JP2010125739A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which controls an ink consuming amount of each ink using the information of an ink preparation amount of each ink input from a user. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 100 detects the ink residual amount of each ink contained in the image forming apparatus 100, receives the ink preparation amount of each ink not contained in the image forming apparatus 100 from the user, calculates an ink total amount of each ink based on the ink residual amount and the ink preparation amount and controls the ink consuming amount of each ink so as to be equal to the predetermined amount when the ink total amount of each ink is equivalent. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a printing medium using a plurality of inks.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a printing medium using a plurality of inks, various techniques for controlling the amount of ink used for each color so that the remaining amount of ink for each color is equalized have been proposed. . For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting the remaining amount of each ink 21 to 24 stored in the image forming apparatus 20 and controlling the usage amount of each ink 21 to 24 based on the detection result. Yes.

JP 2007-292971 A

The user has only ink of a specific color (hereinafter described as “Y: yellow” as an example) as a spare, and the spare ink cannot be used (that is, the ink color, If you are planning to purchase a new image forming device (types of pigments, dyes, etc., and the shape of the ink cartridge, etc.), make sure that all the ink, including the spare ink, is not used. There is a desire to use up. That is, there is a demand to use as much Y ink as possible.
Further, even when the user has only Y ink in reserve and intends to purchase a packed product in which a plurality of inks are combined, there is the above-described demand.

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the amount of ink used is controlled based on the remaining amount of ink stored in the image forming apparatus, and control is performed so that a large amount of Y ink is used. Therefore, the above-mentioned demand cannot be satisfied.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of controlling the amount of each ink used by using information on the preliminary quantity of each ink input from a user. The purpose is to do.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that acquires image data and forms an image based on the image data on a printing medium using a plurality of colors of ink, the image forming apparatus stores the image data. Remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of each ink that is present, input receiving means for receiving a preliminary quantity of each ink not stored in the image forming apparatus from a user, and each ink based on the remaining quantity and the preliminary quantity Control means for calculating the total amount of ink and controlling the amount of each ink used so that the total amount of each ink becomes the same predetermined amount at the same time.

In the image forming apparatus, in order to control the usage amount of each ink, in addition to information on the remaining amount of each ink stored in the image forming apparatus, each ink not stored in the image forming apparatus (that is, The use amount of each ink is controlled using information on the reserve quantity of the reserve ink).
Thereby, since the usage amount of each ink can be controlled so that all the ink including the spare ink is used up, each ink can be used economically.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the control unit acquires the image data, the total amount of ink is determined for each of the inks based on the remaining amount and the reserve quantity. The color correction table is selected based on the total amount of ink, the usage amount is determined based on the color correction table, and the image based on the image data is determined based on the determined usage amount of each ink. It is formed.

The image forming apparatus selects a color correction table (γ table) on the basis of information on the remaining amount and the reserve quantity for each ink, and determines the usage amount of each ink using the selected color correction table. An image based on the image data is formed with the determined usage amount of each ink.
Accordingly, by using the color correction table, the usage amount of each ink is determined so that all the ink including the spare ink is used up, so that each ink can be used economically.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of inks include black ink, and the control unit determines the remaining amount and the reserve quantity for each of the inks. The total amount of ink is calculated based on the relationship between the total amount of black ink and the total amount of ink of each other ink, and the amount of black ink used is determined based on the total amount of black ink. The use amount of each of the other inks is determined based on the use amount of the ink.

The image forming apparatus calculates the total amount of ink based on the information on the remaining amount and the reserve amount for each ink, and determines the usage amount of black ink using the calculated total amount of ink. Further, the usage amount of each of the other inks is determined based on the determined usage amount of the black ink.
Accordingly, the usage amounts of the black ink and each of the other inks are determined based on the total ink amount of the black ink, so that each ink can be used economically.

  The invention according to claim 4 further includes display means, wherein the display means displays a preliminary quantity of each ink received by the input receiving means.

The image forming apparatus displays the preliminary quantity of each ink input by the user on the display unit.
As a result, the user can confirm whether or not the reserve quantity of each ink held by the image forming apparatus matches the reserve quantity of each ink actually held. If not, you can enter the correct reserve quantity.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus or the like, it is possible to control the usage amount of each ink by using the information on the preliminary quantity of each ink input from the user.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present invention, the term “ink” is used to include liquid ink and powdered ink (toner). In the following description, a mode in which the image forming apparatus is realized as a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a cordless telephone function will be described.

  First, a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 is formed of a main body case (housing) 101 made of synthetic resin. A paper feed cassette (tray) 102 is detachably formed on the front surface of the image forming apparatus 100. A paper discharge unit 103 is disposed above the paper feed cassette 102.

  A slot portion 104 is disposed on the front surface of the image forming apparatus 100. Various storage media such as a memory card are loaded in the slot unit 104, and an image can be formed (printed) on a print medium based on image data stored in the storage medium.

  Operation button portions 105 and 106 are arranged on the upper side of the image forming apparatus 100. The user can perform various settings for the image forming apparatus 100 and various instructions for the image forming apparatus 100 by pressing various buttons on the operation button units 105 and 106.

  A panel 107 is disposed in the image forming apparatus 100. The panel 107 is composed of a touch panel, for example, and can display various information. The user can perform various settings for the image forming apparatus 100 and various instructions for the image forming apparatus 100 by pressing a predetermined position on the panel 107. That is, the panel 107 can accept an operation from the user. The display layout on the panel 107 and processing based on the operation of the panel 107 will be described later.

  A cover unit 108 is provided on the upper side of the image forming apparatus 100 and is configured to be openable and closable. A flat bed is provided under the cover unit 108, and a document to be scanned is placed.

  A scanning mechanism is provided inside the image forming apparatus 100. The scanning mechanism irradiates light on a document placed on the flat bed and images reflected light from the document. Since the configuration and operation of the scanning mechanism are known, detailed description is omitted.

Further, FIG. 1 shows the image forming apparatus 100 and an ink cartridge 400 mounted on the image forming apparatus 100. The ink cartridge 400 is filled with ink, and the ink is stored in the image forming apparatus 100 by attaching the ink cartridge 400 to the image forming apparatus 100.
Note that the mounted state of the ink cartridge 400 is not shown because it is known. In addition, the user inputs the number of ink cartridges 400 of each color that are not attached to the image forming apparatus 100 (ink reserve quantity) to the image forming apparatus 100 via the panel 107.

  A printing mechanism is provided inside the image forming apparatus 100 and a plurality of colors of ink are stored. In the present embodiment, for example, four colors of ink of K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) are stored. The printing mechanism forms (prints) an image based on image data to be described later on a printing medium set in the paper feed cassette 102 using each color ink stored in the image forming apparatus 100.

  A paper feed mechanism is provided inside the image forming apparatus 100. The paper feed mechanism can transport the printed medium to be printed in the X direction in FIG. The configuration and operation of the paper feed mechanism are well known and will not be described in detail.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 can be connected to a communication network, and can form (print) an image on a print medium based on image data acquired from the outside via the communication network. The image forming apparatus 100 can be connected to an external device such as a digital camera, and can form (print) an image on a print medium based on image data acquired from the connected external device.

  Note that the appearance of the image forming apparatus 100 and the shape of the ink cartridge 400 shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to those having the appearance and shape.

A control device is provided inside the image forming apparatus 100.
Hereinafter, the control device of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control device. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device includes a CPU 121, a flash ROM 122, a RAM 123, and an input / output I / F 124. Each element is connected to each other by a signal line, and various data are transmitted and received.

  The CPU 121 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. Further, a program for realizing the present invention (print setting process, ink remaining amount equalization mode setting process, preliminary ink quantity setting process, first print process, and second print process) is executed.

The flash ROM 122 stores the program, various tables, a γ correction table described later, and the like. Various information (ink remaining amount information, ink remaining amount equalization mode information, ink preliminary quantity information) necessary for realizing the present invention is also stored in a predetermined area of the flash ROM 122.
The CPU 121 detects the ink remaining amount of each ink stored in the image forming apparatus 100 at a predetermined timing, and writes the ink remaining amount information in a predetermined area of the flash ROM 122.
Note that a part or all of the above-described program may be stored in a read-only ROM (not shown).

  In the RAM 123, various temporary data are read / written when various programs are executed by the CPU 121.

  Various devices (panel 107, scan mechanism, printing mechanism, paper feed mechanism, etc.) are connected to the input / output I / F 124, and various data are transmitted to and received from the connected devices.

  The internal configuration shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the one having this internal configuration.

  Next, the configuration of a system (image forming system) using the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming system. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming system includes an image forming apparatus 100, a computer 200, and a relay apparatus 300.

  The image forming apparatus 100 and the computer 200 are connected via the relay apparatus 300. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 and the computer 200 may be directly connected using a connection technology such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) without using the relay apparatus 300. The image forming apparatus 100 and the computer 200 can transmit and receive various kinds of information, and the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a print medium based on image data acquired from the computer 200.

  The image data indicates the density value of each color for each dot of the image formed on the printing medium. For example, in the CMY format, each of the C value, the M value, and the Y value can be expressed as 256 gradation data. Needless to say, each density value may be in RGB format, YUV format, or the like.

  The image forming apparatus 100 determines the amount of ink used (discharge amount) for each color for each dot of the image to be formed based on the acquired image data, and discharges the ink onto the printing medium. The relationship between the image data and the amount of ink used for each color will be described later.

  Further, the image data may be acquired from the outside via various storage media loaded in the slot unit 104, an external device (such as a digital camera) connected to the image forming apparatus 100, or a communication network.

  Hereinafter, each process performed in order to implement | achieve this embodiment is demonstrated in order.

[Print Setting Processing]
First, the print setting process will be described. The print setting process is always executed by the CPU 121 while the image forming apparatus 100 is activated. 4 is a flowchart of the print setting process, FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the ink remaining amount equalization mode setting process (sub-process of the print setting process), and FIG. 6 is a preliminary ink quantity setting process (print setting process). Is a flowchart of the sub-process). 7 to 9 show display layouts on the panel 107 during the print setting process. Further, each processing program and display layout information are stored in the flash ROM 122.

  First, in S11 (FIG. 4), the first screen is displayed on the panel 107. FIG. 7 shows an example of the layout of the first screen. As shown in FIG. 7, a Menu button 211 and an Ink button 212 are displayed on the panel 107, and the current date and time and the current time are displayed on the upper left portion of the panel 107.

  When the Menu button 211 is pressed, a second screen described later is displayed on the panel 107. When the Ink button 212 is pressed, a later-described fourth screen is displayed on the panel 107. Note that the layout of the first screen shown in FIG. 7 is merely an example, the display position of each element can be changed as appropriate, and buttons having other functions may be displayed on the panel 107.

Returning to FIG.
In S12, it is determined whether or not the panel 107 has accepted an operation from the user. If it is determined that an operation from the user is not accepted (S12: NO), the process returns to S12. Thus, the process waits in S12 until the panel 107 receives an operation from the user.

  If it is determined in S12 that the operation from the user is “pressing the menu button 211”, the process proceeds to S13. In S13, an ink remaining amount equalization mode setting process is executed. Details of the remaining ink leveling mode setting process will be described later.

  If it is determined in S12 that the operation from the user is “pressing the Ink button 212”, the process proceeds to S14. In S14, a preliminary ink quantity setting process is executed. Details of the preliminary ink quantity setting process will be described later.

Next, the ink remaining amount equalization mode setting process (FIG. 5) will be described.
First, in S21, the second screen is displayed on the panel 107, and thereafter, the process proceeds to S22. FIG. 8A shows an example of the layout of the second screen. As shown in FIG. 8A, on the panel 107, an Equ button 221, a Fax button 222, and a Scan button 223 are displayed.

When the Eq button 221 is pressed, a third screen to be described later is displayed on the panel 107.
When the Fax button 222 is pressed, a screen for performing various settings related to the FAX function of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed on the panel 107. When the Scan button 223 is pressed, the panel 107 displays A screen for performing various settings related to the scanner function of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed.
Note that the layout of the second screen shown in FIG. 8A is merely an example, and the display position of each element can be changed as appropriate, and buttons having other functions can be displayed on the panel 107. Good.

Returning to FIG.
In S22, it is determined whether or not the panel 107 has accepted an operation from the user. If it is determined that the operation from the user is not accepted (S22: NO), the process returns to S22. Thus, the process waits in S22 until the panel 107 receives an operation from the user.

  If it is determined in S22 that the operation from the user is “pressing the Equ button 221”, the process proceeds to S23. Note that the processing when the Fax button 222 or the Scan button 223 is pressed in S22 is a part unrelated to the realization of the present embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In S23, the third screen is displayed on the panel 107, and thereafter, the process proceeds to S24. FIG. 8B shows an example of the layout of the third screen. As shown in FIG. 8B, an ON button 231 and an OFF button 232 are displayed on the panel 107.

Returning to FIG.
In S24, it is determined whether or not the panel 107 has accepted an operation from the user. If it is determined that an operation from the user is not accepted (S24: NO), the process returns to S24. Thus, the process waits in S24 until the panel 107 receives an operation from the user.

If it is determined in S24 that the operation from the user is “depressing the ON button 231”, the process proceeds to S25.
In S25, the remaining ink leveling mode is turned on. Specifically, the “ink remaining amount equalization mode information” stored in the flash ROM 122 is updated to a flag value indicating mode ON (for example, “1”).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S24 that the operation from the user is “depressing the OFF button 232”, the process proceeds to S26.
In S26, the remaining ink leveling mode is turned off. Specifically, the “ink remaining amount equalization mode information” stored in the flash ROM 122 is updated to a flag value indicating mode OFF (for example, “0”).

  The ink remaining amount equalization mode information set in S25 or S26 is referred to by a first printing process or a second printing process described later.

  When the process of S25 or S26 ends, the remaining ink leveling mode setting process ends, and the process returns to the print setting process. As a result, the first screen (see FIG. 7) described above is displayed on the panel 107.

Next, the preliminary ink quantity setting process (FIG. 6) will be described.
First, in S31, the fourth screen is displayed on the panel 107, and thereafter, the process proceeds to S32. FIG. 9A shows an example of the layout of the fourth screen. As shown in FIG. 9A, a test button 241, a clean button 242, a volume button 243, and a return button 244 are displayed on the panel 107.

When the Test button 241 is pressed, a screen for setting / instructing a test print is displayed on the panel 107. When the Clean button 242 is pressed, the panel 107 is related to cleaning of the head or the like. A screen for setting and instructing is displayed.
When the Volume button 243 is pressed, a later-described fifth screen is displayed.
When the return button 244 is pressed, the first screen (see FIG. 7) described above is displayed on the panel 107.
Note that the layout of the fourth screen illustrated in FIG. 9A is merely an example, the display position can be changed as appropriate, and buttons having other functions may be displayed on the panel 107.

Returning to FIG.
In S32, it is determined whether or not the panel 107 has accepted an operation from the user. If it is determined that an operation from the user is not accepted (S32: NO), the process returns to S32. Thus, the process waits in S32 until the panel 107 receives an operation from the user.

  If it is determined in S32 that the operation from the user is “depressing the return button 244”, the preliminary ink quantity setting process is terminated and the process returns to the print setting process. As a result, the first screen (see FIG. 7) described above is displayed on the panel 107.

  If it is determined in S32 that the operation from the user is “pressing the Volume button 243”, the process proceeds to S33. Note that the processing when the Test button 241 or the Clean button 242 is pressed in S32 is a part irrelevant to the realization of the present embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  In S33, the fifth screen is displayed on the panel 107, and thereafter, the process proceeds to S34. FIG. 9B shows an example of the layout of the fifth screen. As shown in FIG. 9B, on the panel 107, a K ink remaining amount display portion 251, a C ink remaining amount display portion 254, an M ink remaining amount display portion 257, and a Y ink remaining amount display portion 260 are provided. ing. Each ink remaining amount display portion includes a K ink remaining amount region 252, a C ink remaining amount region 255, an M ink remaining amount region 258, and a Y ink remaining amount region 261. In addition, texts “K”, “C”, “M”, and “Y” are displayed on the remaining amount display portions, respectively.

  Further, the size of each ink remaining area corresponds to the ink remaining amount of each ink stored in the image forming apparatus 100. That is, the size of the K ink remaining amount area 252 indicates the remaining amount of K ink, the size of the C ink remaining amount region 255 indicates the remaining amount of C ink, and the size of the M ink remaining amount region 258. This indicates the remaining amount of M ink, and the remaining Y ink region 261 indicates the remaining amount of Y ink. Also, the larger the ink remaining area, the more ink remaining in the stored ink. FIG. 9B shows that the remaining amount of Y ink is the smallest.

  Further, the color of each remaining ink area can be the color of the corresponding ink. That is, the color of the K ink remaining area 252 can be black, the color of the C ink remaining area 255 can be cyan, the color of the M ink remaining area 258 can be magenta, and the color of the Y ink remaining area 261 can be yellow. . Thereby, it can be grasped more sensibly as to which color ink remaining amount each ink remaining region indicates.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, on the panel 107, a K ink reserve quantity display unit 253, a C ink reserve quantity display unit 256, an M ink reserve quantity display unit 259, and a Y ink reserve quantity display unit 262 are provided. Is provided. The K ink reserve quantity display section 253 displays the K ink reserve quantity, the C ink reserve quantity display section 256 displays the C ink reserve quantity, and the M ink reserve quantity display section 259 displays the ink reserve quantity. The ink reserve quantity of M ink is displayed, and the Y ink reserve quantity display portion 262 displays the ink reserve quantity of Y ink.

  Further, the K ink reserve quantity display unit 253, the C ink reserve quantity display unit 256, the M ink reserve quantity display unit 259, and the Y ink reserve quantity display unit 262 also function as buttons that can be pressed by the user. When each ink reserve quantity display section is pressed, a sixth screen (described later) corresponding to the pressed display section is displayed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, a return button 274 is displayed on the panel 107. When the return button 263 is pressed, the above-described fourth screen (see FIG. 9A) is displayed.

Returning to FIG.
In S34, it is determined whether or not the panel 107 has accepted an operation from the user. If it is determined that the operation from the user is not accepted (S34: NO), the process returns to S34. Thus, the process waits in S34 until the panel 107 receives an operation from the user.

If it is determined in S34 that the operation from the user is “depressing the return button 263”, the process returns to S31, and the fourth screen (see FIG. 9A) is displayed.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S34 that the operation from the user is “pressing any one of the ink reserve quantity display portion”, the process proceeds to S35.

  In S35, the sixth screen is displayed on the panel 107, and thereafter, the process proceeds to S36. FIG. 9C shows an example of the layout of the sixth screen (the layout when the Y ink reserve quantity display unit 262 is pressed on the fifth screen). As shown in FIG. 9C, an ink remaining amount display portion 271, a plus button 272, a minus button 273, and a return button 274 are displayed on the panel 107. In the following description, the plus button 272 and the minus button 273 are collectively referred to as a “quantity setting button”.

  On the upper left of the panel 107, text (“Y” in FIG. 9C) indicating the color of the ink selected on the fifth screen (hereinafter referred to as “selected color”) is displayed. In addition, when one of the ink colors K, C, and M is selected on the fifth screen, text (K, C, or M) indicating the color is displayed.

  The ink remaining amount display portion 271 displays the preliminary ink quantity. FIG. 9C shows that the ink reserve quantity of Y ink is “0” (that is, there is no spare Y ink). The user can check whether or not the ink reserve quantity of each ink stored in the image forming apparatus 100 matches the ink reserve quantity of each ink actually held. If not, you can enter the correct ink reserve quantity.

  Here, the background color of the ink remaining amount display portion 271 can be the selected color (the color of the ink selected on the fifth screen). In FIG. 9C, the background color of the ink remaining amount display portion 271 can be yellow. As a result, even if the panel 107 is small and an area for displaying the characters “Ink: Y” cannot be secured on the panel 107, it is possible to select which color ink depending on the background color of the ink remaining amount display portion 271. Can be selected. Further, even when the characters “Ink: Y” are displayed, the background color of the ink remaining amount display unit 271 can be grasped more sensibly by selecting the selected color. When the selected color is black, the background color of the ink remaining amount display unit 271 can be black, and the preliminary ink quantity of K ink can be displayed in white.

When the plus button 272 is pressed, the number displayed on the remaining ink amount display portion 271 is incremented.
When the minus button 273 is pressed, the number displayed on the remaining ink amount display portion 271 is decremented.
When the return button 274 is pressed, a fifth screen (see FIG. 9B) is displayed.

Returning to FIG.
In S36, it is determined whether or not the panel 107 has accepted an operation from the user. If it is determined that the operation from the user is not accepted (S36: NO), the process returns to S36. Thus, the process waits in S36 until the panel 107 receives an operation from the user.

  If it is determined in S36 that the operation from the user is “depressing the return button 274”, the process returns to S33, and the fifth screen (see FIG. 9B) is displayed. On the other hand, if it is determined in S36 that the operation from the user is “pressing the quantity setting button”, the process proceeds to S37.

  In S37, the preliminary ink quantity is updated. Specifically, when the plus button 272 is pressed, the number of the ink remaining amount display portion 271 is incremented and displayed, and “ink preliminary quantity information (of selected color)” stored in the flash ROM 122 is displayed. Increment (update). In addition, when the minus button 273 is pressed, the number in the ink remaining amount display portion 271 is decremented and displayed, and the “ink selection quantity information (of selected color)” stored in the flash ROM 122 is decremented ( Update.

  The preliminary ink quantity information updated in S37 is referred to in the first printing process or the second printing process described later.

It should be noted that in S36, an operation in which the ink reserve quantity becomes “minus (−)” (that is, an operation in which the minus button 273 is pressed while “0” is displayed in the ink remaining amount display portion 271). Is detected, the process waits in S36 without proceeding to S37.
In S 36, an operation in which the ink reserve quantity exceeds the upper limit value (that is, when the upper limit value of the ink reserve quantity is set to “5”, “5” is displayed on the ink remaining amount display portion 271). If the plus button 272 is pressed), the process waits in S36 without proceeding to S37.

[First printing process]
Next, the first printing process will be described. The first printing process is started by the CPU 121 when image data is acquired from the computer 200 or the like (when a printing instruction is received). In the first printing process, a γ table (color correction table) used when determining the output density value of each ink is determined according to the remaining ink amount and the preliminary ink quantity of each ink, so that The amount of ink used is controlled.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the first printing process. The first print processing program is stored in the flash ROM 122.

  First, in S41, it is determined whether or not the remaining ink leveling mode is ON. This can be determined by referring to the ink remaining amount equalization mode information stored in the RAM 123.

  When it is determined that the remaining ink leveling mode is not ON (that is, the remaining ink leveling mode is OFF) (S41: NO), the process proceeds to S42. On the other hand, when the remaining ink leveling mode is ON (S41: YES), the process proceeds to S43.

  In S42, the γ table used when determining the output density value of each ink is set to the “standard γ table”. FIG. 11 shows the relationship between the input density value (density value included in the acquired image data) and the output density value in the standard γ table.

Returning to FIG.
In S43, the total ink amount of each ink is calculated.
The total ink amount (T) of each ink can be calculated by assuming that the remaining ink amount is (R%) and the preliminary ink quantity is (S).

  T (%) = R + S × 100 (Formula 1)

Can be calculated as Note that the ink remaining amount and the ink reserve quantity of each ink can be acquired by referring to the ink remaining amount information and the ink reserve quantity information stored in the RAM 123, respectively.

  In S44, a γ table used for determining the output density value is determined for each ink. Specifically, the “low density γ table” is set for the color with the smallest total ink amount, and the “standard γ table” is set for the other colors. At this time,

“Color with the smallest total ink amount”: “Low density γ table”
“Other colors”: “Standard γ table”

A table indicating this may be stored in the RAM 123, and a γ table for each color may be determined by referring to the table.

FIG. 12 shows the relationship between the input density value and the output density value in the low density γ table. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the low density γ table is used, the output density value is smaller than when the standard γ table is used, so that the amount of ink used is reduced.
A standard γ table and a low density γ table that are different for each color may be used.

Returning to FIG.
In S45, γ correction processing is executed. Specifically, the output density value of each color for each dot is determined using the γ table determined in S42 or S44. Since the γ correction process is known, a description thereof will be omitted.

  In S46, printing is performed on the print medium. In S46, printing can be performed by applying various known techniques such as error diffusion processing.

  By executing the first printing process, the ink usage of each color is determined by determining the γ correction table for each color based on the ink remaining amount and the ink reserve quantity of each ink stored in the image forming apparatus 100. The amount can be controlled. Thereby, the ink usage amount of each ink can be controlled so that the total amount of each ink becomes the same predetermined amount at the same time. For example, the amount of ink used for each ink can be controlled so that the total amount of each ink becomes zero at the same time (that is, all ink including spare ink is used up simultaneously). Can be used.

[Second printing process]
Next, the second printing process will be described. Execution of the second printing process is started by the CPU 121 when image data is acquired from the computer 200 or the like (when a printing instruction is received). In the present embodiment, when a print instruction is received, either the first print process or the second print process is executed.
In the second printing process, the amount of ink used for each ink is controlled by controlling a UCR (Under Color Removal) function according to the ink remaining amount and the ink reserve quantity of each ink.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the second printing process. A program for the second printing process is stored in the flash ROM 122.

  First, in S51, it is determined whether or not the remaining ink leveling mode is ON. This can be determined by referring to the ink remaining amount equalization mode information stored in the RAM 123.

  When it is determined that the remaining ink leveling mode is not ON (that is, the remaining ink leveling mode is OFF) (S51: NO), the process proceeds to S52. On the other hand, if the remaining ink leveling mode is ON (S51: YES), the process proceeds to S53.

  In S52, the UCR function is set to ON. That is, the UCR function is enabled. This setting information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 123.

In S53, the total amount of ink for each ink is calculated.
The total ink amount (T) of each ink can be calculated by assuming that the remaining ink amount is (R%) and the preliminary ink quantity is (S).

  T (%) = R + S × 100 (Formula 1)

Can be calculated as Note that the ink remaining amount and the ink reserve quantity of each ink can be acquired by referring to the ink remaining amount information and the ink reserve quantity information stored in the RAM 123, respectively.

  In S54, it is determined whether or not the total amount of K ink is minimum and the total amount of K ink is smaller than a threshold value. In S54, it may be determined whether the total amount of K ink is minimum and the total amount of K ink is less than or equal to a threshold value.

  If it is determined that the condition of S54 is not satisfied (S54: NO), the process proceeds to S52 (that is, the UCR function is enabled). On the other hand, when it is determined that the condition of S54 is satisfied (S54: YES), the process proceeds to S55.

In S55, the UCR function is controlled.
For example, the UCR function is set to OFF. That is, the UCR function is disabled. This setting information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 123.
Alternatively, the UCR function is controlled so as to reduce the ink use amount of K ink (that is, the replacement ratio of K ink). That is, the UCR function is partially enabled.
The UCR function may be disabled or partially enabled depending on the total amount of K ink.

In S56, UCR processing is executed. Specifically, the ink usage amount of each ink is determined using the information regarding the UCR function set in S52 or S55.
By using information related to the UCR function, the ink usage amount of K ink is determined based on the relationship between the total ink amount of K ink and the total ink amount of other inks, and the total ink amount of the K ink. Further, the amount of ink used for each of the other inks is determined based on the amount of ink used for K ink.
When the UCR function is invalidated in S55, the UCR process is not executed in S56. Since the UCR process is known, a description thereof will be omitted.

  In S57, printing is performed on the print medium. In S57, printing can be performed by applying various known techniques such as error diffusion processing.

  By executing the second printing process, the ink usage amount of K ink is controlled by controlling the UCR function based on the remaining ink amount of each ink stored in the image forming apparatus 100 and the preliminary ink quantity. Based on the determined ink usage amount of the K ink, the ink usage amount of each of the other inks is determined. Thereby, the ink usage amount of each ink can be controlled so that the total amount of each ink becomes the same predetermined amount at the same time. For example, the amount of ink used for each ink can be controlled so that the total amount of each ink becomes zero at the same time (that is, all ink including spare ink is used up simultaneously). Can be used.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 detects the remaining amount of each ink stored in the image forming apparatus 100 and is not stored in the image forming apparatus 100. The ink reserve quantity of each ink is received from the user, the total ink quantity of each ink is calculated based on the remaining ink quantity and the ink reserve quantity, and the total ink quantity of each ink is set to the same predetermined quantity at the same time. Control the amount of ink used.
As a result, the amount of ink used for each ink can be controlled so that all the ink including the spare ink is used up.
Further, when the user has spare ink, even if the remaining amount of ink stored in the image forming apparatus 100 decreases, control is not performed to reduce the amount of ink used. Since an appropriate ink usage amount is set, an appropriate color can be expressed.

  Note that the above-described flowcharts are merely examples, and the present invention may be realized by other processes as long as a result equivalent to the processes of the flowcharts can be obtained.

  The present invention can also be realized as a method relating to the above-described image forming apparatus, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, a recording medium on which the program is recorded, and the like.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be realized as an image forming apparatus in which various improvements and modifications are made to the above-described embodiment.

1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a control device of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system using an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart of print setting processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart of ink remaining amount equalization mode setting processing in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the preliminary ink quantity setting process in one embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the layout of the screen displayed on the panel in one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the layout of the screen displayed on the panel in one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the layout of the screen displayed on the panel in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the 1st printing process in one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the relationship between the input density value and output density value of the standard (gamma) table in one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the relationship between the input density value of the low density gamma table in one Embodiment of this invention, and an output density value. It is a flowchart of the 2nd printing process in one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 Image forming apparatus 107 Panel 121 CPU
122 flash ROM
123 RAM
400 ink cartridge

Claims (4)

In an image forming apparatus that acquires image data and forms an image based on the image data on a printing medium using a plurality of colors of ink,
A remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of each ink stored in the image forming apparatus;
An input receiving means for receiving a preliminary quantity of each ink not stored in the image forming apparatus from a user;
Control means for calculating the total amount of each ink based on the remaining amount and the reserve amount, and controlling the usage amount of each ink so that the total amount of each ink becomes the same predetermined amount at the same time;
An image forming apparatus comprising: When the control means acquires the image data, for each ink,
Calculate the total amount of ink based on the remaining amount and the reserve amount,
Select a color correction table based on the total amount of ink,
Determining the usage based on the color correction table;
An image based on the image data is formed with the determined usage amount of each ink.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The plurality of inks include black ink,
The control means includes
For each ink, calculate the total amount of ink based on the remaining amount and the reserve quantity,
Based on the relationship between the total amount of the black ink and the total amount of each other ink, and the total amount of the black ink, the amount of the black ink used is determined,
Based on the amount of black ink used, the amount of each of the other inks is determined.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Display means,
The display means displays a preliminary quantity of each ink received by the input receiving means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.

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