JP2004216770A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to readily grasp the number of sheets of recording paper to be set to an automatic paper supply device in an image recorder. <P>SOLUTION: This image recorder records an image on a recording medium supplied from the automatic paper supply device. The image recorder comprises a designation section 407 for designating a kind and a size of a recording medium, and a maximum number of loaded sheets acquiring section 402 for acquiring the maximum number of loaded sheets information Sc about the maximum number of sheets of the recording media to be set to the automatic paper supply device based on the kind and the size of the recording medium designated by the designation section 407. The recorder further comprises a notification section 409 that notifies a user of the information Sc as the number of sheets of the recording media to be set to the automatic paper supply device when the value Sc is not greater than the value of (Tc-Pc) with the proviso that Tc represents the total number of sheets of the recording media to be recorded and Pc represents the number of sheets of the recording media of which the recording is completed in the sheets to be recorded and notifies the user of the value of (Tc-Pc) as the number of sheets of the recording media to be set to the automatic paper supply device when the value of Sc is greater than the value of (Tc-Pc). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for notifying a user of the number of recording media to be set in an automatic paper feeder in an image recording apparatus capable of printing out image information on a recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recording devices that have functions such as printers, copiers, and facsimile devices, or recording devices that are used as output devices for composite electronic devices and workstations, including document processing devices such as computers and word processors, record paper and the like based on image information. It is configured to record an image on a medium. Such recording apparatuses can be classified into an ink jet type, a wire dot type, a thermal type, a laser beam type, and the like according to a recording method.
[0003]
An ink jet recording apparatus (ink jet recording apparatus) performs recording by discharging ink from a recording unit (recording head) onto a recording medium, and has the following advantages. It is easy to compact the recording means, can record high-definition images at high speed, can record on plain paper without special processing, has low running cost, and has a non-impact method. Therefore, there is little noise and it is easy to record a color image using multicolor inks.
[0004]
In such a recording apparatus, it is common practice to set a recording medium in an automatic paper feeder of a device, convey the recording medium by a print instruction or the like, and print and record with a print head.
[0005]
In recent years, in an ink jet recording apparatus, recording density, recording accuracy, and the like have been rapidly improved, and photographic high-quality output has become possible by using a special recording medium. Special recording media used for such purposes generally have a specially processed recording surface, and many such recording media are very susceptible to scratches due to rubbing or the like. Has been. For this reason, depending on the type and size of the recording medium and the number of stacked recording media, rubbing between the recording media may occur due to a medium transport operation or the like during printing, and the media surface may be inadvertently scratched depending on the usage. Was. In order to avoid this, a supplementary explanation about the maximum number of sheets to be loaded according to the type and size of paper is described in an instruction manual or the like attached to the device to urge the operator to be careful in handling.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the method of the above-described conventional example, each time printing is performed, the maximum number of sheets that can be printed according to the type and size of the special recording medium to be printed is checked with reference to an instruction manual or the like, and then the automatic sheet feeding apparatus is used. It has to be set on a tray section of the camera, and the operation procedure is complicated.
[0007]
In addition, such a limitation on the maximum number of stacked sheets is often caused by a difference in mechanical characteristics of a recording medium conveying mechanism of an image recording apparatus and characteristics of an accompanying automatic sheet feeding apparatus. For this reason, for example, even though the types and sizes of the recording media are the same, the maximum number of sheets that can be loaded may be different for each model even between devices of the same manufacturer. For this reason, even when the same user uses the same paper for another model of the same maker, the maximum number of sheets to be loaded must be checked in an instruction manual or the like, and the operability cannot be said to be good.
[0008]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to enable an image recording apparatus to allow a user to easily grasp the number of recording sheets to be set in an automatic sheet feeding apparatus. is there.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image recording apparatus according to the present invention is an image recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium supplied from an automatic paper feeder, Instructing means for instructing a type and a size, and, based on the type and size of the recording medium instructed by the instructing means, information on a maximum number of stacked sheets, which is a maximum number of the recording media that can be set in the automatic sheet feeder. Maximum load number obtaining means for obtaining Sc, and when the total number of the recording media on which images are to be recorded is Tc, and the number of already recorded recording media among the recording media on which the images are to be recorded is Pc If Sc ≦ (Tc−Pc), the user is notified of Sc as the number of recording media to be set in the automatic paper feeder, and if Sc> (Tc−Pc), (Tc−Pc) is notified to the automatic feeder. Set in paper machine Characterized by comprising a notification unit configured to notify a user as a number of recording media to be.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0011]
First, an outline of the present embodiment will be described.
[0012]
The image recording apparatus according to the present embodiment is an image recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium supplied from an automatic paper feeder, and includes instruction means for instructing the type and size of the recording medium; A maximum stacking number acquisition unit for acquiring maximum stacking number information Sc, which is a maximum number of the recording media that can be set in the automatic sheet feeding device, based on the designated type and size of the recording medium; and recording an image. When Tc is the total number of the recording media to be recorded and Pc is the number of the recording media on which the image is to be recorded and the recording is already completed, Sc is set as follows if Sc ≦ (Tc−Pc). The user is notified of the number of recording media to be set in the automatic paper feeding device, and if Sc> (Tc-Pc), the user is notified of (Tc-Pc) as the number of recording media to be set in the automatic paper feeding device. Through And means.
[0013]
Further, the image recording system of the present embodiment is an image recording system that includes an image recording device that records an image on a recording medium supplied from an automatic paper feeder, and an external device connected to the image recording device. The image recording apparatus transmits, to the external device, maximum stacking number information Sc that is the maximum number of the recording media that can be set in the automatic sheet feeding device, based on the type and size of the recording medium. When the total number of recording media on which images are to be recorded is Tc and the number of recording media on which recording has been completed is Pc, Sc ≦ (Tc− If Pc), Sc is notified to the user as the number of recording media to be set in the automatic paper feeder, and if Sc> (Tc−Pc), (Tc−Pc) is recorded in the automatic paper feeder. Number of media To notify the user by.
[0014]
Further, in the image recording system of the present embodiment, the image recording device and the external device may be housed in one housing.
[0015]
Further, the image recording system of the present embodiment is an image recording system that includes an image recording device that records an image on a recording medium supplied from an automatic paper feeder, and an external device connected to the image recording device. The image recording device transmits its own model identification information to the external device, and the external device automatically performs the automatic identification based on the type identification information of the image recording device and the type and size of the recording medium. Maximum load number information Sc, which is the maximum number of the recording media that can be set in the sheet feeding device, is acquired, and the total number of the recording media on which an image is to be recorded is Tc. Assuming that the number of recording media on which recording has been completed is Pc, if Sc ≦ (Tc−Pc), the user is notified of Sc as the number of recording media to be set in the automatic sheet feeding device, and Sc> (Tc−Pc−Tc). Pc) Notifies the user mule to (Tc-Pc) as a number of recording media to be set in the automatic sheet feeder.
[0016]
Further, in the image recording system of the present embodiment, the image recording device and the external device may be housed in one housing.
[0017]
The method for controlling an image recording apparatus according to the present embodiment is a method for controlling an image recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium supplied from an automatic paper feeder, and instructs the type and size of the recording medium. A maximum stacking number for obtaining maximum stacking number information Sc that is a maximum number of the recording media that can be set in the automatic sheet feeding device based on an instruction step and the type and size of the recording medium instructed in the instruction step. A number acquisition step;
If Tc is the total number of the recording media on which the image is to be recorded and Pc is the number of the recording media on which the image is to be recorded and the recording is completed, then Sc ≦ (Tc−Pc) Sc is notified to the user as the number of recording media to be set in the automatic paper feeding device, and if Sc> (Tc-Pc), (Tc-Pc) is set as the number of recording media to be set in the automatic paper feeding device. Notification step for notifying the user
The control program according to the present embodiment causes a computer to execute the above control method.
[0018]
Further, the storage medium of the present embodiment stores the above control program in a computer readable manner.
[0019]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
In the present embodiment, a system in which a host device such as a host and a recording device such as an ink jet printer device are connected to each other to transmit and receive data between the host device and the recording device will be described as an example.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration in which a host computer 500 as a higher-level device and a printer device 100 as a lower-level device are connected.
[0022]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 501 denotes a printer driver, 502 denotes a status monitor, and these are stored in the host computer 500 in the form of software. The printer driver 501 and the status monitor 502 may be stored in a storage medium such as a ROM mounted on the host computer 500. Further, the host computer 500 referred to here is constituted by, for example, a so-called personal computer separate from the printer device 100 and connected to the printer device 100 by an external interface provided therein, or the host computer 500 is provided in the same housing. 500 unit and the printer device 100 are integrated, and both are connected by an internal interface or a bus interface, for example, a so-called photo direct printer device (a memory card reading unit is also provided, image information recorded on a memory card, Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which an imaging device such as a digital camera is connected through an external interface or the like, and image information or the like captured by the digital camera can be printed out.
[0023]
The control unit of the printer device 100 is configured by a control circuit as shown in a block diagram shown in FIG. In addition, as an example, the host computer 500 and the printer device 100 are connected via a cable using, for example, a USB interface that is one of high-speed serial communication. This connection may be any type of connection as long as bidirectional communication is possible, such as IEEE 1284 of another parallel interface, IEEE 1394 of another high-speed serial interface, or wireless communication of an infrared interface, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, or the like. good.
[0024]
When a user prints a desired image, the printer driver 501 performs image processing such as color processing and halftoning from original data such as a desired document or image by generating an operation instruction on the host computer 500 to generate print data. Then, by transmitting the print data to the printer device 100, the print data can be printed out on a medium such as paper.
[0025]
The status monitor 502 is activated during printing or by a predetermined operation, receives status information from the connected printer device 100, analyzes the status of the printer 100 from the information, and detects, for example, a paper-out condition in real time. This can be visually displayed on the operation screen of the host computer 500 as needed.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view illustrating the configuration of the printer device 100 according to the present embodiment.
[0027]
In FIG. 2, a recording medium (recording sheet or the like) 105 picked up from an automatic sheet feeding device (not shown) and inserted into a sheet feeding position of the printer device 100 is fed in the direction of arrow P by rotation of a feed roller 106. The print head 104 is conveyed to a printable area. A platen 107 is provided below the recording medium 105 in the printable area. The print head 104 is mounted on a carriage 101, and the carriage 101 is reciprocally movable in a direction along the two guide shafts, a guide shaft 102 and a guide shaft 103. As a result, the print head 104 scans the print area back and forth in the main scanning directions Q1 and Q2. As the automatic sheet feeding device, for example, a sheet feeding device disclosed in JP-A-08-048431, JP-A-08-301474, JP-A-08-324822, or the like can be used. In applying the present invention, any mechanism configuration of the paper feeder itself and any transport / feed system can be adopted.
[0028]
The print head 104 is an inkjet print head, and includes an ejection port capable of ejecting a plurality of color inks and an ink tank capable of accommodating a plurality of color inks. It is suitable. The plurality of colors of ink in the printer device 100 are four colors of Bk (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow).
[0029]
An operation panel 108 includes a switch unit and a display unit. The switch unit is used for turning on / off the power of the printer device 100, setting various print modes, and the like, and the display unit displays the status of the printer device 100. Used for
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of the printer device 100 according to the present embodiment.
[0031]
When print data including characters to be printed and image data transmitted from the host computer 500 is received by the printer device 100, the received data is input to the reception buffer 401 and held. The data stored in the reception buffer 401 is transferred to the RAM 403 and temporarily stored under the control of the CPU 402. Programs and data necessary for various controls are stored in the ROM unit 411 of the printer device 100. When the programs are executed by the CPU 402, the data transmitted from the host computer 500 to the printer device 100 is printed out. Then, status information or the like for notifying the operation state of the printer device 100 is transmitted from the printer device 100 to the host computer 500. The ROM unit 411 also stores a control program executed by the CPU 402, various initialization parameters, and the like. The engine control unit 404 drives and controls a printer engine 405 having a mechanical unit such as a carriage motor or a line feed motor in accordance with a command from the CPU 402. The NVRAM 420 is a non-volatile memory that stores information to be stored even when the power of the device is turned off. The NVRAM 420 is read at initialization timing such as when the power of the printer apparatus 100 is turned on, and the contents thereof are stored in the RAM 403, and necessary information is written to the NVRAM 420 when the power is turned off or when important information is updated. In this embodiment, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable ROM) is used, but other memory devices such as a battery with battery backup and a flash memory may be used as long as they are nonvolatile memories.
[0032]
The sensor / SW control unit 406 sends to the CPU 402 signals from a sensor / SW unit 407 including various sensors and SWs (switches, cover open / close detection sensors) of the operation panel 108 and the like. The display element control unit 408 drives display of the LED of the operation panel 108 and the display unit 409 having a liquid crystal display element or the like in accordance with a command from the CPU 402. The print head control unit 410 drives and controls the print head 104 according to a command from the CPU 402. The print head control unit 410 detects the state of the print head 104, for example, detects the temperature of the head 104 and sends them to the CPU 402. As a result, the CPU 402 controls the drive of the print head 104 based on the temperature information. In the print head 104 of this embodiment, a black ink tank and color / ink tanks of yellow / magenta / cyan are detachably mounted. In applying the present invention, the type of the ink tank may be a single type of the ink tank, for example, only the black ink, or a configuration in which the ink tank is separated into a plurality of four or six colors. May be in any combination. The housing of the printer device 100 has a cover (not shown). The open / closed state is acquired from the operation panel 108. When the cover is opened, printing is temporarily stopped until the cover is closed if printing is in progress. When no problem such as a paper jam has occurred in the apparatus, the print head 104 is moved to the vicinity of the center in the scanning direction so that the user can replace the ink.
[0033]
Although the ink jet printer has been described as an example, the present invention can be applied to printers of other recording formats such as a thermal transfer sublimation type as long as the printer has an automatic paper feeder.
[0034]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the print control operation according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the processing is included in the printer driver 501 operating on the host computer 500 as the host device.
[0035]
This processing is started by a predetermined print start instruction operation performed by an operator for performing a desired image print output. First, in step S100, image information, character information, and the like to be printed are analyzed to determine the number of recording media required for print output at a specified paper size, and stored in the memory as "total print page number Tc". . In step S101, the “print completion page number Pc” is reset to zero. The number of printed pages Pc is secured in the memory, and is a variable used to manage the number of pages that have been printed in the processing described below. Next, in step S102, based on the type information and size information of the designated recording medium and the model information of the printer device 100, it can be set at one time specified according to the characteristics of the automatic paper feeder of the printer device 100. The number of recording media is obtained and stored in the memory as "maximum number of sheets to be loaded Sc". The maximum number of sheets to be loaded is specified for each printer by the paper type and paper size as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, for example, and FIGS. 8 and 9 show two types of printers (automatic paper feeder). ) Is shown.
[0036]
As can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, even when the combination of the number of paper types of the recording medium and the respective paper sizes (vertical set / horizontal set) of each paper type that can be supported by the printer 1 and the printer 2 is different. It is configured so that the maximum number of sheets that can be optimally loaded for the apparatus can be individually handled. The maximum stacking number Sc described above can be acquired by a process described later in detail with reference to FIG. 5 or FIG.
[0037]
Thereafter, the processing from step S103 is continued until the output of the desired number of prints is completed, or until the operator gives an instruction to stop printing, whereby the print recording control operation is performed as a whole.
[0038]
The value obtained by the arithmetic expression “total printed page number Tc−printed completed page number Pc” on the right side of the determination statement in step S103 indicates the number of remaining printed pages to be printed. That is, in step S103, the maximum number of sheets Sc that can be set at one time is compared with the number of remaining print pages, and when step S103 is first executed, the number of print completed pages Pc is reset to 0 in step S101. Therefore, the maximum stacking number Sc that can be set at one time is compared with the total number of printed pages Tc (= the number of remaining printed pages). As a result of the comparison, if the maximum number of stacked sheets Sc is smaller or equal to the number of remaining print pages, the process proceeds to step S105, and the N number of sheets value is set to the maximum number of stacked pages Sc. On the other hand, when the maximum stacking number Sc is larger than the number of remaining print pages, that is, when the number of remaining print pages is smaller, the value of N number of sheets is set to the number of remaining print pages in step S104. Then, in step S106, a message box in which the value of N number obtained in steps S103 to S105 is substituted for "N number" in the display text of the message box 600 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. Wait for instructions. The operator sets the N number of recording media in the paper feed tray of the printer device 100 according to this message, and clicks (presses the button) of the message box 600 with the pointing device such as a mouse to print. Let it start. When the user wants to cancel the printing, the user can click the [Cancel button] (press the button) to cancel the printing.
[0039]
Here, the case will be described in more detail. For example, when the paper type of the recording medium instructed to print is “special paper 1”, the paper size (vertical in the insertion direction) is “A4 vertical”, and the printer 100 is “printer 1”. From FIG. 8, the maximum stacking number Sc is “d”. Here, if the total number of printed pages Tc (or the number of remaining printed pages Tc-Pc) is 4 and the value of the maximum stacking number Sc is d = 5, then the N number of sheets = 4 (step S104). If the total number of printed pages Tc (or the number of remaining printed pages Tc-Pc) is 7, the number of N sheets = 5 (step S103).
[0040]
If the "print button" is pressed in step S107, the actual printing operation is controlled by the processing in step S108 and subsequent steps. First, the counter Cc is reset to 0 (step S108), and a print instruction is issued to the printer apparatus 100 in step S109. As a result, the printer 100 operates the automatic paper feeder to convey the recording medium to the printing unit. In step S110, it is checked via the interface or the like whether the printer device 100 has successfully conveyed and fed the recording medium. If the paper can be fed normally, one page is printed (step S111). If paper cannot be fed due to lack of paper or the like (Yes in step S110), the counter Cc is added and updated to the number of printed pages Pc in step S120, the process returns to step S103, and N sheets are newly added. Recalculation is performed, and a message box 610 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed in step S106 to wait for a response from the operator. When the printing of one page is completed normally in step S111, 1 is added to the counter Cc (step S112). When the counter Cc is smaller than the N number, the process returns to step S109, and the next page is printed in steps S109 to S113. I do. When printing of N sheets is completed in this way, that is, when the counter Cc becomes equal to N sheets, the counter Cc is added / updated to the number of printed pages Pc in step S114, and the number of printed pages is updated in step S115. If the number Pc is smaller than the total number of printed pages Tc, it is necessary to continue printing, so the process returns to step S103, where the number of N is newly calculated, and the message box 600 shown in FIG. When the [Print Button] is clicked, the above-described processing is repeated. In this manner, when all printing is completed, that is, when the number of printed pages Pc is equal to the total number of printed pages Tc in step S115, the present process is terminated.
[0041]
Next, a first embodiment of the process of acquiring the maximum number of sheets Sc described in step S102 of FIG. 4 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. This embodiment has a configuration in which a set of maximum stacking number information suitable for an automatic paper feeder of the printer device is provided on the printer device 100 side as shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. In FIG. 5, the control process in the host computer 500 and the control process in the printer device 100 are shown separately.
[0042]
First, the host computer 500 of the higher-level device acquires the paper type information and the paper size information (including the insertion direction information) of the recording medium for which printing has been instructed by the operator in step S300. Subsequently, in step S301, the information is instructed to be transmitted to the printer device 100 via an interface or the like. Next, in step S302, the printer apparatus 100 sets the maximum number of sheets to be loaded in the same manner as the relationship shown in FIG. 8 based on the sheet type information and the sheet size information (including the insertion direction information) of the recording medium instructed by the host computer 500. Ask. Then, in step S303, the maximum load number information is transmitted to the host computer 500. When the host computer 500 receives the information on the maximum number of sheets to be loaded (step S304), the host computer 500 stores the information in the memory as the maximum number of sheets to be loaded Sc in step S305, and ends this processing.
[0043]
Subsequently, a second embodiment of the process of acquiring the maximum number of sheets Sc described in step S102 of FIG. 4 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the host computer 500 is provided with a plurality of maximum stacking number information groups suitable for an automatic sheet feeding device for each printer device that can be connected, as shown in FIGS. In FIG. 6, the control process in the host computer 500 and the control process in the printer device 100 are shown separately.
[0044]
First, the host computer 500 of the higher-level device requests model ID information from the printer device 100 via the interface in order to determine the model of the connected printer device 100 in step S400. This model ID information is sufficient if it is possible to determine the model of the connected printer. For example, if the interface connected to the printer 100 is IEEE1284, a DeviceID request standardized by the communication protocol can be used. Further, in the case of other interfaces, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus), product ID information in device descriptor information defined by USB specifications can be used.
[0045]
Upon receiving the model ID request, the printer 100 returns the model ID information of the printer 100 to the host computer 500 through the interface in step S410. Upon acquiring the model ID information returned in step S420, the host computer 500 proceeds to step S421, and acquires the paper type information and the paper size information (including the insertion direction information) of the recording medium instructed by the operator to print. Subsequently, in step S422, the maximum number of sheets to be loaded is obtained based on the acquired sheet type information, sheet size information (including insertion direction information), and model ID information in the same manner as the relationship shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. That is, for example, when the model ID is the printer device 2, the maximum number of stacked sheets according to FIG. 9 is obtained. Then, in step S423, the maximum stacking number Sc is stored in the memory, and the process ends.
[0046]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an operation environment in which the operator can set as many sheets as necessary in accordance with the number of sheets set in the message box or the like at the time of desired print output.
[0047]
In the above-described embodiment, the operation guide is provided to the operator by displaying the number of sheets set in the message box. However, as another expression method, the operation guide may be provided by, for example, a sound output provided in the device. Easy. Further, a device in which the host computer 500 and the printer device 100 are integrally configured in the same housing and both are connected by an internal interface or a bus interface, for example, a so-called photo direct printer device (a memory card reading unit is also used). Display device that can print out image information recorded on a memory card or image information captured by a digital camera by connecting an imaging device such as a digital camera via an external interface). Even in the case of a device that does not include a display and can only express numerical values or the like by segment display or the like, at least the expression of the number of set sheets can be performed, and the present invention can be applied.
[0048]
As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, it is not necessary to refer to an instruction manual or the like every time printing and recording is performed. By simply setting the recording medium on the recording medium, it is possible to easily obtain a high-quality print output without inadvertently scratching the surface of the recording medium.
[0049]
In addition, even when the maximum number of sheets to be loaded is different due to the difference in the mechanical characteristics of the printer device and the characteristics of the accompanying automatic paper feeder, the necessary number of sheets can be set according to the operation guide, so that the operability is improved. be able to.
[0050]
[Other embodiments]
Further, an object of each embodiment is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU) of the system or the apparatus. And MPU) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0051]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function of the program is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU included in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0052]
When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the procedures described above.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in an image recording apparatus, a user can easily grasp the number of recording sheets to be set in an automatic sheet feeder.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the printer device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of a printer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a process of acquiring a maximum number of sheets to be stacked;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of a process of acquiring the maximum number of sheets to be loaded;
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation menu box and a message box that are displayed.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a relationship among a sheet type, a sheet size, and a maximum number of sheets to be stacked;
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a relationship among a sheet type, a sheet size, and a maximum number of sheets to be stacked;
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Printer device
104 print head
401 Receive buffer
402 CPU
403 RAM
405 Printer Engine
411 ROM
420 NVRAM
500 host computer
501 Printer Driver
502 Status Monitor

Claims (1)

An image recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium supplied from an automatic paper feeder,
Indicating means for indicating the type and size of the recording medium;
A maximum stack number acquisition unit that acquires maximum stack number information Sc that is the maximum number of the recording media that can be set in the automatic sheet feeder based on the type and size of the recording medium instructed by the instruction unit; ,
If Tc is the total number of the recording media on which the image is to be recorded and Pc is the number of the recording media on which the image is to be recorded and the recording is completed, then Sc ≦ (Tc−Pc) Sc is notified to the user as the number of recording media to be set in the automatic paper feeding device, and if Sc> (Tc-Pc), (Tc-Pc) is set as the number of recording media to be set in the automatic paper feeding device. An image recording apparatus comprising: a notification unit that notifies a user.

Images