JP2002240312A - Controller and controlling method for printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a controller and a controlling method for printer in which print operation satisfying a guaranteed print quality at all times can be carried out regardless of the date of manufacture of ink cartridge or the replacing timing thereof. SOLUTION: In the controller and controlling method for printer, if the time elapsed after manufacture of an ink cartridge exceeds a specified reference time for altering the ink ejection switching threshold value at the time of turn on power or replacing the ink cartridge, or the time elapsed after replacing the ink cartridge exceeds a specified reference time for altering the ink ejection switching threshold value at the time of turn on power, a set ink ejection switching threshold value indicative of a residual quantity of ink or an ink consumption for specifying the switching timing of a set ink ejection is altered to such a value as low density layer ink possibly generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge begins to be consumed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer control apparatus and a printer control method, and more particularly, to a method of ejecting ink in response to a layer separation phenomenon due to aging of ink filled in an exchangeable ink cartridge of an ink jet printer. The present invention relates to a printer control device and a printer control method for changing an ink ejection amount switching threshold serving as a reference for switching the amount setting.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general ink jet printers that are currently in widespread use, an ink cartridge filled with ink is mounted on a print head, and the ink in the ink cartridge is ejected onto recording paper via the print head to perform printing. Is what you do.

When the ink in the ink cartridge is exhausted and the ink cartridge becomes empty, the empty ink cartridge can be replaced with a new ink cartridge filled with ink, and further printing can be performed.

In order to accurately detect the replacement time of the ink cartridge, a printer control device built in the ink jet printer integrates the consumption amount or the remaining amount of the ink in the ink cartridge, and the integrated value is a predetermined ink amount. When the discharge amount switching threshold value is reached, ink end detection is performed to determine that the ink cartridge is empty, and control for instructing ink cartridge replacement is performed in accordance with the ink end detection.

When such an ink jet printer discharges ink from a print head onto printing paper, it discharges the ink as minute granular dots. In general, the size of the ink dots, that is, the ink ejection amount, can be controlled in a plurality of stages in order to express a subtle gradation of a high-resolution image.

The controllable stages of the size of the ink dot differ depending on the model. For example, there are models that can control the size of the ink dot in four stages: large dot, medium dot, small dot, and no dot. is there. Further, there is a single model in which the number of controllable steps of the size of the ink dot can be changed according to the print mode. In such a model, for example, the size of the ink dot can be controlled in three steps in the normal mode and five steps in the high-resolution mode.

[0007]

However, in an ink jet printer controlled by a conventional printer control apparatus and printer control method, the size of each ink dot in a plurality of stages, that is, the ink ejection amount, It is controlled to be always constant, regardless of the date of manufacture or the time of replacement.

The expiration date calculated from the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge is usually about two years.
A certain print quality is guaranteed for the ink filled in the ink cartridge.

[0009] However, especially in the case of pigment ink, even if it is within the expiration date, the ink in the ink cartridge which has been kept in a fixed position for a long time from the date of manufacture may cause a layer separation phenomenon due to aging. There is. That is, initially, the entire ink was uniformly in the proper concentration, but the low concentration layer ink was formed on the front side and the high concentration layer ink was formed on the bottom side, and the ink was sandwiched between the low concentration layer ink and the high concentration layer ink. Only the intermediate layer becomes the appropriate density layer ink.

Since an ink discharge port is provided on the bottom side of the ink cartridge, the high density layer ink on the bottom side can be discharged by the cleaning operation of the printer, but the low density layer ink on the front side can be discharged. When the ink is consumed from the bottom side, it remains as it is.

Therefore, if printing is performed with this low-density layer ink under the control of the conventional printer control device and printer control method that always keeps the size of the ink dots in each stage always constant, the proper There is a problem that a gradation result cannot be obtained and a print result that does not satisfy the print quality that should be originally guaranteed may occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has as its object to control a printer capable of always satisfying a guaranteed print quality regardless of the date of manufacture or replacement of an ink cartridge. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a printer control method.

[0013]

According to the printer control apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention, when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge is replaced, the elapsed time from the time of manufacture of the ink cartridge to the present time is a predetermined time. When the value exceeds the discharge amount switching threshold change reference time, the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold, which is a value indicating the remaining amount of ink or the amount of ink consumption for specifying the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting, is performed by the ink cartridge. The low-density layer ink, which is presumed to be generated on the ink surface side, is changed to a value at which the ink starts to be consumed.

According to the printer control device of the second embodiment of the present invention, when the power is turned on, the elapsed time from the time of replacement of the ink cartridge to the present time exceeds the predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold value change reference time. In some cases, the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value, which is a value indicating the remaining ink amount or the ink consumption amount, for specifying the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting has occurred on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge. It is characterized in that the estimated low density layer ink is changed to a value at which the ink starts to be consumed.

With the above-described configurations, the printer control device according to the present invention can switch the setting of the ink ejection amount when printing with the low-density layer ink, and can perform appropriate gradation expression, which is guaranteed. It is possible to perform printing that always satisfies a certain print quality.

The specific configuration of the printer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a timekeeping unit that measures the time and indicates the current time, and is mounted on the ink cartridge. A non-volatile storage unit that records the remaining amount of ink or the amount of ink consumed, and an elapsed time calculation unit that calculates the elapsed time from the time of manufacture of the ink cartridge to the present when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge is replaced,
The elapsed time is compared with a predetermined ink ejection amount switching threshold change reference time, and when the elapsed time exceeds the ink ejection amount switching threshold change reference time, the switching timing of the ink ejection amount setting is specified. The setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold, which is a value indicating the amount of ink remaining or the amount of ink consumed,
An elapsed time comparison unit that instructs a change to a value at which low-concentration layer ink assumed to be generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge starts to be consumed,
An ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit that changes the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold value in response to the setting change command of the ink ejection amount switching threshold value.

The specific configuration of the printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is as follows: a timekeeping unit that measures the time to indicate the current time; a timepiece mounted on the ink cartridge; A non-volatile storage unit for recording the amount or consumption of ink, an ink cartridge replacement detection unit for detecting ink cartridge replacement, and writing the current time at the time of ink cartridge replacement detection as the ink cartridge replacement time in the non-volatile storage unit; At the time of insertion, an elapsed time calculation unit that calculates an elapsed time from the time of ink cartridge replacement to the present time, and compares the elapsed time with a predetermined ink ejection amount switching threshold change reference time, and determines the elapsed time by switching the ink ejection amount. If the value exceeds the threshold value change reference time, the timing for switching the ink ejection amount setting is specified. The setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold, which is a value indicating the amount of ink remaining or the amount of ink consumption, is set so that the low-concentration layer ink, which is assumed to be generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge, starts to be consumed. An elapsed time comparison unit that instructs to change to the value of the ink ejection amount switching threshold, and an ink ejection amount switching threshold setting unit that changes the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold according to the setting change instruction of the ink ejection amount switching threshold. It is characterized by having.

In the specific configuration of the printer control device according to the first or second embodiment of the present invention, the remaining amount of ink or the ink consumption of the ink cartridge is determined only while the power is turned on and turned on. Calculate the volatile storage unit to hold and the ink consumption amount according to the content of the print data,
An ink remaining amount calculating unit for updating the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge read from the volatile storage unit, and an ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge when the power is turned on. Read from and write to the volatile storage unit, so that it can be used in the calculation by the ink remaining amount calculation unit, write the updated ink remaining amount or ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge to the volatile storage unit, and, An ink remaining amount read / write unit that reads out the remaining amount of ink or the amount of consumed ink of the ink cartridge held in the volatile storage unit when the power is turned off and writes and updates the remaining amount in the nonvolatile storage unit;
The ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge updated by the ink remaining amount calculation unit is compared with the ink ejection amount switching threshold set in the ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit. When the value is equal to or less than the ink ejection amount switching threshold value or when the ink consumption amount is equal to or greater than the ink ejection amount switching threshold value, it is determined that the low-concentration layer ink has begun to be consumed. And an ink discharge amount setting switching unit for determining that the switching timing has been reached.

Alternatively, in the specific configuration of the printer control device according to the first or second embodiment of the present invention, an ink consumption according to the content of the print data is calculated,
An ink remaining amount calculating unit that updates the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge read from the nonvolatile storage unit, and an ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge when the power is turned on. An ink remaining amount read / write unit that reads out from the ink remaining amount calculation unit and writes the updated ink remaining amount or ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge in the non-volatile storage unit so as to be used in the calculation by the ink remaining amount calculation unit; The ink remaining amount or the ink consumption of the ink cartridge updated by the ink remaining amount calculation unit is compared with the ink ejection amount switching threshold set in the ink ejection amount switching threshold setting unit, and the ink remaining amount is determined. When the value is equal to or less than the ejection amount switching threshold value or when the ink consumption amount is equal to or greater than the ink ejection amount switching threshold value, In which each layer ink is detected that started to be consumed, may be assumed that further comprising an ink ejection amount settings switching unit determines that the switching life of the ink ejection amount settings, the.

The ink discharge amount switching threshold value setting unit includes two ink discharge amounts, an initial set value at which all the ink in the ink cartridge is used up and a change set value at which the low density layer ink starts to be consumed. A reference table having a configuration in which an amount switching threshold value can be selectively used, or a first storage device storing the two ink ejection amount switching threshold values, the initial setting value and the change setting value. The two ink ejection amount switching thresholds may be selectively read and used.

The ink remaining amount calculating unit sets the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge read from the nonvolatile storage unit when the power is turned on as an initial value, and calculates the ink consumption amount according to the content of the print data. It is preferable to use an ink counter that updates the remaining ink amount or the consumed ink amount by counting.

The elapsed time comparison section has a reference table for holding the ink discharge amount switching threshold change reference time or a second storage device storing the ink discharge amount switch threshold change reference time. It is preferable that the reference time for changing the ink ejection amount switching threshold is read and used.

The elapsed time calculation section, the elapsed time comparison section, the ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting section, the ink remaining amount reading / writing section, the ink remaining amount calculation section, and the ink ejection amount setting switching section each include: It may be configured as a plurality of arithmetic processing units. Further, it may be configured as one arithmetic processing unit including the ink cartridge replacement detection unit.

According to the printer control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge is replaced, the elapsed time from the time of manufacture of the ink cartridge to the present time is the predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold value change threshold. When the value exceeds the time, the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value, which is a value indicating the remaining ink amount or the ink consumption amount, for specifying the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting is set on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge. It is characterized in that the value is changed to such a value that the low-concentration layer ink presumed to be generated starts to be consumed.

According to the printer control apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention, when the power is turned on, the elapsed time from the ink cartridge replacement to the present time exceeds the predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold value change reference time. In some cases, the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value, which is a value indicating the remaining ink amount or the ink consumption amount, for specifying the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting has occurred on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge. It is characterized in that the estimated low density layer ink is changed to a value at which the ink starts to be consumed.

According to the above-described configurations, the printer control method according to the present invention is such that when printing with low-density layer ink, the setting of the ink discharge amount is switched, so that appropriate gradation expression can be achieved and guaranteed. It is possible to perform printing that always satisfies a certain print quality.

A specific configuration of the printer control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a step of calculating an elapsed time from the time of manufacture of an ink cartridge to the present time at the time of turning on a power supply or replacing an ink cartridge; Comparing the time with a predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold value change reference time, and when the elapsed time exceeds the ink discharge amount switch threshold value change reference time, specify the ink discharge amount setting switch timing. The setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold, which is a value indicating the remaining amount of ink or the amount of consumed ink, is set to such an extent that low-concentration layer ink, which is assumed to be generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge, starts to be consumed. To change the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold, in accordance with the setting change command of the ink discharge amount switching threshold, Characterized in that it comprises.

A specific configuration of the printer control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a process of detecting ink cartridge replacement and recording the current time at the time of detecting the ink cartridge replacement as the ink cartridge replacement time;
When the power is turned on, the process of calculating the elapsed time from the time when the ink cartridge is replaced to the present is compared with the elapsed time and a predetermined ink ejection amount switching threshold change reference time. When the value exceeds the reference time, the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value, which is a value indicating the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount for specifying the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting, is set to the ink surface side in the ink cartridge. In response to a command to change to a value at which low-concentration layer ink, which is presumed to have occurred, will start to be consumed, and the ink ejection amount switching threshold setting change command. Changing the setting of the amount switching threshold.

In the specific configuration of the printer control method according to the first or second embodiment of the present invention, the ink consumption according to the content of the print data is calculated, and the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge or the ink consumption is calculated. Updating the ink amount, recording the updated ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge, and comparing the updated ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge with the ink ejection amount switching threshold. When the remaining ink amount is equal to or less than the ink ejection amount switching threshold value or when the ink consumption amount is equal to or greater than the ink ejection amount switching threshold value, it is detected that the low-density layer ink has begun to be consumed. And a step of determining that it is time to switch the ink ejection amount setting.

The ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount is updated by counting the ink consumption amount according to the contents of the print data with the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge at the time of turning on the power as an initial value. It is good.

The ink discharge amount switching threshold value is a two-set value which is an initial set value at which the ink in the ink cartridge is completely used and a change set value at which the low density layer ink starts to be consumed. It is good to select from a threshold.

In the printer control apparatus and the printer control method according to the present invention, it is assumed that the predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold value change reference time has a layer separation phenomenon due to aging in the ink in the ink cartridge. It is good to set the time as long as possible. Further, the ink is preferably a pigment ink.

According to a recording medium of a computer program of the present invention, a computer program for executing the above-described printer control method of the present invention in a computer system is recorded.

[0034]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, a schematic configuration of an ink jet printer using a printer control device and a printer control method according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ink jet printer.

The ink jet printer shown in FIG. 12 includes a paper feed motor (hereinafter, also referred to as a PF motor) 1 for feeding paper, a paper feed motor driver 2 for driving the paper feed motor 1, and ink for printing paper 50. Head 9 for discharging
The carriage 3 is driven in a direction parallel to the printing paper 50 and perpendicular to the paper feeding direction, a carriage motor (hereinafter also referred to as a CR motor) 4 for driving the carriage 3, and a carriage motor 4. A CR motor driver 5 to be driven, a DC unit 6 for issuing a DC current command value to the CR motor driver 5, a pump motor 7 for controlling ink suction for preventing clogging of the head 9, and a drive for the pump motor 7 A pump motor driver 8, a head driver 10 for driving and controlling a head 9,
A linear encoder 11 fixed to the carriage 3,
A code plate 12 for a linear encoder 11 having slits formed at predetermined intervals; a rotary encoder 13 for a PF motor 1; a paper detection sensor 15 for detecting the end position of the paper being printed; C that controls
An interface unit (hereinafter, referred to as a “CPU 16”) that transmits and receives data to and from a PU 16, a timer IC 17 that periodically generates an interrupt signal to the CPU 16, and a host computer 18.
Also called IF. ) 19 and an ASIC 20 for controlling the printing resolution and the driving waveform of the head 9 based on the printing information sent from the host computer 18 via the IF 19.
And a PROM 21 and a RAM 22 used as a work area and a program storage area of the ASIC 20 and the CPU 16.
And the EEPROM 23, the platen 25 supporting the printing paper 50, and the printing paper 50 driven by the PF motor 1.
, A pulley 30 attached to the rotation shaft of the CR motor 4, and a timing belt 31 driven by the pulley 30.

The DC unit 6 controls the driving of the paper feed motor driver 2 and the CR motor driver 5 based on the control commands sent from the CPU 16 and the outputs of the encoders 11 and 13. Also, the paper feed motor 1 and the CR motor 4
Are all composed of DC motors.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the structure around the carriage 3 of the ink jet printer.

As shown in FIG. 13, the carriage 3 is connected to the carriage motor 4 via a pulley 30 by a timing belt 31 and is driven by a guide member 32 to move in parallel with the platen 25. On the surface of the carriage 3 facing the printing paper, a recording head 9 having a nozzle array for discharging black ink and a nozzle array for discharging color ink is provided. Each nozzle receives ink supplied from an ink cartridge 34 to perform printing. Prints characters and images by ejecting ink droplets on paper.

A capping device 35 for sealing the nozzle opening of the recording head 9 during non-printing is provided in the non-printing area of the carriage 3, and a pump motor 7 shown in FIG.
And a pump unit 36 having the same. When the carriage 3 moves from the printing area to the non-printing area, the carriage 3 comes into contact with a lever (not shown), and the capping device 35 moves upward to seal the head 9.

When clogging occurs in the nozzle opening row of the head 9 or when the cartridge 34 is replaced or the like, the head 9
When the ink is forcibly ejected from the pump unit, the pump unit is operated while the head 9 is sealed, and the ink is sucked out from the nozzle opening row by the negative pressure from the pump unit. As a result, dust and paper dust adhering in the vicinity of the nozzle opening row are washed, and the air bubbles in the head 9 are discharged to the cap 37 together with the ink.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a portion related to paper feeding and paper detection. The position of the paper detection sensor 15 shown in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
The printing paper 50 inserted into the paper feeding slot 61 of the printer 60 is fed into the printer 60 by a paper feeding roller 64 driven by a paper feeding motor 63. The leading end of the printing paper 50 sent into the printer 60 is detected by, for example, an optical paper detection sensor 15. The printing paper 50 whose leading end is detected by the paper detection sensor 15 is fed by a paper feed roller 65 and a driven roller 66 driven by the PF motor 1.

Subsequently, printing is performed by dropping ink from a print head (not shown) fixed to the carriage 3 moving along the carriage guide member 32. When the paper has been fed to a predetermined position, the end of the currently printed printing paper 50 is detected by the paper detection sensor 15. The printing paper 50 on which printing has been completed is transferred to the gear 6 via gears 67A and 67B driven by the PF motor 1.
7C driven by the paper discharge roller 68 and the driven roller 6
9, the paper is discharged from the paper discharge port 62 to the outside. The rotary shaft of the paper feed roller 65 includes a rotary encoder 13.
Are connected.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing in detail a portion related to paper feeding of the printer.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a part of the printer shown in FIG. 14 relating to paper feed will be described in more detail.

When the leading edge of the printing paper 50 inserted into the printer 60 through the paper feeding slot 61 of the printer 60 and fed into the printer 60 by the paper feeding roller 64 is detected by the paper detection sensor 15, the small gear 87 is driven by the PF motor 1. (Smap) shaft 8, which is the rotation axis of the large gear 67a driven through the
3 and a driven roller 66 provided at the leading end of the holder 89 that presses the printing paper 50 sent from the paper feeding side downward in the paper feeding direction. As a result, the printing paper 50 is fed.

The PF motor 1 is fixed to a frame 86 in the printer 60 by screws 85, a rotary encoder 13 is disposed at a predetermined position around the large gear 67a, and is a rotating shaft of the large gear 67a. Smap axis 83
Is connected to a rotary encoder code plate 14.

The printing paper 50 fed by the paper feed roller 65 and the driven roller 66 passes over a platen 84 that supports the printing paper 50, and has a small gear 87 and a large gear 67.
a, a discharge roller 68 driven by the PF motor 1 via the intermediate gear 67b, the small gear 88, and the discharge gear 67c.
Then, the paper is fed while being pinched by a toothed roller 69 which is a driven roller, and the paper is discharged from the paper discharge port 62 to the outside.

While the printing paper 50 is supported on the platen 84, the carriage 3 moves left and right in the space on the platen 84 along the guide member 32, and the recording head (not shown) fixed to the carriage 3 ), The ink is ejected to perform printing.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a printer control device and a printer control method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, that is, the procedure of the printer control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an ink layer separation phenomenon assumed in the printer control device and the printer control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The printer control device and the printer control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention are characterized in that when power is turned on or when an ink cartridge is replaced, the elapsed time from the time of manufacture of the ink cartridge to the present time is a predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold value. If the value exceeds the change reference time, the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold value, which is a value indicating the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount for specifying the switching timing of the ink ejection amount setting, is performed by setting the ink surface in the ink cartridge. The value is changed to such a value that the low-density layer ink presumed to be generated on the side starts to be consumed.

The printer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the ink cartridge 34 and a timer IC 17 which measures the time and indicates the current time. And a non-volatile storage unit E for recording the remaining amount of ink or the amount of consumed ink.
An EPROM 39, an elapsed time calculation unit 101 that calculates an elapsed time from the time of manufacture of the ink cartridge to the present time when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge is replaced, compares the elapsed time with a predetermined ink ejection amount switching threshold change reference time. When the elapsed time exceeds the ink discharge amount switching threshold value change reference time, the ink discharge amount switching is a value indicating the remaining ink amount or the ink consumption amount for specifying the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting. An elapsed time comparison unit that instructs to change the setting of the threshold value to a value at which low-concentration layer ink that is presumed to be generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge starts to be consumed; An ink ejection amount switching threshold setting unit 103 that changes the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold according to a command to change the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold It is equipped with a.

Further, the printer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a volatile storage unit for holding the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge only while the power is turned on and turned on. And the amount of ink consumption according to the content of the print data is calculated.
Ink remaining amount calculating unit 1 for updating the remaining amount of ink or the amount of consumed ink of the ink cartridge read from RAM 28
05 and the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge or the amount of consumed ink are read from the EEPROM 39 and written into the DRAM 28 when the power is turned on, and can be used in the calculation by the remaining ink amount calculation unit 105.
The updated ink remaining amount or ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge is written into the DRAM 28, and when the power is turned off, the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge held in the DRAM 28 is read out to read the E
The remaining ink amount read / write unit 104 that writes and updates the EPROM 39, the remaining ink amount or ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge updated by the remaining ink amount calculation unit 105, and the ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit 103 are set. When the remaining ink amount is equal to or less than the ink ejection amount switching threshold or when the ink consumption amount is equal to or greater than the ink ejection amount switching threshold value, the low-density layer The apparatus further includes an ink ejection amount setting switching unit 106 that determines that it is time to switch the ink ejection amount setting as detecting that the ink has begun to be consumed.

The printer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a high access speed in order to speed up the updating process of the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount for determining the switching timing of the ink ejection amount setting. A DRAM 28 is provided, and when the power is turned on, the remaining amount of ink or the amount of consumed ink is stored in an EEPROM.
39 is written to the DRAM 28, and while the power is on, the updated value of the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption is updated and held in the DRAM 28.
A configuration is adopted in which the remaining amount of ink or the amount of consumed ink held in the RAM 28 is written into the EEPROM 39 and updated and recorded.

Elapsed time calculation section 101, elapsed time comparison section 1
02, the ink discharge amount switching threshold value setting unit 103, the remaining ink amount reading / writing unit 104, the remaining ink amount calculation unit 105, and the ink discharge amount setting switching unit 106 can be configured as one arithmetic processing unit 100. As the arithmetic processing unit 100, the CPU 16 in FIG. 12 is usually used in common, but a dedicated CPU may be separately provided.

The predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold value change reference time referred to by the elapsed time comparing section 102 may be held in a reference table provided in the elapsed time comparing section 102, or may be stored in the reference table shown in FIG. ASIC2
0, PROM 21 or EEPROM 23, or may be stored in a dedicated storage device. The specific definition of the ink discharge amount switching threshold change reference time will be described later.

The ink discharge amount switching threshold setting unit 103 has a reference table configured to selectively use two ink discharge amount switching thresholds of an initial setting value C and a change setting value (C-α) which will be described later. The ASIC 20, the PROM 21 or the EEPROM shown in FIG.
23, or two ink ejection amount switching thresholds of an initial setting value C and a change setting value (C-α) held in a dedicated storage device may be selectively read and used.

The ink remaining amount calculation unit 105 counts the amount of ink consumption according to the content of the print data, for example, with the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge read from the EEPROM 39 when the power is turned on as an initial value. Thus, it can be configured by an ink counter that updates the remaining ink amount or the consumed ink amount. The ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount is written and held in the DRAM 28 via the ink remaining amount reading / writing unit 104 every time it is updated, and when the power is cut off and turned off, the DRA
The data is read from M28 via the remaining ink amount reading / writing unit 104, and is written and recorded in the EEPROM 39.

For the operation of the printer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, that is, the procedure of the printer control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, refer to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. I will explain.

The printer control device and the printer control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), use an ink cartridge initially filled with a uniform proper density ink L1. As shown in FIG. 3B, as a result of being kept in the same posture as when it is mounted on the printer from the initial stage after manufacture, as shown in FIG.
After five years (about one year and June), the low density layer ink L0 is formed on the front side and the high density layer ink L2 is formed on the bottom side, and the intermediate layer sandwiched between the low density layer ink L0 and the high density layer ink L2 is formed. Only the case where only the appropriate density layer ink L1 is obtained is assumed. That is, a configuration is adopted in which the reference time for calculating the elapsed time during which the ink cartridge has been kept in the same position is the time when the ink cartridge is manufactured.

When the power is turned on with the ink cartridge 34 mounted in the printer, or when the ink cartridge 34 is replaced with the power turned on (step S1), The elapsed time calculation unit 101 determines whether the E
The manufacturing date (Yic (year), Mic (month), Dic (day)) of the ink cartridge 34 is obtained from the EPROM 39 (step S2), and the current date (Ypr (year)) is obtained from the timer IC 17. , Mpr (month), Dpr (day)) are acquired (step S3).

The elapsed time calculation unit 101 calculates the elapsed time T from the time the ink cartridge 34 was manufactured to the present time.
Is calculated as the number of days T elapsed from the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 34 to the current date (step S).
4). Elapsed days T from the date of manufacture to the current date
Is given by the following equation: T = (Ypr−Yic) × 365 + (Mpr−Mic) × 30 +
It is calculated by Dpr-Dic. Since the printer control device and the printer control method according to the present invention are for coping with the layer separation phenomenon due to the aging of the ink, even if the elapsed time T from the time of manufacture to the present is calculated more accurately than necessary. It doesn't make much sense. Therefore, as an example, a configuration is employed in which the elapsed time T from the time of manufacture to the present is calculated as the number of days T elapsed from the date of manufacture to the current date. However, the elapsed time T is expressed in units of time, minutes, seconds, etc.
You may make it calculate more accurately.

After calculating the elapsed time T, the elapsed time comparison unit 10
2 compares the calculated elapsed time T with a predetermined ink ejection amount switching threshold change reference time and determines whether the elapsed time T exceeds the ink ejection amount switching threshold change reference time (step S5). ).

Here, it is assumed that the expiration date calculated from the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge, that is, the period during which a certain print quality is guaranteed for the ink filled in the ink cartridge is two years. Further, from the initial stage after manufacturing, the period in which the layer separation phenomenon due to aging can occur in the ink in the ink cartridge which has been kept in the same fixed position as when it is mounted on the printer is 1.5 times. Year (1
June). Therefore, the predetermined reference time for changing the predetermined ink ejection amount switching threshold value is set to 1.5 years (June 1 year). When this reference time for changing the ink ejection amount switching threshold value is converted into the number of days, $ 365 + (365)
/ 2)｝ days. Therefore, whether or not the elapsed time T exceeds the ink discharge amount switching threshold value change reference time is determined based on whether or not the following inequality T> {365+ (365/2)} is satisfied.

The determination as to whether or not the elapsed time T exceeds the reference time for changing the ink discharge amount switching threshold value is, in other words, presumed that a layer separation phenomenon due to aging has occurred in the ink in the ink cartridge. It is a judgment of whether or not. Therefore, the calculation for the determination does not necessarily require a very high precision, and conditions within the range of the error, such as the presence or absence of a leap year, can be ignored.

As a result of the determination, if the elapsed time T is equal to or less than the reference time for changing the ink discharge amount switching threshold, it is estimated that the layer separation phenomenon due to aging has not occurred in the ink in the ink cartridge. , Elapsed time comparison unit 102
Instructs to maintain the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value to the initial setting value C which normally uses up all the ink in the ink cartridge (step S6).
Therefore, in this case, the setting of the ink discharge amount is not switched, and printing is performed with the initially set ink discharge amount until all the ink in the ink cartridge is used up.

The ink discharge amount switching threshold value is determined as follows: the ink of the appropriate density layer ink L1 in the ink cartridge is completely used;
That is, this is a value indicating that all the inks capable of printing with the guaranteed quality have been used up by the initially set ink ejection amount. In other words, the ink ejection amount switching threshold value is set such that the low-density layer ink starts to be consumed in order to enable printing of guaranteed quality with the low-density layer ink presumed to have occurred on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge. The different times,
This is a value indicating the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount for specifying the switching timing of the ink ejection amount setting.

The initial setting value C = 0 when the ink discharge amount switching threshold value is indicated by the volume remaining amount of ink, and the initial setting value when the ink discharge amount switching threshold value is indicated by the volume percentage ink consumption amount. The value C = 100.
Here, as in the latter case, the ink discharge amount switching threshold value is indicated by the ink consumption amount in volume percentage, and the initial set value C = 1.
00 is assumed. Note that the ink discharge amount switching threshold is
Instead of the volume percentage, it may be represented by a numerical value indicating the volume of the ink as it is.

When the elapsed time comparison unit 102 instructs to maintain the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold at the initial setting value C at which all the ink in the ink cartridge is used up, the ink discharge amount switching threshold setting The unit 103 maintains the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold at the initial setting value C.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination indicates that the elapsed time T exceeds the ink discharge amount switching threshold value change reference time, it is presumed that a layer separation phenomenon due to aging has occurred in the ink in the ink cartridge. Therefore, the elapsed time comparison unit 102 changes the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value to such an extent that the low-concentration layer ink L0 which is assumed to be generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge starts to be consumed. A command to change to the set value (C-α) is issued (step S7).

The value to which the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value should be changed is determined in advance based on the results of experiments or simulations. For example, an ink cartridge having a two-year expiration date is kept in the same posture as when it is mounted on a printer for 1.5 years, which is a reference time for changing the ink ejection amount switching threshold value, from the initial stage after manufacturing. When the layer separation phenomenon due to aging occurs with a certain significant probability, and the percentage of the low density layer ink generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge with respect to the initial ink total volume is α. If the elapsed time T exceeds the reference time for changing the ink ejection amount switching threshold value, it is determined in advance that the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold value should be changed from the initial setting value C to the change setting value (C-α). Keep it.

When the ink discharge amount switching threshold value is indicated by the volume remaining amount of ink and the initial set value C = 0, the changed set value is (C + α).

The elapsed time comparison unit 102 changes the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold value to such an extent that the low-concentration layer ink L0, which is assumed to be generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge, starts to be consumed. When the command to change to the set value (C-α) is issued, the ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit 103 changes the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold value from the initial set value C to the changed set value (C-α). I do.

With the above, the setting operation of the ink discharge amount switching threshold at the time of turning on the power or replacing the ink cartridge by the printer control device and the printer control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention is completed.

Next, an operation and a procedure for judging the switching timing of the ink ejection amount setting after setting the ink ejection amount switching threshold by the printer control device and the printer control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation and a procedure for judging the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting in the printer control device and the printer control method. More specifically, FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating an operation and a procedure for determining the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting during the printing process, and FIG. 4B is a flowchart illustrating the ink discharge amount setting during the cleaning process. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement and procedure which judge a switching time. In the flowchart of FIG. 4, it is assumed that the remaining ink amount calculation unit 105 is configured by the above-described ink counter, and the remaining ink amount is managed not by the ink remaining amount itself but by the ink consumption amount. It is described as.

In an ink-jet printer, ink is consumed mainly during the printing process and the cleaning process, and the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting is determined each time the ink consumption amount is updated.

First, with reference to FIG. 4A, an operation and a procedure for judging the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting in the printing process will be described.

When the printing process is performed (step S1)
1) By counting the amount of ink consumption according to the content of the print data, the ink counter as the remaining ink amount calculation unit 105 updates the amount of ink consumption (step S1).
2).

When the ink consumption amount of the ink counter is updated, the ink ejection amount setting switching unit 106 updates the initial setting value C or the change setting value (C-α) set as the ink ejection amount switching threshold at that time. The subsequent ink consumption is compared (step S13).

As a result of the comparison, when the ink consumption is less than the ink discharge amount switching threshold, the appropriate density layer ink L1
Are still remaining, and the low-concentration layer ink L0 does not start to be consumed. Therefore, it is determined that printing of guaranteed quality is possible with the initially set ink ejection amount, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the result of the comparison is that the ink consumption is equal to or greater than the ink discharge amount switching threshold, the appropriate density layer ink L1 has already been completely used, and the low density layer ink L
It is assumed that 0 has begun to be consumed, and it is determined that it is time to switch the ink ejection amount setting, and the process ends (step S14). If it is determined that it is time to switch the ink ejection amount setting, an operation for instructing the switching of the ink ejection amount setting is further performed so that printing of guaranteed quality can be performed. Normally, as the ink ejection amount increases,
Switch settings. When the ink ejection amount is determined for each size of the ink dot in a plurality of stages, such as a large dot, a medium dot, and a small dot, the setting of the ink ejection amount is switched for each size of the ink dot in each stage. In that case,
The setting of the ink ejection amount in all stages may be switched, or the setting of the ink ejection amount in some stages may be switched. Also, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is reduced, the actual ink ejection amount is smaller than the set ink ejection amount. Therefore, when switching the setting of the ink ejection amount, not only the ink density but also the ink It is preferable to set the ink ejection amount in consideration of the remaining amount.

Next, referring to FIG. 4B, an operation and a procedure for judging the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting at the time of the cleaning process will be described.

When the cleaning process is performed (step S21), the amount of ink consumption according to the content of the cleaning process is counted, and the remaining ink amount calculation unit 105 is counted.
Update the ink consumption (step S22).

When the ink consumption amount of the ink counter is updated, the ink discharge amount setting switching unit 106 updates the initial setting value C or the change set value (C-α) set as the ink discharge amount switching threshold at that time. The subsequent ink consumption is compared (step S23).

As a result of the comparison, when the ink consumption amount is less than the ink discharge amount switching threshold value, the appropriate density layer ink L1
Are still remaining, and the low-concentration layer ink L0 does not start to be consumed. Therefore, it is determined that printing of guaranteed quality is possible with the initially set ink ejection amount, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the result of the comparison indicates that the ink consumption amount is equal to or greater than the ink discharge amount switching threshold value, all of the appropriate density layer ink L1 has already been used up and the low density layer ink L
It is assumed that it is detected that 0 has started to be consumed, and it is determined that it is time to switch the setting of the ink discharge amount, and the process ends (step S24). If it is determined that it is time to switch the ink ejection amount setting, an operation for instructing the switching of the ink ejection amount setting is further performed so that printing of guaranteed quality can be performed. A specific example of the operation is the same as the operation in the printing process.

As described above, in the printer control device and the printer control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge is replaced, the elapsed time from the time of manufacture of the ink cartridge to the present time is determined. If the value exceeds the ink discharge amount switching threshold change reference time, the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold, which is a value indicating the remaining amount of ink or the amount of ink consumption, for specifying the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting, The value is changed to such a value that low-concentration layer ink, which is presumed to have been generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge, will start to be consumed. The setting is switched, so that appropriate gradation expression can be performed, and printing that always satisfies the guaranteed print quality can be performed.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the printer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

A variation of the printer control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is that, when power is turned on or when an ink cartridge is replaced, the elapsed time from the time of manufacture of the ink cartridge to the present time is changed by a predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold value. When the value exceeds the reference time, the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value, which is a value indicating the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount for specifying the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting, is set to the ink surface side in the ink cartridge. This is exactly the same as the printer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention in that the value is changed to a value at which the low-density layer ink presumed to have occurred is started to be consumed. is there. Therefore, the timer IC
17, an EEPROM 39, an elapsed time calculation unit 101, an elapsed time comparison unit 102, and an ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit 10
The configuration of a part including the printer control unit 3 is exactly the same as that of the printer control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The printer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a high access speed in order to speed up the updating process of the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount for determining the switching timing of the ink ejection amount setting. In contrast to the case where the DRAM 28 is provided, this modification does not include the DRAM, and writes the updated ink remaining amount or ink consumption amount to the EEPROM 39 every time the ink remaining amount or ink consumption amount is updated. Record. As a result, the update processing speed of the remaining ink amount or the consumed ink amount is slightly reduced, but the hardware configuration can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Therefore, a modified example of the printer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is the same as the timer ICs 17 and E similar to the printer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In addition to the EPROM 39, the elapsed time calculation unit 101, the elapsed time comparison unit 102, and the ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit 103,
An ink remaining amount calculating unit 105 that calculates an ink consumption amount according to the content of the print data and updates the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge read from the EEPROM 39; The power consumption is read from the EEPROM 39 when the power is turned on, and is used in the calculation by the ink remaining amount calculation unit 105. The writing unit 104, the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption of the ink cartridge updated by the ink remaining amount calculation unit 105, and the ink ejection amount switching threshold set in the ink ejection amount switching threshold setting unit 103. And the remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than the ink ejection amount switching threshold. At some point or when the ink consumption is equal to or greater than the ink ejection amount switching threshold, it is determined that the low-concentration layer ink has started to be consumed, and it is determined that it is time to switch the ink ejection amount setting. An ink ejection amount setting switching unit 106.

The setting operation of the ink discharge amount switching threshold when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge is replaced according to this modification is exactly the same as that of the printer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the operation of determining the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting according to this modified example is also performed by setting the updated ink remaining amount or ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge to D
The configuration is the same as that of the printer control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention except that writing and updating are not always performed in the RAM but in the EEPROM 39.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, that is, the procedure of the printer control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an ink layer separation phenomenon assumed in a printer control device and a printer control method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the printer control device and the printer control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the power is turned on, the elapsed time from the ink cartridge replacement to the present exceeds the predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold change reference time. When the value is a value, a setting of an ink discharge amount switching threshold value which is a value indicating the remaining ink amount or the ink consumption amount for specifying the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting is generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge. The value is changed to a value at which the low-concentration layer ink, which is assumed to be present, starts to be consumed.

The printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is provided with a timer IC 17 which is a timer for measuring the time and indicating the current time, and is mounted on the ink cartridge 34. EE which is a non-volatile storage unit for recording the remaining amount or the ink consumption amount
A PROM 39, an ink cartridge replacement detection unit 110 that detects replacement of the ink cartridge, and writes the current time at the time of detection of replacement of the ink cartridge into the EEPROM 39 as an ink cartridge replacement time, and an elapsed time from the replacement of the ink cartridge to the present when the power is turned on. The elapsed time calculation unit 101 calculates the elapsed time and a predetermined ink ejection amount switching threshold value change reference time, and when the elapsed time exceeds the ink ejection amount switching threshold value change reference time, The setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value, which is a value indicating the remaining amount of ink or the amount of ink consumption, for specifying the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting, is set to a low level which is assumed to have occurred on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge. Command to change to a value at which the density layer ink starts to be consumed An elapsed time comparison unit 102 that, in response to the setting change command of the ink discharge amount switching threshold, and a ink discharge amount switching threshold setting unit 103 to change the settings of the ink discharge amount switching threshold.

Further, the printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a volatile storage unit for holding the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge only while the power is turned on and turned on. And the amount of ink consumption according to the content of the print data is calculated.
Ink remaining amount calculating unit 1 for updating the remaining amount of ink or the amount of consumed ink of the ink cartridge read from RAM 28
05 and the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge or the amount of consumed ink are read from the EEPROM 39 and written into the DRAM 28 when the power is turned on, and can be used in the calculation by the remaining ink amount calculation unit 105.
The updated ink remaining amount or ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge is written into the DRAM 28, and when the power is turned off, the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge held in the DRAM 28 is read out to read the E
The remaining ink amount read / write unit 104 that writes and updates the EPROM 39, the remaining ink amount or ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge updated by the remaining ink amount calculation unit 105, and the ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit 103 are set. When the remaining ink amount is equal to or less than the ink ejection amount switching threshold or when the ink consumption amount is equal to or greater than the ink ejection amount switching threshold value, the low-density layer An ink ejection amount setting switching unit 106 that determines that it is time to switch the ink ejection amount setting as detecting that the ink has started to be consumed is provided.

The printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a high access speed in order to speed up the updating process of the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount for determining the switching timing of the ink ejection amount setting. A DRAM 28 is provided, and when the power is turned on, the remaining amount of ink or the amount of consumed ink is stored in an EEPROM.
39 is written to the DRAM 28, and while the power is on, the updated value of the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption is updated and held in the DRAM 28.
A configuration is adopted in which the remaining amount of ink or the amount of consumed ink held in the RAM 28 is written into the EEPROM 39 and updated and recorded.

Elapsed time calculation section 101, elapsed time comparison section 1
02, an ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit 103, an ink remaining amount reading / writing unit 104, an ink remaining amount calculation unit 105, an ink ejection amount setting switching unit 106, and an ink cartridge replacement detection unit 110 are one arithmetic processing unit 100. Can be configured as As the arithmetic processing unit 100, it is usually good to double as the CPU 16 in FIG.
PUs may be provided separately.

The predetermined reference time for changing the threshold value of the ink discharge amount switching referred to by the elapsed time comparing section 102 may be stored in a reference table provided in the elapsed time comparing section 102, or may be set as shown in FIG. ASIC2
0, PROM 21 or EEPROM 23, or may be stored in a dedicated storage device. The specific definition of the ink discharge amount switching threshold change reference time will be described later.

The ink discharge amount switching threshold setting unit 103 has a reference table configured to selectively use two ink discharge amount switching thresholds of an initial setting value C and a change setting value (C-α) which will be described later. The ASIC 20, the PROM 21, or the EEPROM shown in FIG.
23, or two ink ejection amount switching thresholds of an initial setting value C and a change setting value (C-α) held in a dedicated storage device may be selectively read and used.

The ink remaining amount calculation unit 105 counts the amount of ink consumption according to the content of the print data, for example, with the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge read from the EEPROM 39 when the power is turned on as an initial value. Thus, it can be configured by an ink counter that updates the remaining ink amount or the consumed ink amount. The ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount is written and held in the DRAM 28 via the ink remaining amount reading / writing unit 104 every time it is updated, and when the power is cut off and turned off, the DRA
The data is read from M28 via the remaining ink amount reading / writing unit 104, and is written and recorded in the EEPROM 39.

The operation of the printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, that is, the procedure of the printer control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. Will be explained.

The printer control device and the printer control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention provide a printer control method in which an ink cartridge initially filled with uniform proper density ink L1 is transferred from an initial stage after manufacture to a printer. As a result of being kept in a fixed posture different from the case of being attached, FIG.
As shown in (a), a low-density layer ink L0 is formed on the front side and a high-density layer ink L2 is formed on the bottom side, and the low-density layer ink L0 is formed.
Only the intermediate layer sandwiched between the high-density layer inks L2 became the proper-density layer ink L1. However, when the ink cartridge was mounted on the printer by exchanging the ink cartridge, it was placed in a posture different from that before. , Low concentration layer ink L
After the inks separated into 0, the appropriate density layer ink L1 and the high density layer ink L2 were almost uniformly mixed once, they were again kept in a fixed posture from the time of replacement of the ink cartridge. As shown in ()), when about 1.5 years (about 1 year and June) have passed since the ink cartridge was replaced, the low-density layer ink L0 is generated on the front side and the high-density layer ink L2 is generated on the bottom side, and the low-density layer ink L2 is formed. Only the intermediate layer sandwiched between the ink L0 and the high-density layer ink L2 has the proper density layer ink L1.
The configuration is based on the assumption that That is, a configuration is adopted in which the reference time for calculating the elapsed time during which the ink cartridge has been kept in the same attitude is the time when the ink cartridge is replaced.

In order for the ink cartridge to be placed in a different attitude from the time when the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer from the initial stage after manufacturing to the time when the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer, for example, the ink cartridge sales package 20 is used.
The design of the form 0 may be devised so that when the ink cartridge sales package 200 is displayed at a store, it is inevitably placed in a posture different from that in which it is mounted on the printer.

The operation of the printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, that is, the procedure of the printer control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention is described in FIGS. 7A and 7B. As shown in the flowchart, it is roughly divided into two stages.

First, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the ink cartridge is replaced (step S31), the ink cartridge replacement detecting section 110 detects the replacement of the ink cartridge, and performs the operation when the ink cartridge replacement is detected. The current time is obtained from the timer IC 17 and written and recorded in the EEPROM 39 as the ink cartridge replacement time Tic (step S32). Here, the ink cartridge replacement time Tic is recorded in units of time.

At this point, the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value is the initial set value C at which all the ink in the ink cartridge is used up (step S33).

As described above, when replacing the ink cartridge, the ink cartridge replacement time Tic is set in the EEPROM.
39 recorded by the printer control apparatus and the printer control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The setting operation of the ink discharge amount switching threshold at the time of turning on the power shown in (b) is performed as follows.

When the power is turned on and turned on with the ink cartridge 34 attached to the printer (step S41), the elapsed time calculation unit 101
17 to obtain the current time Tpr in units of time (step S
42) and the E mounted on the ink cartridge 34
The replacement time Tic of the ink cartridge 34 recorded in the unit of time is acquired from the EPROM 39 (step S4).
3).

The elapsed time calculation unit 101 calculates the elapsed time T from the time of replacement of the ink cartridge 34 to the present time.
Is calculated as the elapsed time T from the replacement time Tic of the ink cartridge 34 recorded in time units to the current time Tpr in time units (step S44). The elapsed time T from the time of ink cartridge replacement to the present is calculated by the following equation: T = Tpr-Tic. Since the printer control device and the printer control method according to the present invention are intended to cope with a layer separation phenomenon due to aging of ink, the elapsed time T from the time of ink cartridge replacement to the present time is calculated more accurately than necessary. It doesn't make much sense. Therefore, here, as an example, the elapsed time T from the time of replacement of the ink cartridge to the present is represented by the ink cartridge 34 recorded in time units.
Is calculated as the elapsed time T from the replacement time Tic to the current time Tpr in time units. However, the elapsed time T can be sufficiently calculated by calculating the number of days T as the number of elapsed days T from the date of replacement of the ink cartridge to the current date. Alternatively, the calculation may be performed more accurately in units of hours, minutes, or seconds.

After calculating the elapsed time T, the elapsed time comparison unit 10
2 compares the calculated elapsed time T with a predetermined ink ejection amount switching threshold change reference time and determines whether the elapsed time T exceeds the ink ejection amount switching threshold change reference time (step S45). ).

Here, as in the first embodiment, the expiration date calculated from the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge, that is, the period during which a certain print quality is guaranteed for the ink filled in the ink cartridge is two years. It is assumed that In addition, the period in which the layer separation phenomenon due to aging can occur in the ink in the ink cartridge that has been kept in a certain posture is 1.5 years (January / June). Accordingly, the predetermined reference time for changing the predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold value is set to 1.5 years (June 1 year) here. When this reference time for changing the ink ejection amount switching threshold value is converted into a unit of time, it becomes [{365+ (365/2)} × 24] hours. Therefore, whether or not the elapsed time T exceeds the ink discharge amount switching threshold value change reference time is determined based on whether or not the following inequality T> {365+ (365/2)} × 24 is satisfied. As in the first embodiment, the calculation for the determination does not require very high precision, and conditions within an error range such as the presence or absence of a leap year can be ignored.

As a result of the determination, if the elapsed time T is equal to or less than the reference time for changing the ink discharge amount switching threshold value, it is estimated that the layer separation phenomenon due to aging has not occurred in the ink in the ink cartridge. , Elapsed time comparison unit 102
Instructs to maintain the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold value to the initial setting value C that normally uses up all the ink in the ink cartridge (step S4).
6).

The initial setting value C = 0 when the ink discharge amount switching threshold value is indicated by the volume remaining ink amount, and the initial setting value when the ink discharge amount switching threshold value is indicated by the volume percentage ink consumption amount. The value C = 100.
Here, as in the latter case, the ink discharge amount switching threshold value is indicated by the ink consumption amount in volume percentage, and the initial set value C = 1.
00 is assumed. Note that the ink discharge amount switching threshold is
Instead of the volume percentage, it may be represented by a numerical value indicating the volume of the ink as it is.

When the elapsed time comparison unit 102 instructs to maintain the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold at the initial setting value C at which all the ink in the ink cartridge is used up, the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold is performed. The unit 103 maintains the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold at the initial setting value C.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination indicates that the elapsed time T exceeds the ink discharge amount switching threshold value change reference time, it is presumed that the layer separation phenomenon due to aging has occurred in the ink in the ink cartridge. Therefore, the elapsed time comparison unit 102 changes the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value to such an extent that the low-concentration layer ink L0 which is assumed to be generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge starts to be consumed. A command to change to the set value (C-α) is issued (step S47).

As in the first embodiment, the value to be changed to the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value is determined in advance based on the results of experiments or simulations. For example, if the ink cartridge with a two-year expiration date is only 1.5 years, which is the reference time for changing the ink ejection amount switching threshold,
When kept in a certain posture, a layer separation phenomenon due to aging occurs with a significant probability, and the low-density layer ink generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge has a smaller initial ink volume. Assuming that the percentage is α, if the elapsed time T exceeds the ink discharge amount switching threshold change reference time, the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold is changed from the initial setting value C to the change setting value (C−α). It is determined in advance to change.

When the ink discharge amount switching threshold value is indicated by a volume percentage of ink remaining amount and the initial set value C = 0, the changed set value is (C + α).

The elapsed time comparison unit 102 changes the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value to such an extent that the low-concentration layer ink L0, which is assumed to be generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge, starts to be consumed. When the command to change to the set value (C-α) is issued, the ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit 103 changes the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold value from the initial set value C to the changed set value (C-α). I do.

With the above, the operation of setting the ink discharge amount switching threshold at the time of turning on the power or replacing the ink cartridge by the printer control device and the printer control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention is completed.

The operation and procedure for judging the switching timing of the ink ejection amount setting after setting the ink ejection amount switching threshold by the printer control device and the printer control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention are shown in FIG. The operation and procedure for determining the switching timing of the ink ejection amount setting after setting the ink ejection amount switching threshold by the printer control device and the printer control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention are exactly the same, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. Omitted.

As described above, in the printer control apparatus and the printer control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the power is turned on, the elapsed time from the time when the ink cartridge is replaced to the present time is switched by a predetermined amount of ink discharge. If the value exceeds the threshold change reference time, the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value, which is a value indicating the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount for specifying the switching time of the ink discharge amount setting, is set to the ink in the ink cartridge. Since the value is changed to a value at which low-concentration layer ink presumed to be generated on the front side starts to be consumed, the setting of the ink ejection amount is switched when printing with the low-concentration layer ink. Therefore, it is possible to perform appropriate gradation expression, and to perform printing that always satisfies the guaranteed print quality.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a modified example of the printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In a modified example of the printer control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the power is turned on, the elapsed time from the time when the ink cartridge is replaced to the present time exceeds the predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold change reference time. In the case of, the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold, which is a value indicating the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount, for specifying the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting has occurred on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge. This is exactly the same as the printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention in that the value is changed to a value at which the low-concentration layer ink, which is assumed to start to be consumed, starts to be consumed. Therefore, the configuration of the part including the timer IC 17, the EEPROM 39, the elapsed time calculation unit 101, the elapsed time comparison unit 102, and the ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit 103 is completely the same as that of the printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same is true.

The printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a high access speed in order to speed up the updating process of the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount for determining the switching timing of the ink ejection amount setting. In contrast to the case where the DRAM 28 is provided, this modification does not include the DRAM, and writes the updated ink remaining amount or ink consumption amount to the EEPROM 39 every time the ink remaining amount or ink consumption amount is updated. Record. As a result, the update processing speed of the remaining ink amount or the consumed ink amount is slightly reduced, but the hardware configuration can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Therefore, a modified example of the printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to the timer ICs 17 and E of the printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
In addition to the EPROM 39, the elapsed time calculation unit 101, the elapsed time comparison unit 102, and the ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit 103,
An ink remaining amount calculating unit 105 that calculates an ink consumption amount according to the content of the print data and updates the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge read from the EEPROM 39; The power consumption is read from the EEPROM 39 when the power is turned on, and is used in the calculation by the ink remaining amount calculation unit 105. The writing unit 104, the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption of the ink cartridge updated by the ink remaining amount calculation unit 105, and the ink ejection amount switching threshold set in the ink ejection amount switching threshold setting unit 103. And the remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than the ink ejection amount switching threshold. At some point or when the ink consumption is equal to or greater than the ink ejection amount switching threshold, it is determined that the low-concentration layer ink has started to be consumed, and it is determined that it is time to switch the ink ejection amount setting. An ink ejection amount setting switching unit 106.

The replacement time recording operation when replacing the ink cartridge and the setting operation of the ink discharge amount switching threshold when the power is turned on according to this modification are exactly the same as those of the printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is. Also,
In the operation of determining the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting according to this modification, the updated ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge is always stored in the EEPR instead of the DRAM.
Except for writing and updating in the OM39, the second embodiment of the present invention
This is the same as the printer control device according to the embodiment.

As described above, even if the pigment ink is within the expiration date, if the ink cartridge is kept in a fixed position for a long time, a layer separation phenomenon may occur due to aging. In the printer control device and the printer control method according to each embodiment of the present invention,
Although the pigment ink is mainly assumed as the ink, the configurations of the printer control device and the printer control method according to the present invention can be applied to other types of ink such as a dye ink as needed.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a recording medium on which a computer program for executing the printer control method according to the present invention is recorded, and an external configuration of a computer system using the recording medium. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the computer system shown in FIG.

The computer system 70 shown in FIG.
Is a computer main body 71 housed in a mini-tower type housing or the like, and a display device 72 such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a plasma display, a liquid crystal display device, or the like.
, A printer 73 as a recording output device, a keyboard 74a and a mouse 74b as input devices, a flexible disk drive device 76, and a CD-ROM drive device 77. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer system 70. An internal memory 75 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a hard disk drive unit 78 etc. An external memory is further provided. A recording medium on which a computer program for executing the printer control method according to the present invention is recorded is used in the computer system 70. As the recording medium, for example, a flexible disk 81 and a CD-ROM (Read Only Memory) 82 are used. In addition, an MO (Magneto Optical) disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), other optical recording disks, and a card memory Alternatively, a magnetic tape or the like may be used.

[0133]

According to the printer control apparatus and the printer control method of the present invention, when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge is replaced, the elapsed time from the time of manufacture of the ink cartridge to the present time is a predetermined reference time for changing the threshold value for switching the ink discharge amount. If the elapsed time from the ink cartridge replacement to the present time exceeds the predetermined ink ejection amount switching threshold change reference time when the power is turned on, the switching timing of the ink ejection amount setting is set. The setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold, which is a value indicating the remaining amount of ink or the amount of consumed ink, is performed when the low-concentration layer ink which is assumed to be generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge starts to be consumed. When printing with low-density layer ink, the setting of the ink ejection amount is switched to It is possible to control expression, it is possible to perform always printing to satisfy the printing quality is guaranteed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printer control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a printer control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an ink layer separation phenomenon assumed in the printer control device and the printer control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation and a procedure for determining a switching timing of an ink discharge amount setting in the printer control device and the printer control method.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the printer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a printer control method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a layer separation phenomenon of ink assumed in a printer control device and a printer control method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the printer control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a recording medium on which a computer program for executing the printer control method according to the present invention is recorded, and a computer system using the recording medium.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary block diagram showing the configuration of the computer system shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an inkjet printer.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration around a carriage 3 of the inkjet printer.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a portion related to paper feeding and paper detection.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a portion related to paper feeding of the printer in detail.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Paper feed motor (PF motor) 2 Paper feed driver 3 Carriage 4 Carriage motor (CR motor) 5 Carriage motor driver (CR motor driver) 6 DC unit 7 Pump motor 8 Pump motor driver 9 Recording head (Print head) 10 Head driver DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Linear encoder 12 Code plate 13 Encoder (rotary encoder) 14 Code plate for rotary encoder 15 Paper detection sensor 16 CPU 17 Timer IC 18 Host computer 19 Interface unit 20 ASIC 21 PROM 22 RAM 23 EEPROM 25 Platen 28 Ink remaining amount DRAM for holding 30 Pulley 31 Timing belt 32 Guide member of carriage motor 34 Ink cartridge 34a Ink ejection port 35 Capping device 36 pump unit 37 cap 39 EEPROM 50 printing paper (recording paper) 60 printer 61 paper feed slot 62 paper discharge port 64 paper feed roller 65 paper feed roller 66 driven roller 67a large gear 67b intermediate gear 67c paper discharge gear 68 paper discharge roller 69 driven roller (jagged roller) 83 smap shaft 84 platen 87 small gear 88 small gear 89 holder 100 arithmetic processing unit 101 elapsed time calculation unit 102 elapsed time comparison unit 103 ink discharge amount change threshold setting unit 104 ink remaining amount read / write unit 105 Ink remaining amount calculation unit 106 Ink ejection amount setting change unit 110 Ink cartridge replacement detection unit 200 Ink cartridge sales package L0 Low density layer ink L1 Proper density layer ink (proper density ink) L2 High density layer ink

Claims (27)

[Claims] When the elapsed time from the time of manufacture of the ink cartridge to the present time exceeds a predetermined reference time for changing the threshold value for switching the ink discharge amount when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge is replaced, the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting is determined. The setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold, which is a value indicating the remaining amount of ink or the amount of ink consumption, for specifying the low-concentration layer ink that is presumed to be occurring on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge starts to be consumed A printer control device, wherein the value is changed to a different value. 2. When the power supply is turned on and the elapsed time from the ink cartridge replacement to the present time exceeds a predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold value change reference time, the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting is specified. The setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold, which is a value indicating the remaining amount of ink or the amount of consumed ink, is set to such an extent that low-concentration layer ink, which is assumed to be generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge, starts to be consumed. A printer control device, wherein the value is changed to a value. And a non-volatile storage unit mounted on the ink cartridge for recording the date and time of manufacture of the ink cartridge and recording the remaining amount of ink or the amount of consumed ink. Time or at the time of ink cartridge replacement, an elapsed time calculation unit that calculates the elapsed time from the time of manufacture of the ink cartridge to the present, and compares the elapsed time with a predetermined ink ejection amount switching threshold change reference time, and the elapsed time is When the value exceeds the ink discharge amount switching threshold value change reference time, the setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value, which is a value indicating the remaining ink amount or the ink consumption amount, for specifying the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting,
An elapsed time comparison unit that instructs a change to a value at which low-concentration layer ink presumed to be generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge will start to be consumed, and an ink ejection amount switching threshold value. A printer control device comprising: an ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit that changes the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold value in response to a setting change command. 4. A volatile storage unit for holding the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge only while the power is turned on and turned on, and calculating the ink consumption amount according to the contents of the print data. An ink remaining amount calculating unit that updates the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge read from the volatile storage unit, and an ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge,
When the power is turned on, the data is read from the nonvolatile storage unit and written to the volatile storage unit, and can be used in the calculation by the ink remaining amount calculation unit, and the updated ink remaining amount or ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge is stored in the volatile storage unit. Remaining ink reading / writing unit for writing to the volatile storage unit and reading the remaining ink amount or the consumed ink amount of the ink cartridge held in the volatile storage unit when the power is turned off, and writing and updating the nonvolatile storage unit. Comparing the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge updated by the ink remaining amount calculation unit with the ink ejection amount switching threshold value set in the ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit. When the amount is equal to or less than the ink ejection amount switching threshold, or when the ink consumption amount is equal to or greater than the ink ejection amount switching threshold. The apparatus further includes an ink ejection amount setting switching unit that determines that it is time to switch the ink ejection amount setting as detecting that the low-concentration layer ink has begun to be consumed. The printer control device according to claim 3. 5. An ink remaining amount calculating section for calculating an ink consumption amount according to the content of print data and updating the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge read from the nonvolatile storage section, The amount of ink remaining in the cartridge or the amount of ink consumed
When the power is turned on, the ink remaining amount to be read out from the non-volatile storage unit and used in the calculation by the ink remaining amount calculation unit, and the updated ink remaining amount or ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge is written to the non-volatile storage unit and updated. An amount read / write unit; an ink remaining amount or an ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge updated by the ink amount calculating unit; and the ink ejection amount switching threshold set in the ink ejection amount switching threshold setting unit. In comparison, when the ink remaining amount is equal to or less than the ink ejection amount switching threshold value or when the ink consumption amount is equal to or greater than the ink ejection amount switching threshold value, it is detected that the low density layer ink has begun to be consumed. An ink ejection amount setting switching unit for determining that it is time to switch the ink ejection amount setting. The printer control device according to claim 3. 6. The elapsed time calculation section, the elapsed time comparison section, the ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting section, the ink remaining amount reading / writing section, the ink remaining amount calculation section, and the ink ejection amount setting switching section. The printer control device according to claim 4, wherein the printer control device is configured as one arithmetic processing unit. And a non-volatile storage unit mounted on the ink cartridge for recording the replacement time of the ink cartridge and recording the remaining amount of ink or the amount of consumed ink. An ink cartridge replacement detection unit for detecting and writing the current time at the time of ink cartridge replacement detection to the nonvolatile storage unit as an ink cartridge replacement time; and an elapsed time for calculating an elapsed time from the time of ink cartridge replacement to the present at power-on. A calculating unit that compares the elapsed time with a predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold change reference time, and switches the ink discharge amount setting when the elapsed time exceeds the ink discharge amount switch threshold change reference time. Switching of the ink discharge amount, which is a value indicating the amount of ink remaining or the amount of ink consumed, for specifying the timing Set the threshold
An elapsed time comparison unit that instructs a change to a value at which low-concentration layer ink presumed to be generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge will start to be consumed, and an ink ejection amount switching threshold value. A printer control device comprising: an ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit that changes the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold value in response to a setting change command. 8. A volatile storage unit for holding the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge only while the power is turned on and turned on, and calculating the ink consumption amount according to the content of the print data. An ink remaining amount calculating unit that updates the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge read from the volatile storage unit, and an ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge,
When the power is turned on, the data is read from the nonvolatile storage unit and written to the volatile storage unit, and can be used in the calculation by the ink remaining amount calculation unit, and the updated ink remaining amount or ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge is stored in the volatile storage unit. Remaining ink reading / writing unit for writing to the volatile storage unit and reading the remaining ink amount or the consumed ink amount of the ink cartridge held in the volatile storage unit when the power is turned off, and writing and updating the nonvolatile storage unit. Comparing the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge updated by the ink remaining amount calculation unit with the ink ejection amount switching threshold value set in the ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit. When the amount is equal to or less than the ink ejection amount switching threshold, or when the ink consumption amount is equal to or greater than the ink ejection amount switching threshold. The apparatus further includes an ink ejection amount setting switching unit that determines that it is time to switch the ink ejection amount setting as detecting that the low-concentration layer ink has begun to be consumed. The printer control device according to claim 7. 9. An ink remaining amount calculating unit for calculating an ink consumption amount according to the content of print data and updating the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge read from the nonvolatile storage unit, The amount of ink remaining in the cartridge or the amount of ink consumed
When the power is turned on, the ink remaining amount to be read out from the non-volatile storage unit and used in the calculation by the ink remaining amount calculation unit, and the updated ink remaining amount or ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge is written to the non-volatile storage unit and updated. An amount read / write unit; an ink remaining amount or an ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge updated by the ink amount calculating unit; and the ink ejection amount switching threshold set in the ink ejection amount switching threshold setting unit. In comparison, when the ink remaining amount is equal to or less than the ink ejection amount switching threshold value or when the ink consumption amount is equal to or greater than the ink ejection amount switching threshold value, it is detected that the low density layer ink has begun to be consumed. An ink ejection amount setting switching unit for determining that it is time to switch the ink ejection amount setting. The printer control device according to claim 7. 10. The elapsed time calculation section, the elapsed time comparison section, the ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting section, the ink remaining amount read / write section, the ink remaining amount calculation section, the ink ejection amount setting switching section, The ink cartridge replacement detection unit includes:
The printer control device according to claim 8, wherein the printer control device is configured as a plurality of arithmetic processing units. 11. An ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit comprising: an initial setting value at which the ink in the ink cartridge is completely used; and a change setting value at which the low density layer ink starts to be consumed. The printer control device according to claim 3, further comprising a reference table configured to selectively use an ink ejection amount switching threshold. 12. The ink ejection amount switching threshold value setting unit includes two setting values, an initial setting value at which the ink in the ink cartridge is completely used up and a change setting value at which the low density layer ink starts to be consumed. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising selectively reading out and using two ink ejection amount switching thresholds, the initial setting value and the changed setting value, from a first storage device storing the ink ejection amount switching threshold value. Item 11. The printer control device according to any one of Items 3 to 10. 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein said ink remaining amount calculating unit sets the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge read from said nonvolatile storage unit at power-on as an initial value, and sets the ink consumption amount in accordance with the content of the print data. 13. The printer control device according to claim 3, wherein the printer control device is configured by an ink counter that updates an ink remaining amount or an ink consumption amount by counting the amount. 14. The printer control device according to claim 3, wherein the elapsed time comparison unit has a reference table for holding the ink ejection amount switching threshold value change reference time. . 15. The elapsed time comparison section reads and uses the ink discharge amount switching threshold change reference time from a second storage device storing the ink discharge amount switch threshold change reference time. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein
3. The printer control device according to any one of 3. 16. A method according to claim 16, wherein the predetermined reference time for changing the threshold value for switching the ink discharge amount is such a time that it is estimated that a layer separation phenomenon due to aging has occurred in the ink in the ink cartridge. The printer control device according to claim 1. 17. The printer control device according to claim 1, wherein said ink is a pigment ink. 18. When the power supply is turned on or the ink cartridge is replaced, if the elapsed time from the time of manufacture of the ink cartridge to the present time exceeds a predetermined reference time for changing the threshold value for switching the ink discharge amount, the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting is set. The setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold, which is a value indicating the remaining amount of ink or the amount of ink consumption, for specifying the low-concentration layer ink that is presumed to be occurring on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge starts to be consumed A printer control method, wherein the value is changed to a different value. 19. When the elapsed time from the ink cartridge replacement to the present time exceeds the predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold value change reference time at power-on, the timing for switching the ink discharge amount setting is specified. The setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold value, which is a value indicating the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount,
A printer control method, wherein the value is changed to a value at which low-concentration layer ink, which is assumed to be generated on the ink surface side in an ink cartridge, starts to be consumed. 20. A process for calculating an elapsed time from the time of manufacture of the ink cartridge to the present time at the time of turning on the power or replacing the ink cartridge, and comparing the elapsed time with a predetermined ink ejection amount switching threshold change reference time. When the elapsed time exceeds the ink discharge amount switching threshold value change reference time, the ink discharge amount switching threshold value which is a value indicating the remaining ink amount or the ink consumption amount for specifying the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting. settings,
A process of instructing a change to a value at which low-concentration layer ink presumed to be generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge starts to be consumed, and a command to change the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold value Changing the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold value in accordance with the control method. 21. A process of detecting the ink cartridge replacement and recording the current time at the time of detecting the ink cartridge replacement as an ink cartridge replacement time, and a process of calculating an elapsed time from the ink cartridge replacement to the present at power-on. Comparing the elapsed time with a predetermined ink discharge amount switching threshold change reference time, and when the elapsed time exceeds the ink discharge amount switch threshold change reference time, specifies the switching timing of the ink discharge amount setting. The setting of the ink discharge amount switching threshold, which is a value indicating the amount of ink remaining or the amount of ink consumed,
A process of instructing a change to a value at which low-concentration layer ink presumed to be generated on the ink surface side in the ink cartridge starts to be consumed, and a command to change the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold value Changing the setting of the ink ejection amount switching threshold value in accordance with the control method. 22. A process of calculating the amount of ink consumption according to the content of print data and updating the remaining amount of ink or the amount of ink consumption of the ink cartridge, and recording the updated amount of ink or the amount of ink consumption of the ink cartridge. And comparing the updated ink remaining amount or ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge with the ink ejection amount switching threshold value, and when the ink remaining amount is equal to or less than the ink ejection amount switching threshold value or when the ink consumption amount is When the value is equal to or greater than the ink ejection amount switching threshold, the process further includes the step of determining that the low-concentration layer ink has begun to be consumed and determining that it is time to switch the ink ejection amount setting. 22. The printer control method according to claim 20, wherein: 23. The ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount is updated by counting the ink consumption amount according to the content of the print data with the ink remaining amount or the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge at the time of turning on the power as an initial value. 23. The printer control method according to claim 22, wherein the control is performed. 24. The ink discharge amount switching threshold value includes two ink discharge amounts, an initial set value at which all the ink in the ink cartridge is used up and a change set value at which the low-density layer ink starts to be consumed. 24. The printer control method according to claim 18, wherein the printer control method is selected from an amount switching threshold. 25. A method according to claim 25, wherein the predetermined reference time for changing the threshold value for switching the ink discharge amount is such a time that it is estimated that a layer separation phenomenon due to aging occurs in the ink in the ink cartridge. A printer control method according to any one of claims 18 to 24. 26. A printer control method according to claim 18, wherein said ink is a pigment ink. 27. A recording medium for a computer program, wherein a computer program for executing the printer control method according to claim 18 in a computer system is recorded.