performing the regular maintenance, and controls the information processing device to be shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, and further, when the timing to turn on the power supply unit based on the timer function arrives during the execution of the regular maintenance, the power management unit controls the information processing device to maintain the power supply unit in a powered on state without shutting down the information processing device even after the regular maintenance is completed; the information processing device includes an event type determination unit that determines a type of an event; The information processing apparatus, wherein the power management unit controls the information processing apparatus so as to determine whether or not to perform a shutdown after the event ends, based on a result of determination by the event type determination unit.

7. An information processing device, a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on parts that require maintenance; a power supply management unit having a timer function for turning on the power supply unit at a predetermined timing, The power supply management unit based on a scheduled time acquired from a storage unit that stores a scheduled time of regular maintenance to be periodically performed by the maintenance unit, controls the power supply unit to be turned on prior to the maintenance unit performing the regular maintenance, and controls the information processing device to be shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, and further, when the timing to turn on the power supply unit based on the timer function arrives during the execution of the regular maintenance, the power management unit controls the information processing device to maintain the power supply unit in a powered on state without shutting down the information processing device even after the regular maintenance is completed; The information processing apparatus is characterized in that the power management unit controls the information processing apparatus so as to cancel shutdown if an error occurs during the regular maintenance.

8. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, comprising: The information processing device includes: a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on parts that require maintenance; a power supply management unit having a timer function for turning on the power supply unit at a predetermined timing, The power supply management unit based on a scheduled time acquired from a storage unit that stores a scheduled time of regular maintenance to be periodically performed by the maintenance unit, controls the power supply unit to be turned on prior to the maintenance unit performing the regular maintenance, and controls the information processing device to be shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, and further, when the timing to turn on the power supply unit based on the timer function arrives during the execution of the regular maintenance, the power management unit is a means for controlling the information processing device to maintain a power-on state of the power supply unit without shutting down the information processing device even after the regular maintenance is completed, The information processing method includes: a determination unit determining whether the periodic maintenance is valid based on a difference between a scheduled time of the periodic maintenance and a start-up time of the power supply unit; an information processing method comprising a step in which the power management unit controls the power supply unit to turn off after the regular maintenance is completed if the determination unit determines that the regular maintenance is legitimate.

9. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, comprising: The information processing device includes: a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on parts that require maintenance; a power supply management unit having a timer function for turning on the power supply unit at a predetermined timing, The power supply management unit based on a scheduled time acquired from a storage unit that stores a scheduled time of regular maintenance to be periodically performed by the maintenance unit, controls the power supply unit to be turned on prior to the maintenance unit performing the regular maintenance, and controls the information processing device to be shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, and further, when the timing to turn on the power supply unit based on the timer function arrives during the execution of the regular maintenance, the power management unit is a means for controlling the information processing device to maintain a power-on state of the power supply unit without shutting down the information processing device even after the regular maintenance is completed, The information processing method includes: a determination unit determining whether the periodic maintenance is valid based on a difference between a scheduled time of the periodic maintenance and a start-up time of the power supply unit; an information processing method comprising a step in which, if the determination unit determines that the regular maintenance is not legitimate, the power management unit controls the power supply unit to remain on even after the regular maintenance is completed.

10. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, comprising: The information processing device includes: a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on parts that require maintenance; a power supply management unit having a timer function for turning on the power supply unit at a predetermined timing, The power supply management unit based on a scheduled time acquired from a storage unit that stores a scheduled time of regular maintenance to be periodically performed by the maintenance unit, controls the power supply unit to be turned on prior to the maintenance unit performing the regular maintenance, and controls the information processing device to be shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, and further, when the timing to turn on the power supply unit based on the timer function arrives during the execution of the regular maintenance, the power management unit is a means for controlling the information processing device to maintain a power-on state of the power supply unit without shutting down the information processing device even after the regular maintenance is completed, The information processing method includes: a step in which the power management unit controls the operation unit to display a cancel button that can accept cancellation of shutdown after the scheduled maintenance is completed during the scheduled maintenance; and if the cancel button is pressed, the power management unit controls the power supply unit to remain on even after the scheduled maintenance is completed.

11. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, comprising: The information processing device includes: a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on parts that require maintenance; a power supply management unit having a timer function for turning on the power supply unit at a predetermined timing, The power supply management unit based on a scheduled time acquired from a storage unit that stores a scheduled time of regular maintenance to be periodically performed by the maintenance unit, controls the power supply unit to be turned on prior to the maintenance unit performing the regular maintenance, and controls the information processing device to be shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, and further, when the timing to turn on the power supply unit based on the timer function arrives during the execution of the regular maintenance, the power management unit is a means for controlling the information processing device to maintain a power-on state of the power supply unit without shutting down the information processing device even after the regular maintenance is completed, The information processing method includes: An information processing method comprising a step of controlling the power management unit to determine whether to perform a shutdown after the event has ended based on a determination result by an event type determination unit that determines the type of the event.

12. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, comprising: The information processing device includes: a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on parts that require maintenance; a power supply management unit having a timer function for turning on the power supply unit at a predetermined timing, The power supply management unit based on a scheduled time acquired from a storage unit that stores a scheduled time of regular maintenance to be periodically performed by the maintenance unit, controls the power supply unit to be turned on prior to the maintenance unit performing the regular maintenance, and controls the information processing device to be shut down after the regular maintenance is completed, and further, when the timing to turn on the power supply unit based on the timer function arrives during the execution of the regular maintenance, the power management unit is a means for controlling the information processing device to maintain a power-on state of the power supply unit without shutting down the information processing device even after the regular maintenance is completed, The information processing method includes:

11. An information processing method comprising the step of: performing control by the power management unit to cancel shutdown if an error occurs during the scheduled maintenance.

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