JP2007137524A - Image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform management of paper information of many kinds of recording paper without troubling a user. <P>SOLUTION: The image recording device is provided with a paper detection means for specifying the paper by automatically detecting paper width, the kind of the paper, a paper feed position and the used paper; and a memory means for memorizing data of the plurality of sheets of paper. The device is provided with a notification means for determining the paper by the detection means and retaining the paper information in the memory means even if the plurality of sheets of paper are exchanged and not notifying the paper information in the memory means at the time when it approaches to the paper end but capable of notifying it to the user from the time of setting the paper, and is provided with a notification means for notifying not only the remaining amount of the paper but also printing length relative to the paper until now and the minimum recordable number of paper. Further, a paper terminal end detection means is provided and an accurate remaining amount of the paper can be managed by detecting the feeding paper terminal end and measuring length of the paper. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus including a sheet information recording method for managing a plurality of recording sheets.

In the conventional management of paper information, a storage element is provided in each roll paper unit, and the main body of the image recording apparatus appropriately writes and reads paper remaining amount information to and from this storage element. (For example, see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3.) Also, instead of providing a recording element in the roll paper unit, recording is performed by printing paper information on the recording paper itself, and when the recording paper is set, the information printed on the recording paper is read. (For example, see Patent Documents 4, 5, and 6). Also, there is a printer that manages paper information by identifying a paper by a paper identification number (see, for example, Patent Document 7).
JP 2003-63110 A JP 2003-54803 A JP-A-10-25046 JP 2001-171881 A JP 2001-105675 A JP 2002-284439 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-300362

  However, if the roll paper unit is provided with a recording element, the roll paper currently available cannot be used, so the roll paper must be specially produced so that the image recording apparatus can read it. The problem arises that a storage element unit must be installed. When printing paper information on the paper itself, it cannot be used as a cut sheet, but it will consume valuable paper from the user's point of view. Can not be replaced, and can only be replaced when the main unit is turned on. If the paper information is neglected even once, all subsequent paper information is erased. When identifying a sheet by a sheet identification number, the sheet identification number must be stored. If the sheet identification number is not known even once, the sheet information cannot be used effectively.

  In both cases, the remaining paper length is managed and notified so as to prompt replacement when the remaining amount of paper is less than the printable area. The length is often long, and an error corresponding to that is generated. Furthermore, the timing of the notification is usually performed at the final stage where replacement is necessary. However, in the case of facsimiles that are often in an unattended use state such as at night or during holidays, there is no warning for replacement / replacement at the end of work, but a warning for replacement / replacement by automatic reception in the unattended state afterwards. Occasionally, it may become unusable or impossible.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention records a sheet detection unit that automatically detects a sheet width, a sheet type, a sheet feeding position, and a sheet to be used, and a storage unit that stores data of a plurality of sheets. Even if a plurality of sheets are replaced in the apparatus, the sheet is not detected by the detecting unit, the sheet information is held in the storage unit, and the sheet information in the storage unit is not notified when the sheet end is approached. Provided with notification means that can notify the user from the time of paper setting, not only the remaining amount of paper, but also notification means to notify the print length so far and the minimum recordable number of sheets, and paper end detection An image recording apparatus characterized in that an accurate sheet remaining amount can be managed by providing a means, feeding a sheet, detecting the end of the sheet, and measuring the length of the sheet.

  According to the present invention, it is usually possible to automatically identify and manage paper information simply by replacing paper. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a specific roll paper unit, print on paper, or perform number management, and the user's labor is greatly reduced. Also, when the remaining amount of paper is low, it is not urging to replace it, but by notifying you of the length of paper used and the minimum number of prints from the paper loaded state, warnings about replenishment and replacement in unattended use such as at night or when closed Can be prevented from becoming unusable or impossible. In addition, when new paper of the same width and type is set, it is possible to eliminate waste of paper by notifying the user that there is the same paper. In addition, when multiple sheets can be set, different types of sheets such as cut sheets as well as multiple sheets of the same roll paper can be distinguished depending on the paper feed position and the paper used. It becomes possible. Further, it is possible to manage the remaining amount of paper accurately by feeding the paper and detecting the end of the paper and measuring the length of the paper.

Example 1
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus which is an image recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a control unit that controls the entire recording apparatus. Reference numeral 14 denotes an I / F (interface) unit. The I / F unit 14 and a host computer (not shown) are connected, and a command and print data to be printed are sent from the host computer. Is configured to record the recording data on the recording paper. Further, by sending a command and data to the host computer with the information of the ink jet recording apparatus, it is possible to notify the status of the recording apparatus, and thereby it is possible to notify the user of paper information. Generally, a Centronics and USB interface are often used as the I / F unit 14. Reference numeral 11 denotes an image processing unit that performs γ correction, color processing, enlargement / reduction processing, binarization, etc. on the recording data (multi-valued image data) sent from the I / F unit 14, and includes, for example, a memory, an ASIC, It is composed of a DSP, RISC chip or the like. The configuration and functions of this image processing unit are often configured to be processed by a host-side driver or RIP (Raster Image Processor) in order to reduce the cost of the main body. The print data developed into a dot pattern at the final stage of processing in the image processing unit 11 is temporarily stored in the memory unit 16. The memory unit 16 is composed of a memory for one band or more necessary for recording by a recording head (not shown) scanning once in the main scanning direction. The memory unit 16 is also used for storing main body information such as paper information to be described later. Writing / reading of print data to / from the memory unit 16 is performed by the memory controller 15 under the control of the DSP or RISC chip of the image processing unit 11, and an address signal and a write / read timing signal are generated for the memory unit 16. Is done. The print data read from the memory unit 16 is output to the head controller 17 in synchronization with the read signal from the head controller 17. The head controller 17 generates an ink discharge timing signal and a heat pulse from the head unit 18 based on the control of the control unit 10 based on a signal from a linear scale (not shown). A head unit 18 includes recording heads corresponding to the respective color inks. The controller unit 10 and the head controller 17 heat the heater unit to eject ink, thereby recording an image on the paper surface. The head unit 18 is actually mounted on the carriage of the mechanical drive unit 13. The mechanical drive unit 13 includes a carriage unit and carriage drive unit for moving the recording head in the main scanning direction, and a recovery unit for recovering ink clogging of the recording paper feeding unit, paper transport unit, paper discharge unit, and recording head. It consists of a unit part. An operation panel 12 includes switches for feeding, discharging, and selecting menus and a display device for displaying the status of the inkjet recording apparatus and displaying menus. And the status / menu display is performed. This 12 makes it possible to notify the user of paper information. In the present embodiment, the control of the entire inkjet recording apparatus is controlled by the image processing unit 11 and the control unit 10, and the command processing and recording data input from the I / F unit 14 are mainly processed. The processing from the processing to the storage in the memory unit 16 is performed by the image processing unit 11, and then the head controller 17 and the mechanical drive unit 13 are controlled to perform the printing operation and the control of the operation panel 12 is performed by the control unit 10. It is supposed to be done with. Therefore, the image processing unit 11 and the control unit 10 are configured to regularly communicate and exchange control information. The paper detection unit 19 includes a sensor mounted on the carriage and a paper end detection unit. The sensor on the carriage includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element that receives regular reflection and irregular reflection. Is detected to detect the paper width, and the paper quality and thickness are detected. The end of sheet detection can detect the end of the sheet without detaching the sheet by detecting the sheet conveyance torque or by providing a sheet end detection sensor on the back side of the roller for suppressing and conveying the sheet. In this embodiment, the sensor for detecting the paper type is only the sensor on the carriage. However, other detection means such as a sensor for transporting paper to detect the paper thickness may be provided. good. In addition, when a plurality of sheets can be set, a sensor is provided so as to detect which sheet is loaded, and the sheet feeding position is acquired. The paper information is managed by reading and updating the paper information stored in the non-volatile memory of the memory unit 16 corresponding to the paper width and paper type, the paper feed position, and the paper used by the host computer.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 21 is a carriage, 22 is a sensor unit for detecting the above-described paper width and paper type, 23 is a roll paper that is paper, and 24 is a platen. The 22 sensor unit is integrated with the 21 carriage. When the carriage is operated, the 22 sensor unit also operates. This makes it possible to detect the width of the roll paper by detecting both ends of the 23 roll paper with the 22 sensor unit, and to detect the paper type by detecting regular reflection and irregular reflection on the paper. .

  Roll paper is sandwiched between the top and bottom of the paper by 25 transport rollers. The 25 transport rollers rotate to feed the paper. As the above-mentioned paper end detection means, if a load of a certain level or more is observed by looking at the torque of the transport roller, the end of the paper is detected. In addition, a reflection type paper detection sensor is provided on the back side of the 25 transport rollers on the platen and below the paper so that the presence or absence of the paper can be detected. As a result, when there is no sheet during conveyance, it can be regarded as the end of the sheet and the end of the sheet can be detected. In the present embodiment, the paper end sensor is used to detect the paper detection sensor and the paper conveyance torque. However, the sensor may be provided further downstream, or the paper end may be detected by another method. In addition, since roll paper may have paper stuck to the mandrel, it can be regarded as the end of the paper even when the paper cannot be fed with a torque exceeding a certain level. Also good.

  FIG. 6 is a table showing the sheet information stored in the memory unit 16. The paper information is stored in a nonvolatile memory, and a memory area is secured in advance so that a plurality of types of paper information can be stored. FIG. 6 shows a state in which three types of paper are used and set as paper information.

  In the figure, the sheet width is different between the left side and the middle, but the type is the same. The sheet width is the same on the left side and the right side, but the types are different, and the width and type are different between the middle and the right side. As the sheet information, for example, sheet identification, sheet usage, sheet length, image processing method, use start date, and the like are stored. For paper identification, it is used for identification in the case of the same width and same type. The paper usage amount stores the length of use of the paper so far, and is updated when the paper is transported, when the paper is cut, or when the paper is replaced. This makes it possible to notify the cumulative amount of paper used. The paper length is the length of the paper when it is new, and is set and stored when the paper is initially set. The remaining amount of paper can be obtained from the paper length and the amount of paper used. In addition, the number of printable sheets indicating how many sheets of a predetermined paper size such as A0 and A1 can be printed can be obtained according to the obtained sheet remaining amount. The image processing method stores a printing method and the like, and can save print settings for each sheet such as standard and fast. Here, the print settings are the same depending on the paper type, and the use start date is stored when the first paper is set, so that it is possible to determine whether the paper is deteriorated or data is discarded. In addition to these pieces of paper information, the remaining amount of paper, the number of printable sheets, and the like can be calculated from the paper information and can be called up and referred to by the operation panel on the main body side and the host computer. If necessary, the paper information is displayed on the panel on the main body side or the host computer to notify the user.

  FIG. 7 is a table showing a state after newly setting sheets of width 2 and type 1 and width 1 and type 2 which are the middle and right sides in FIG. The paper of width 2 and type 1 is 200m and the paper length is 200m from Fig. 6 and is replaced at the end of the paper. Therefore, the data of width 2 and type 1 in Fig. 6 are deleted and newly added. It is a thing. When setting a new paper, if the same width and type of paper are already set, the same paper is already used. Prevent use. However, when paper management is performed for each user or each department, there is a case where it is desired to set the same width / same type paper separately. In this case, as shown in the right side of FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of sheet replacement. Paper replacement is started in S30 by loading a new paper, a paper replacement command, and a paper end detection means. In the figure, broken line portions S31 to S34 indicate a sequence of sheet removal that is currently mounted. If the paper has run out due to detection of the end of the paper, or if no paper is already loaded, such as when a new paper is loaded, this step is skipped and the process starts from S35 or S36. When normal paper is loaded, when S30 paper replacement is started, the S31 paper remaining amount check is performed and the remaining paper amount is calculated based on the paper information. If there is a remaining amount, the loaded paper is wound as it is. The taking operation S34 is performed. S31 When there is no remaining amount or there is almost no remaining amount in the paper remaining amount check, it is confirmed whether the paper is finished. If there is still a remaining amount, the paper winding operation S34 is performed when the paper is used later, and the paper is finished. If so, the current S33 paper data stored in the memory is discarded. If the end of the paper is detected, the end of the paper can be confirmed by checking whether or not the paper is finished. There is also a case where the paper ends because there is not. Therefore, it is determined by the user whether or not the paper has been completed, or it is automatically determined whether or not the paper length exceeds a certain value. Details of the operation for determining whether there is a certain length of paper automatically or not and measuring the remaining amount of paper will be described later. In either case, the currently loaded paper is removed in S35, and the paper to be used is set in S36. When the paper is set by the user, the carriage and paper are automatically operated, and the S37 paper width and paper type are detected. Based on this result, in S38, it is confirmed whether or not the same paper (same width and same type) exists in the paper information. If there is the same sheet, setting is made so as to refer to the sheet data, and the S41 sheet replacement is ended. If there is no identical paper, new paper data is added in S40. When a new sheet is added, if there is the same sheet, S39 notifies the user that there is the same sheet, and notifies that the same sheet is already used. When the paper is set again on the already used paper, the process returns to the S34 paper winding operation and is exchanged again. When adding a new paper type, S40 paper data is added to add paper data by adding a new paper type as if B was newly added to the right paper type in FIG. 7, and the paper information is managed there. . At this time, if the paper types are the same, the data such as the image processing method is taken over. When adding paper data, the user only needs to set the length of the loaded paper and check whether the inherited image processing method is acceptable. As described above, if the user has a normal replacement, for example, changing from A0 to A1 paper or changing from plain paper to glossy paper and there is no remaining amount, it is troublesome to just remove the paper and load the paper you want to use. It is possible to manage the paper information (paper identification, paper usage, paper length, image processing method, start date of use, etc.) in FIG. 6, and the user can use the panel and host on the main unit as necessary. This paper information can be obtained by a computer.

  In many cases, roll paper or the like is actually longer than the display length in advance, and an error corresponding to the length is generated. For example, if the roll paper is 100 m, the actual length is 105 m. Therefore, in the present invention, not only the remaining amount of paper but also the amount of paper used is presented to the user. Furthermore, the confirmation of whether or not the paper is finished may be in a user input format. However, in the present invention, it is automatically determined whether or not there is a certain length of paper, and if not, the accurate amount of paper is measured. In addition, by detecting the end of the paper and measuring the length of the paper, it is possible to accurately manage the remaining amount of paper. The sequence is shown in FIG. The confirmation of whether or not the paper is finished is started when the S50 paper remaining amount measurement is started. This timing is used to confirm that the paper is longer than a certain length, or when the correct remaining amount is required. When the paper is judged to be finished when the paper is replaced, or before printing is started or during printing. When the remaining amount of paper becomes shorter than the length necessary for printing, the amount of used paper or the amount of remaining paper is reached. When measurement of the remaining amount of S50 paper is started, first, a specified amount of paper is fed while confirming the end of the paper in S51. The paper feed amount at this time varies depending on the form of the recording apparatus. For example, if the recording device is low, the length on the floor must be taken into account, and if the stand is equipped, it can be sent longer. Moreover, if the take-up device is equipped, the entire length can be sent. When this take-up device is attached, it is possible to measure the exact length by starting the S50 remaining amount measurement when the first paper is loaded, and the user needs to set the paper length when setting the first paper. Will also disappear. If the end of the sheet is detected in S51, it is possible to perform control in accordance with the accurate remaining amount of paper by updating either the sheet length or the used amount in accordance with the sheet feed amount in S52. If the end of the paper is not detected even if the specified amount of paper is fed in S51, there is a certain paper length, and there is no paper remaining calculated from the currently stored paper length and paper usage in S53. In the state, since there is at least the remaining amount of paper for paper feeding, the processing of S52 described above is performed. If there is a remaining amount of paper, there is a certain length of paper, so nothing is done. Thereafter, since the paper is fed in S51 by S54 paper rewinding, the paper is rewound, and the process ends in S55. As a result, it can be confirmed that there is a certain sheet length or more, and when there is no certain sheet length, it is possible to accurately grasp the remaining sheet amount.

(Example 2)
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an ink jet recording apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention. 21 to 26 in the figure are the same as those in FIG. 2 showing the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that a plurality of sheets can be set in the recording apparatus main body at a time. From the first embodiment, one roll paper was added and a cut paper unit was further provided. 60 is a newly added roll paper. Reference numeral 61 denotes a cut sheet unit, which is a box that can hold a plurality of cut sheets. 62 is a cut sheet contained in 61, 63 crossed hatched parts represent the first sheet conveyed, and 64 lower right hatched part precedes the second sheet This is a representation of the cut sheet that has been fed. 60 The paper information of the newly added roll paper is managed by the paper information stored by the storage means shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 as in the first embodiment. The cut sheet information 61 to 64 is provided in an area different from the roll sheet as shown in FIG. The reason why the paper information is different from those in FIGS. 6 and 7 is that there is a specific difference between roll paper and cut paper. Although the number of sheets, the sheet size, the image processing method, and the like have been described here, the same sheet identification, sheet length, and start date of use as the roll sheet may be used. Which paper is used among multiple papers, such as roll paper and cut paper, is determined by providing a sensor etc. at the paper feed position as a paper feed position acquisition means and from where the paper is loaded Alternatively, it is determined by the paper used for printing as used paper type acquisition means. Also, in this embodiment, the paper information of the roll paper is handled together. However, there are two or more roll papers as shown in FIG. In some cases, it may be individually divided according to the paper feed position. Thereby, paper information can be managed even when there are a plurality of types of paper. It is also possible to manage paper information such as cut paper.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is usually possible to automatically identify and manage paper information simply by replacing paper, and the labor of the user is greatly reduced. Also, when the remaining amount of paper is low, it is not urging to replace it, but by notifying you of the length of paper used and the minimum number of prints from the paper loaded state, warnings about replenishment and replacement in unattended use such as at night or when closed Can be prevented from becoming unusable or impossible. In addition, when new paper of the same width and type is set, it is possible to eliminate waste of paper by notifying the user that there is the same paper. In addition, when multiple sheets can be set, different types of sheets such as cut sheets as well as multiple sheets of the same roll paper can be distinguished depending on the paper feed position and the paper used. It becomes possible. Finally, it is possible to accurately manage the remaining amount of paper by feeding the paper and detecting the end of the paper and measuring the length of the paper.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention. Flow chart showing the flow of paper replacement Sequence diagram for measuring remaining paper Schematic diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention A diagram showing the paper information stored in the memory The figure showing the state after newly setting the paper in FIG. The figure which shows the paper information of the cut paper which is remembered in memory section 16

Explanation of symbols

10 Control unit
11 Image processing section
12 Operation panel
13 Mechanical drive
14 I / F section
15 Memory controller
16 Memory section
17 Head controller
18 Head
19 Media detector
21 Carriage
22 Sensor unit
23 Roll paper
24 platen
25 Transport roller
26 Media detection sensor
S30 Paper replacement started
S31 Check remaining paper
S32 paper end
S33 Discard paper data
S34 Paper take-up
S35 Paper removal
S36 paper set
S37 Paper width / type detection
S38 Same paper available
S39 Notification of same paper / New addition
S40 Paper data added
S41 Paper replacement completed
S50 Paper remaining measurement starts
S51 Specified amount paper feed / paper end detection
S52 Paper length (usage) update
S53 No paper left
S54 Paper rewind
S55 end
60 Added roll paper
61 Cut paper unit
62 Cut paper stored in 61
63 Cut sheet transported to the first sheet
64 Cut sheet fed prior to the second sheet

Claims (6)

  The recording apparatus includes a sheet detection unit that automatically detects a sheet width and a sheet type from a plurality of sheets and specifies a sheet, and a storage unit that stores data of the plurality of sheets. An image recording apparatus characterized by discriminating a sheet by means and holding sheet information in a storage means.   2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notifying means for notifying at least the time when the paper information in the storage means approaches the paper end but notifying the user from the time of paper setting.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying a user that there is a sheet of the same type as a determining unit for determining that the same type is stored in the storage unit when the same type of sheet is newly registered. 2. The image recording apparatus according to 2.   4. The image according to claim 1, further comprising a paper feed position acquisition unit or a used paper type acquisition unit, wherein the paper is specified by the paper feed position or the type of paper to be used and the paper information is managed. Recording device.   5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies not only the remaining amount of paper but also the print length and the minimum recordable number of sheets.   Paper end detection means is provided, paper is fed, paper end detection means is used to detect the end of the paper, and the paper length, paper usage amount, and remaining paper amount are set at least according to the paper feed amount, so that the correct remaining paper amount The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image recording apparatus is capable of managing the image.

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