Patent ID: 7349122
Filing Date: 2008-03-25
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A printer for performing printing operations on a recording medium on the basis of data transmitted from an information processing apparatus, comprising: preprinting preparation means for performing predetermined preparation operations, which are performed before the printing operations are performed, with first time information representing the time when the predetermined preparation operations were last performed, and with an initial value of the first time information being set to a future time projected to be later than the shipment time of the printer; storing means for storing first time information indicating the time when the predetermined preparation operations were last performed; controlling means that (i) receives second time information indicating the current time transmitted from the information processing apparatus, (ii) calculates the time elapsed between the time indicated by the first time information, representing the time when the predetermined preparation operations were last performed, and the time indicated by the second time information, representing the current time, and (iii) controls the predetermined preparation operations on the basis of the elapsed time; and information updating means for updating the first time information stored in the storing means at the time when the predetermined preparation operations are performed, wherein the controlling means controls the predetermined preparation operations irrespective of whether the value of the elapsed time is calculated to be positive or negative.