JP2010182178A - Information processing method, program for the same, and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Kind Code: A1 The present invention provides various timings for replacing a fluid storage unit in a fluid discharge process that can be continued while switching a fluid storage unit that stores a fluid.
A printer PC processes information on consumables of a printer having a plurality of types of ink and having a plurality of cartridges detachably attached to one type of ink. Specifically, the ink consumption is calculated for each ink type based on the contents of the printing process, and the replaceable period of the used cartridge is calculated for each ink type using the calculated ink consumption and the remaining ink amount. It is determined whether or not there are overlapping replacement timings in the replaceable period for each set ink type, and when it is determined that there are overlapping replacement timings, a plurality of times are determined using the overlapping replacement timings. The consumable item replacement schedule is generated, and the generated consumable item replacement schedule is generated.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing method, a program thereof, and an information processing apparatus.

  Conventionally, as an information processing method, digital image data obtained by converting a digital image into data is input, the amount of colorant consumed to create a printed material is calculated based on the input digital image data, and the calculated colorant It has been proposed to receive information on the amount of consumption via a network and instruct the supply of a colorant to a printing apparatus based on the received information (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this information processing method, the colorant can be supplied efficiently and quickly.

JP 2003-30503 A

  In the method described in Patent Document 1, a cartridge in which a colorant is newly stored is supplied as the colorant is consumed. Usually, the colorant is used when the cartridge in use is empty. It is considered that the cartridge will be replaced. By the way, this type of printing apparatus includes a plurality of cartridges each having a plurality of types of colorants and containing one type of colorant, and continuously performing the printing process while switching the cartridges. In such a case, even if the next cartridge is supplied before the cartridge is emptied, it is not always necessary to replace it until all the remaining cartridges are emptied. I wanted to know.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and can provide various replacement timings of the fluid storage unit in the fluid discharge process that can be continued while switching the fluid storage unit that stores the fluid. An object is to provide an information processing method, a program thereof, and an information processing apparatus.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the main object described above.

The information processing method of the present invention includes:
A plurality of types of fluids are provided, and a plurality of fluid storage units that store the fluids with respect to one type of the fluids are detachable, and the plurality of fluid storage units are switched for each type of fluid. An information processing method for processing information on consumables including the fluid of a fluid ejection device that performs ejection processing for ejecting the fluid to a target,
(A) calculating a fluid consumption for each type of the fluid based on the contents of the ejection process;
(B) setting a replaceable period of the fluid storage unit used by using the fluid consumption amount and the fluid remaining amount calculated in the step (a) for each type of the fluid;
(C) determining whether or not there are overlapping replacement timings in the replaceable period for each type of fluid set in step (b);
(D) When it is determined in step (c) that there are overlapping replacement timings, a plurality of consumable replacement schedules are generated using the overlapping replacement timings, and the generated consumable replacement schedules are output. And steps to
Is included.

  In this information processing method, information on consumables of a fluid ejection device that has a plurality of types of fluids and that is detachably provided with a plurality of fluid storage units for one type of fluid is processed. Specifically, the fluid consumption is calculated for each type of fluid based on the content of the discharge process for discharging the fluid to the target, and the calculated fluid consumption and the remaining amount of fluid are used to determine the A replaceable period is set for each type of fluid, and it is determined whether or not there are overlapping replacement timings within the settable replacement period for each fluid type. A plurality of consumable replacement schedule proposals are generated using the overlapping replacement timing, and the generated consumable replacement schedule proposals are output. In this way, a plurality of consumable item replacement schedule proposals including replacement timings for overlapping a plurality of fluid storage units can be output and used by the user. Therefore, various replacement timings of the fluid storage unit can be presented. Here, the “fluid” may include a colorant, and the “target” may include, for example, a print medium.

  In the information processing method of the present invention, in the step (b), the exchangeable period is set for each type of the fluid according to a predetermined exchange remaining amount for determining that the fluid storage unit is exchangeable. In the step (c), whether there is an overlapping replacement timing based on whether the settable replacement period of the fluid container overlaps the replacement period of another type of fluid container. It may be determined whether or not. If it carries out like this, more various replacement | exchange timings of the fluid accommodating part according to replacement | exchange residual amount can be shown.

  At this time, in step (b), no remaining amount may be set as the replacement remaining amount. In this way, the fluid can be used without waste. Further, in the step (b), a plurality of exchangeable periods corresponding to a plurality of exchange remaining amounts are set for each type of the fluid, and in the step (c), the same exchange residue is obtained in the step (b). It may be determined whether there is an overlapping replacement timing for each of a plurality of replaceable periods for each type of fluid set according to the amount. If it carries out like this, more various replacement | exchange timings of the fluid accommodating part according to several replacement | exchange residual amount can be shown.

  In the information processing method of the present invention, in the step (b), the remaining amount of fluid in at least one of the fluid storage portions reaches the replacement remaining amount, and the last remaining fluid amount in the fluid storage portion is the replacement remaining amount. It is good also as what is set as said exchangeable period until it becomes. In this way, it is possible to present a consumable replacement schedule proposal at a more reliable timing.

  In the information processing method of the present invention, in the step (a), the target consumption is calculated based on the contents of the ejection process, and in the step (b), the target consumption calculated in the step (a). The target replenishment time is set using the amount and the current target remaining amount. In the step (c), a period including a replaceable period and a target replenishment time for each type of fluid calculated in the step (b). It is determined whether or not there are overlapping replacement timings. In step (d), a plurality of consumable replacement schedule proposals including the target replenishment timing are generated, and the generated consumable replacement schedule proposals are output. It is good. By doing this, a plurality of consumable item replacement schedule proposals including the target replacement time are output, so that more various replacement timings of the fluid container can be presented.

  In the information processing method of the present invention, in the step (d), the plurality of fluid storage units in use and the replacement timing among the plurality of fluid storage units can be visually recognized as time elapses in the ejection process. The consumable item replacement schedule may be displayed and output. In this way, since the replacement time in the passage of time is output, the user can more easily grasp the contents of the plurality of consumable item replacement schedules.

  According to the information processing method of the present invention, (e) when a consumable item replacement schedule plan is selected by a user from among a plurality of consumable item replacement schedule plans output in step (d), work is performed from the selected consumable item schedule plan. A step of creating a work instruction including the time and the contents of the exchange work may be included. By doing this, a work instruction including the work time and the exchange work content can be used, so that the work to be exchanged can be performed more efficiently.

  The program of the present invention is for causing one or more computers to realize each step of the information processing method described above. This program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, hard disk, ROM, FD, CD, DVD, etc.) or from a computer via a transmission medium (communication network such as the Internet or LAN). It may be distributed to another computer, or may be exchanged in any other form. If this program is executed by a single computer or if each step is shared and executed by a plurality of computers, each step of the information processing method described above is executed, so that the same effect as this method can be obtained. .

The information processing apparatus of the present invention
A fluid discharge device that includes a plurality of fluid storage portions detachably for each of a plurality of fluid types, and performs a discharge process of switching the plurality of fluid storage portions for each type of fluid and discharging the fluid to a target. An information processing apparatus for processing information on consumables containing the fluid,
The fluid consumption is calculated for each type of fluid based on the contents of the ejection process, and the exchangeable period of the fluid storage unit used using the calculated fluid consumption and the remaining amount of fluid is set as the type of the fluid. Period setting means to be set for each,
Determining means for determining whether or not there are overlapping replacement timings in the replaceable period for each of the set fluid types;
An output control means for generating a plurality of consumable replacement schedule proposals using the overlapping replacement timings and outputting the generated consumable replacement schedule proposals when it is determined that there are overlapping replacement timings based on the determination result; ,
It is equipped with.

  In this information processing method, as in the information processing method described above, a plurality of consumable item replacement schedules including overlapping replacement timings of a plurality of fluid storage units are output and can be used by the user. Various exchange timings of the department can be presented. In this information processing apparatus, the above-described aspect of the information processing method may be employed, or a function for realizing each step of the above-described information processing method may be added.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printer system. The flowchart which shows an example of an exchange schedule proposal creation process routine. The conceptual diagram of the setting of an exchangeable period. Explanatory drawing of the consumables replacement schedule proposal display screen. Flow chart showing an example of work instruction creation routine Explanatory drawing showing an example of work instruction sheet 85

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printer system 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a printer 20 that performs printing processing by ejecting ink onto a recording sheet S drawn from a roll paper 46, and outputs a print job using the printer 20. And a printer personal computer (PC) 60 that presents a replacement schedule for 20 consumables.

  The printer 20 includes a printing mechanism 21 that ejects ink onto the recording paper S, and a paper feeding mechanism 30 that includes a paper feeding roller 35 that is driven by a drive motor 33 and that transports the recording paper S from the back to the front of the platen 29. And a controller 48 for controlling the entire printer 20. The printer 20 is connected to a roll paper 46, and includes a plurality of ink cartridges for each of a plurality of ink types, and is configured to be able to continue print processing while switching the plurality of cartridges. The printing mechanism 21 includes a carriage 22 that reciprocates left and right (main scanning direction) along a carriage shaft 28 by a carriage belt 32, and a print head 24 that applies pressure to each color ink and ejects ink droplets as fluid from nozzles 23. And ink cartridges 41 to 44 that store ink of each color and supply the stored ink to the print head 24. As the carriage 22 is driven by the carriage motor 34a, the carriage belt 32 installed between the carriage motor 34a attached to the right side of the casing 39 and the driven roller 34b attached to the left side of the casing 39 is driven. Move. The print head 24 is provided in the lower part of the carriage 22, and each color is applied from a nozzle 23 provided on the lower surface of the print head 24 by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element to deform the piezoelectric element and pressurize the ink. Ink is ejected. The mechanism for applying pressure to the ink may be based on the generation of bubbles due to the heat of the heater. The ink cartridges 41 to 44 are detachably attached to the front surface of the housing 39, and include cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (water containing a pigment or dye as a colorant in water as a solvent. K), etc., each color ink used for printing is individually stored. Here, the first cartridge 41a and the second cartridge 41b contain cyan, the first cartridge 42a and the second cartridge 42b contain magenta, and the first cartridge 43a and the second cartridge 43b contain yellow. The first cartridge 44a and the second cartridge 44b are assumed to contain black ink. The controller 48 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU (not shown), a flash ROM capable of storing various processing programs and rewriting data, and a RAM for temporarily storing data and storing data. It has. The controller 48 controls the printing mechanism 21 and the paper feeding mechanism 30 so as to execute the printing process.

  The printer PC 60 is a well-known general-purpose personal computer configured as an information processing apparatus used by a user, and includes a CPU 62 that executes various controls, a flash ROM 63 that stores various control programs, a RAM 64 that temporarily stores data, and the like. 61 and an HDD 65 which is a large-capacity memory for storing various application programs and various data files. The HDD 65 stores a schedule plan creation program 65a that is an execution program that presents a replacement schedule for consumables of the printer 20, a work instruction creation program 65b that creates a work instruction from the selected replacement schedule, and the like. . The printer PC 60 includes an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard and a mouse for a user to input various commands, a display 68 for displaying various information, and the like. The printer PC 60 has a function of executing an operation corresponding to the input operation when the user inputs the cursor or the like displayed on the display 68 via the input device. The controller 61, the HDD 65, the input device, and the display 68 are electrically connected by a bus 69 so that various control signals and data can be exchanged.

  Next, the operation of the printer 20 of the present embodiment configured in this way will be described, particularly processing for presenting a plurality of replacement schedule proposals based on a print job. First, the user creates image data to be printed and sends it to the printer PC 60 together with a print instruction. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a replacement schedule creation process routine executed by the CPU 62 of the controller 61. This routine is stored in the HDD 65 and executed after a print job for the printer 20 is created or a print job is received from another PC. When this routine is started, the CPU 62 first inputs the print image data included in the print job, and determines the remaining ink amount of the ink cartridges 41 to 44 and the remaining amount of the recording paper S (roll paper 46). (Step S100). Next, the CPU 62 sets the replenishment timing of the recording paper S from the conveyance speed of the recording paper S in the printing process, the number of copies, the remaining amount of the recording paper S, and the like (step S110). The transport speed of the recording paper S in the current printing process is determined in advance according to the degree of fineness of the printing process, for example, and is stored in the print job.

  Next, the CPU 62 calculates the ink consumption of each color from the input print image data (step S120). The amount of ink consumed for each color can be obtained by multiplying the basic ink ejection amount (such as large dots) obtained from the print image data by the number of dots. Next, the CPU 62 can replace the cartridge containing the ink using the calculated ink consumption, the remaining ink amount of the ink cartridges 41 to 44, and a predetermined replacement remaining amount that determines that the cartridge can be replaced. A period is set (step S130). Here, the remaining amount for replacement is determined to be the amount that requires replacement of the cartridge, that is, no remaining amount (for example, an amount obtained by adding a predetermined idling prevention margin to zero ink amount). The exchangeable period is set such that the remaining ink level of at least one cartridge (for example, the first cartridges 41a to 44a) reaches the replacement level and the remaining ink level of the last cartridge (for example, the second cartridges 41b to 44b). It is assumed that the exchangeable period is the period until the exchange amount becomes. The time at which each cartridge becomes the remaining replacement amount can be obtained from one copy of ink consumption and one copy of printing speed.

  Here, the setting of the exchangeable period will be described. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of setting the exchangeable period. For example, in cyan, as shown in FIG. 3, when the first cartridge 41a reaches the replacement remaining amount, the printing process is continued by switching to the second cartridge 42b. At this time, since the second cartridge 42b is operated and there is no ink remaining in the first cartridge 41a, the first cartridge 41a can be replaced (this is also referred to as replacement possible). Basically, the timing at which the ink in the cartridge runs out can be uniquely determined based on the ink consumption amount and the remaining ink amount based on the print image data unless trouble or the like occurs. Subsequently, when the remaining amount of the second cartridge 41b runs out (also referred to as “replacement required”), it is necessary to switch to the first cartridge 41a and continue the printing process. By this time, the first cartridge 41a is replaced. There must be. Therefore, the period from when the first cartridge 41a can be replaced until it is used again (from when it can be replaced to when it needs to be replaced) is set as the replaceable period. In FIG. 3, the exchangeable period is indicated by a white bar. The method for setting the exchangeable period for other ink colors is the same as that for cyan.

  Next, the CPU 62 determines whether or not there is an overlapping replacement timing within the replaceable period of each ink (step S140). This determination is made based on whether or not two or more color exchangeable periods overlap at the same time. When there are overlapping replacement timings (referred to as overlapping timings), processing for presenting a plurality of consumable item replacement schedule proposals is executed using the overlapping timings (steps S150 to S190). Specifically, the CPU 62 first sets the number of replaceable cartridges (step S150). This overlap number defines the number of cartridges to be replaced at the same time as possible. Here, “4” for exchanging four types of color cartridges at the same time as possible and “3” for exchanging three types of color cartridges at the same time as possible are defined as overlapping numbers. It will be described as being set. The overlap number can be set to a value of 2 or more.

  When the duplication number is set, the CPU 62 sets an exchange timing according to the set duplication number (step S160). In other words, the number of other cartridges whose exchangeable period overlaps until the time when the first exchange is necessary is counted as time passes, and the counted value is set. When the number of overlaps is reached, the timing is set as the replacement timing (see FIG. 4 described later). On the other hand, if the counted value does not reach a plurality of times before the replacement is necessary, the timing counted last is set as the replacement timing. This process is performed for all exchanges except when the cartridge is replaced, and a process for setting the replacement timing until the end of the printing process is performed. In this way, the replacement timing is set so that as many cartridges as possible are replaced with the maximum number of overlaps set in the period until replacement is necessary. In addition, since it takes time to replace the cartridge, the replacement timing is set up to the time when replacement is necessary in consideration of a predetermined replacement time (for example, 10 minutes). Further, when the roll paper 46 is replaced, it takes a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) and the printing process is stopped. Therefore, all replaceable cartridges are also replaced at this time. Subsequently, the CPU 62 determines whether or not there is a next duplication number (step S170). If there is a next duplication number, the duplication number is set in step S150 described above, and the replacement timing is set in step S160. Repeat the process.

  On the other hand, when there is no next duplication in step S170, the CPU 62 creates a plurality of consumable replacement schedules according to all duplications (step S180), and displays the created consumable replacement schedules on the display 68. The display is output (step S190). FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a consumable item replacement schedule plan display screen 80 displayed on the display 68. The consumable item replacement schedule plan display screen 80 includes a first plan display unit 81 that displays the first plan, a second plan display unit 82 that displays the second plan, and a selection that is pressed when the instruction is determined. A button 84 is included. The first plan display section 81 includes an elapsed time display section 81a in which the status of the use of the first cartridge and the second cartridge in the passage of time, switching timing, replacement timing, and the like are displayed as a bar, and time for actually performing the replacement work And an exchange timing display part 81b on which a bar is displayed. In the second plan display section 82, an elapsed time display section 82a and an exchange timing display section 82b for a schedule plan different from the first plan display section 81 are arranged vertically. In this way, on the consumable item replacement schedule proposal display screen 80, since the cartridge switching time and replacement timing with the passage of time are displayed, it is easy to grasp the status of the printing process. Here, the first plan display unit 81 displays a plan for exchanging four cartridges as simultaneously as possible, and the second plan display unit 82 displays a plan for exchanging three cartridges as simultaneously as possible. In the above-described replacement timing setting, as shown in the elapsed time display portion 81a in FIG. 4, when the number of overlapping cartridges becomes four, that time becomes the replacement timing, and when the overlapping number does not become four, The replacement timing is immediately before the latest cartridge needs to be replaced.

  Subsequently, the CPU 62 determines whether or not any consumable item replacement schedule has been selected based on whether or not the selection button 84 has been pressed (step S200). On the other hand, when any consumable item replacement schedule is selected, or when there is no overlapping timing in step S140, the CPU 62 executes a work instruction creation routine (step S210) and ends this routine. When there is no overlapping timing in step S140, only one consumable item replacement schedule can be created, so the work instruction is created as it is. Further, after the end of this routine, the printer PC 60 outputs a print job to the printer 20, and the printer 20 that receives the print job executes print processing of the print job. In the printing process, the recording paper S is conveyed by the paper feed roller 35 and the process of ejecting ink from the nozzles 23 to the recording paper S based on the print image data is performed under the control of the controller 48.

  Next, a work instruction creation routine will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a work instruction creation routine executed by the CPU 62 of the controller 61. This routine is stored in the HDD 65. When this routine is executed, the CPU 62 acquires the selected consumable item replacement schedule (step S300), creates a table using the replacement time of each cartridge and the replenishment time of the roll paper 46 (step S310), and The created table is output as a work instruction (step S320), and this routine is terminated. Here, in step S320, display is first performed on the display 68, and when there is a print instruction from the user, the content is printed out. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the work instruction sheet 85. In this work instruction sheet 85, the time when the work is performed and which cartridge or roll paper is to be replaced at the work time are entered. Then, while confirming the contents of the work instruction sheet 85, the worker replaces the ink cartridges 41 to 44 and the roll paper 46 at regular times.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. Step S110 of the exchange schedule plan creation processing routine of the present embodiment corresponds to step (a) of the present invention, step S130 corresponds to step (b), step S140 corresponds to step (c), and steps S150 to S150- S190 corresponds to step (d), and step S210 corresponds to step (e). The controller 61 corresponds to a period setting unit, a determination unit, and an output control unit, the ink corresponds to a fluid, and the roll paper 46 and the recording paper S correspond to a target. In the present embodiment, an example of the information processing apparatus of the present invention is also clarified by describing the operation of the printer PC 60.

  According to the printer PC 60 of the present embodiment described in detail above, information on the consumables of the printer 20 that has a plurality of types of ink and that has a plurality of cartridges detachably attached to one type of ink is processed. . Specifically, the ink consumption is calculated for each ink type based on the content of the printing process, and the replaceable period of the used cartridge is calculated for each ink type using the calculated ink consumption and the remaining ink amount. It is determined whether or not there are overlapping replacement timings within the replaceable period for each set ink type. A consumable replacement schedule is generated and displayed. As described above, since a plurality of consumable item replacement schedules including overlapping replacement timings of a plurality of cartridges are output, this can be used by the user.

  In addition, a replaceable period is set for each ink type according to the remaining amount of replacement, and a plurality of replacement timings are determined based on whether or not the replaceable period of another type of cartridge overlaps the replaceable period of the cartridge. In order to determine whether or not there is, it is possible to present various replacement timings of the cartridge according to the remaining amount of replacement. Furthermore, since no remaining amount is set as the replacement remaining amount, ink can be used without waste. Furthermore, since the remaining amount of ink in at least one cartridge reaches the replacement remaining amount and the remaining amount of ink in the last cartridge reaches the replacement remaining amount, it is set as a replaceable period. A consumable replacement schedule can be proposed. Since a plurality of consumable item replacement schedules including the replacement timing of the recording paper S are output, more various replacement timings of consumable items can be presented. In addition, the consumable replacement schedule proposal display screen 80 displays and outputs a plurality of consumable replacement schedule proposals in such a manner that the used cartridge and the replacement timing among the plurality of cartridges can be visually recognized over time. This makes it easier for the user to grasp the contents of a plurality of consumable item replacement schedules. Furthermore, since the work instruction sheet including the work time and the exchange work content is created from the selected consumable product schedule, the work to be exchanged can be performed more efficiently.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the consumable item replacement schedule including the replenishment timing of the roll paper 46 is created, but this may be omitted. Even in this case, more various replacement timings of the plurality of cartridges can be presented. In the above-described embodiment, the recording paper S is pulled out from the roll paper 46. However, the recording paper S may be a normal printing paper, and the replenishment time may be presented.

  In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of replacement timings are set according to the overlapping number and a plurality of consumable item replacement schedules are created. However, in addition to or instead of this, a plurality of replacement remaining amounts are determined. A plurality of replaceable periods may be set for each ink type, and it may be determined whether or not there are overlapping replacement timings for each of the plurality of replaceable periods for each ink type set with the same replacement remaining amount. . That is, when the cartridge runs out of power, the first or second cartridge is switched and the printing process is continued. However, before the cartridge runs out of capacity (for example, 10% of the remaining capacity or 20% of the remaining capacity). In addition, it is possible to allow switching of the first or second cartridge and to increase the frequency with which the replaceable periods overlap. In this way, although ink remains according to the remaining amount of replacement, it is possible to replace consumables at the same time as much as possible, and to present more various replacement timings of the cartridge according to a plurality of remaining replacement amounts. it can.

  In the above-described embodiment, the work instruction is in the form of a table. However, the work instruction is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the content displayed on the first draft display unit 81 may be output as it is as the work instruction. Good. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the consumable item replacement schedule plan display screen 80 that allows the user to visually recognize the fluid storage unit in use and the replacement timing among the plurality of fluid storage units over the time of the discharge process is displayed and output. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and may be displayed and output in the form of a table such as the work instruction sheet 85. The output of the consumable item replacement schedule plan display screen 80 and the work instruction sheet 85 may be a display output or a print output.

  In the above-described embodiment, the overlap number is determined to be 3 or 4 for four types of ink cartridges, but one or more may be arbitrarily determined and the overlap number may be arbitrarily determined. In the above-described embodiment, the printer 20 performs printing while switching the two cartridges of the first and second cartridges for each color. However, the printer 20 is not particularly limited as long as the two or more cartridges are switched. If three or more cartridges are switched, it is possible to set a plurality of overlaps in addition to the overlap timing with other ink types and the overlap timing in the same color. Further, the printer 20 is assumed to have four ink colors, but any number of colors may be used as long as it is two or more colors.

  In the embodiment described above, the printer PC 60 has been described as presenting a consumable replacement schedule, but is not particularly limited as long as it is an information processing apparatus that can process information on consumables of the printer 20. It may be performed by the controller 48 or may be performed by a personal computer used by a user who creates a print job.

  In the embodiment described above, an example in which the fluid ejection device is embodied in the printer 20 has been described. However, a liquid (dispersion) in which particles of liquid other than ink or functional material particles are dispersed, a flow like a gel, and the like. It is good also as a fluid discharge apparatus which discharges a solid body etc., It is good also as a fluid discharge apparatus which discharges the solid which can be discharged as a fluid. For example, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid in which a material such as an electrode material or a color material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, and a surface emitting display is ejected, and a liquid material in which the material is dispersed is ejected. It is good also as a liquid discharge apparatus which discharges the liquid used as a liquid body discharge apparatus and a precision pipette as a sample. Also, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resin to form liquid ejection devices that pinpoint lubricating oil to precision machines such as watches and cameras, micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used for optical communication elements, etc. A liquid discharge device that discharges a liquid onto a substrate, a liquid discharge device that discharges an etching liquid such as acid or alkali to etch the substrate, a fluid discharge device that discharges gel, a powder that discharges powder such as toner A body discharge type recording apparatus may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printer system, 20 Printer, 21 Printing mechanism, 22 Carriage, 23 Nozzle, 24 Print head, 28 Carriage shaft, 29 Platen, 30 Paper feed mechanism, 32 Carriage belt, 33 Drive motor, 34a Carriage motor, 34b Driven roller, 35 Paper feed roller, 39 housing, 41, 42, 43, 44 ink cartridge, 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a first cartridge, 41b, 42b, 43b, 44b second cartridge, 46 roll paper, 48 controller, 60 for printer Personal computer (PC), 61 controller, 62 CPU, 63 flash ROM, 64 RAM, 65 HDD, 65a schedule draft creation program, 65b work instruction creation program, 68 display A, 69 bus, 80 consumable replacement schedule plan display screen, 81 first plan display section, 81a elapsed time display section, 81b replacement timing display section, 82 second plan display section, 82a elapsed time display section, 82b replacement timing display , 84 selection buttons, 85 work instructions, S recording paper.

Claims (8)

A plurality of types of fluids are provided, and a plurality of fluid storage units that store the fluids with respect to one type of the fluids are detachable, and the plurality of fluid storage units are switched for each type of fluid. An information processing method for processing information on consumables including the fluid of a fluid ejection device that performs ejection processing for ejecting the fluid to a target,
(A) calculating a fluid consumption for each type of the fluid based on the contents of the ejection process;
(B) setting a replaceable period of the fluid storage unit used by using the fluid consumption amount and the fluid remaining amount calculated in the step (a) for each type of the fluid;
(C) determining whether or not there are overlapping replacement timings in the replaceable period for each type of fluid set in step (b);
(D) When it is determined in step (c) that there are overlapping replacement timings, a plurality of consumable replacement schedules are generated using the overlapping replacement timings, and the generated consumable replacement schedules are output. And steps to
An information processing method including: In the step (b), the replaceable period is set for each type of the fluid according to a predetermined replacement remaining amount for determining that the fluid storage unit is replaceable,
In the step (c), whether or not there is an overlapped replacement timing based on whether or not the replaceable period of the other type of fluid container is overlapped in the set replaceable period of the fluid container. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein:   In the step (b), the replacement is performed until the remaining amount of fluid in at least one of the fluid storage portions reaches the replacement remaining amount and the last remaining fluid amount in the fluid storage portion becomes the replacement remaining amount. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the information processing method is set as a possible period. In the step (a), the consumption amount of the target is calculated based on the contents of the discharge process,
In step (b), a target replenishment time is set using the target consumption calculated in step (a) and the current target remaining amount,
In the step (c), it is determined whether or not there are overlapping replacement timings in a period including the exchangeable period and the target replenishment time for each fluid type calculated in the step (b).
The information according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the step (d), a plurality of consumable item replacement schedule proposals including the target replenishment timing are generated and the generated consumable item replacement schedule proposals are output. Processing method.   In the step (d), the plurality of consumable item replacement schedules are displayed in such a manner that the fluid storage unit in use and the replacement timing among the plurality of fluid storage units can be visually recognized with the lapse of time of the discharge process. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information is output. An information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
(E) When a consumable replacement schedule is selected by the user from among the plurality of consumable replacement schedules output in step (d), the operation time and the replacement work contents are included from the selected consumable replacement schedule An information processing method including a step of creating a work instruction.   A program that causes one or more computers to realize each step of the image processing method according to claim 1. A fluid discharge device that includes a plurality of fluid storage portions detachably for each of a plurality of fluid types, and performs a discharge process of switching the plurality of fluid storage portions for each type of fluid and discharging the fluid to a target. An information processing apparatus for processing information on consumables containing the fluid,
The fluid consumption is calculated for each type of fluid based on the contents of the ejection process, and the exchangeable period of the fluid storage unit used using the calculated fluid consumption and the remaining amount of fluid is set as the type of the fluid. Period setting means to be set for each,
Determining means for determining whether or not there are overlapping replacement timings in the replaceable period for each of the set fluid types;
An output control means for generating a plurality of consumable replacement schedule proposals using the overlapping replacement timings and outputting the generated consumable replacement schedule proposals when it is determined that there are overlapping replacement timings based on the determination result; ,
An information processing apparatus comprising:

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