JP2001105699A - Printer, printer system and method for detecting error in printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inform a user so that a type of errors related to setting a cartridge or accessing data generated when a coloring agent cartridge with a data memory element is set to a printer can be identified. SOLUTION: When a cartridge 107F is not set to a printer 1, a CPU 31 transmits the fact to a host apparatus. The host apparatus displays an error message showing the absence of the cartridge and a message showing how to respond to the error. When a communication error is brought about between the CPU and an EEPROM 13, the host apparatus displays messages of the communication error and how to respond to the error. Further, the host apparatus displays the error message such as an ink shortage, a valid term expiration of the cartridge, a cartridge name unknown, etc., and how to respond to the error on the basis of information stored in the EEPROM 13.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printer, a printer system, and an error detection method in the printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a colorant cartridge which is detachable from a printer and has a data storage element such as a semiconductor memory. The storage element holds the date of manufacture of the cartridge, the type of ink, the remaining amount of ink, printer control information, and the like as data for the printer to perform print control and the like. Because the printer operates normally,
It checks whether the cartridge is properly mounted, whether the above data can be accessed, and the like, and notifies the user when an error is detected.

[0003]

Conventionally, as means for notifying a user of a detected error,
L which lights continuously when normal
A method in which an ED (light emitting diode) is driven to blink by a printer control unit is employed. With this method, it is possible to notify the user of the fact that an error has occurred in the printer, but it is not possible to notify the user of the type of the error and details of the error. . Therefore, it is often difficult for the user to determine what kind of response should be taken to the notified error.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a printer in which a colorant cartridge having a data storage element is detachable so that when an error relating to the mounting of the cartridge or data access occurs, the user can know the type of the error. The purpose is to be able to notify.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A printer according to a first aspect of the present invention is capable of mounting a colorant cartridge having a storage element, and checks the state of the cartridge and the storage element to detect an error state. Means for generating error information indicating the type of the error, and means for transmitting the generated error information to the outside.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the error information generating means performs first error checking for determining whether the cartridge is mounted on the printer, and a storage element. Means for performing an error check for determining whether or not communication with the printer control unit can be performed normally, and performing an error check for determining whether the data content read from the storage element is normal. And third means.

The second means performs an error check as to whether or not communication can be normally performed when the above-mentioned determination by the first means shows no error. The second means checks whether data can be correctly read from the storage element and then checks whether data has been correctly written to the storage element.

The third means performs an error check as to whether or not the data contents are normal when the above-mentioned determination by the second means shows no error. The error check described above by the third means includes checking whether the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge is low and checking whether the expiration date of the cartridge has passed based on at least one of the date of manufacture and the date of opening the cartridge. And at least one of checking the name of the cartridge.

A printer system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a printer capable of mounting a colorant cartridge having a storage element and a host device communicably connectable to the printer. When an error condition is detected by checking the element status,
Means for generating error information indicating the type of the error;
Means for sending the generated error information to the host device, wherein the host device has a message indicating a type of the error or a message indicating a method of responding to the type of the error, and an error from the printer. Means for receiving the information, acquiring a message corresponding to the error type indicated by the error information from the help means, and providing the message to the user.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the host device acquires a message corresponding to the type of error indicated by the error information from the printer from the help unit and provides the user with the message. At this time, the user can recognize the type of the error and take appropriate action.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an error detection method for a printer in which a colorant cartridge having a storage element can be mounted, the error check for determining whether the cartridge is mounted in the printer. A first step, a second step following the first step, and an error check for determining whether or not communication between the storage element and the printer control unit can be normally performed, and a second step A third step of performing an error check to determine whether the data content read from the storage element is normal.

[0012]

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of an ink jet printer to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

In the printer 1, as shown in FIG.
When the inkjet print head 10 is the carriage motor 1
It is moved by a carriage mechanism 12 including a conveyor belt 03 and a conveyor belt 102. As a result, ink is supplied from the on-carriage type ink cartridge 107F while raster scanning the surface of the paper
Print the image on the surface of.

The cartridge 107F includes, for example, 6
Six color sub-cartridges 107Y, 107LM, 107M, 107LC, 10
7C or black sub-cartridge 107 containing black ink
K or the like. A cartridge holder 101 is attached to the print head 10, and the cartridge 107F is set in the cartridge holder 101.

At the end of the moving range of the print head 10,
A head maintenance mechanism 108 for performing initial ink suction, cleaning, capping for preventing drying, and the like of the print head 10 is provided.

As will be described later, the cartridge 107F is equipped with a nonvolatile writable memory such as an EEPROM, and the memory includes a communication interface (FIG. 1) provided on the carriage mechanism 12 together with the print head 10. Are omitted). The interface and print head 10 and a CPU (not shown in FIG. 1) for controlling each part of the printer are provided with a movable flexible cable 1 that does not hinder the running of the head.
11 is electrically connected so that communication is possible.

FIG. 2A is an external perspective view of the cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a cartridge holder provided on a carriage mechanism of the printer.

The cartridge 107F contains a porous material that has absorbed the ink.
07F, a non-volatile storage medium such as EEP
ROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable RO)
M) 13 is mounted, and the access terminal 15 of the EEPROM 13 is exposed to the outside. The cartridge holder 101 has the cartridge 107F inside thereof.
And a needle 19 that stabs the ink supply slot of the cartridge 107F and sucks ink when is mounted. The cartridge holder 101 further includes, in addition to the above,
The cartridge 107F also includes a contact terminal 21 that contacts the access terminal 15 of the EEPROM 13 to enable transmission and reception of electric signals between the EEPROM 13 and the printer 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the printer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 1 includes, in addition to the carriage mechanism 12 for moving the print head 10 described with reference to FIGS.
The configuration is also provided with a CPU 31 for controlling each of the components. As is clear from the above description, not only the print head 10 but also the carriage mechanism 12 shown in FIG.
(A) Cartridge 1 having EEPROM 13
07F is the cartridge holder 10 shown in FIG.
1 is mounted. CPU3
A communication IC 41 that functions as a communication interface for making the EEPROM 1 accessible to the EEPROM 13 is also mounted on the carriage mechanism 12.

As described above, between the CPU 31 and the print head 10 and the communication IC 41 on the carriage mechanism 12,
They are connected by a flexible signal cable 111 that does not hinder the movement of the carriage mechanism 12. CP
For example, both the U31 and the communication IC 41 are connected by a reception line RxD and a transmission line TxD included in the signal cable 111, respectively. Communication I
The power supply line Vcc, the chip select line CS, the read / write select line R / W, the clock line CLK, the input / output data line I / O, and the earth line GND are connected between the C41 and the EEPROM 13, for example.

The CPU 31 connects the CPU 31 of the signal cable 111 to the print head 10 when the print head 10 is driven by printing, flushing, or the like (that is, when the printer 1 performs a printing operation). A drive pulse signal is transmitted to the print head 10 via a signal cable. However, during that time, the CPU 31
The power of the OM 13 is turned off, and the reading of data from the EEPROM 13 and the writing of data to the EEPROM 13 are not performed.

The CPU 31 selects the timing and performs EEPRO only when it is not necessary to drive the print head 10.
Power on M13, receive line RxD, communication IC4
1 and the EEPROM 1 through the clock line CLK
3 by applying a clock signal to the EEPROM 1
3. Specify the address in 3. And the receiving line Rx
D, communication IC 41, and input / output data line I / O to write various data to the above address of EEPROM 13, or input / output data line I / O, communication IC
41 and the EEPROM 13 through the transmission line TxD
Data from the above address. here,
Turning on the power of the EEPROM 13 means that the communication IC 41
Means to apply a voltage to the power supply line Vcc through

In this embodiment, the CPU 31 and the ground line GND are connected by the detection signal line P. The detection signal line P is for detecting whether or not the cartridge 107F is mounted on the carriage mechanism 12, and is connected to the power supply Vcc through the pull-up resistor 37.

In this embodiment, the EEPROM 13
The cartridge 107F which is determined for each model of the printer 1 and the manufacturing date of the cartridge 107F, the effective period, the opening date and time, the effective period after opening for each ink type, and the corresponding printer 1
Are stored, and the remaining ink amount and the current time are constantly updated and stored.

Further, in this embodiment, as a processing operation for error detection, when the printer 1 is turned on and the cartridge 107F is mounted on the printer 1, the following three checks are executed by the CPU 31. First, a check is performed to determine whether or not the cartridge 107F has been mounted. Next, a check is performed to determine whether communication with the EEPROM 13 can be performed normally.
The contents of these data are checked based on the various data read from. By performing the above-described checks in the above order, it is possible to perform highly reliable error detection as a whole. Because, EEPROM1
The communication with the cartridge 107F can be normally performed with the cartridge 107F.
It is assumed that the cartridge 107F is correctly mounted on the carriage mechanism 12, and whether the read data content is correct is determined by checking whether the cartridge 107F is correctly mounted and the EEPROM.
This is because it is assumed that communication with the H.13 can be performed normally.

First, in checking whether or not the cartridge 107F is mounted, when the cartridge 107F is correctly mounted on the carriage mechanism 12, the CPU 31 is connected to the ground line GND through the detection signal line P. Therefore, a LOW (L) level voltage signal is applied to the CPU 31 through the detection signal line P, and as a result, the CPU 31 detects the L level voltage signal. However, if the cartridge 107F is not mounted on the carriage mechanism 12, the detection signal line P is connected to the ground line GND.
, The power supply voltage Vcc is applied to the CPU 31 through the pull-up resistor 37 and the detection signal line P.
An H (H) level voltage signal is detected.

Next, in checking whether communication with the EEPROM 13 can be performed normally, the CPU 31 actually communicates with the EEPROM 13 through the transmission line TxD / reception line RxD, the communication IC 41, and the input / output data line I / O. After data transmission / reception is performed, if data transmission / reception cannot be performed normally, it is determined that a communication error has occurred.

In the above check, first, a check (read check) as to whether data can be correctly read from the EEPROM 13 through the input / output data line I / O, the communication IC 41, and the transmission line TxD / reception line RxD is performed. After that, the EEPROM 13 is connected through the reception line RxD, the communication IC 41, and the input / output data line I / O.
The data is written in the empty area of, and then the written data is read out and compared with the written data, so that the data is EEP.
A check (write check) as to whether the data has been correctly written in the ROM 13 is performed. In the above check, by performing a read check first and then performing a write check, both the read and write checks can be performed correctly.

Further, in checking the contents of the data based on the various data read from the EEPROM 13, an ink end check is performed to determine whether the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge 107F is very small, and the date of manufacture and the date of opening the cartridge 107F are checked. Based on the validity period of the ink, a check of a cartridge name and the like is performed. As a result of these checks, it is determined whether there is an error in the contents of various data stored in the EEPROM 13.

The details of each of the above-mentioned checks will be described later in detail.

As a result of the above checks, the cartridge 10
7F is not mounted, or even if the cartridge 107F is normally mounted, the EEPROM 1
If normal communication with No. 3 cannot be performed, it is determined that an error has occurred. Even if the cartridge 107F is normally mounted and normal communication with the EEPROM 13 is performed, if the data content is abnormal, it is also determined that an error has occurred. Then, the CPU 31 executes a predetermined processing operation such as notifying a host device (not shown) such as a personal computer terminal of the details of the error that has occurred. The manner of the notification performed by the CPU 31 to the host device (not shown) and the details of the processing operation of the host device (not shown) based on the notification will be described later.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a printer error correspondence table stored as help means in a memory of a host device constituting a printer system together with the printer 1 described above.

The error correspondence table is, as shown in FIG.
An area 201 for individually storing a plurality of pieces of error type (check type) information to be checked and a plurality of pieces of error content message information set for each piece of check type information associated with each area 201 are individually stored. And a plurality of areas 202 for storing in the The error correspondence table further includes, in addition to the above, an area 203 associated with each of the areas 201 and 202 for individually storing message information on a method of responding to each error.

In the area 201, mounting of the cartridge 107F, communication IC, ink consumption, cartridge 107F
Are individually stored as check type information as shown in the figure. In the area 202, messages indicating that there is no cartridge, communication error of the communication IC, out of ink, expiration of the expiration date of the cartridge, expiration of the guaranteed opening time of the cartridge, and unknown cartridge name are respectively shown as message information of error contents as shown in the figure. Stored separately. In the area 203, a message indicating that a cartridge is to be mounted, a message indicating that dust or the like has adhered to the electrical contact portion of the cartridge, and a message indicating that the cartridge has been replaced without ink have been provided. It is stored individually as message information on how to respond to the error. In the area 203, in addition to the above, a message of cartridge replacement due to expiration of the expiration date, a message of cartridge replacement due to the expiration of the opening guarantee period, and a message of cartridge replacement due to an unsupported cartridge are also displayed. Are stored individually as message information on how to respond to In the message of the last correspondence method, the printer driver is added to the homepage of the manufacturer of the printer 1 (URL is displayed).
If the printer driver is upgraded to the latest version of the printer driver which can be downloaded from, a message indicating that the printer 1 may be able to handle a cartridge whose name is unknown may be added.

The CPU (not shown) of the host device, based on each of the above-mentioned error information transmitted from the CPU 31, writes a message of an error content corresponding to the error information and a message of a corresponding method in the error correspondence table. And displays it on a display unit (not shown) of the host device in a manner recognizable by the user. Therefore, the user can perform a measure corresponding to the error information based on the displayed content.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing operation executed by the printer system when the cartridge 107F is mounted on the printer 1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the error detection processing described above includes (1) checking whether or not the cartridge 107F is mounted, (2) checking for a communication error, (3) ink consumption (checking for running out of ink, (4)). Cartridge 107F
, Expiration date check, (5) cartridge opening time check, and (6) cartridge name check. However, the order of the expiration date check and the opening time check may be reversed.

When the power of the printer system is turned on, first, it is checked whether or not the cartridge 107F is mounted on the printer 1 (step S301).
When the CPU 31 detects that the cartridge 107F is not mounted and notifies the fact, the host device displays an error 1 indicating "no cartridge" (step S302), and ends the mounting check of the cartridge 107F. . On the other hand, when the cartridge 107F is mounted (YES in step S301), the EE
The manufacturing date of the cartridge 107F is read from the PROM 13 (step S303), and it is checked whether the read manufacturing month is 0 or greater than 13 (step S3).
04). The phenomenon that the manufacturing month is 0 or larger than 13 occurs when each signal line described above is in contact with the power supply line Vcc or the ground line GND. Therefore, when it is determined that the manufacturing month is 0 or larger than 13 (YES in step S304), the host device displays error 2 representing a “read error” among the communication errors (step S305), and performs communication. End the read check of the error check.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the production month is not 0 and smaller than 13 (NO in step S304),
Since no read error has occurred, the process proceeds to the write check following the read check.

First, the number of times of mounting of the cartridge 107F is read out (step S306). Next, "1" is added to the number of times of mounting by this mounting (step S3).
07), the updated number of attachments is written to the EEPROM 13 (step S308). Next, the updated number of times of attachment is read from the EEPROM 13 (step S309), and it is determined whether the read number of times of attachment is “1” added to the number of times of previous attachment (step S310). if,
If “1” has not been added (N in step S310)
O) Since there was no read error in the check in step S304, the host device displays error 3 representing a "write error" among the communication errors (step S31).
1), the light check of the communication check ends.

On the other hand, if the read number of attachments is obtained by adding "1" to the previous number of attachments (YES in step S310), the ink consumption is read from the EEPROM 13 (step S312). It is determined whether the read ink consumption exceeds a specified value (step S313). If it exceeds (YES in step S313), the host device displays error 4 indicating "out of ink" (step S314), and ends the ink consumption check.

Conversely, if the ink consumption read from the EEPROM 13 is less than the specified value (NO in step S313), the cartridge 107F is stored on the basis of the manufacturing date recorded in the EEPROM 13. An expiration date check is performed (step S315). As a result of this check, if the expiration date of the cartridge 107F has passed (YES in step S316), the host device displays an error 5 indicating "expiration date of the ink cartridge has passed".
Is displayed (step S317), and the cartridge 107F is displayed.
End expiration date check for.

On the other hand, as a result of the expiration date check, if the expiration date has not passed (N in step S316)
O), a period after the cartridge 107F is opened is checked based on the information stored in the EEPROM 13 (step S318). As a result of this check, if a predetermined period has elapsed since opening (Y in step S319).
ES), the host device displays an error 6 indicating “excess of the opening time of the cartridge 107F” (step S32).
0), the unsealing time check of the cartridge 107F ends.

Conversely, if the predetermined period has not elapsed after opening (NO in step S319), the name of the installed cartridge 107F is checked (step S321), and the cartridge name is
It is determined whether or not the name is a predetermined name stored in (step S322). If the name is other than the predetermined name (NO in step S322), the host device displays an error 7 indicating "unknown cartridge name" (step S32).
3) The check of the cartridge name is completed.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, various checks necessary for the printing operation are performed from the mounting of the cartridge 107F to the start of the printing operation. If so, the corresponding error item and the method for responding to the error are displayed. Therefore, it is possible to realize a user-friendly printer system with a rich help mechanism for the user.

The above embodiment is an example for describing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. . For example, in the above embodiment, an ink jet printer has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to a laser printer and any other printers. Further, the cartridge is not limited to the ink cartridge, and can be applied to any colorant cartridge such as a toner cartridge.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention,
In a printer in which a colorant cartridge having a data storage element is detachable, when an error relating to the mounting of the cartridge or data access occurs, a user can be notified so that the type of the error can be recognized. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of an ink jet printer to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of an ink cartridge (a) and an external perspective view of a cartridge holder (b).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the printer according to the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a printer error correspondence table held by a host device of the printer system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation performed by the printer system when the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 inkjet printer (printer) 10 inkjet print head (print head) 12 carriage mechanism 13 EEPROM 15 access terminal 21 contact terminal 31 CPU 41 communication IC 101 cartridge holder 107F ink cartridge (cartridge) 111 flexible cable (signal cable)

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A printer capable of mounting a colorant cartridge having a storage element, wherein when the state of the cartridge and the storage element is checked and an error state is detected, error information indicating the type of the error is generated. And a means for sending the generated error information to the outside. 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the error information generating means performs an error check for determining whether the cartridge is mounted on the printer, the storage element and the printer. A second means for performing an error check for determining whether communication with the control unit can be normally performed; and a second means for performing an error check for determining whether data content read from the storage element is normal. 3. A printer comprising: 3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the second unit performs an error check on whether or not the communication can be performed normally when the determination by the first unit is free of an error. Printer. 4. The printer according to claim 2, wherein said second means checks whether or not data can be correctly read from said storage element, and then writes the data into said storage element correctly. Printer to check if 5. The printer according to claim 2, wherein said third means performs an error check as to whether or not said data contents are normal when said determination by said second means shows no error. Printer. 6. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the error check by the third means includes checking whether or not the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge is small, and manufacturing date of the cartridge. Alternatively, the printer is at least one of checking whether the expiration date of the cartridge has passed based on at least one of the opening date and checking the name of the cartridge. 7. A printer system comprising a printer capable of mounting a colorant cartridge having a storage element and a host device communicably connectable to the printer, wherein the printer checks the state of the cartridge and the storage element. Means for generating error information indicating the type of the error when the error state is detected, and means for sending the generated error information to the host device, wherein the host device indicates the type of the error. A message, or a help unit having a message indicating a corresponding method according to the type of error; and receiving error information from the printer, acquiring a message corresponding to the error type indicated by the error information from the help unit. Means for providing to the user. 8. A printer in which a colorant cartridge having a storage element can be mounted, a first step of performing an error check for determining whether the cartridge is mounted in the printer, and a step of performing the first step. A second step of performing an error check to determine whether or not communication between the storage element and the printer control unit can be performed normally; and data content read from the storage element following the second step A third step of performing an error check for determining whether or not is normal.