JP2002326374A - Printer, printing system, and print control device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a technique for a user to easily replace an ink cartridge. When an ink end is reached, a cartridge is moved to a replacement position (S101, S102). A message notifying the ink end is output to the display device of the host (S103). When the user takes out the cartridge, replaces it, and attaches it to the printer, it is detected (S104, S105). Then, it is determined whether or not the mounted cartridge has ink. If there is ink, the ink is filled (S107).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for controlling a printer, and more particularly to a control for exchanging an image forming medium container such as an ink cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an ink-jet printer, when exchanging an ink cartridge, a user is forced to perform a complicated operation. That is, the ink cartridge is moved to the replacement position, and after the replacement, the ink filling is started by a more complicated operation. Ink cartridge replacement is rarely performed, and the operation for that is also complicated. Therefore, a general user is forced to perform an operation in accordance with a manual every time. Due to the complexity of the operation, many users fail to replace the ink cartridge, which may require repair of the printer.

[0003] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for allowing a user to easily replace a container that stores an image forming medium.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention performs the following processing. That is, it is detected that the image forming medium container accommodating the image forming medium used for printing is mounted on the mounting section. The remaining amount of the image forming medium in the currently mounted image forming medium container is detected. When the remaining amount of the image forming medium is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the image forming medium is filled in the print head.

[0005]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a printing system according to the present embodiment includes a host computer (hereinafter, referred to as a “host”) 1 and a printer as a printing device for printing print data output from the host 1. 6 is provided.

The host 1 has a host body 11, a display device 12, and a keyboard 13. The host body 11 includes a CPU 20 that executes various programs and the like.
And R in which various data and various programs are stored.
OM 21, RAM 22 for temporarily storing various data and various programs, display controller 23 for controlling display device 12, keyboard controller 24 for controlling keyboard 13, floppy (registered trademark) disk drive 25, hard disk Drive 26, CD-ROM drive 27, printer interface 28, net interface 29
And

The printer 6 is, for example, an ink-jet printer capable of performing color printing. When receiving print data from the host 1, the printer 6 executes a predetermined printing process to form an image on a printing paper as a printing medium. is there. The printer 6 has a printing mechanism 68 that actually performs printing, and a print control unit 61 that controls these. The print control unit 61 includes a CPU 62 that executes various programs and the like.
And various data and various programs and EEPROM
63, a RAM 64 in which various data and various programs are temporarily stored, interfaces 65 and 66 for exchanging data with the host 1 or the printing mechanism 68, and a printing mechanism 68. The printing mechanism 68 includes a storage element 90. The storage element 90 is attached to a case that stores an image forming medium such as ink or toner that is detachable from the printing mechanism 68. The storage element 90 is preferably configured by a semiconductor storage device such as an IC (integrated circuit). In addition, the case for accommodating this image forming medium is:
A separate body may be provided for each of a plurality of colors used in the printer 6, and each color may be detachably configured. In that case, for example, C
(Cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), K
In the case of an ink-jet printer using four (black) inks, a case containing each of the CMYK inks is mounted on the printer 6 to execute printing.

Next, an example of a case for accommodating an image forming medium to which the storage element 90 is attached will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the ink cartridge 80 to which the storage element 90 is attached. The ink cartridge 80 includes a cartridge body 81 that forms an ink storage unit that stores ink therein, and the cartridge body 81.
And a storage element 90 built in the side frame portion 82 of the first embodiment. The storage element 90 stores identification information of the ink cartridge, information on the amount of ink, and the like.

When the ink cartridge 80 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion of the printer main body 11, the storage element 90 is connected to the interface 66 of the printer main body and exchanges various data with the printer main body.
Note that the “connection” here does not matter whether it is contact or non-contact. Therefore, although a contact type storage element is described below, a non-contact type storage element may be used. Since the storage element 90 is mounted in the recess 83 whose lower side is open with respect to the side frame 82 of the ink cartridge 80, only the plurality of connection terminals 84 are exposed. In addition,
Here, the ink cartridge has been described, but a toner cartridge having a toner storage unit for storing toner therein may be used.

Next, the internal functions of the printer 6 will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the printer 6.

The printing control unit 61 shown in FIG. 3 has a communication control unit 71, a printing mechanism control unit 72,
It has a storage element management unit 73 and a cartridge replacement processing unit 74. Each of these functions is realized by the CPU 62 executing a predetermined program.

The communication control section 71 controls communication with the host 1. For example, information for notifying the ink end is transmitted to the host 1.

The printing mechanism control section 72 controls the printing mechanism 68. For example, the printing mechanism control unit 72 receives a printing request from the host 1 and causes the printing mechanism 68 to execute printing. Further, the printing mechanism control unit 72 performs position control of the ink cartridge mounting unit 120 (see FIG. 4), control for filling a print head (not shown) with ink, and the like.

The storage element management section 73 detects the storage element 90 mounted on the ink cartridge 80 when the ink cartridge 80 is mounted on the mounting section of the printer main body 11. Thereby, the storage element management unit 73
Detects that the ink cartridge 80 is mounted. Further, the storage element management unit 73 stores the storage element 90
To read and write the information stored in.

Here, the information stored in the storage element 90 is, for example, information on the amount of ink in the ink cartridge. The information on the ink amount is, specifically, the amount of ink used or the remaining amount of ink. In the case of a cartridge storing a plurality of colors of ink, the storage element 90 stores information indicating the amount of ink of each color.

The cartridge replacement processing section 74 performs processing relating to replacement of the ink cartridge. For example, the cartridge replacement processing unit 74 detects the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge from the information on the amount of ink read from the storage element 90 by the storage element management unit 73. The cartridge replacement processing unit 74 compares the detected remaining amount of ink with a predetermined threshold value. Further, the cartridge exchange processing unit 74
Determines whether the mounted cartridge needs to be replaced based on the comparison result. When the remaining amount of ink is less than a predetermined threshold value or less than a predetermined threshold value, it is an ink end. Therefore, in the case of the ink end, the cartridge replacement processing unit 74 determines that the cartridge needs to be replaced. When the ink cartridge needs to be replaced, information for prompting the replacement is sent to the host 1.
Output to notify to. In the host 1, a message prompting replacement of the ink cartridge is displayed on the display device 1.
2 is displayed.

Further, the cartridge exchange processing section 74 includes:
When the ink cartridge needs to be replaced, the print mechanism control unit 72 may be instructed to move the ink cartridge mounting unit 120. In response, the printing mechanism control unit 72 moves the ink cartridge mounting unit to the replacement position. Hereinafter, the ink cartridge mounting section 12
The movement of 0 will be described.

For example, FIG. 4A shows a top view of the printer 6, and FIG. 4B shows a side view of the printer 6. The printer 6 includes a printer case 100 and a lid 110. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a state where the lid 110 is opened. Inside the case 100, an ink cartridge mounting portion 120 which is a part of a printing mechanism is stored. The ink cartridge 80 is housed in the cartridge mounting section 120. The cartridge mounting unit 120 slides on the guide shaft 130 and moves together with a print head (not shown). The cartridge mounting portion 120 is at the home position 200 on the guide shaft 130 when printing is not being performed.
However, the home position 200 is hidden in the case 100 even when the lid 110 is opened.
Therefore, in the home position 200, the cartridge 8
The exchange of 0 cannot be performed. Therefore, when replacing the cartridge, it is necessary to move the cartridge mounting portion 120 to the replacement position 210. The exchange position 210 is
Any place where the replacement work is easy can be performed.

The cartridge replacement processing section 74 compares the remaining amount of ink with a predetermined threshold. Then, when the remaining amount of ink is larger than a predetermined threshold value or is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value, it instructs the printing mechanism control section 72 to fill the print head with ink. This instruction is preferably issued when the ink cartridge is detected for the first time after the replacement of the ink cartridge. In response to this, the printing mechanism control unit 72 performs control for filling the print head with ink. Before the print head is filled with ink, the print head may be cleaned. Further, it may be instructed to return the cartridge mounting unit 120 to the home position in conjunction with the instruction to fill the ink.

The threshold value of the remaining amount of ink used here may be the same as or different from the threshold value for determining the ink end. In the case of different threshold values, the threshold value is larger than the threshold value for determining the ink end (the amount of remaining ink is large).

Next, a processing procedure in the present system will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the storage element management unit 73 sets the storage element 90
The cartridge replacement processing unit 74 reads information indicating the amount of ink from, and determines whether the currently mounted ink cartridge is out of ink (S101). If it is not the ink end, the process ends without doing anything. If it is the ink end, the cartridge replacement processing unit 74 instructs the printing mechanism control unit 72 to move the cartridge mounting unit 120. The printing mechanism 68 moves the cartridge mounting unit 120 to the replacement position according to the instruction (S102). Also,
The cartridge replacement processing unit 74 outputs information for notifying the host 1 that the ink is exhausted. Host 1
Then, a message for notifying the user of the ink end is output (S103). The storage element management unit 73 monitors whether the ink cartridge is removed from the mounting unit 120 based on whether the storage element is no longer detected (S104). If the cartridge is not taken out within a certain time, step S10
Return to 3. If the cartridge is taken out within the fixed time, wait until the cartridge is detected again (S10).
5). During this time, the user is performing a cartridge replacement operation.

When the ink cartridge is detected again,
The storage element management unit 73 reads the information indicating the amount of ink from the storage element 90, and the cartridge replacement processing unit 74 determines whether there is ink in the installed ink cartridge, that is, whether the ink cartridge is out of ink (S106). .
If there is no ink, the process returns to step S103, and the subsequent processing is repeated. If there is ink, the cartridge replacement processing unit 74 instructs the printing mechanism control unit 72 to fill the print head with ink and move the cartridge mounting unit to the home position. Thus, the printing mechanism 68 performs the operation as instructed (S107).

As a result, when the ink cartridge is replaced, the printer 6 can be automatically brought into a printable state. Therefore, the burden on the user due to the replacement of the ink cartridge is reduced.

Further, as another embodiment different from the above-described embodiment, the host 1 may have a function of the cartridge exchange processing unit 74. That is, C of the host body 11
The printer driver realized by the PU 20 executing the predetermined program is the cartridge exchange processing unit 7.
Four functions may be provided. This program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

The components described in the above embodiment can be changed, added, or omitted as much as possible.

[0029]

According to the present invention, the user can easily replace the container for storing the image forming medium.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an appearance of an ink cartridge 80.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a print control unit 61.

FIG. 4A is a top view of the printer, and FIG. 4B is a side view of the printer.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when replacing an ink cartridge.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Host computer 6 ... Printer 11 ... Host main body 61 ... Printing control part 68 ... Printing mechanism 72 ... Printing mechanism control part 73 ... Storage element management part 74 ... Cartridge exchange processing part 80 ... Ink cartridge 90 ... Storage element 100 ... Case 110 … Lid 120… ink cartridge mounting part 130… guide shaft 200… home position 210… replacement position.

Claims (13)

[Claims] An image forming medium container accommodating an image forming medium to be used for printing is a detachable printer, and a container detecting section for detecting that the image forming medium container is attached, A remaining amount detecting unit that detects a remaining amount of the image forming medium in the image forming medium container therein; and a control unit that fills the image forming medium into the print head when the remaining amount of the image forming medium is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value. When,
A printer comprising: 2. An image forming medium container, comprising: a storage element storing information indicating an amount of an image forming medium to be stored in the image forming medium container; 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein information indicating an amount of the forming medium is read. 3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the container detection unit detects that the image forming medium container is mounted by detecting the storage element. 4. A comparing means for comparing the remaining amount of the image forming medium with a predetermined threshold value, wherein the remaining amount of the image forming medium is smaller than the threshold value or less than the threshold value. 4. The printer according to claim 1, further comprising: means for outputting information for prompting replacement of the image forming medium container. 5. When the remaining amount of the image forming medium is smaller than the threshold value or equal to or smaller than the threshold value, the mounting section in which the image forming medium container is mounted is moved to the image forming medium. The printer according to claim 4, further comprising a position control unit that moves the container to a position where the container is replaced. 6. A mounting section for mounting an image forming medium container containing an image forming medium used for printing, a container detecting section for detecting that the image forming medium container is mounted, A remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the image forming medium in the image forming medium container, and a control unit that fills the image forming medium into the print head when the remaining amount of the image forming medium is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value.
A printing system comprising: 7. Detecting that an image forming medium container accommodating an image forming medium to be used for printing is mounted on the mounting portion, and detecting the remaining amount of the image forming medium in the mounted image forming medium container. And a printer control method for filling the print head with the image forming medium when the remaining amount of the image forming medium is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value. 8. A means for receiving information on the remaining amount of the image forming medium in the image forming medium container mounted on the printer, and the remaining amount of the image forming medium based on the information on the remaining amount of the image forming medium. Means for comparing with a threshold value, whether or not the remaining amount of the image forming medium is greater than a first threshold value;
A control unit that instructs the print head to fill the image forming medium when the print head is equal to or more than the first threshold value;
A print control device comprising: 9. A means for comparing the remaining amount of the image forming medium with a second threshold value based on the information on the remaining amount of the image forming medium; 9. The printing control apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: means for outputting information for prompting replacement of the currently mounted image forming medium container when the number is less than or equal to or less than a second threshold value. . 10. When the remaining amount of the image forming medium is less than the second threshold value or less than the second threshold value, the mounting section in which the image forming medium container is mounted is removed. 10. The print control apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising means for instructing a printer to move the image forming medium container to a position for performing a replacement operation. 11. Receiving information about the remaining amount of the image forming medium in the image forming medium container mounted on the printer, and determining the remaining amount of the image forming medium and a predetermined threshold based on the information about the remaining amount of the image forming medium. Whether the remaining amount of the image forming medium is larger than a predetermined threshold value,
Alternatively, a printer control method for instructing a print head to be filled with an image forming medium when the value is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value. 12. A process for receiving information about the remaining amount of the image forming medium in the image forming medium container mounted on the printer, and determining the remaining amount of the image forming medium based on the information about the remaining amount of the image forming medium. Comparing with a threshold value, whether the remaining amount of the image forming medium is larger than a predetermined threshold value,
Or, if it is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold, processing to instruct to fill the image forming medium into the print head,
A program to be executed by a computer. 13. A process for receiving information on the remaining amount of the image forming medium in the image forming medium container mounted on the printer, and determining the remaining amount of the image forming medium based on the information on the remaining amount of the image forming medium. Comparing with a threshold value, whether the remaining amount of the image forming medium is larger than a predetermined threshold value,
Or, if it is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold, processing to instruct to fill the image forming medium into the print head,
A computer-readable recording medium that records a program to be executed by a computer.