JP2008114395A - Apparatus for controlling inkjet recording apparatus and method for controlling inkjet recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To decrease ink uselessly thrown away by passing through a term of use in a case when a plurality of colors of inks are stored in a plurality of ink cartridges. <P>SOLUTION: In a method for controlling a recording apparatus, when replacement of a K ink and a CMY ink is possible (S1: YES), whether or not CMY remaining time is at most one month is judged (S3), and in addition, whether or not K remaining time is at most one month is judged (S4 and S9). When the K remaining time is at most one month (S4: YES), whether or not the K remaining time is shorter than the CMY remaining time is judged (S5). Then, by these judgements, it is determined that either one of the K ink or the CMY ink should be preferentially used. When the K ink should be preferentially used, original CMY dots are replaced by K dots to perform printing (S6 and S10), and when the CMY ink should be preferentially used, original K dots are replaced by the CMY dots to perform the printing (S7 and S8). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device for an ink jet recording apparatus capable of color printing and a control method for the ink jet recording device.

  Many ink jet printers are capable of ejecting ink of three colors, cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), in order to achieve a full color print image by mixing ink colors, Black (K) ink used for the black portion of the image can be ejected. When these four colors of ink are stored in one ink cartridge common to all colors, when stored in two ink cartridges, which are separate from black and color ink, separate from each color. In some cases, the ink is stored in four ink cartridges. The remaining amount of each color ink in the ink cartridge varies depending on the print history of the image.

  In Patent Document 1, in an ink jet printer in which one ink cartridge storing four colors of CMYK inks can be mounted, the remaining amount of each color ink is detected and compared, and when the remaining amount of K ink is the smallest, A technique for printing an area to be printed with K ink with process black in which CMY inks are mixed is described. As a result, only the K ink does not decrease extremely quickly than the other color inks, and the four color inks in the ink cartridge can be reduced almost uniformly, so that the CMY inks still remain in the ink cartridge. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the ink cartridge has to be replaced despite a large amount remaining. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large amount of ink from being discarded wastefully.

JP 2000-225720 A

  According to Patent Document 1, it is possible to prevent a large amount of ink from being discarded as described above by performing control in consideration of the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge. However, in Patent Document 1, it is assumed that four color inks of CMYK are stored in one ink cartridge. Therefore, the four color inks are separated into, for example, four ink cartridges separated for each color. In the case where the ink is stored, only the ink cartridge in which the K ink has been stored needs to be replaced when the K ink is exhausted.

  Further, since the ink gradually deteriorates with the passage of time from the time when the sealed pack of the ink cartridge is opened (use start time), for example, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is reduced as in Patent Document 1. Even if it is detected and appropriately controlled, if the degree of deterioration of the ink over time exceeds the limit (that is, when the ink reaches the expiration date), in order to prevent the deterioration of the image quality, The ink cartridge must be replaced even though there is still enough ink remaining. That is, according to Patent Document 1, it is possible to avoid waste of a large amount of ink due to non-uniform ink remaining when four colors of CMYK ink are stored in one ink cartridge. When a plurality of colors of ink are stored in a plurality of ink cartridges, waste of a large amount of ink due to the ink reaching the expiration date cannot be avoided.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus capable of reducing ink that is wasted due to expiration of the expiration date when a plurality of colors of ink are stored in a plurality of ink cartridges. A control device and a method for controlling an ink jet recording apparatus are provided.

  The present invention provides a first ink cartridge storing a first ink having a first color, and second to m-th colors (m is a natural number of 3 or more) for visually recognizing the first color by color mixing. A second to nth ink cartridge (where n is a natural number of 2 or more and m or less) in which second to mth inks are stored is mounted and supplied from the first to nth ink cartridges. It is a control device of an ink jet recording apparatus having one or a plurality of ink jet heads that discharge first to mth inks. The control device is a derivation unit for deriving the time from the start of printing to the expiration date of the first to m-th inks, and the time until the expiration date of the first ink derived by the derivation unit. Based on the first remaining time and the second remaining time that is the shortest of the time until the expiration date of use of the second to m-th inks derived by the deriving means, the first ink and the second ink A determination unit that determines which of the m-th inks should be used preferentially, and if the determination unit determines that the first ink should be used preferentially, the ink is supplied to the ink jet recording apparatus In the printing range indicated by the printed data, the first ink lands on the area where the first ink should land, and the first to at least part of the area where the second to mth inks overlap each other and land. Ink landing As described above, when the determination unit determines that the first control unit that controls the discharge of the first to mth inks from the inkjet head and the second to mth inks should be used preferentially. In the print range, the second to mth inks overlap each other and land on at least a part of the region where the first ink should land, and the second to mth inks overlap each other and land And second control means for controlling the ejection of the first to mth inks from the inkjet head so that the second to mth inks land on each other.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to preferentially consume ink that may expire, so that the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge when the expiration date is reached can be reduced. Therefore, the ink in the ink cartridge that is replaced when the expiration date comes can be reduced, and the amount of ink that is wasted is reduced. Note that “the first color is visually recognized by the mixed color” means that when the second to mth inks are mixed, the printed image is the same or not the same as the first color but is almost the same color. Let the observer visually recognize it.

  In another aspect, the present invention provides a first ink cartridge in which a first ink having a first color is stored, and second to m-th (m is 3 or more) for visually recognizing the first color by mixing colors. A second to nth ink cartridge (where n is a natural number of 2 or more and m or less) in which second to mth inks having a natural number of colors are stored, and the first to nth inks. It is a control device of an ink jet recording apparatus having one or a plurality of ink jet heads that discharge first to mth inks supplied from a cartridge. The control device is a derivation unit for deriving the time from the start of printing to the expiration date of the first to m-th inks, and the time until the expiration date of the first ink derived by the derivation unit. First determination means for determining whether or not the first remaining time is equal to or shorter than a first predetermined time, and the shortest time among the times until the expiration date of use of the second to m-th inks derived by the deriving means. A second determining means for determining whether a second remaining time is equal to or less than a second predetermined time; and the first determining means determines that the first remaining time exceeds the first predetermined time. In addition, when the second determination unit determines that the second remaining time exceeds the second predetermined time, in the print range indicated by the print data supplied to the ink jet recording apparatus, 1st ink in the area where 1 ink should land Is discharged, and the second to mth inks are ejected from the inkjet head so that the second to mth inks overlap each other and land in a region to be landed. And a first control means for controlling the first remaining time to be less than or equal to the first predetermined time, and the second remaining time is the second remaining time. If the second determination means determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the first ink has landed in the area where the first ink should land in the printing range, and the second to mth inks have mutually contacted. Second control means for controlling ejection of the first to m-th inks from the inkjet head so that the first ink lands on at least a part of a region to be overlapped and landed, and the first remaining Time is the first predetermined time If the second determination means determines that the second remaining time is equal to or shorter than the second predetermined time, the first determination means The second to mth inks overlap each other and land on at least a part of the region where the first ink should land, and the second to mth inks land on the region where the second to mth inks overlap each other. And third control means for controlling the discharge of the first to m-th inks from the inkjet head so that the inks overlap and land.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to preferentially consume ink that may expire, so that the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge when the expiration date is reached can be reduced. Therefore, the ink in the ink cartridge that is replaced when the expiration date comes can be reduced, and the amount of ink that is wasted is reduced.

  In the control device for an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the first determination means determines that the first remaining time is equal to or shorter than the first predetermined time, and the second remaining time is the second remaining time. A third determining means for determining which of the first remaining time and the second remaining time is longer when the second determining means determines that the time is equal to or less than a predetermined time; When the third determining means determines that the remaining time is longer than the second remaining time, the second to second areas are formed in at least a part of the area where the first ink should land in the printing range. The first to mth inks from the ink jet heads so that the m inks overlap and land on each other, and the second to mth inks overlap each other and land on the region to be landed. Control ejection of mth ink And when the third determination means determines that the second remaining time is longer than the first remaining time, the first ink lands in the print range. The first ink lands from the inkjet head so that the first ink lands on the power region and the first ink lands on at least a part of the region where the second to m-th inks overlap each other and land. It is preferable that the apparatus further includes a fifth control unit that controls ejection of m ink. Thereby, when the expiration date of both the first ink and the second to m-th inks is approaching, the ink closer to the expiration date can be preferentially consumed.

  In the control device for an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the first determination means determines that the first remaining time is equal to or shorter than the first predetermined time, and the second remaining time is the second remaining time. When the second determination means determines that the predetermined time is less than or equal to the predetermined time, the first ink lands in the area where the first ink should land in the print range, and the second to mth inks Are further provided with fourth control means for controlling the discharge of the first to mth inks from the inkjet head so that the second to mth inks land on each other in a region to be landed by overlapping each other. It may be. Thereby, the control can be simplified.

  In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a first ink cartridge in which a first ink having a first color is stored, and second to mth (m is 3 or more) for visually recognizing the first color by color mixing. And 2nd to nth ink cartridges (where n is a natural number of 2 or more and m or less) storing the 2nd to mth inks having the color of It is a control device for an ink jet recording apparatus having one or a plurality of ink jet heads for discharging first to mth inks supplied from an ink cartridge. The control device is a derivation unit for deriving the time from the start of printing to the expiration date of the first to m-th inks, and the time until the expiration date of the first ink derived by the derivation unit. First determination means for determining whether or not the first remaining time is equal to or shorter than a first predetermined time, and the shortest time among the times until the expiration date of use of the second to mth inks derived by the deriving means. A second determining means for determining whether a second remaining time is equal to or less than a second predetermined time; and the first determining means determines that the first remaining time exceeds the first predetermined time. In addition, when the second determination unit determines that the second remaining time exceeds the second predetermined time, in the print range indicated by the print data supplied to the ink jet recording apparatus, 1st ink in the area where 1 ink should land Is discharged, and the second to mth inks are ejected from the inkjet head so that the second to mth inks overlap each other and land in a region to be landed. The first control means for controlling the first and the first judgment means that the first remaining time is less than or equal to the first predetermined time, or the second remaining time is the second A third determining means for determining which of the first remaining time and the second remaining time is longer when the second determining means determines that the time is equal to or less than a predetermined time; When the third determining means determines that the remaining time is longer than the second remaining time, the second to second areas are formed in at least a part of the area where the first ink should land in the printing range. m inks overlap each other and land, Second control means for controlling the ejection of the first to mth inks from the inkjet head so that the second to mth inks land on each other in a region where m inks overlap and land. If the third determining means determines that the second remaining time is longer than the first remaining time, the first ink is applied to the area where the first ink should land in the printing range. The first to mth inks are ejected from the ink jet head so that the ink is landed and the first ink is landed on at least a part of a region where the second to mth inks are overlapped with each other. And third control means for controlling.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to preferentially consume ink that may expire, so that the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge when the expiration date is reached can be reduced. Therefore, the ink in the ink cartridge that is replaced when the expiration date comes can be reduced, and the amount of ink that is wasted is reduced.

  At this time, when the third determination unit determines that the first remaining time is longer than the second remaining time, the second control unit decreases the second remaining time, In the region where the first ink should land, it is preferable to increase the ratio of the range in which the second to mth inks overlap each other and land. As a result, priority is given to the ink that may have passed the expiration date while minimizing the change in hue between the case where the first ink is used and the case where the second to mth inks are mixed. Can be consumed.

  Further, at this time, when the third determining means determines that the second remaining time is longer than the first remaining time, the third control means decreases the first remaining time. It is preferable to increase the ratio of the range in which the first ink lands in the region where the second to m-th inks should overlap and land.

  The control device of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention includes information when the first to nth ink cartridges are attached to the ink jet recording apparatus and period information from the time of attachment to the expiration date or the first to mth inks. There may be further provided storage means for storing date information indicating the expiration date. At this time, the deriving unit derives the time from the start of printing to the expiration date of the first to m-th inks using the stored contents of the storage unit. Thereby, the time from the start of printing to the expiration date of use of the first to mth inks can be easily derived.

  The period from the mounting to the expiration date or the date indicating the expiration date of the first to mth inks is held by the first to nth ink cartridges as expiration date information. In addition, when the ink jet recording apparatus includes a reading unit that reads the expiration date information held by each of the first to nth ink cartridges, the storage unit reads the reading unit. It is preferable to store the expiration date information. Even when the ink expiration date differs for each ink cartridge, the time until the ink expiration date can be automatically supplied.

  Further, when the first to nth ink cartridges hold the respective identification information and the reading means reads the identification information when reading the expiration date information, the storage means Preferably, the identification information read by the reading unit and the expiration date information are stored in association with each other. As a result, if the expiration date information indicates the period from when the ink cartridge is mounted to the recording device to the expiration date, the ink usage can be performed even if the ink cartridge in use is removed and then mounted again. It is possible to accurately derive the time until the deadline.

  In the control device of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the first color is black, m is 4, and the second to fourth colors are cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. Since such a form is considered to be most frequently used, it is excellent in practicality.

  In the control device for the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time may be the same length. Thereby, the control can be simplified.

  The control device of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention permits the second to nth inks to overlap and land on at least a part of a region where the first ink should land in the printing range. And a permission unit, and a second permission unit that permits the first ink to land on at least a part of a region where the second to nth inks should overlap each other in the printing range. May be. At this time, when the first permission means does not permit, the second control means performs the same control as the first control means, and when the second permission means does not permit the permission, The third control means performs the same control as the first control means. Thereby, degradation of image quality can be suppressed.

  When there are a plurality of print ranges, it is preferable that the first permission unit and the second permission unit individually perform the permission for each print range. Thereby, deterioration of image quality can be more effectively suppressed.

  The present invention provides a first ink cartridge storing a first ink having a first color, and second to m-th colors (m is a natural number of 3 or more) for visually recognizing the first color by color mixing. A second to nth ink cartridge (where n is a natural number of 2 or more and m or less) in which second to mth inks are stored is mounted and supplied from the first to nth ink cartridges. This is a method for controlling an ink jet recording apparatus having one or a plurality of ink jet heads that discharge first to mth inks. In this control method, a derivation step for deriving the time from the start of printing to the first to m-th ink expiration date, and the first ink expiration time derived in the derivation step. 1 and the second remaining time, which is the shortest of the time until the expiration date of the second to m-th inks from which the deriving step has been derived, and the second remaining time. A determination step for determining which of the m-th inks should be used preferentially, and if the determination step determines that the first ink should be used preferentially, the ink jet recording apparatus In the print range indicated by the supplied print data, the first ink is landed on the area where the first ink is to land, and the second to mth inks overlap each other and the second ink is landed on at least a part of the area to land. The first control step for controlling the discharge of the first to mth inks from the ink jet head so that the inks of the inks land, and the determination step that the second to mth inks should be used preferentially In the printing range, the second to m-th inks overlap each other and land on at least a part of the area where the first ink should land, and the second to m-th inks mutually touch each other. A second control step for controlling ejection of the first to m-th inks from the inkjet head so that the second to m-th inks overlap and land on a region to be landed in an overlapping manner. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to preferentially consume ink that may expire, so that the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge when the expiration date is reached can be reduced. Therefore, the ink in the ink cartridge that is replaced when the expiration date comes can be reduced, and the amount of ink that is wasted is reduced.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an ink jet printer including a control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the ink jet printer 1 has four ink jet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y. The ink jet head 2K discharges black (K) ink. The inkjet heads 2C, 2M, and 2Y eject cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) ink, respectively. The operation of each unit of the inkjet printer 1 including the four inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y is controlled by the control unit 101.

  The four inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y are close to each other while being oriented so that the longitudinal direction of each head is orthogonal to the paper transport direction A (the direction from left to right in FIG. 1). That is, the ink jet printer 1 is a line printer. At the lower end of each inkjet head 2K, 2C, 2M, 2Y, a head body (a flow path unit in which an ink flow path including a pressure chamber is formed, and an actuator that applies pressure to the ink in the pressure chamber are bonded together. 3) is arranged. Many bottom nozzles for ejecting ink downward are arranged side by side on the bottom surface of the head body 3, and this bottom surface serves as an ink ejection surface 3a.

  The inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y are driven by drive signals given from the head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y (see FIG. 2), respectively. Each of the head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y is provided with a plurality of circuit components on the head substrate, one for each head body 3, and a plurality of one for the head body 3 along the longitudinal direction. A driver IC (not shown) connected between the cage head substrate and the head body 3 is configured.

  In FIG. 1, a paper feed mechanism 11 is arranged on the left side, and a paper discharge tray 12 is arranged on the right side. Inside the inkjet printer 1, a paper transport path is formed through which a paper that is a recording medium is transported from the paper feed mechanism 11 toward the paper discharge tray 12. The paper feed mechanism 11 is provided with a pickup roller 22 that sends out the uppermost sheet among the plurality of sheets stored in the sheet tray 21. When the pickup roller 22 is rotated by a motor (not shown), the sheet is fed from the left to the right in FIG.

  Two belt rollers 6 and 7 and an endless conveyance belt 8 wound around the belt rollers 6 and 7 are disposed in the middle of the sheet conveyance path. The outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 8, that is, the conveyor surface 8a has adhesiveness by being subjected to silicone treatment. In a region surrounded by the conveyor belt 8 and facing the inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that supports this from the inner periphery side by contacting the lower surface of the conveyor belt 8. A platen 9 is arranged.

  A pressing roller 5 is disposed at a position immediately downstream of the paper feeding mechanism 11 and opposed to the conveying belt 8, and presses the paper fed from the paper feeding mechanism 11 against the conveying surface 8 a of the conveying belt 8. Thereby, the belt roller 6 is driven by the conveyance motor 28 (see FIG. 2) while the sheet fed by the pickup roller 22 is pressed against the conveyance surface 8a by the pressing roller 5 and held by the adhesive force of the conveyance surface 8a. In FIG. 1, the sheet rotates clockwise (in the direction of arrow B) and conveys the sheet toward the downstream side.

  A peeling member 13 is disposed immediately downstream of the conveying belt 8 along the sheet conveying path. The peeling member 13 peels the sheet held on the conveyance surface 8 a of the conveyance belt 8 from the conveyance surface 8 a and sends it to the right discharge tray 12.

  The head body 3 is arranged such that the ink discharge surface 3a and the transport surface 8a of the transport belt 8 are parallel to each other, and a small amount of gap is formed between these surfaces. Is formed. With this configuration, when the paper transported on the transport belt 8 sequentially passes immediately below the four head bodies 3, ink of each color is ejected from the nozzle toward the upper surface of the paper, that is, the printing surface. Thus, a desired color image can be formed on the paper.

  Four ink cartridges 31K, 31C, 31M, and 31Y that store ink supplied to the four inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y are detachably mounted below the conveyance belt 8, respectively. The ink outlets of the ink cartridges 31K, 31C, 31M, and 31Y are connected to the ink inlets of the inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y by tubes (not shown), respectively. In the middle of each tube, a simple ink supply path is formed between each head and the cartridge during normal printing, and a pump (not shown) is driven to forcibly eject ink from the head during maintenance. ) Is connected.

  Bar code seals 32K, 32C, 32M, and 32Y on which bar codes are printed are attached to the side surfaces of the ink cartridges 31K, 31C, 31M, and 31Y. In the present embodiment, the barcode printed on the barcode stickers 32K, 32C, 32M, and 32Y includes the identification information of the ink cartridge and the expiration date information of the ink in the cartridge (for example, a printer whose expiration date is an ink cartridge). 1 is the period from the time of installation to the expiration date when it is specified by the elapsed time from when it is mounted (ie, at the start of use), and the expiration date is specified by the elapsed time from the manufacture of the ink cartridge Is a date indicating the expiration date of ink). Identification information and expiration date information indicated by the barcode printed on the barcode seals 32K, 32C, 32M, and 32Y are read by barcode sensors 33K, 33C, 33M, and 33Y (see FIG. 2) provided in the inkjet printer 1. It is done.

  Next, the control system of the inkjet printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the inkjet printer 1 shown in FIG. A control unit 101 included in the inkjet printer 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that is an arithmetic processing device, a control program executed by the CPU, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores data used for the control program, RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data during program execution. By combining these hardware and software in the ROM, the control unit 101 includes a print data storage unit 111, a cartridge information storage unit 112, a head control unit 113, a transport control unit 114, and a derivation. A unit 115, a determination unit 116, a permission unit 117, and a print data conversion unit 118 are constructed.

  The control unit 101 gives a print command to the ink jet printer 1 and monitors the ink jet printer 1. The PC (personal computer) 100, four bar code sensors 33K, 33C, 33M, 33Y, four head drive circuits 35K, 35C, A motor driver 37 that drives 35M and 35Y and the transport motor 28 is connected.

  The bar code sensors 33K, 33C, 33M, and 33Y are printed on the corresponding bar code seals 32K, 32C, 32M, and 32Y each time the ink cartridges 31K, 31C, 31M, and 31Y mounted on the inkjet printer 1 are replaced. The identification information and expiration date information indicated by the barcode are read. The cartridge information storage unit 112 stores the read identification information and expiration date information in association with each other. For example, when the expiration date information indicates a period from when the ink cartridge is mounted to the printer 1 to the expiration date, the cartridge information storage unit 112 stores the cartridge mounting information in addition to the period from the mounting time to the expiration date. (Or alternatively, the cartridge information storage unit 112 may store date information indicating the expiration date obtained by adding the period until the expiration date at the time of mounting. ). If the expiration date information indicates a date indicating the ink expiration date, the cartridge information storage unit 112 stores the date information indicating the ink expiration date in association with the identification information.

  When the control unit 101 receives a print command including print data from the PC 100, the print data storage unit 111 stores the received print data.

  The head controller 113 controls the inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y via the head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y. Specifically, in accordance with the control of the head control unit 113, a plurality of waveform signals indicating different “ink discharge amounts in one printing cycle” from the control unit 101 to the head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y, and each print A control signal used to select one of a plurality of waveform signals for each nozzle in the cycle is transmitted. The control signal is generated by the head control unit 113 based on the print data stored in the print data storage unit 111. The head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y select one of a plurality of waveform signals for each nozzle in each printing cycle based on the control signal received from the control unit 101, and select the selected waveform signal with a predetermined voltage. Output to the head body 3 of the inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y as a drive signal. The head body 3 that has received the drive signal ejects ink from the nozzles.

  The conveyance control unit 114 controls the motor driver 37 while synchronizing with the control by the head control unit 113. Based on this control, the two belt rollers 6 and 7 are rotated so that the sheet is conveyed on the conveying surface 8a of the conveying belt 8 along the sheet conveying direction A at a predetermined speed. In this way, a desired color image is printed on the paper by ejecting ink of each color from the inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y onto the paper while transporting the paper.

  The deriving unit 115 uses the expiration date information stored in the cartridge information storage unit 112 for each of the ink cartridges 31K, 31C, 31M, and 31Y each time the control unit 101 receives a print command including print data from the PC 100. The time from the start of printing, that is, from the start of printing to the expiration date of each ink is obtained. For example, when the expiration date information stored in the cartridge information storage unit 112 indicates a period from when the ink cartridge is mounted to the printer 1 until the expiration date, the derivation unit 115 starts from the period indicated by the expiration date information. An operation is performed to subtract the elapsed time from when the cartridge is mounted (derived from the cartridge mounting information stored in the cartridge information storage unit 112) to the present time. When the expiration date information stored in the cartridge information storage unit 112 indicates a date indicating the expiration date of ink, the derivation unit 115 obtains a period from the current date to the date indicated by the expiration date information. Perform the operation.

  As a modification, the ink cartridges 31K, 31C, 31M, and 31Y may not have a bar code seal indicating the identification information and the expiration date information. In this case, the cartridge information storage unit 112 stores only cartridge mounting information. The derivation unit is based on the premise that the expiration date is defined by the elapsed time from the mounting of the ink cartridge to the printer 1 for all the inks and the period from the mounting to the expiration date is the same for all the inks. 115 performs an operation of subtracting the elapsed time from the cartridge mounting to the present from a fixed period common to all separately stored inks. In this modification, the ink jet printer 1 does not need to have the bar code sensors 33K, 33C, 33M, and 33Y, and detection that can detect that the ink cartridges 31K, 31C, 31M, and 31Y are mounted at predetermined mounting positions. What is necessary is just to have a member. Note that the derivation calculation by the derivation unit 115 may be performed not at every time when a print command is received from the PC 100 but at every predetermined time (for example, once a day).

  The determination unit 116 determines whether the time from the start of printing for the ink cartridge 31K derived by the deriving unit 115 to the expiration date of the K ink (hereinafter referred to as “K remaining time”) is one month or less. to decide. Further, the determination unit 116 determines the shortest time (hereinafter referred to as “CMY remaining time”) from the start of printing to the expiration date of each ink for the three ink cartridges 31C, 31M, and 31Y derived by the deriving unit 115. It is determined whether it is less than one month. When both the K remaining time and the CMY remaining time are one month or less, it is determined which of the K remaining time and the CMY remaining time is longer. These three determinations performed by the determination unit 116 are performed to determine which one of K ink and CMY ink should be used preferentially.

  The permission unit 117 includes a range in which black is expressed only by K ink or by mixed color of CMY ink (process black) and the internal ink arrangement is common (for example, a range printed in black or black) For each print range in which the same pattern is regularly printed), it is determined whether or not replacement from K ink to CMY ink or vice versa is possible. Allow it if possible. When most observers (for example, observers with a predetermined ratio (for example, 95%) or more) recognize that black by K ink and black by mixed colors of CMY are exactly the same, the permission unit 117 displays the entire print range. Permitting replacement individually for When a certain number of observers (for example, observers exceeding a predetermined ratio (for example, 5%)) recognize that the black color due to the K ink and the black color due to the mixed color of CMY are different colors, the permission unit 117 determines the predetermined determination criterion. Then, the possibility of replacement is determined based on the characteristics of each print range. Hereinafter, some examples of the predetermined determination criteria will be described. For example, replacement of K ink with CMY ink is not permitted for a print range in which a black print portion needs to be clearly seen, such as when black characters are printed with white paper as a background. Further, when all of the eight dots around the black dot by K ink are color dots other than black, even if K ink is replaced with CMY ink, the change in color is not noticeable, so that replacement is permitted. In addition, when the black printing range with K ink is wide, it is not permitted to replace K ink with CMY ink for all the dots to be printed, but some dots (for example, arranged in a checkered pattern) May be allowed to be replaced.

  The print data conversion unit 118 is a case where the determination unit 116 determines that one or both of the K remaining time and the CMY remaining time is one month or less, and allows the replacement of the K ink with the CMY ink. Is permitted, by converting the print data stored in the print data storage unit 111, K dots (dots landed only by K ink) in the print range permitted for replacement indicated in the print data are converted. At least some of the dots (all K dots in the present embodiment) are replaced with CMY dots (dots landed by overlapping three colors of CMY inks), or the replacement indicated in the print data is permitted At least some of the CMY dots in the print range (all CMY dots in this embodiment) are replaced with K dots. In the present embodiment, replacement is performed so that one dot of K ink on the paper becomes one dot of CMY ink on the paper, and one dot of CMY ink on the paper becomes one dot of K ink. The substitution is performed as follows.

  Next, the operation of the ink jet printer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with further reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ink jet printer depicted in FIG. When the control unit 101 of the inkjet printer 1 receives a print command from the PC 100, print data included in the print command is stored in the print data storage unit 111. Subsequently, the derivation unit 115 uses the expiration date information stored in the cartridge information storage unit 112 for each of the ink cartridges 31K, 31C, 31M, and 31Y. Or calculate the number of days. In addition, when the calculation in the derivation | leading-out part 115 is complete | finished previously, this is skipped.

  Further, in step S1, the permission unit 117 determines whether the K ink and the CMY ink can be replaced in one direction or both directions for each print range indicated by the print data stored in the print data storage unit 111. And allow it if possible. If it is not permitted in the entire print range (S1: NO), the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the head control unit 113 controls the ink jet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y via the head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y based on the print data stored in the print data storage unit 111. The conveyance control unit 114 controls the conveyance motor 28 via the motor driver 37. As a result, an image corresponding to the print data received from the PC 100 is printed on the paper. That is, normal printing is performed. In this case, it is also indicated in the print data received from the PC 100 that K dots (hereinafter referred to as “original K dots”) in the print range indicated in the print data received from the PC 100 are replaced with CMY dots. CMY dots (hereinafter referred to as “original CMY dots”) in the printing range are not replaced with K dots, but the original K dots are printed as K dots and the original CMY dots are printed as CMY dots on the paper.

  If the permission unit 117 permits replacement in one direction or both directions in any printing range (S1: YES), the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the determination unit 116 determines whether the remaining CMY time is one month or less. If the remaining CMY time is one month or less (S3: YES), the process proceeds to step S4. If the remaining CMY time exceeds one month (S3: NO), the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S4, the determination unit 116 determines whether or not the K remaining time is one month or less. If the K remaining time is one month or less (S4: YES), the process proceeds to step S5, and if the K remaining time exceeds one month (S4: NO), the process proceeds to step S8. Similarly, also in step S9, the determination unit 116 determines whether the K remaining time is one month or less. If the K remaining time is one month or less (S9: YES), the process proceeds to step S10, and if the K remaining time exceeds one month (S9: NO), the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S5, the determination unit 116 determines whether the K remaining time is shorter than the CMY remaining time. If K remaining time <CMY remaining time (S5: YES), the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if K remaining time ≧ CMY remaining time (S5: NO), the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S6 and step S10, first, the print data conversion unit 118 converts the print data stored in the print data storage unit 111 for each print range in which the replacement from the CMY ink to the K ink is permitted by the permission unit 117. By doing so, the original CMY dots are replaced with K dots. Thereafter, the head control unit 113 controls the inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y via the head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y based on the converted print data stored in the print data storage unit 111. Meanwhile, the conveyance control unit 114 controls the conveyance motor 28 via the motor driver 37. As a result, an image conforming to the converted print data is printed on the paper. At this time, in the image printed on the paper, the original K dots are printed as K dots, and the original CMY dots are printed as K dots. Therefore, the amount of K ink consumed is greater than when printing is performed in accordance with print data before conversion.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for comparing the printing result by the normal printing with the printing result by the printing performed in step S6 and step S10. FIG. 4 (a) depicts a certain printing range that is printed on the paper surface during normal printing (where CMY ink is allowed to be replaced with K ink). Let's say that. In FIG. 4A, all dots to be printed are CMY dots. On the other hand, FIG. 4B, which is the result of printing by the printing performed in step S6 and step S10, depicts the same printing range as that in FIG. Is K dot. As described above, in this embodiment, replacement is performed so that one dot of CMY ink on the paper becomes one dot of K ink.

  In step S7 and step S8, first, the print data conversion unit 118 converts the print data stored in the print data storage unit 111 for each print range in which the replacement from the K ink to the CMY ink is permitted by the permission unit 117. By doing so, the original K dots are replaced with CMY dots. Thereafter, the head control unit 113 controls the inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y via the head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y based on the converted print data stored in the print data storage unit 111. Meanwhile, the conveyance control unit 114 controls the conveyance motor 28 via the motor driver 37. As a result, an image conforming to the converted print data is printed on the paper. At this time, in the image printed on the paper, the original K dots are printed as CMY dots, and the original CMY dots are printed as CMY dots. Therefore, the amount of consumption of CMY ink is increased as compared with the case where printing according to the print data before conversion is performed.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for comparing the printing result by the normal printing and the printing result by the printing performed in step S7 and step S8. FIG. 5 (a) depicts a certain printing range that is printed on the paper surface during normal printing (where K ink is allowed to be replaced with CMY ink). Let's say that. In FIG. 5A, all dots to be printed are K dots. On the other hand, FIG. 5B, which is the result of printing by the printing performed in step S7 and step S8, depicts the same printing range as in FIG. Are CMY dots. As described above, in this embodiment, replacement is performed so that one dot of K ink on the paper becomes one dot of CMY ink.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the process described in step S1 is performed immediately before each step of steps S6, S7, S8, and S10, and only when the ink replacement in each step is permitted. The process may proceed to steps S6, S7, S8, and S10, and if not permitted, normal printing in step S2 may be performed.

  According to the present embodiment described above, when at least one of the K remaining time and the CMY remaining time is one month or less, the ink having the shorter remaining time, that is, the expiration date has passed. It is possible to preferentially consume ink that may be lost. Therefore, the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge is reduced when the ink with the shorter remaining time reaches the expiration date. Therefore, the ink in the ink cartridge that is replaced when the expiration date comes can be reduced, and the amount of ink that is wasted is reduced.

  In step S5, it is determined whether or not K remaining time <CMY remaining time, and the ink having the shorter remaining time is preferentially used, so that either the K ink or the CMY ink is used. When the ink is approaching within one month, the ink closer to the expiration date can be preferentially consumed.

  In addition, since the cartridge information storage unit 112 stores the period information from the cartridge installation to the expiration date and the cartridge installation information or the date information indicating the ink expiration date, the cartridge information storage unit 112 By using the stored contents, it is possible to easily derive the time from the start of printing to the expiration date of each ink of KCMY.

  In the present embodiment, the expiration date information of the ink stored in the barcode printed on the barcode seal 32K, 32C, 32M, 32Y attached to each ink cartridge 31K, 31C, 31M, 31Y is stored. The expiration date information that is displayed and read by the barcode sensors 33K, 33C, 33M, and 33Y is stored in the cartridge information storage unit 112, so even if the expiration date of the ink is different for each ink cartridge, The time until the expiration date of ink can be automatically supplied.

  Further, the barcode printed on the barcode stickers 32K, 32C, 32M, and 32Y displays the identification information of each ink cartridge, and the identification information read by the barcode sensors 33K, 33C, 33M, and 33Y is the ink. Since it is stored in the cartridge information storage unit 112 in association with the expiration date information of the cartridge, there are the following advantages. That is, when the expiration date information indicates the period from when the ink cartridge is mounted to the printer until the expiration date, even if the ink cartridge in use is temporarily removed from the inkjet printer 1 and then mounted again, It is confirmed whether the identification information read at the time of mounting matches the identification information of the ink cartridge already stored in the cartridge information storage unit 112. If they match, the identification information already stored is stored. By using the associated expiration date information as valid information, it is possible to accurately derive the time until the expiration date of the ink.

  In addition, the present embodiment is excellent in practicality because the mutual replacement of K and CMY, which is considered to be most frequently used in an actual ink jet printer, is performed.

  In addition, since the determination criteria for the CMY remaining time in step S3 and the determination criteria for the K remaining time in steps S4 and S9 are both one month and common, the control can be simplified.

  Furthermore, since the mutual replacement of the K ink and the CMY ink is performed only when the replacement of the K ink and the CMY ink is permitted in step S1, it is possible to prevent the image quality from being deteriorated by performing the replacement. can do. In addition, since the permission is individually performed for each print range, the replacement of K ink and CMY ink is not permitted for the print range in which the image quality is expected to be deteriorated, and the image quality deterioration is more effectively suppressed. can do.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with further reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of an inkjet printer (having the same hardware structure as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) including the control device according to the present embodiment. In each step shown in FIG. 6, the same operations as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by common numerals except for the hundreds, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In addition, for convenience, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used as the reference numerals of the respective parts constituting the control unit 101.

  Since this embodiment is mostly common to the first embodiment, only the differences between the two will be described here. The control device according to the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points. First, in the first embodiment, the determination unit 116 determines which of the K remaining time and the CMY remaining time is longer when both the K remaining time and the CMY remaining time are one month or less (S5). ). On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the determination unit 116 determines which of the K remaining time and the CMY remaining time is longer even when both the K remaining time and the CMY remaining time are one month or less. Do not judge. In the first embodiment, when both the K remaining time and the CMY remaining time are one month or less, the print data converting unit 118 sets the original CMY dots to K according to the determination by the determining unit 116 in step S5. Printing is performed by replacing with dots (S6), or printing is performed by replacing original K dots with CMY dots (S7). On the other hand, in the second embodiment, when both the K remaining time and the CMY remaining time are one month or less, the print data conversion unit does not perform replacement and normal printing is performed (step S121).

  Also according to the present embodiment, the same benefits as in the first embodiment can be obtained except for the portions related to steps S5, S6, and S7. Furthermore, in this embodiment, normal printing is performed in step S121 instead of steps S5, S6, and S7 in the first embodiment, so that the control can be simplified.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the operations of the determination unit and the print data conversion unit among the units constituting the control unit are different from those of the first embodiment. Specifically, it is as follows. In addition, as a code | symbol of each part which comprises the control part 101, suppose that the same thing as 1st Embodiment is used for convenience.

  In the present embodiment, the determination unit 116 determines whether or not the remaining CMY time derived by the deriving unit 115 is three months or less. Furthermore, the determination unit 116 determines whether or not the K remaining time is 3 months or less only when the CMY remaining time exceeds 3 months. Further, when one of the CMY remaining time and the K remaining time is 3 months or less, it is determined which of the K remaining time and the CMY remaining time is longer (the determination up to this is either K ink or CMY ink). To determine whether to use it preferentially). As a result, if the CMY remaining time is longer, it is determined whether the K remaining time exceeds 2 months and 3 months or less. If it is 2 months or less, the K remaining time exceeds 1 month and 2 months or less. It is judged whether it is. On the other hand, if the K remaining time is longer, it is determined whether the CMY remaining time exceeds 2 months and 3 months or less, and if it is 2 months or less, the CMY remaining time exceeds 1 month and 2 months or less. Determine if there is.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the print data conversion unit 118 is a case where the determination unit 116 determines that one of the K remaining time and the CMY remaining time is three months or less, and the K ink, the CMY ink, When the permission unit 117 permits the replacement of the print data, the print data stored in the print data storage unit 111 is converted to convert at least a part of the K dots in the print range permitted for the replacement indicated in the print data. Are replaced with CMY dots, or at least of the CMY dots in the print range permitted for replacement indicated in the print data. Some dots (three types of 50%, 75%, and 100% in this embodiment) are replaced with K dots. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 116 determines which of the K remaining time and the CMY remaining time is longer. If the CMY remaining time is longer, the ratio of replacing CMY dots with K dots as the K remaining time is shorter. Increase. On the other hand, if the K remaining time is longer, the ratio of replacing K dots with CMY dots is increased as the CMY remaining time is shorter. Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, replacement is performed so that one dot of K ink on the paper becomes one dot of CMY ink on the paper, and CMY ink on the paper is obtained. The replacement is performed so that one dot becomes one dot of K ink.

  Next, the operation of the inkjet printer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with further reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of an ink jet printer (having the same hardware structure as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) including the control device according to the present embodiment. When the control unit 101 of the inkjet printer 1 receives a print command from the PC 100, print data included in the print command is stored in the print data storage unit 111. Subsequently, the derivation unit 115 uses the expiration date information stored in the cartridge information storage unit 112 for each of the ink cartridges 31K, 31C, 31M, and 31Y. Ask for. In addition, when the calculation in the derivation | leading-out part 115 is complete | finished previously, this is skipped.

  Further, in step S201, the permission unit 117 determines whether the K ink and the CMY ink can be replaced in one direction or both directions for each print range indicated by the print data stored in the print data storage unit 111. And allow it if possible. If it is not permitted in the entire print range (S201: NO), the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, the head control unit 113 controls the ink jet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y via the head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y based on the print data stored in the print data storage unit 111. The conveyance control unit 114 controls the conveyance motor 28 via the motor driver 37. As a result, an image corresponding to the print data received from the PC 100 is printed on the paper. That is, normal printing is performed.

  If the permission unit 117 permits the replacement in one direction or both directions in any printing range (S201: YES), the process proceeds to step S231. In step S231, the determination unit 116 determines whether the remaining CMY time is 3 months or less. If the remaining CMY time is 3 months or less (S231: YES), the process proceeds to step S235, and if the remaining CMY time exceeds 3 months (S231: NO), the process proceeds to step S234.

  In step S234, the determination unit 116 determines whether the K remaining time is three months or less. If the K remaining time is 3 months or less (S234: YES), the process proceeds to step S235, and if the K remaining time exceeds 3 months (S234: NO), the process proceeds to step S202 and normal printing is performed.

  In step S235, the determination unit 116 determines whether the K remaining time is shorter than the CMY remaining time. If K remaining time <CMY remaining time (S235: YES), the process proceeds to step S236. On the other hand, if K remaining time ≧ CMY remaining time (S235: NO), the process proceeds to step S241.

  In step S236, the determination unit 116 determines whether the K remaining time exceeds 2 months and is 3 months or less. If the K remaining time exceeds 2 months and is 3 months or less (S236: YES), the process proceeds to step S237. On the other hand, if the K remaining time is two months or less (S236: NO), the process proceeds to step S238. In step S238, the determination unit 116 determines whether the remaining K time exceeds 1 month and is 2 months or less. If the K remaining time exceeds 1 month and is 2 months or less (S238: YES), the process proceeds to step S239. On the other hand, if the K remaining time is one month or less (S238: NO), the process proceeds to step S240.

  In step S237, first, the print data conversion unit 118 prints the print data stored in the print data storage unit 111 for 50% of CMY dots in each print range for which the replacement from the CMY ink to the K ink is permitted by the permission unit 117. By converting the data, the original CMY dots are replaced with K dots. Thereafter, the head control unit 113 controls the inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y via the head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y based on the converted print data stored in the print data storage unit 111. Meanwhile, the conveyance control unit 114 controls the conveyance motor 28 via the motor driver 37. As a result, an image conforming to the converted print data is printed on the paper. At this time, in the image printed on the paper, the original K dots are printed as K dots, and 50% of the original CMY dots are printed as K dots. Therefore, the amount of K ink consumed is greater than when printing is performed in accordance with print data before conversion.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for comparing the printing result by the normal printing and the printing result by the printing performed in step S237. FIG. 8 (a) depicts a certain printing range that is printed on the paper surface during normal printing (where CMY ink is allowed to be replaced with K ink). Let's say that. In FIG. 8A, all dots to be printed are CMY dots. On the other hand, FIG. 8B, which is the printing result by the printing performed in step S237, depicts the same printing range as FIG. 8A, and 50% of 10 CMY dots, That is, five CMY dots are K dots. As described above, in this embodiment, replacement is performed so that one dot of CMY ink on the paper becomes one dot of K ink.

  In step S239, first, the print data conversion unit 118 prints the print data stored in the print data storage unit 111 for 75% of CMY dots in each print range for which the replacement from the CMY ink to the K ink is permitted by the permission unit 117. By converting the data, the original CMY dots are replaced with K dots. Thereafter, the head control unit 113 controls the inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y via the head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y based on the converted print data stored in the print data storage unit 111. Meanwhile, the conveyance control unit 114 controls the conveyance motor 28 via the motor driver 37. As a result, an image conforming to the converted print data is printed on the paper. In the image printed on the paper at this time, the original K dots are printed as K dots, and 75% of the original CMY dots are printed as K dots. Therefore, the amount of K ink consumed is greater than when the printing in step S237 is performed.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for comparing the printing result by the normal printing and the printing result by the printing performed in step S239. FIG. 9 (a) depicts a certain printing range that is printed on the paper surface during normal printing (where CMY ink is allowed to be replaced with K ink). Let's say that. In FIG. 9A, all dots to be printed are CMY dots. On the other hand, FIG. 9B, which is the printing result by the printing performed in step S239, depicts the same printing range as FIG. 9A, and is 75% of eight CMY dots, That is, six CMY dots are K dots.

  In step S240, first, the print data conversion unit 118 stores the print data storage unit 111 in the print data storage unit 111 for all (100%) CMY dots in each print range for which the replacement from the CMY ink to the K ink is permitted by the permission unit 117. By converting the printed data, the original CMY dots are replaced with K dots. Thereafter, the head control unit 113 controls the inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y via the head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y based on the converted print data stored in the print data storage unit 111. Meanwhile, the conveyance control unit 114 controls the conveyance motor 28 via the motor driver 37. As a result, an image conforming to the converted print data is printed on the paper. At this time, in the image printed on the paper, the original K dots are printed as K dots, and 100% of the original CMY dots are printed as K dots. Therefore, the amount of K ink consumed is larger than when printing is performed in step S239. A schematic diagram for comparing the printing result by the normal printing and the printing result by the printing performed in step S240 is the same as FIG.

  In step S241, the determination unit 116 determines whether the remaining CMY time exceeds 2 months and is 3 months or less. If the remaining CMY time exceeds 2 months and is 3 months or less (S241: YES), the process proceeds to step S242. On the other hand, if the remaining CMY time is 2 months or less (S241: NO), the process proceeds to step S243. In step S243, the determination unit 116 determines whether the remaining CMY time exceeds 1 month and is 2 months or less. If the remaining CMY time exceeds 1 month and is 2 months or less (S243: YES), the process proceeds to step S244. On the other hand, if the remaining CMY time is one month or less (S243: NO), the process proceeds to step S245.

  In step S <b> 242, first, the print data conversion unit 118 prints the print data stored in the print data storage unit 111 for 50% of K dots in each print range for which the replacement from the K ink to the CMY ink is permitted by the permission unit 117. By converting the data, the original K dots are replaced with CMY dots. Thereafter, the head control unit 113 controls the inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y via the head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y based on the converted print data stored in the print data storage unit 111. Meanwhile, the conveyance control unit 114 controls the conveyance motor 28 via the motor driver 37. As a result, an image conforming to the converted print data is printed on the paper. At this time, in the image printed on the paper, the original CMY dots are printed as CMY dots, and 50% of the original K dots are printed as CMY dots. Therefore, the amount of consumption of CMY ink is increased as compared with the case where printing according to the print data before conversion is performed.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for comparing the printing result by the normal printing and the printing result by the printing performed in step S242. FIG. 10 (a) depicts one printing range that is printed on the paper surface during normal printing (where K ink is allowed to be replaced with CMY ink). Let's say that. In FIG. 10A, all dots to be printed are K dots. On the other hand, FIG. 10B, which is the printing result by the printing performed in step S242, depicts the same printing range as FIG. 10A, and is 50% of the eight K dots, That is, four K dots are CMY dots.

  In step S244, first, the print data conversion unit 118 prints the print data stored in the print data storage unit 111 for 75% of K dots in each print range for which the replacement from the K ink to the CMY ink is permitted by the permission unit 117. By converting the data, the original K dots are replaced with CMY dots. Thereafter, the head control unit 113 controls the inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y via the head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y based on the converted print data stored in the print data storage unit 111. Meanwhile, the conveyance control unit 114 controls the conveyance motor 28 via the motor driver 37. As a result, an image conforming to the converted print data is printed on the paper. At this time, in the image printed on the paper, the original CMY dots are printed as CMY dots, and 75% of the original K dots are printed as CMY dots. Therefore, the amount of CMY ink consumed is greater than when the printing in step S242 is performed.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for comparing the printing result by the normal printing and the printing result by the printing performed in step S244. FIG. 11 (a) depicts a certain printing range (permitted to replace K ink with CMY ink) that is printed on the paper surface during normal printing. One square represents one dot. Let's say that. In FIG. 11A, all dots to be printed are K dots. On the other hand, FIG. 11B, which is the printing result by the printing performed in step S244, depicts the same printing range as FIG. 11A, and is 75% of the eight K dots. That is, six K dots are CMY dots.

  In step S245, first, the print data conversion unit 118 stores the print data storage unit 111 in the print data storage unit 111 for all (100%) K dots in each print range for which the replacement from the K ink to the CMY ink is permitted by the permission unit 117. By converting the printed data, the original K dots are replaced with CMY dots. Thereafter, the head control unit 113 controls the inkjet heads 2K, 2C, 2M, and 2Y via the head drive circuits 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y based on the converted print data stored in the print data storage unit 111. Meanwhile, the conveyance control unit 114 controls the conveyance motor 28 via the motor driver 37. As a result, an image conforming to the converted print data is printed on the paper. At this time, in the image printed on the paper, the original CMY dots are printed as CMY dots, and 100% of the original K dots are printed as CMY dots. Accordingly, the amount of K ink consumed is greater than when the printing in step S244 is performed. Since the schematic diagram for comparing the printing result by the normal printing and the printing result by the printing performed in step S245 is the same as FIG. 5, the illustration is omitted.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the process described in step S1 is performed immediately before each step of steps S237, S238, S240, S242, S244, and S245, and ink replacement in each step is permitted. In the case where it is not permitted, the process may proceed to each step of S237, S238, S240, S242, S244, and S245, and if not permitted, the normal printing in step S202 may be performed.

  According to the present embodiment, when at least one of the K remaining time and the CMY remaining time is 3 months or less, the ink having the shorter remaining time, that is, the expiration date of use may be exceeded. A certain ink can be preferentially consumed. Therefore, the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge is reduced when the ink with the shorter remaining time reaches the expiration date. Therefore, the ink in the ink cartridge that is replaced when the expiration date comes can be reduced, and the amount of ink that is wasted is reduced.

  Further, as described in steps S236, 237, 238, 239, 240 and steps S241, 242, 243, 244, 245, the shorter remaining time of the remaining CMY remaining time and K remaining time is shorter. Since the ratio of using the ink is increased, there is a possibility that the expiration date of use is over while minimizing the change in hue between the case where K ink is used and the case where CMY ink is mixed. A certain amount of ink can be preferentially consumed. In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes can be made to the above-described embodiments as long as they are described in the claims. It is possible to apply. First, the procedure for determining which of K and CMY should be used preferentially may be other than that described in the embodiment as long as it is based on the CMY remaining time and the K remaining time. As a modification of the third embodiment, if it is determined in step S235 that K remaining time <CMY remaining time, CMY dots having the same ratio (100% as an example) are always replaced with K dots. If it is determined in step S235 that K remaining time ≧ CMY remaining time, the same proportion (100% as an example) of K dots may always be replaced with CMY dots for printing. . Alternatively, as another modification of the third embodiment, the replacement ratio of K dots and CMY dots is controlled to be four or more according to the remaining time of the ink with the shorter remaining time. Also good.

  Instead of replacing one K dot with one CMY dot, as shown in FIG. 12, conversion of print data may be performed such that one K dot is replaced with two CMY dots (or vice versa). Good. Depending on the characteristics of the ink, conversion of print data may be performed such that one K dot is replaced with three or more CMY dots (and vice versa).

  Further, the permission unit 117 may not be provided, and the print data may be always converted for the entire print range. This is effective both in simplifying the process and speeding up the process, particularly when most observers recognize that the black color due to K ink and the black color due to the mixed color of CMY are exactly the same. It is.

  In the above-described embodiment, the ink expiration date is common to all colors, but the ink expiration date may be different for each color. Further, even if K ink is stored in one ink cartridge, and CMY is stored in one or two ink cartridges (partition walls are provided inside the cartridge) different from the K ink cartridge. Good. The ink expiration date may be stored in the printer or PC from the beginning, or may be input to the apparatus by the user. What holds the ink expiration date may be a means other than the barcode. For example, the expiry date of the ink stored in the ink cartridge may be held on the unevenness of the cartridge surface, the magnetic recording unit, the IC chip, or the like. In that case, reading means (such as a concave / convex switch, a magnetic head, and an IC reader) corresponding to the reading means may be prepared.

  Replacement by print data conversion is not limited to K ink and CMY ink, but replacement between ink of a certain color and a plurality of inks that are visually recognized as the color by mixing colors. May be performed. Further, instead of converting the print data, the operation of the head drive circuit may be controlled so that the ejected ink color is switched between K and CMY.

  In the above-described embodiment, all of the control devices according to the present invention are built in the printer, but all or a part of the means may be built in the PC. The present invention can also be applied to a wide range of color ink jet recording apparatuses regardless of the type of serial type or line type, and regardless of the driving method such as piezoelectric type or thermal type. The control device of the present invention can also be used to control a recording device such as an ink jet type FAX or a copying machine.

1 is a schematic diagram of an ink jet printer including a control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the inkjet printer shown in FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the ink jet printer depicted in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram for comparing the printing result by normal printing and the printing result by printing performed in step S6 and step S10. It is a schematic diagram for comparing the printing result by normal printing and the printing result by printing performed in step S7 and step S8. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the inkjet printer containing the control apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the inkjet printer containing the control apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for comparing the printing result by normal printing and the printing result by printing performed in step S237. It is a schematic diagram for comparing the printing result by normal printing with the printing result by printing performed in step S239. It is a schematic diagram for comparing the printing result by normal printing with the printing result by printing performed in step S242. It is a schematic diagram for comparing the printing result by normal printing and the printing result by printing performed in step S244. It is a schematic diagram in the case of replacing one K dot with two CMY dots.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet printer 2K, 2C, 2M, 2Y Inkjet head 3 Head main body 3a Ink ejection surface 22 Pickup roller 6, 7 Belt roller 8 Conveying belt 8a Conveying surface 9 Platen 28 Conveying motor 31K, 31C, 31M, 31Y Ink cartridge 32K, 32C , 32M, 32Y Bar code seal 33K, 33C, 33M, 33Y Bar code sensor (reading means)
35K, 35C, 35M, 35Y Head drive circuit 37 Motor driver 100 PC
101 Control Unit 111 Print Data Storage Unit 112 Cartridge Information Storage Unit (Storage Unit)
113 Head control unit (control means)
114 Conveyance control unit 115 Derivation unit (derivation means)
116 Judgment unit (determination means; judgment means)
117 permission part (permission means)
118 Print Data Conversion Unit (Control Unit)

Claims (15)

A first ink cartridge in which a first ink having a first color is stored, and second to m-th (m is a natural number of 3 or more) colors that make the first color visible through color mixing. Second to nth (n is a natural number of 2 or more and m or less) ink cartridges storing mth ink are mounted and first to first supplied from the first to nth ink cartridges. A control device for an ink jet recording apparatus having one or a plurality of ink jet heads that eject m ink,
Deriving means for deriving times from the start of printing to the expiration date of use of the first to mth inks,
The first remaining time which is the time until the expiration date of the first ink derived by the deriving means and the shortest time among the times until the expiration date of the second to m-th inks derived by the deriving means. Determining means for deciding which of the first ink and the second to m-th inks should be preferentially used based on a second remaining time;
When the determining means determines that the first ink should be used preferentially, the first ink is applied to the area where the first ink should land in the print range indicated by the print data supplied to the ink jet recording apparatus. The first to mth inks are ejected from the inkjet head so that the first ink lands and at least part of the region where the second to mth inks should overlap and land. First control means for controlling
When the determination means determines that the second to m-th inks should be used preferentially, the second to m-th inks are formed in at least a part of the area where the first ink should land in the printing range. The first to mth inks from the ink jet heads are landed so that the inks overlap each other and the second to mth inks overlap each other and land on the region to be landed. And a second control means for controlling the ejection of the ink of the ink jet recording apparatus. A first ink cartridge in which a first ink having a first color is stored, and second to m-th (m is a natural number of 3 or more) colors that make the first color visible through color mixing. Second to nth (n is a natural number of 2 or more and m or less) ink cartridges storing mth ink are mounted and first to first supplied from the first to nth ink cartridges. A control device for an ink jet recording apparatus having one or a plurality of ink jet heads that eject m ink,
Deriving means for deriving times from the start of printing to the expiration date of use of the first to mth inks,
First determination means for determining whether or not a first remaining time which is a time until the expiration date of the first ink derived by the deriving means is equal to or shorter than a first predetermined time;
Second judging means for judging whether or not the second remaining time, which is the shortest time from the second to m-th ink expiration dates derived by the deriving means, is equal to or shorter than a second predetermined time; ,
When the first remaining time exceeds the first predetermined time, the first determining means determines, and when the second remaining time exceeds the second predetermined time, the second determining means Is determined, in the printing range indicated by the printing data supplied to the ink jet recording apparatus, the first ink lands on the area where the first ink should land, and the second to mth inks mutually First control means for controlling ejection of the first to m-th inks from the ink-jet head so that the second to m-th inks overlap and land on a region that should overlap and land;
The first determining means determines that the first remaining time is equal to or shorter than the first predetermined time, and the second determination is performed when the second remaining time exceeds the second predetermined time. If the means determines, in the printing range, the first ink lands in an area where the first ink should land, and at least a part of the area where the second to mth inks overlap each other and land Second control means for controlling ejection of the first to m-th inks from the inkjet head so that the first ink lands on
The first determination means determines that the first remaining time exceeds the first predetermined time, and the second determination that the second remaining time is equal to or less than the second predetermined time. If the means determines, in the printing range, the second to m-th inks overlap each other and land on at least a part of the area where the first ink should land, and the second to m-th inks collide with each other. And third control means for controlling ejection of the first to m-th inks from the inkjet head so that the second to m-th inks overlap and land on the overlapping and landing area. A control apparatus for an ink jet recording apparatus. The first determination means determines that the first remaining time is less than or equal to the first predetermined time, and the second remaining time is less than or equal to the second predetermined time. Third determination means for determining which of the first remaining time and the second remaining time is longer when the determination means determines;
If the third determining means determines that the first remaining time is longer than the second remaining time, the first ink is applied to at least a part of the area where the first ink should land in the print range. From the inkjet head, the second to mth inks land on each other, and the second to mth inks land on the areas to be landed on each other. A fourth control means for controlling ejection of the first to mth inks;
When the third determination means determines that the second remaining time is longer than the first remaining time, the first ink is placed in an area where the first ink should land in the print range. The ejection of the first to m-th inks from the inkjet head is controlled so that the first ink lands on at least a part of a region that has landed and the second to m-th inks overlap each other and should land. The inkjet control apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a fifth control unit.   The first determination means determines that the first remaining time is less than or equal to the first predetermined time, and the second remaining time is less than or equal to the second predetermined time. When the determination means determines, in the printing range, the first ink is landed on the area where the first ink should land, and the second to mth inks overlap each other and the second ink is landed. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising fourth control means for controlling ejection of the first to m-th inks from the inkjet head so that the m-th inks land on each other. The control apparatus of the inkjet recording device as described. A first ink cartridge in which a first ink having a first color is stored, and second to m-th (m is a natural number of 3 or more) colors that make the first color visible through color mixing. Second to nth (n is a natural number of 2 or more and m or less) ink cartridges storing mth ink are mounted and first to first supplied from the first to nth ink cartridges. A control device for an ink jet recording apparatus having one or a plurality of ink jet heads that eject m ink,
Deriving means for deriving times from the start of printing to the expiration date of use of the first to mth inks,
First determination means for determining whether or not a first remaining time which is a time until the expiration date of the first ink derived by the deriving means is equal to or shorter than a first predetermined time;
Second judging means for judging whether or not the second remaining time, which is the shortest time from the second to m-th ink expiration dates derived by the deriving means, is equal to or shorter than a second predetermined time; ,
When the first remaining time exceeds the first predetermined time, the first determining means determines, and when the second remaining time exceeds the second predetermined time, the second determining means Is determined, in the printing range indicated by the printing data supplied to the ink jet recording apparatus, the first ink lands on the area where the first ink should land, and the second to mth inks mutually First control means for controlling ejection of the first to m-th inks from the ink-jet head so that the second to m-th inks overlap and land on a region that should overlap and land;
The first determining means determines that the first remaining time is equal to or shorter than the first predetermined time, or the second remaining time is equal to or shorter than the second predetermined time. A third determination unit that determines which of the first remaining time and the second remaining time is longer when the determination unit determines:
If the third determining means determines that the first remaining time is longer than the second remaining time, the first ink is applied to at least a part of the area where the first ink should land in the print range. From the inkjet head, the second to mth inks land on each other, and the second to mth inks land on the areas to be landed on each other. Second control means for controlling ejection of the first to mth inks;
When the third determination means determines that the second remaining time is longer than the first remaining time, the first ink is placed in an area where the first ink should land in the print range. The ejection of the first to m-th inks from the inkjet head is controlled so that the first ink lands on at least a part of a region that has landed and the second to m-th inks overlap each other and should land. A control device for an ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: a third control means.   When the third determination unit determines that the first remaining time is longer than the second remaining time, the second control unit decreases the first remaining time as the first remaining time is shorter. 6. The control apparatus for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a ratio of a range in which the second to mth inks overlap each other and land in an area where the ink should land is increased.   When the third determination unit determines that the second remaining time is longer than the first remaining time, the third control unit decreases the second remaining time as the first remaining time is shorter. 7. The control device for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a ratio of a range in which the first ink lands in a region where the mth ink overlaps with each other and lands is increased. Storage for storing information on mounting the first to nth ink cartridges on the inkjet recording apparatus and period information from the mounting to the expiration date or date information indicating the expiration date of the first to mth inks. Further comprising means,
The derivation means derives the time from the start of printing to the expiration date of use of the first to m-th inks using the stored contents of the storage means, respectively. 2. A control device for an ink jet recording apparatus according to item 1. The period from the mounting to the expiration date or the date indicating the expiration date of the first to mth inks is held by the first to nth ink cartridges as expiration date information. In addition, the inkjet recording apparatus includes a reading unit that reads the expiration date information held by each of the first to nth ink cartridges.
9. The control apparatus for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the storage unit stores the expiration date information read by the reading unit. The first to nth ink cartridges hold respective identification information, and the reading means reads the identification information when reading the expiration date information.
10. The control apparatus for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the storage unit stores the identification information read by the reading unit and the expiration date information in association with each other.   11. The first color according to claim 1, wherein the first color is black, m is 4, and the second to fourth colors are cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. Control device for inkjet recording apparatus.   The control apparatus for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time have the same length. First permitting means for permitting the second to nth inks to overlap and land on at least a part of a region where the first ink should land in the printing range;
A second permission unit for allowing the first ink to land on at least a part of a region where the second to nth inks overlap each other in the printing range;
When the first permission means does not permit, the second control means performs the same control as the first control means,
The said 3rd control means performs control similar to the said 1st control means when the said 2nd permission means does not perform the said permission, The any one of Claims 2-12 characterized by the above-mentioned. Control device for inkjet recording apparatus.   The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when there are a plurality of print ranges, the first permission unit and the second permission unit individually perform the permission for each print range. Control device. A first ink cartridge in which a first ink having a first color is stored, and second to m-th (m is a natural number of 3 or more) colors that make the first color visible through color mixing. Second to nth (n is a natural number of 2 or more and m or less) ink cartridges storing mth ink are mounted and first to first supplied from the first to nth ink cartridges. A method for controlling an inkjet recording apparatus having one or a plurality of inkjet heads that eject m ink,
A derivation step for deriving the time from the start of printing to the expiration date of the first to m-th inks,
The shortest of the first remaining time, which is the time until the expiration date of the first ink derived in the deriving step, and the time until the expiration date of the second to m-th inks, from which the derivation step is derived. A determination step of deciding which of the first ink and the second to m-th inks should be used preferentially based on the second remaining time that is time;
If it is determined in the determining step that the first ink should be used preferentially, the first ink is placed in an area where the first ink should land in the print range indicated by the print data supplied to the ink jet recording apparatus. Of the first to mth inks from the inkjet head so that the first ink lands and the first ink lands on at least a part of the region where the second to mth inks overlap each other and land. A first control step for controlling discharge;
If it is determined in the determining step that the second to m-th inks should be used preferentially, the second to m-th inks are formed in at least a part of the area where the first ink should land in the printing range. The second to m-th inks land on each other, and the second to m-th inks land on the areas to be landed on each other. and a second control step for controlling the ejection of the m ink.

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