Patent ID: 8500227
Filing Date: 2013-08-06
Classification: B41J,G06K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for controlling a printing unit, the apparatus comprising: a setting unit configured to set a next operation-start time that represents a future time at which the printing unit is entered into an operation state from a non-operation state, wherein a current operation-finish time represents a time at which the printing unit enters into the non-operation state from the operation state, and wherein the current operation-finish time is before the next operation-start time; and a control unit configured to cause the printing unit to enter into the non-operation state from the operation state, wherein the non-operation state includes at least a first standby mode and a second standby mode, wherein the printing unit is configured to be actuated from the first standby mode to the operation state in a first actuation time and actuated from the second standby mode to the operation state in a second actuation time that is shorter than the first actuation time, wherein, in response to determining that a time difference between the next operation start time and the current operation-finish time is shorter than a specified period corresponding to the first actuation time, the control unit restricts the printing unit to enter from the operation state into the non-operation state in the first standby mode.