Electronic equipment and its control method

Abstract

To solve the problem that it is necessary to continuously supply a power source from a sub power source to a mode control circuit at all the time since a power supply circuit is controlled by a mode control circuit conventionally, so that depression of a power key is detected in an off state of a device main body.SOLUTION: A power supply control device comprises power source means which outputs a power source, and stores information for controlling the output of the power source means. When input of a shift signal for shifting a supply state of the power source is detected, the output of the power source from the power source means is controlled on the basis of the stored information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to , electric a slave device, and So a control method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] In electronic devices such as printers, it usually has an off state in which it waits while waiting for a key operation of a power key, and an on state in which normal arbitrary operations are possible. In this on state, power is supplied to each part of the electronic device so that appropriate operations can be performed. On the other hand, in the off state, it is required to operate in a minimum power state while suppressing power consumption as much as possible.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a control circuit including a power supply circuit that receives power supply from a switching power supply and outputs DC power, and a mode control circuit that operates by receiving power supply from a sub-power supply. This control circuit performs mode switching control of the switching power supply by the mode control circuit, and realizes power saving control by sending a disable signal to the power supply circuit when the set voltage is not reached even during mode switching.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above prior art, since the mode control circuit controls the power supply circuit, in order for the device main body to detect the pressing of the power key in the off state, it is necessary to continuously supply power from the sub-power supply to the mode control circuit at all times. Therefore, even when the switching power supply is off, power is consumed by the sub-power supply, and further suppression of power consumption has been demanded.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a technology for power-saving control that reduces power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the present invention relates to electronic equipment It has the following configuration: That is, It is an electronic device, A power supply means that outputs power, A storage means for storing information that controls the output of the power supply means, A detection means for detecting the input of a transition signal that causes a transition in the power supply state, When the detection means detects the input of the transition signal, the control means controls the output of the power supply from the power supply means based on the information stored in the storage means. It includes a main control means that controls the operation of the electronic device based on the power supply from the aforementioned power supply means, The power supply means is capable of outputting a power supply generated by at least one voltage conversion circuit based on power supplied from an external power source. The information includes a setting indicating whether to stop the generation of power by the voltage conversion circuit and stop the power supply to the main control means, or to start the generation of power by the voltage conversion circuit and start the power supply to the main control means. When the control means detects the input of the transition signal while power is being supplied from the external power supply, it stops or starts the generation of power by the voltage conversion circuit according to the setting. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, there is an effect of being able to perform power-saving control that reduces power consumption.

[0009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numeral. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] The attached drawings are included in the specification and constitute part thereof, illustrating embodiments of the present invention and are used together with the description to explain the principles of the present invention. [Figure 1] External perspective view of a recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]Block diagram for explaining the schematic configuration of the power control IC according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Block diagram for explaining the main control and the configuration of the power control IC in the recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Flowchart for explaining an example of the state transition of the recording apparatus when an external power supply is supplied in the recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Flowchart for explaining the process when the recording apparatus according to the embodiment transitions from the operable state to the standby state. [Figure 6] Sequence diagram for explaining the sequence when the power of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment is turned on and when it transitions to the off state.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential for the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Note that in the following description, an example of an electronic device according to the present invention will be described by taking a recording apparatus using an inkjet recording method as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0012] First, the terms used in this embodiment are defined as follows in advance. · "Recording" In this specification, "recording" does not only refer to the case of forming significant information such as characters and figures. Regardless of whether it is significant or not, and regardless of whether it is manifested so that a human can perceive it visually. It also represents the case of forming an image, pattern, pattern, etc. on a recording medium widely, or performing processing on the medium. · "Recording medium" The recording medium shall represent not only paper used in general recording devices, but also widely, materials capable of receiving ink, such as cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, etc. · "Ink" Ink shall be interpreted as widely as the above definition of "recording", and shall represent a medium including a recording material that can be used for forming an image, pattern, design, etc., or processing the recording medium, or processing the ink by being applied onto the recording medium. As a physical property, it is a liquid. The above ink processing means, for example, coagulation or insolubilization of a colorant in the ink applied to the recording medium. · "Nozzle" Unless otherwise specified, the nozzle shall represent the discharge port. Inside the nozzle, there are a liquid passage for communication and an element that generates energy used for ink discharge. · "Scanning" For recording on a recording medium, the recording head scans on the recording medium to perform recording. Here, the movement of the head during acceleration and deceleration for recording or related to recording is described as scanning.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a recording apparatus 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The recording device 500 comprises a housing (exterior part) 501, a recording head (not shown) that performs recording operations on a recording medium, and an ink tank 502 that serves as an ink storage container for the ink supplied to the recording head. The ink tank 502 is located on the front of the housing 501, and each color is connected to the recording head and the ink tank 502 by ink channels corresponding to each ink. A black ink tank 502a is provided on the left side when viewed from the front of the recording device 500, and a cyan ink tank 502b, a magenta ink tank 502c, and a yellow ink tank 502d are provided on the right side when viewed from the front of the recording device 500. The recording device 500 also includes a paper tray 503 and a paper cassette 504 as paper feeding sections for taking the recording medium into the device. The recording medium, once recording is complete, is discharged to the outside of the recording device 500 from the discharge section 505. It also includes a paper feed motor (not shown) for feeding recording media from the paper tray 503 and paper cassette 504, and a motor (not shown) for driving the recording head in the scanning direction. Furthermore, it includes a motor (not shown) for driving the rollers for transporting the recording media, and a scanner motor (not shown) for scanning the scanner sensor during scanning.

[0015] The recording device 500 also includes an operation unit 506 for the user to perform operations such as inputting instructions. By operating the power key 107 implemented on the operation unit 506, the recording device 500 can be switched between an ON state and an OFF state.

[0016] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a power control IC 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This power control IC 100 functions as a power control device and is formed on a circuit board on which a circuit (not shown) that controls the power supply to the recording device 500 is mounted.

[0017] This power control IC 100 enables a power-saving off state. In this embodiment, the standby state in which the device is turned on by user operation is defined as the off state (soft off state), and this off state is a power-saving state in which power is supplied to the device from the power control IC 100. The state in which power is not supplied to the device from the power control IC 100 (the power supply unit 102 is not outputting power) is expressed as the power-saving off state (power-saving off).

[0018] The power control IC 100 generates power to the main control unit 108 of the recording device 500, and to various units and components included in the device, such as various sensors and LEDs (not shown in Figure 2). The power control IC 100 has a control unit 101 that controls the power control IC 100, and a power supply unit 102 that generates output power. Furthermore, the power control IC 100 has an IC power supply generation unit 103 that generates internal power used for the control unit 101, communication signals within the power control IC 100, and pull-ups for various sensor signals such as external power switches. The power control IC 100 also includes a register control unit 104 that controls registers that hold settings and input signals for the power control IC 100.

[0019] The control unit 101 controls the entire power supply control IC 100, including output control of the power supply unit 102 and control based on register settings of the register control unit 104. Furthermore, the control unit 101 controls the operation of the power supply control IC 100 based on user inputs such as the reset signal 106 and power key 107, which are input from external control ICs. When power is supplied to the power supply control IC 100 from the power supply unit (PSU) 105, the power supply control IC 100 is released from the reset state by the rise of its internal power supply. The power supply control IC 100 also enters a reset state when the reset signal 106 is asserted (becomes low level).

[0020] The power supply unit 102 has regulators such as a DC / DC converter and an LDO (Low Drop Out), and is controlled by the control unit 101. As will be explained in Figure 3 below, the timing of the power output of the power supply unit 102 can be set according to the register settings of the register control unit 104 so that power output starts after power is supplied from the power supply unit 105 and the reset signal 106 is released. Alternatively, according to the register settings of the register control unit 104, power output of the power supply unit 102 can be set to start when an operation that transitions to the ON state, such as the power key 107, is input.

[0021] The output timing setting of the power supply unit 102 (DC-DC converter) is held by the register control unit 104, and the register control unit 104 can retain this setting in the register even when power is not supplied from the power supply unit 105. The register (memory) that records the setting of the register control unit 104 is not limited to non-volatile and may be volatile. However, in the case of volatile memory, the control may be such that the output setting of the power supply unit 102 is set after power is supplied from the power supply unit 105. If the recording device 500 operates when power is supplied from the power supply unit 105, the power supply unit 102 outputs power when power supply from the power supply unit 105 starts. Then, after initializing the recording device 500 in the main control unit 108, the register control unit 104 records that power is being supplied from the power supply unit 105. It is also possible to change the setting of the register control unit 104 to a setting where power is not output from the power supply unit 102, and transition the recording device 500 to a power-saving off state, which is a low-power standby state.

[0022] In the power-saving off state, when power is not supplied from the power control IC 100, the power supply unit 102 remains in standby mode without outputting power, even when the recording device 500 is in standby mode. This reduces the power consumption of the recording device 500 during standby. In Figure 2, the power supply unit 102 includes three DC-DC converters and one LDO (regulator), but there are no particular limitations on the number and combination of each component; it may include multiple or one DC-DC converters and multiple regulators. It may also consist of only multiple or one DC-DC converters, or only multiple or one regulators.

[0023] The power supply unit 102 can input the output of a DC-DC converter to another DC-DC converter or LDO (regulator) to create an output power supply. The input power supply for the DC-DC converter of the power supply unit 102 uses the DC power supply supplied from the power supply unit 105, for example, 32V or 24V is input to the power supply unit 102. The output voltage of the DC-DC converter is, for example, 5V (5V system power supply) at channel 1 (DC / DCch1) of the DC-DC converter in the recording device 500. This output 5V is then input to DC / DCch2 and DC / DCch3 to generate 3.3V (3V system power supply) and 1.1V or 0.9V (1V system power supply), respectively. Furthermore, the power output of 3.3V DC / DCch2 is input to the LDO to obtain a power output of 1.5V (memory power supply). The uses of each power supply system are as follows: the 5V system power supply is used for lighting LEDs and powering external boost circuits, etc. The 3V power supply is used for communication between the power control IC 100 and the main control unit 108, as well as for powering various sensors, analog signals, and ROM. The 1V power supply is used for internal control of the main control unit 108. Furthermore, the 1.5V power supply is used for ROM / RAM communication and analog signals. In addition to the configuration in which DC / DC channel 3 outputs the 1V power supply, it is also possible to generate 1.5V with DC / DC channel 3 and input it to the LDO to generate a 1V power supply such as 0.9V.

[0024] Alternatively, in a configuration with two DC / DC converters and two regulators (LDOs), DC / DCch1 and DC / DCch2 can generate 5V (5V power supply) and 3.3V (3V power supply). The 3.3V or 5V generated by the two regulators can then be input to the two regulators, which in turn generate 1.1V (1V power supply) and 1.5V.

[0025] The DC / DC converter can switch the maximum output power (current), and power consumption can be reduced by lowering the DC / DC chopping frequency or by performing intermittent operation. Furthermore, if the recording device 500 is in a mode that consumes a lot of current, the maximum supply current can be increased by raising the DC / DC chopping frequency.

[0026] The IC power generation unit 103 can generate any voltage, including commonly used 5V, 3V, and 1V power supplies. The IC power generation unit 103 can generate multiple voltages, or it can be configured to generate only a single voltage, such as a 3V power supply. Furthermore, the internal IC power supply can be output externally from the power control IC 100, and even when the power supply unit 102 is not outputting power, it can be used as a power source for external sensors or as a pull-up power source for the reset signal 106 and power key 107 input signals described later.

[0027] The register control unit 104 holds the settings of the power control IC 100, such as the output / non-output settings of the various DC-DC converters and LDOs of the power supply unit 102. The register control unit 104 also has a memory function for holding various setting values ​​such as input signal values ​​and registers, and as mentioned above, the memory function can be configured to be either volatile or non-volatile. For example, it is possible to make registers and setting values ​​that should be retained even when power is not supplied to the power control IC 100 non-volatile, and setting values ​​and input signal values ​​used after power is turned on volatile. The register control unit 104 can also hold values ​​such as input values ​​of various sensors described later, analog signal inputs, and digital values ​​after analog-to-digital conversion. Therefore, it is not necessary to supply power to ICs other than the power control IC 100 or to the main control unit 108 in order to supply power to various sensors or to retain various values. In this way, it is possible to detect signals input to the recording device 500 while achieving a low-power standby state.

[0028] The values ​​held in the register control unit 104 can be read by the main control unit 108 after the recording device 500 is started and used to control the recording device 500. Normally, the register settings are stored in the memory area by assigning an address to each setting. However, if it is desired to reduce the register area, the amount of memory can be reduced by assigning the setting values ​​one bit at a time instead of assigning each setting value to an address, thereby reducing the memory area. The data area of ​​the register control unit 104 may be configured to assign addresses for each function, or to assign functions to one bit at a time; it is not limited to any particular configuration.

[0029] Power is supplied to the power control IC 100 when the power supply unit 105 is connected to the commercial power supply. The power supply unit 105 converts AC power supplied from a common outlet to DC power. For example, it converts AC 100V or AC 240V to a voltage that is easy for the recording device 500 on which the power control IC 100 is installed, such as DC 32V or DC 24V, and supplies it. Furthermore, the power supply unit 105 is not the only source of DC power; the power control IC 100 may also be operated by a power supply unit such as a battery (not shown).

[0030] The power control IC 100 becomes operational when power is supplied from the power supply unit 105 or the like, causing the reset signal 106 to go high, thus releasing the reset state. In Figure 2, the reset signal 106 is pulled up by the power output of the IC power generation unit 103 of the power control IC 100, but it is also possible to pull up the reset signal 106 using peripheral circuits outside of the power control IC 100.

[0031] The power key 107 supplies an input signal to transition the recording device 500, on which the power control IC 100 is mounted, from the off state to the on state, or from the on state to the off state. The power key 107 may be composed of a self-resetting switch whose contacts change only when pressed, or a contact switching switch. In addition, the power key 107 switches its contacts by a physical mechanism, but it may also be composed of a method other than electrical contact, such as a capacitive or optical contact. In Figure 2, the signal from the power key 107 is pulled up by the power supply from the IC power generation unit 103 of the power control IC 100, but it is also possible to pull it up with peripheral circuitry outside the power control IC 100.

[0032] In this embodiment, a detection means is provided to detect when a transition signal such as a power key 107 is input to the power control IC 100. This allows the device to switch between on and off states even without supplying power to the main control unit 108, which determines the power state transition of the recording device 500.

[0033] The main control unit 108 represents a device control unit that controls the recording device 500, whose power supply is controlled by the power supply control IC 100, and is connected to the power supply control IC 100 via control lines. In Figure 2, the connection lines between the main control unit 108 and the control units 101 and 104 are bus connections. However, the configuration of the control lines may also be serial signals such as differential signals, parallel signals, or general-purpose interfaces such as SPI and I2C. As will be described later with reference to Figure 3, the main control unit 108 includes a control unit that includes control ICs such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or CPU, and peripheral circuits such as memory. This control unit may consist only of ICs such as integrated circuits with multiple functions implemented, or it may be a unit that includes both ICs and peripheral circuits; its configuration is not limited. The main control unit 108 can communicate with the control unit 101 and the register control unit 104 of the power supply control IC 100. The main control unit 108 can send and receive set values ​​by communicating with the control unit 101 to configure various settings, communicating with the register control unit 104 via the control unit 101, and communicating directly with the register control unit 104.

[0034] Figure 2 illustrates the configuration necessary for power-saving control of the power supply, but as explained in Figure 3, for example, it is also possible to implement functions other than power supply control in the power supply control IC 100. Furthermore, the implemented functions may be implemented inside the power supply control IC 100 or configured as peripheral circuits, and the implementation form is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, it is referred to as the power supply control IC 100, but it may also be configured as a circuit block.

[0035] Furthermore, although the embodiment uses a recording device 500 as an example, the device equipped with the power control IC 100 is not limited to such a recording device, but can also be applied to other electronic devices such as cameras.

[0036] Next, referring to Figure 3, we will explain the case where functions other than those shown in Figure 2 are implemented in the power control IC 100.

[0037] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the main control 108 and power control IC 100 in the recording device 500 according to this embodiment. In Figure 3, parts common to Figure 2 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted.

[0038] In Figure 3, an ADC (analog-to-digital converter) 201 and a motor control unit 202 are implemented within the power control IC 100. External signals include analog signals 204, such as those from a thermistor, and input signals from various sensors 205 that detect user operations. The thermistor is used to detect the ambient temperature of the recording device 500 and to control the device based on the external temperature. Sensors 205 are, for example, sensors in the recording device 500 that detect operations such as the operation of the paper feed cassette or paper tray, or the replacement of recording materials such as ink. The input signals for analog signals 204 and sensors 205 may be powered by the power supply from the IC power generation unit 103, or by the output power of the power supply unit 102 or by an externally supplied power supply. Furthermore, the number of analog signals 204 and sensor signals 205 input to the power control IC 100 may be singular or multiple, and the number of signals is not limited.

[0039] The ADC201 has the function of converting the input signal 204 of the analog signal into a digital signal, and the function of sampling the analog signal 204 at a fixed period and converting it into a digital signal. It also has the function of averaging the sampled signal and performing various calculations. For example, when a thermistor signal is input to the ADC201 as the analog signal 204, the thermistor signal is sampled at predetermined fixed periods and converted into a digital signal. Then, a set calculation is performed on that digital signal and the calculated value is stored in the power control IC100. In this way, the temperature inside or outside the recording device is detected and stored at regular intervals, and the main control unit 108 can use this stored information to check the status of the recording device 500 or for control purposes when it starts up.

[0040] Furthermore, the ADC201 can sample the analog signal 204 using the internal power supply provided by the IC power generation unit 103, even when the power supply unit 102 is not outputting power and the recording device 500 is in power-saving off mode. Also, when the main control unit 108 is running, the analog signal 204 input by the power control IC 100 can be output directly to the main control unit 108, or the analog signal 204 can be input to the main control unit 108 in parallel for analog signal processing. When the analog signal 204 is input in parallel to the power control IC 100 and the main control unit 108, a circuit (not shown) that selects which to input to in order to separate the power supply of the analog signal 204 may be used. It is also possible to output the digital value sampled by the ADC201 to the main control unit 108 for control even when the main control unit 108 is running.

[0041] Similarly, even when the power supply unit 102 is not outputting power, and the recording device 500 is in the power-saving off state, the input signal from the sensor 205 can be detected by the power supplied by the IC power supply generation unit 103. In this way, even when the recording device 500 is in the power-saving off state, the ADC 201 and sensor 205 operate, and data can be stored in the register control unit 104. After the recording device 500 transitions to the ON state, the main control unit 108 reads the values ​​stored in the register control unit 104. In this way, when the recording device 500 is turned ON, the main control unit 108 can understand the operations performed during the low-power consumption power-saving off state.

[0042] For example, if the recording device 500 can detect when the user has placed paper in the paper cassette while it is in power-saving off mode, as well as the number of sheets of paper and the size of the paper, then when it transitions to the ON state, the paper information will already be detected. This eliminates the need for the user to set the paper information again. Similarly, imaging devices such as cameras can detect and retain information such as when a recording medium (such as an SD card) has been inserted or removed, or when the playback button for viewing captured images has been pressed, while in power-saving off mode. This enables various controls, such as automatically displaying the playback screen when the device transitions to the ON state or after the power key is pressed.

[0043] Next, we will explain the configuration including the control motor control unit 202 and the control of the motor 203.

[0044] The power control IC 100 uses the voltage supplied to it to control the DC / DC output and the motor 203. In this embodiment, the voltage input to the power control IC 100 is used commonly for both the DC / DC input power and the motor 203 control power. This allows the power generation IC and motor control IC, which are usually composed of separate ICs and peripheral circuits, to be integrated into the power control IC 100. This offers advantages such as reducing the area of ​​the IC mounting board and lowering costs by eliminating individual ICs. Furthermore, by making the voltage for power generation in the power control IC 100 and the voltage for controlling the motor 203 common, the number of voltages input to the power control IC 100 can be reduced. On the other hand, the voltages input to the power control IC 100 may be different for the power supply unit 102 and for motor 203 control, and the number of voltages input to the power control IC 100 is not limited.

[0045] The control line between ASIC206 and motor control unit 202 may be configured to be connected in parallel with the register control unit 104, or it may be configured to switch between motor control and register control. For example, if the control line from the main control unit 108 is connected in parallel, motor control is performed using that control line while motor 203 is being controlled. When motor 203 is not being controlled (motor 203 is not operating), the control line can be used to control the power supply control IC 100, such as setting the output of the power supply unit 102, thus allowing it to be used as a common control line. Switching between motor 203 control and power supply control IC 100 control can be done by a control switching signal via a control switching line, or, if a control switching signal is not used, by specifying which to control at the beginning of the control signal transmission command. It is also possible to control the motor control unit 202 and the register control unit 104 from ASIC206 via the control unit 101. Furthermore, by connecting ASIC206 to motor control unit 202 and ASIC206 to power supply control IC 100 separately, it is possible to control each simultaneously.

[0046] When controlling the motor 203, as described above, if DC32V or DC24V power is supplied to the power control IC 100 from the power supply unit 105, the various motors 203 can be driven using DC32V or DC24V. The power control IC 100 is equipped with a boost converter (not shown) to drive the motor 203, for example. When the power supply unit 105 is a power source that outputs a power of around 5V or 10V, such as a lithium-ion battery or an AC adapter, the power control IC 100 uses the voltage boosted by the boost converter (not shown) to control the motor control unit 202 and the motor 203. Alternatively, this boost converter may be configured as an external circuit (boost converter circuit) of the power control IC 100 and supplied to the power control IC 100. Furthermore, the output voltage of the boost converter or boost converter circuit can be used for purposes other than controlling the motor 203; for example, its output voltage may be used as the input power for the power supply unit 102 or the IC power generation unit 103 of the power control IC 100. The boosted voltage may also be used to control the motor 203, while the voltage before boosting may be used as the input power supply for the DC-DC converter of the power supply unit 102.

[0047] Many products use multiple motors 203. For example, in the recording device 500, the main motors used are a paper feed motor for feeding paper from the paper tray or paper cassette, a motor for driving the recording head in the scanning direction, a motor for driving the paper transport rollers, and a scanner motor for scanning the scanner sensor during scanning. In imaging devices such as cameras, motors are used for lens barrel control, focus adjustment, and shutter control. Motors 203 can be DC motors or stepping motors, and the type of motor is not limited. Also, although four motors 203 are shown in Figure 3, in reality there can be one or more, and the number is not limited.

[0048] The motor control unit 202 is connected to the ASIC 206 by control lines, and can be controlled directly from the ASIC 206. The ASIC 206 and the motor control unit 202 can be configured either as a bus connection, separating control lines for each motor, or as a serial signal connection, controlling all motors. For example, in the case of a bus connection, a pair of PHASE and ENABLE signals is connected to the bus according to the number of motors, and the number of signal lines required for the power control IC 100's control lines is shared with the motor control signals. In the case of a serial connection, control is performed by switching between controlling the power control IC 100, specifying the motor 203 to be controlled, or controlling motor 203, based on commands sent via serial signals.

[0049] Next, an example of the internal configuration of the main control unit 108 will be described. Actual devices have a wide variety of functions implemented, and include multiple control ICs, various sensors, and operating mechanisms, resulting in a complex structure that cannot be represented in Figure 3. However, here we will describe the components relevant to this embodiment. In Figure 3, the ASIC206 is shown as the central IC of the main control 108, but it can also be a general-purpose CPU or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or other control IC, and is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0050] Next, I will explain the configuration of the ASIC206.

[0051] When the ASIC 206 is powered by the power supply unit 102, the CPU 209 starts controlling the recording device 500 according to the control program stored in the ROM 207 via the memory controller 210. The key detection unit 208 can detect whether the power key 107 has been operated via the power control IC 100. When the power key 107 is operated, the recording device 500 can transition to the ON state. At that time, the ASIC 206 can determine whether the transition is from the OFF state or the power-saving OFF state to the ON state by reading the output setting of the power supply unit 102 set in the register control unit 104. Similarly, the sensor detection unit 212 can detect the state of the sensor 205 of the recording device 500 via the power control IC 100. In this way, the ASIC 206 detects the change in the sensor 205 and executes the necessary processing as appropriate. Furthermore, the ASIC 206 can communicate with the power control IC 100 via the communication I / F 211. In addition to communicating with the power control IC 100, the communication interface 211 also controls communication between the USB ports and wired / wireless LAN within the recording device 500. The protocol used for this communication may be an I2C or UART interface protocol, or it may be a high-speed communication configuration such as differential signaling or PCIe. The communication protocol of the communication interface 211 is determined according to the specifications of the recording device 500.

[0052] Furthermore, when power is supplied to the ASIC206, the power control IC100 transmits the state of the power key 107 to the key detection unit 208 of the ASIC206, enabling the ASIC206 to detect operation of the power key 107. Similarly, the state of the sensor 205 is transmitted to the sensor detection unit 212 of the ASIC206, enabling the ASIC206 to detect the sensor 205. When power is supplied to the ASIC206, the state includes an ON state (operating state) and an OFF state that can be operated by the user, while when power is not supplied to the ASIC206, it is in a power-saving OFF state.

[0053] The power control IC 100 can switch the supply and shutdown of power to various internal circuits. For example, in the off state, the power supply unit 102 supplies power to the main control unit 108, etc., but if the motor 203 is not being controlled, the standby power consumption of the recording device 500 can be reduced by stopping the power supply to the motor control unit 202 and the motor 203. Note that stopping the power supply to the motor control system is just one example; the power control IC 100 can reduce the power consumption of the recording device 500 by stopping unnecessary power supply as appropriate.

[0054] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the state transitions of the recording device 500 when an external power supply is provided in the recording device 500 according to this embodiment.

[0055] As described above, the recording device 500 can be in one of three states, as described below. The first state is the ON state, in which power is supplied from the power supply unit 105 to the main control unit 108 (ASIC 206) from the power supply unit 102, and the device is ready to operate. The second state is the OFF state, in which power is supplied from the power supply unit 102 to the main control unit 108 (ASIC 206), but the device is stopped and waiting to transition to the ON state. For example, the second state is a state in which pre-operation processing, such as initialization processing, is required to make the device ready to operate. The third state is the power-saving OFF state, in which the power supply from the power supply unit 102 to the main control unit 108 (ASIC 206) has been stopped, and the device is waiting to transition to the ON state.

[0056] In this embodiment, in addition to the ON state which allows the user to operate through a display unit such as the operation unit 506, a power-saving state which performs power-saving control to unused function blocks when there is no operation temporarily is also considered an ON state. Furthermore, a standby state which does not display anything on the display unit but can transition to an ON state when it receives an operation job from a communication I / F 211 such as USB or wireless LAN is also considered an ON state. This standby state is an operable mode when power is supplied to the main control unit 108 (ASIC206). In addition, a power-saving OFF state is defined as a state in which, in the minimum power state where the power supply to the main control unit 108 (ASIC206) is stopped, the system transitions to an operable ON state when it receives a specific process.

[0057] First, in S401, the power supply unit 105 is supplied with power from an external source. For example, if the power supply unit 105 is a battery, this means the battery is connected. If the power supply unit 105 is an AC adapter, this means the power supply unit 105 is connected to the commercial power supply. Next, in S402, the power supply voltage generated by the power supply unit 105 is supplied to the power control IC 100. As a result, the IC power supply generation unit 103 generates and outputs internal power, and the power control IC 100 is released from the reset state.

[0058] Next, proceeding to S403, the control unit 101 of the power control IC 100 determines, based on the setting value of the register control unit 104, whether the power supply unit 102 is set to output power. If the power supply unit 102 is set to output power (DC-DC output setting is ON), the process transitions to S404, and the power supply unit 102 (DC-DC / LDO) is operated to output power. On the other hand, if the power supply unit 102 is set not to output power (DC-DC output setting is OFF), the process transitions to S410, and the power supply unit 102 transitions to a power-saving OFF state where it does not supply power.

[0059] This DCDC output setting is determined based on a setting value held in the register control unit 104, which also includes the timing of the power output of the DCDC and LDO from the power supply unit 102 and the output order of each DCDC / LDO. Therefore, the control unit 101 controls the power output according to this setting value. This output setting of the power supply unit 102 allows the recording device 500 to switch between an off state where power is supplied to the main control unit 108 and a power-saving off state where power is not supplied to the main control unit 108.

[0060] In S404, the power supply unit 102 generates power, and then supplies the generated voltages to various parts of the device, such as the main control unit 108.

[0061] Next, in S405, the main control unit 108 (ASIC206) starts processing according to the control program stored in ROM207, as power supply has been initiated. For example, it loads data into RAM207 and initializes each module implemented inside the ASIC206, such as the communication I / F211 and memory controller210, to make them usable and prepare for startup. Next, it proceeds to S406, and after completing the startup preparations, it transitions to a standby state before transitioning to the ON state. In this standby state, power consumption can be reduced by switching the output of the power supply unit 102 from the normal mode to a low-power mode with a reduced chopping frequency.

[0062] Then, in S407, the system waits for a transition signal to the ON state, such as a press of the power key 107. When a transition signal is received, such as a press of the power key 107 or a startup signal for the recording device 500, the system proceeds to the startup process in S408. On the other hand, if no transition signal is received, the system maintains a standby state in S407, waiting for a transition signal to be received.

[0063] In S408, the main control unit 108 performs the transition process (startup process) to the ON state of the device. For example, it lights up the display units such as the LCD and LEDs of the user interface, and initializes the mechanical operating mechanisms such as the motor 203. If the power supply unit 102 is set to low power consumption mode, it changes it to normal output mode. Then, proceeding to S409, the recording device 500 is transitioned to an ON state that can be operated by the user. After transitioning to S409, if it is determined that it is not necessary to maintain the operational state, power-saving standby states are also included, such as turning off the display units and changing the output of the power supply unit 102 from normal output mode to a low power consumption mode with reduced chopping frequency.

[0064] On the other hand, if the power supply unit 102 is not set to output power in S403, the process proceeds to S410, where the power supply unit 102 transitions to a power-saving off state in which it does not supply power to the main control unit 108 (ASIC206). In this power-saving off state, power is not supplied from the power control IC 100 to various devices and units, thus achieving a low power consumption state. The process then proceeds to S411, where, similar to S407, the system waits for the input of a transition signal to the ON state, such as the power key 107. When a transition signal is input, the process proceeds to S412, where, similar to S404, the power supply unit 102 generates power and supplies various generated voltages to the main control unit 108 and other components within the device. As a result, power is supplied to the main control unit 108, and the process proceeds to S413, where, similar to S405, each module is initialized to a usable state, and the process proceeds to S408. The startup process is then performed in S408, and the process transitions to the ON state in S409.

[0065] This process allows the device to transition to an off state, which is a standby state that transitions to the on state, and a power-saving off state, which is a standby state that transitions to the on state, based on the setting value held in the register control unit 104 when the power is turned on. Furthermore, in the power-saving off state, the power control IC operates on a power-saving internal power supply generated by the IC power control unit, which further reduces the overall power consumption of the device in standby mode.

[0066] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process when the recording device 500 according to this embodiment transitions from an operational state to a standby state.

[0067] S501 indicates the ON state of S409 in Figure 4. Next, in S502, if a signal that transitions to the OFF state, such as pressing the power key 107, is detected while the device is in the ON state (operational state), the process proceeds to S503. In S503, the control unit 101 of the power control IC 100 checks the setting value of the register control unit 104 and determines whether the output setting of the power supply unit 102 is set to output power. If the power supply unit 102 is set to output power (DC-DC output ON), the process proceeds to S504; if the power supply unit 102 is set not to output power, the process proceeds to S506.

[0068] In S504, the main control unit 108 performs the process of transitioning the device to the off state. Here, for example, it performs the process of turning off the display units such as the LCD and LEDs of the user interface, and initializing the mechanical operating mechanisms such as the motor 203. The control unit 101 also performs the process of changing the power supply unit 102 from normal output mode to low power consumption mode. Once the transition process to the off state is completed, the process proceeds to S505, where the recording device 500 is transitioned to the off state (standby state), and this process ends.

[0069] Meanwhile, in S506, the main control unit 108 initiates the transition to the power-saving off state of the device. At this time, similar to S504, it performs the process of turning off the display units such as the LCD and LEDs of the user interface and initializing the mechanical operating mechanisms such as the motor 203, and records in the register control unit 104 that the power control IC 100 should transition to the power-saving off state. This transition record makes it possible to determine whether the transition occurred immediately after power was turned on from the power supply unit 105, or when the power was already on and the device transitioned to the power-saving off state. This allows the processing when the recording device 500 is started to be changed, as mentioned above. When the processing in S506 is completed, the process proceeds to S507, where the control unit 101 stops the output of the power supply unit 102. In S507, the control unit 101 of the power control IC 100 stops the power output from the power supply unit 102 and stops the power supply to the main control unit 108 (ASIC 206). Then, the process proceeds to S508, transitioning to the power-saving off state, and then to the power-saving off state where it is waiting for input of a signal to transition to the ON state, such as the power key 107, and this process ends.

[0070] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating the sequence when the recording device 500 according to this embodiment is powered on and when it transitions to the off state.

[0071] First, when power is supplied to the power supply unit 105 from an external source in S601, the reset of the power control IC 100 (control unit 101) is released in S602. In Figure 6, reference number 630 indicates the case where the DCDC output setting is ON, based on the setting value held in the register control unit 104, and reference number 640 indicates the case where the DCDC output setting is OFF.

[0072] If the DC-DC output setting is ON, in S603 the control unit 101 instructs the power supply unit 102 to output power according to the setting value held in the register control unit 104. As a result, in S604 the power supply unit 102 starts outputting power. When power is supplied to the main control unit 108 in S605, in S606 the main control unit 108 performs the initial setup described in S404 above, and then in S606, as described in S406, it transitions to a standby state before transitioning to the ON state. Then, in S607, when the power key 107 is pressed, the startup process is performed in S608, similar to S408, and it transitions to the ON state.

[0073] On the other hand, if the DCDC output setting is off, the power supply unit 102 is in a power-saving off state where it does not output power, that is, the main control unit 108 is in standby mode. Then, when the power key 107 is pressed in S609, S610 instructs the power supply unit 102 to output power. As a result, in S611, the power supply unit 102 generates power and supplies various generated voltages to the main control unit 108 and other parts of the device. As a result, power is supplied to the main control unit 108 in S612. Thus, in S613, the main control unit 108 performs the initial setup described in S404 above, and once the initial setup is complete, it performs the startup process in S614 and switches to the ON state.

[0074] Next, we will explain the case where the system transitions from the ON state to the standby state. Reference number 650 indicates the case where the DCDC output setting is ON, based on the setting value held in the register control unit 104, and reference number 660 indicates the case where the DCDC output setting is OFF.

[0075] When the power key 107 is pressed while the device is ON, the press of the power key 107 is detected by the control unit 101 and the main control unit 108 in S615. If the DC-DC output setting is ON, in S616 the control unit 101 of the power control IC 100 instructs the power supply unit 102 to change from normal output mode to low power consumption mode. As a result, in S617 the power supply unit 102 changes from normal output mode to low power consumption mode. Also, when the main control unit 108 detects that the power key 107 has been pressed, in S618 it performs a transition process to the OFF state, for example, by turning off the display units such as the LCD and LEDs of the user interface, and initializing the mechanical operating mechanisms such as the motor 203. In this way, the recording device 500 is transitioned to the OFF state (standby state).

[0076] On the other hand, if the DCDC output setting is off, pressing the power key 107 is detected in S619 by the control unit 101 and the main control unit 108. As a result, the main control unit 108 performs operations such as turning off the LCD and LEDs of the user interface display and initializing the mechanical operating mechanism such as the motor 203. Then, in S620, the main control unit 108 records in the register control unit 104 that the power control IC 100 has transitioned to the power-saving off state. As a result, in S621, the control unit 101 records this transition information in the register control unit 104. Then, in S622, the control unit 101 stops the output of the power supply unit 102. Thus, in S623, the power supply unit 102 stops its power output. As a result, in S624, the power supply to the main control unit 108 (ASIC 206) is also stopped. Then, in S625, as explained in S508, the main control unit 108 transitions to a power-saving off state and waits for an input of an electrical transition signal, such as the power key 107 being turned on.

[0077] In the embodiments described above, an inkjet recording device was used as an example, but the present invention is not limited to inkjet recording devices. The present invention is not limited to recording devices, but can be applied to any product that needs to reduce standby power, such as cameras and mobile phones that use batteries. For example, when applied to an air purifier, a sensor can be installed on the cover that holds the filter, and if the cover is opened or closed while the power saving function is off, this can be stored in memory. Then, when the state transitions from the power saving off state to the on state, a message can be sent to the user to confirm whether the filter has been replaced.

[0078] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized 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 realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0079] This specification and drawings disclose the following power supply control devices, electronic devices having power supply control devices, and methods for controlling power supply control devices.

[0080] [Item 1] A power supply means that outputs power, A storage means for storing information that controls the output of the power supply means, A detection means for detecting the input of a transition signal that causes a transition in the power supply state, When the detection means detects the input of the transition signal, the control means controls the output of the power supply from the power supply means based on the information stored in the storage means. A power control device characterized by having the following features.

[0081] [Item 2] The power control device according to item 1, characterized in that the power supply means has at least one DC-DC converter.

[0082] [Item 3] The power control device according to item 2, characterized in that the power supply means further comprises at least one regulator.

[0083] [Item 4] The power control device according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the transition signal is input by pressing the power key.

[0084] [Item 5] The power control device according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the transition signal is input by a startup signal of an electronic device equipped with the power control device.

[0085] [Item 6] The power control device according to any one of items 1 to 5, further comprising motor control means for controlling a motor in an electronic device equipped with the power control device.

[0086] [Item 7] The power control device according to any one of items 1 to 6, further comprising a power generation means that generates an internal power supply used in the power control device when connected to a commercial power supply or a battery.

[0087] [Item 8] The power control device according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that the information includes a setting indicating whether or not to output power from the power supply means.

[0088] [Item 9] The power supply state of the power supply is characterized in that it includes a first state in which power is supplied from the power supply means and the electronic device equipped with the power supply control device is operational, a second state in which power is supplied from the power supply means but the operation of the electronic device is stopped and it is waiting to transition to the first state, and a third state in which the power supply from the power supply means is stopped and it is waiting to transition to the first state, as described in any one of items 1 to 8.

[0089] [Item 10] The power control device according to item 9, characterized in that if the information includes a setting indicating that power should not be output from the power supply means, the control means controls the electronic device to transition to the second state, and when the detection means detects the input of the transition signal in the second state, the control means controls the electronic device to transition to the first state.

[0090] [Item 11] The power supply control device according to item 9 or 10, characterized in that the power supply means has at least one DC-DC converter, and the second state is a state in which the chopping frequency of the at least one DC-DC converter is lower than that of the first state.

[0091] [Item 12] The power control device according to any one of items 9 to 11, characterized in that the third state is a power-saving off state in which the electronic device consumes less power than in other states.

[0092] [Item 13] The power control device according to any one of items 9 to 12, characterized in that the control means controls the electronic device to transition to the third state when the detection means detects the input of the transition signal in the first state and the information indicates that the power supply means should not output power.

[0093] [Item 14] The power control device according to any one of items 9 to 14, characterized in that the control means controls the electronic device to transition to the second state when the detection means detects the input of the transition signal in the first state and the information indicates that the power supply means should output power.

[0094] [Item 15] It is an electronic device, A power control device as described in any one of items 1 to 14, It includes a main control means that controls the operation of the electronic device based on the power supply from the aforementioned power supply means, The main control means is characterized by causing the power state of the electronic device to be stored in the storage means.

[0095] [Item 16] The electronic device according to item 15, characterized in that the information includes a setting of whether or not to supply power from the power supply means to the main control means.

[0096] [Item 17] The electronic device according to item 15 or 16, characterized in that, if the information includes a setting to supply power from the power supply means, the control means controls to supply power from the power supply means to the main control means.

[0097] [Item 18] The electronic device according to any one of items 15 to 17, further characterized in that the information includes information indicating whether power is supplied from an external power source when the electronic device is started up.

[0098] [Item 19] The electronic device according to any one of items 15 to 18, further characterized in that the storage means can retain the contents of operations performed while the electronic device is in a power-saving off state, which is a lower power consumption state than other states.

[0099] [Item 20] A control method for a power control device having a power supply means that outputs power, A storage step for storing information that controls the output of the power supply means, A detection process for detecting the input of a transition signal that causes a transition in the power supply state, When the input of the transition signal is detected in the detection step, a control step is performed to control the output of the power supply from the power supply means based on the information stored in the storage step, A control method characterized by having the following features.

[0100] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to make the scope of the invention public. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 100...Power control IC, 101...Control unit, 102...Power control unit, 103...IC power generation unit, 104...Register control unit, 105...Power unit, 106...Reset signal, 107...Power key, 108...Main control unit

Claims

1. An electronic device, A power supply means that outputs power, A storage means for storing information that controls the output of the power supply means, A detection means for detecting the input of a transition signal that causes a transition in the power supply state, When the detection means detects the input of the transition signal, the control means controls the output of the power supply from the power supply means based on the information stored in the storage means. It includes a main control means that controls the operation of the electronic device based on the power supply from the aforementioned power supply means, The power supply means is capable of outputting a power supply generated by at least one voltage conversion circuit based on power supplied from an external power source. The information includes a setting indicating whether to stop the generation of power by the at least one voltage conversion circuit and stop the power supply to the main control means, or to start the generation of power by the at least one voltage conversion circuit and start the power supply to the main control means. The control means is characterized in that, when power is supplied from the external power source, it detects the input of the transition signal and stops or starts the generation of power by the at least one voltage conversion circuit according to the setting.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one voltage conversion circuit has a DC-DC converter.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the power supply means further comprises at least one regulator.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transition signal is input by pressing the power key.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transition signal is input by the startup signal of the electronic device.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising motor control means for controlling a motor in the electronic device.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a power generation means that generates an internal power supply used in the electronic device by being connected to a commercial power supply or a battery.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply state includes a first state in which power is supplied from the power supply means and the electronic device is operational; a second state in which power is supplied from the power supply means but the operation of the electronic device is stopped and it is waiting to transition to the first state; and a third state in which the power supply from the power supply means is stopped and it is waiting to transition to the first state.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein if the information includes a setting indicating that the generation of power by the at least one voltage conversion circuit is stopped and the power supply to the main control means is stopped, the control means controls the electronic device to transition to the second state, and when the detection means detects the input of the transition signal in the second state, the control means controls the electronic device to transition to the first state.

10. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one voltage conversion circuit has a DC-DC converter, and the second state is a state in which the chopping frequency of the DC-DC converter is lower than that of the first state.

11. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that the third state is a power-saving off state in which the electronic device consumes less power than in other states.

12. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that the control means controls the electronic device to transition to the third state when the detection means detects the input of the transition signal in the first state and the information indicates that the power supply means does not output power.

13. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the control means controls the electronic device to transition to the second state when the detection means detects the input of the transition signal in the first state and the information indicates that the generation of power by the at least one voltage conversion circuit is stopped and the power supply to the main control means is stopped.

14. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the main control means causes the power state of the electronic device to be stored in the storage means.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein if the information includes a setting that indicates that the generation of power by the at least one voltage conversion circuit is initiated and power is supplied to the main control means, the control means controls to supply power from the power supply means to the main control means.

16. The electronic device according to claim 13, further characterized in that the information includes information indicating whether power is being supplied from an external power source when the electronic device is started up.

17. The electronic device according to claim 13, further characterized in that the storage means can store the contents of operations performed while the electronic device is in a power-saving off state, which is a state of lower power consumption than other states.

18. The electronic device according to Claim 1, wherein the main control means reads the information stored in the storage means to determine whether the electronic device was started from a standby state in which power was supplied from the power supply means to the main control means, or from a power-saving off state in which power supply from the power supply means to the main control means was stopped, and switches the startup process of the electronic device according to the result of the determination.

19. A control method for electronic equipment comprising a power supply means for outputting power, and a main control means for controlling the operation of the electronic equipment based on the power supply from the power supply means, A storage step for storing information that controls the output of the power supply means, A detection process for detecting the input of a transition signal that causes a transition in the power supply state, The detection step includes a control step in which, upon detecting the input of the transition signal, the output of the power supply from the power supply means is controlled based on the information stored in the storage step. The power supply means is capable of outputting a power supply generated by at least one voltage conversion circuit based on power supplied from an external power source. The information includes a setting indicating whether to stop the generation of power by the at least one voltage conversion circuit and stop the power supply to the main control means, or to start the generation of power by the at least one voltage conversion circuit and start the power supply to the main control means. The control step is a control method characterized in that, when power is supplied from the external power source, upon detecting the input of the transition signal, the generation of power by the at least one voltage conversion circuit is stopped or started according to the setting.

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