JP2013166342A - Image forming apparatus, method of forming image, and program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To report a replacement time of a colorant cartridge more readily and more accurately.SOLUTION: A self printer 10 stores total printing amount information 15 including a total printing amount whereby printing can be performed by using an ink cartridge 48. The self printer 10 updates actual past information 16 obtained by counting an actual past printing amount based on usage of the ink cartridge 48 to calculate the estimation printing amount obtained by estimating the printing amount per time unit. When the sum of the actual past printing amount and the estimation printing amount exceeds the total printing amount, the self printer 10 reports information for urging replacement of the ink cartridge 48. In addition, when the residual amount of ink contained in the ink cartridge 48 becomes in an ink end (printing disable) state, the self printer 10 updates the total printing amount included in the total printing amount information 15 on the basis of the actual past printing amount. Further, when replacement of the ink cartridge 48 is performed, the self printer 10 changes the total printing amount and updates the total printing amount information 15 by using the information such as the total printing amount, the actual past printing amount and the residual amount of ink.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program thereof.

  Conventionally, the image forming apparatus includes a detection unit that detects the remaining amount of consumable goods included in the replacement unit, and a notification unit that notifies the replacement timing when the remaining amount reaches a predetermined remaining amount. Based on this, an average consumption amount of consumable goods within a predetermined period is calculated, and the replacement time of the replacement unit is predicted based on the average consumption amount (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this apparatus, the replacement time of the replacement unit is predicted and notified as date information. Further, the image forming apparatus acquires use schedule information of the image forming apparatus every predetermined period, acquires information about the actual use frequency of the image forming apparatus, acquires information about the remaining amount of the ink cartridge, and uses the use frequency. When the ink cartridge replacement timing is calculated based on the remaining amount information and the usage amount in the usage schedule information is greater than the actual usage frequency, the ink cartridge is used based on the usage schedule information and the remaining amount information. There has been proposed a method for calculating the timing for exchanging (see Patent Document 2, for example). In this apparatus, it is said that the replacement time of consumables can be performed with high accuracy.

JP 2008-83275 A JP 2011-243000 A

  However, in the image forming apparatuses described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since a print amount that can be printed with a cartridge containing a colorant or a use amount of a colorant per unit period is used at a fixed value, The estimation of the replacement time was not enough. In addition, it may be impossible to easily notify the cartridge replacement time because it is necessary to provide a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the colorant. For this reason, it has been required to report the replacement timing of the colorant cartridge simply and accurately.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and provides an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program thereof that can notify the replacement timing of the colorant cartridge more easily and more accurately. Main purpose.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the main object described above.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes:
An image forming apparatus that prints on a print medium using a colorant contained in a colorant cartridge,
Storage means for storing total print amount information including a total print amount printable by the colorant cartridge;
A record update means for updating record information obtained by counting a record print amount based on the use of the colorant cartridge;
A printing amount estimation means for obtaining an estimated printing amount by estimating a printing amount per unit period;
Informing means for informing information for prompting replacement of the colorant cartridge when the sum of the actual print amount and the estimated print amount exceeds the total print amount;
When the colorant amount accommodated in the colorant cartridge becomes in a print-disabled state, the total print amount for updating the printable total print amount of the colorant cartridge included in the total print amount information based on the actual print amount Update means;
It is equipped with.

  In this image forming apparatus, the total print amount information including the total print amount that can be printed by the colorant cartridge is stored, and the actual information obtained by counting the actual print amount based on the use of the colorant cartridge is updated, The estimated print amount obtained by estimating the print amount is obtained, and when the sum of the actual print amount and the estimated print amount exceeds the total print amount, information that prompts replacement of the colorant cartridge is notified. Further, when the amount of the colorant stored in the colorant cartridge becomes unprintable, the total printable print amount of the cartridge included in the total print amount information is updated based on the actual print amount. As described above, by using the estimated printing amount per unit period, it is possible to notify that the total printing amount of the colorant cartridge is exceeded within the unit period relatively easily. In addition, since the total print amount that changes according to the print state is updated using the actual print amount actually printed, the replacement timing of the colorant cartridge can be notified more accurately. Therefore, it is possible to notify the replacement timing of the colorant cartridge more easily and with higher accuracy. Here, the “printing amount” may be the number of printed sheets of the printing medium or the amount of colorant. In addition, the “unit period” in the printing amount per unit period may be set to a period (for example, half day, one day, one week, etc.) for which information for prompting exchange is desired. The “printing disabled state” may be, for example, an amount of colorant that is not acceptable when performing a printing process, or may be a state in a predetermined low capacity range including a value of 0.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the notification unit determines whether the sum of the actual print amount and the estimated print amount exceeds the total print amount at a frequency according to the unit period. Also good.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the total print amount update unit updates the total print amount of the colorant cartridge based on the actual print amount of the colorant cartridge when the colorant cartridge is replaced. It may be a thing. In this way, for example, when the colorant cartridge is replaced after the actual print amount exceeds the stored total print amount, the total print amount can be updated using the actual print amount.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a remaining amount estimating unit that estimates a remaining amount of the colorant stored in the colorant cartridge, and the total printing amount update unit is configured to replace the colorant cartridge when the colorant cartridge is replaced. The total print amount information may be updated based on the total print amount and the remaining amount. In this way, for example, even when the colorant cartridge is replaced before the colorant amount becomes unprintable, the total print amount information is updated using the total print amount and the remaining amount. Can do. At this time, the total print amount update unit calculates a predicted print amount that can be printed with the remaining amount based on the total print amount and the remaining amount, and calculates a sum of the predicted print amount and the actual print amount. The total print amount information may be updated as the total print amount.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a remaining amount estimating unit that estimates a remaining amount of the colorant stored in the colorant cartridge, and the total print amount update unit includes the actual print amount and the remaining amount. The total print amount information may be updated based on the information. In this way, for example, when there is a remaining amount, the total print amount information can be updated by obtaining the total print amount using the relationship between the actual print amount and the remaining amount. At this time, the total printing amount update unit obtains a printing amount corresponding to the remaining amount, assuming that the actual printing amount corresponds to the consumption amount of the colorant obtained from the remaining amount, and determines the total printing amount as a whole. And the total print amount information may be updated.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a remaining amount estimating unit that estimates a remaining amount of the colorant stored in the colorant cartridge, and the total print amount update unit includes the total print amount and the remaining amount. Based on the first total print amount, the second total print amount is obtained based on the actual print amount and the remaining amount, and the smaller of the first total print amount and the second total print amount The total print amount information may be updated based on the information. In this way, the total print amount can be updated more accurately using the first total print amount based on the total print amount and the remaining amount and the second total print amount based on the actual print amount and the remaining amount. At this time, the total print amount update unit calculates a predicted print amount that can be printed with the remaining amount based on the total print amount and the remaining amount, and calculates a sum of the predicted print amount and the actual print amount. While calculating as the first total print amount, the print amount corresponding to the remaining amount is obtained, assuming that the actual print amount corresponds to the consumption of the colorant obtained from the remaining amount, and the entire amount is calculated as the second total print amount. It may be calculated as a printing amount.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the print amount estimation unit may obtain the estimated print amount based on a tendency of the print amount for a predetermined period. In this way, it is possible to obtain the estimated printing amount with higher accuracy by using the tendency of the printing amount during the predetermined period. Here, the “predetermined period” may be, for example, the period of the most recent one week ago, the period of one month ago, or the period of three months ago. The predetermined period may be longer than the unit period.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the notification unit may be a display unit that displays information that prompts replacement of the colorant cartridge. In this way, it is possible to visually confirm information that prompts replacement of the colorant cartridge. Alternatively, the notification means may be sound output means for outputting information prompting replacement of the colorant cartridge by sound. Further, the notification unit may be a printing unit that prints information that prompts replacement of the colorant cartridge.

The image forming method of the present invention comprises:
An image using an image forming apparatus that includes a storage unit that stores total print amount information including a total print amount that can be printed by the colorant cartridge, and that performs print processing on a print medium using the colorant stored in the colorant cartridge. A forming method comprising:
(A) updating the record information obtained by counting the record print amount based on the use of the colorant cartridge;
(B) obtaining an estimated print amount obtained by estimating the print amount per unit period;
(C) notifying information for prompting replacement of the colorant cartridge when the sum of the actual print amount and the estimated print amount exceeds the total print amount;
(D) When the amount of the colorant stored in the colorant cartridge becomes in a print-disabled state, the total printable print amount of the colorant cartridge included in the total print amount information is updated based on the actual print amount. Steps,
Is included.

  In this image forming method, similarly to the above-described image forming apparatus, by using the estimated printing amount per unit period, it is relatively easily notified that the total printing amount of the colorant cartridge is exceeded within the unit period. be able to. In addition, since the total print amount that changes according to the print state is updated using the actual print amount actually printed, the replacement timing of the colorant cartridge can be notified more accurately. Therefore, it is possible to notify the replacement timing of the colorant cartridge more easily and with higher accuracy. In this image forming method, various aspects of the above-described image forming apparatus may be adopted, and steps for realizing each function of the above-described image forming apparatus may be added.

  The program of the present invention causes one or more computers to implement each step of the above-described image forming method. This program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, hard disk, ROM, FD, CD, DVD, etc.) or from a computer via a transmission medium (communication network such as the Internet or LAN). It may be distributed to another computer, or may be exchanged in any other form. If this program is executed by a single computer or if each step is shared and executed by a plurality of computers, each step of the above-described image forming method is executed, so that the same effect as this method can be obtained. .

1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a self-printing apparatus 10. FIG. Explanatory drawing of the information memorize | stored in the flash memory. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a replacement notification print processing routine. Explanatory drawing of the starting screen 60. FIG.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a self-printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of information stored in the flash memory 13. The self-printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is configured as a printer capable of photo size printing. The self-printing apparatus 10 includes a printer unit 30 that performs a printing process for forming an image on a print medium S (for example, photographic paper) using ink as a colorant, an operation panel 50 that can be operated by a user, A memory card reader 54 that acquires image data stored in the memory card MC and a controller 11 that controls the entire apparatus are provided. The self-printing apparatus 10 is configured as a stand-alone type apparatus and does not have a function of communicating with an external device or the like.

  The printer unit 30 includes a printer ASIC 32 and a printer engine 40. The printer ASIC 32 is an integrated circuit that controls the printer engine 40. Upon receiving a print command from the controller 11, the printer ASIC 32 controls the printer engine 40 to convey the print medium S and form an image with ink. The printer ASIC 32 has a function of converting image data into print data that can be printed by the print head 42 and a function of controlling the conveyance of the print medium S. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 1, the printer engine 40 is driven by a print head 42 that performs printing by discharging ink onto a print medium S supplied from a paper cartridge 49 and transported onto a platen, and a transport direction driven by a motor 47a. A transport roller 47 that transports the print medium S is provided (from the back to the front in the figure). The print head 42 is disposed on the lower surface side of the carriage 41 that reciprocates in the main scanning direction (left and right) along the guide 46 by a belt 45 installed on the driven roller 44b as the carriage motor 44a is driven. The print head 42 ejects ink of each color from the nozzles 43 provided in the print head 42 by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element to deform the piezoelectric element and pressurize the ink. The print head 42 may employ a method in which the ink is pressurized by bubbles generated by applying a voltage to the heating resistor to heat the ink. This print head 42 individually accommodates yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) inks containing dyes or pigments in water as a solvent and is mounted on the mechanical frame side. Ink is supplied from the prepared ink cartridge 48. The ink cartridge 48 is provided with a well-known contact-type or non-contact-type ink end sensor 48a for each color, and the ink is in an unprintable ink amount (for example, 5% or 10% of the whole). When it reaches, a signal is output to the controller 11. The paper cartridge 49 is loaded with only one type of print medium S that can be printed, and the self-printing device 10 is configured, for example, as a device that can print an L plate photo, a device that can print a 2 L plate photo, or the like. ing.

  The operation panel 50 includes a display unit 51 configured as a liquid crystal display that displays an image, and an operation unit 52 in which keys for performing various inputs are displayed and arranged on the display unit 51. The display unit 51 displays an image display area for displaying thumbnails of images to be printed, a message display area for displaying a message when printing is stopped, and the like. The display unit 51 also displays a selection / setting key for selecting menus and items, a print start key for starting printing, and the like as the operation unit 52.

  The memory card reader 54 has a function of executing processing for reading out image data stored in the memory card MC and its thumbnail image based on a command from the controller 11. The memory card MC stores one or more image data photographed by a photographing device such as a digital camera (not shown).

  The controller 11 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the CPU 12, and includes a flash memory 13 that stores various processing programs, various data, various tables, a RAM 14 that temporarily stores print data, and an operation panel 50. And an internal communication interface (I / F) (not shown) that communicates with the memory card reader 54 and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the flash memory 13 stores total print amount information 15, performance information 16, estimated print amount information 17, and remaining amount information 18. The total print amount information 15 stores the total print amount (here, the total number of prints) that is the maximum value that can be printed by the mounted ink cartridge 48 in association with each color ink. The total number of prints may be determined empirically, for example, as the maximum value that can be printed when a standard image is printed. The actual result information 16 stores a value based on the use of the installed ink cartridge 48, that is, a value obtained by counting the actual print amount actually printed (here, the actual print number) in association with each color ink. Has been. The estimated print amount information 17 stores an estimated print amount (estimated print number in this case) obtained by estimating the print amount per unit period in association with each color ink. Here, the unit period is, for example, “1 day”, which is a period from the power-on of the self-printing apparatus 10 to the next power-on, based on a period for which information for prompting replacement of the ink cartridge 48 is desired. It has been. The estimated print amount information 17 stores record history information representing a print amount trend within a predetermined period as a print amount record history. In this history record information, the predetermined period is set to one week, the printing amount for each day over the latest one week is stored, and the average number of pages per day obtained from the stored printing amount is stored. ing. The remaining amount information 18 stores the remaining amount of ink of each color of the ink cartridge 48. The remaining ink amount is obtained by, for example, calculating the consumed ink amount by integrating the ink amount ejected from the nozzle 43 when printing on the print medium S, and subtracting the consumed ink amount from the total ink amount. Here, the remaining ink amount is stored as a ratio (%) of the remaining ink amount to the total ink amount. The total print amount information 15, the record information 16, the estimated print amount information 17 and the remaining amount information 18 are used to determine the replacement timing of the ink cartridge 48.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 11 includes a result update unit 21, a print amount estimation unit 22, a total print amount update unit 23, a remaining amount estimation unit 24, and the like as functional blocks. The record update unit 21 has a function of executing a process of counting the record print amount based on the use of the ink cartridge 48 and updating the record information 16 along with the print process. The print amount estimation unit 22 has a function of obtaining an estimated print number obtained by estimating the number of prints per unit period (one day) and executing processing for updating the estimated print amount information 17. The total printing amount update unit 23 uses the record information 16, the remaining amount information 18 and the like, changes the total number of printed sheets that is the maximum value that can be printed by the ink cartridge 48 according to the printing record, and displays the total printing amount information 15 Has a function of executing a process of updating. When the ink cartridge 48 is in the ink end state, the total print amount update unit 23 changes the total print number based on the actual print number and updates the total print amount information 15. In addition, when the ink cartridge 48 is replaced before the ink end, the total print amount update unit 23 determines whether the total print number before the update and the remaining ink amount are based on the actual print number and the remaining ink amount. Based on this, the total print quantity information 15 is updated by changing the total number of printed sheets. The remaining amount estimation unit 24 calculates the consumed ink amount by integrating the amount of ink ejected from the nozzles 43 when printing on the print medium S, and estimates the remaining ink amount by subtracting the integrated consumed ink amount from the total ink amount. It has a function to execute the processing. The remaining amount estimation unit 24 converts the estimated remaining ink amount into a ratio with respect to the total ink amount, and executes processing for updating the remaining amount information 18. Note that the result update unit 21, the print amount estimation unit 22, the total print amount update unit 23, and the remaining amount estimation unit 24 may be configured by hardware, or software that exhibits a function by the execution of the CPU 12. It may be a thing.

  Next, the operation of the self-printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above, particularly the processing from when the power is turned on to when the printing process is executed until the power is turned off will be described. In this self-printing apparatus 10, the power is turned on by the manager at the start of business in the store, and the power is turned off at the end of business. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a replacement notification print processing routine. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the startup screen 60. The replacement notification print processing routine is executed after the self-printing apparatus 10 is turned on. Here, the CPU 12 of the controller 11 executes this routine using functions such as the result update unit 21, the print amount estimation unit 22, the total print amount update unit 23, the remaining amount estimation unit 24, the printer ASIC 32, and the memory card reader 54. Shall be executed. First, the manager of the store turns on the power of the self-printing apparatus 10 at the start of business. Then, the CPU 12 of the controller 11 executes a replacement notification print processing routine.

  When this routine is executed, the CPU 12 of the controller 11 uses the estimated print amount information 17 to execute processing for calculating the estimated print amount per unit period (step S100). Here, it is assumed that processing for calculating the estimated number of printed sheets is executed using the history record information. By this process, it is possible to estimate the printing amount to be printed in one day of the self-printing apparatus 10 taking into account the tendency of the latest one week. Next, the total print amount and the actual print amount are acquired from the total print amount information 15 and the actual information 16 (step S110), and the sum of the actual print amount and the estimated print amount is calculated (step S120). That is, it estimates the actual number of printed sheets that will be reached today. Then, it is determined whether the calculated sum (number of printed sheets) exceeds the total printing amount (step S130). Here, it is assumed that the processing in steps S100 to S130 is performed for each color ink. When the calculated sum exceeds the total print amount, it is determined that the maximum number of prints that can be printed by the ink cartridge 48, that is, the ink will run out, and a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 51 (step S140). ). Here, as shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that a message display field 62 displaying a message indicating that it is desirable to replace the ink cartridge 48 is displayed on the startup screen 60.

  After step S140 or when the calculated sum does not exceed the total printing amount in step S130, it is determined whether or not the ink cartridge 48 has been replaced (step S150). When the administrator touches the OK key on the screen after displaying the message in step S140, the subsequent processing is continued regardless of whether or not the ink cartridge is replaced. That is, the administrator may replace the ink cartridge 48 according to the message, or can ignore the message and continue using the ink cartridge 48.

  When the ink cartridge 48 is replaced in step S150, the CPU 12 executes the update process for the total print amount information 15 in steps S160 to S180. Specifically, the first total print amount is obtained based on the total print amount and the remaining ink amount (step S160), and the second total print amount is obtained based on the actual print amount and the remaining ink amount (step S170). Based on the smaller one of the first total print amount and the second total print amount, the total print amount is changed and the total print amount information 15 is updated (step S180). When obtaining the first total print amount, a printable predicted print amount corresponding to the remaining ink amount is calculated based on the total print amount and the remaining ink amount, and the sum of the predicted print amount and the actual print amount is calculated as the first. The total print amount may be used. For example, when the total print amount is 100 sheets, the remaining ink amount is 30%, and the actual print amount is 80 sheets, the predicted print amount is 30 sheets by the product of the total print amount and the remaining ink amount (100 sheets × 0.3). And the sum (110 sheets) of the predicted print amount 30 sheets and the actual print amount 80 sheets is obtained as the first total print amount. On the other hand, when the second total print amount is obtained, the print amount corresponding to the remaining ink amount is determined based on the actual print amount and the remaining ink amount, assuming that the actual print amount corresponds to the ink consumption amount obtained from the remaining ink amount. The total may be obtained as the second total printing amount. For example, when the total print amount is 100 sheets, the remaining ink amount is 30% (ink consumption amount is 70%), and the actual print amount is 80 sheets, the actual print amount is divided by the ink consumption amount (80 / 0.7 ), The second total printing amount (114 sheets) can be obtained. Then, in consideration of safety so as not to run out of ink, the smaller one is adopted (110 sheets), and the total print amount information 15 is updated. Depending on the self-printing apparatus 10, the tendency of the printed matter may be different, and the initial total print amount information 15 may not match the actual situation. Here, the actual print amount and the remaining amount of ink are used to change the total print amount of the ink cartridge 48 according to the actual result.

  Now, after step S180 or after the ink cartridge 48 is not replaced in step S150, the CPU 12 determines whether there is a print command (step S190). When there is a print command, a print process of the image data for which the print command has been issued is executed (step S200), and it is determined whether or not it is an ink end (step S210). This ink end determination is desirably performed in parallel with the printing process. The ink cartridge 48 may reach the ink end when printing is continued without replacing the ink cartridge 48 or when the total print amount information 15 does not match the actual situation. When the ink end has not been reached in step S210, the record information 16 is updated in accordance with the number of sheets printed in the printing process, and the remaining amount information 18 is updated in accordance with the integrated value of the ink amount ejected in the printing process (step S220). ). After step S220 or when there is no print command in step S190, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the power is turned off (step S230), and when the power is not turned off, the above-described processing after step S150 is executed. . That is, the replacement of the ink cartridge 48 is determined, the total print amount information 15 is updated, the print command is determined, the print process is executed, and the record information 16 and the remaining amount information 18 are updated. On the other hand, when the power is turned off in step S230, the print amount within a predetermined period (within one week) is obtained based on the most recent print amount stored in the history record information stored in the estimated print amount information 17. The history record information is updated (step S270), and this routine is finished as it is.

  On the other hand, when the ink end is reached by the printing process in step S210, the total print amount information 15 is updated by changing the total print amount with the actual print amount (step S240). For example, when printing is continued by ignoring the replacement message of the ink cartridge 48, when the ink end is reached, the actual number of printed sheets corresponds to the total number of printed sheets. Therefore, the total print amount information 15 is updated by changing the total print amount with the actual print amount. Subsequently, the CPU 12 updates the record information 16 in accordance with the number of sheets printed in the printing process until the ink end is reached, and updates the remaining amount information 18 in accordance with the integrated value of the ink amount ejected in the printing process ( Step S250). Then, a message indicating that the printing process cannot be executed due to the ink end and that the ink cartridge 48 is to be replaced is displayed on the display unit 51 (step S260), the history record information is updated in step S270, and this routine is terminated. Note that the CPU 12 may determine the ink end when the power is turned on, and may perform the processing after step S260 when the ink end is detected.

  In general, in the self-printing apparatus, when the power is turned on after the store is opened and the ink end is reached by the use of the user, it can be considered that other users cannot be printed as they are. In addition, it may be assumed that the store side notices the ink end only when the store is turned off. In such a situation, it is a loss for the store side. As described above, the self-printing apparatus 10 estimates the replacement timing of the ink cartridge while appropriately updating the total print amount information 15, the record information 16, the estimated print amount information 17, and the remaining amount information 18, and performs self-printing. When the apparatus 10 is activated, a notification is made that ink is expected to run out per unit period (here, one day) determined by the estimated print amount information 17. Thereby, it is possible to more surely secure the printing processing business of the day.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The flash memory 13 of the present embodiment corresponds to the storage unit of the present invention, the result update unit 21 corresponds to the result update unit, the print amount estimation unit 22 corresponds to the print amount estimation unit, and the display unit 51 includes the notification unit and The total printing amount update unit 23 corresponds to the total printing amount update unit, and the remaining amount estimation unit 24 corresponds to the remaining amount estimation unit. The ink cartridge 48 corresponds to the colorant cartridge, the ink corresponds to the colorant, the print medium S corresponds to the print medium, the total print amount information 15 corresponds to the total print amount information, and the record information 16 is the record. It corresponds to information. In this embodiment, an example of the image forming method of the present invention is also clarified by describing the operation of the self-printing apparatus 10.

  According to the self-printing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment described in detail above, the total print amount information 15 including the total print amount that can be printed by the ink cartridge 48 is stored in the flash memory 13, and based on the use of the ink cartridge 48. The actual information 16 counting the actual print amount is updated, the estimated print amount obtained by estimating the print amount per unit period is obtained, and when the sum of the actual print amount and the estimated print amount exceeds the total print amount, the ink cartridge 48 Information that prompts replacement is notified. Further, when the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge 48 becomes an ink end (printing impossible) state, the total print amount included in the total print amount information 15 is updated based on the actual print amount. In this way, by using the estimated printing amount per unit period, it is possible to notify that the total printing amount of the ink cartridge 48 is exceeded within the unit period relatively easily. Further, since the total print amount that changes according to the print state is updated using the actual print amount actually printed, the replacement timing of the ink cartridge 48 can be notified more accurately.

  Further, the first total print amount is obtained based on the total print amount and the remaining ink amount, and the second total print amount is obtained based on the actual print amount and the remaining ink amount, and the first total print amount and the second total print amount are obtained. Since the total print amount information 15 is updated based on the smaller one of the print amounts, the first total print amount based on the total print amount and the remaining amount, and the second total print amount based on the actual print amount and the remaining amount. The total print amount can be updated more accurately using. Furthermore, since the estimated printing amount is obtained based on the tendency of the printing amount during the predetermined period, the estimated printing amount can be obtained with higher accuracy. Furthermore, since the information prompting the replacement of the ink cartridge 48 is displayed, the information prompting the replacement of the ink cartridge 48 can be visually confirmed. In addition, when the self-printing apparatus 10 is turned on, it can be seen that the ink runs out during the day, so that the business efficiency is high. In addition, since the remaining amount sensor for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 48 is not provided, the configuration can be simplified.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first total print amount is obtained based on the total print amount and the remaining ink amount, and the second total print amount is obtained based on the actual print amount and the remaining ink amount. For example, the calculation of the first total printing amount may be omitted, or the calculation of the second total printing amount may be omitted. Even in this case, if the total printing amount information 15 is updated, the replacement timing of the ink cartridge 48 can be notified more easily and more accurately. The first total print amount is calculated by calculating a printable predicted print amount corresponding to the remaining ink amount, and the sum of the predicted print amount and the actual print amount is used as the first total print amount. However, it is not particularly limited as long as it is obtained based on the total printing amount and the remaining ink amount. The second total print amount is obtained by assuming that the actual print amount corresponds to the ink consumption obtained from the remaining ink amount, obtaining the print amount corresponding to the remaining ink amount, and using this as the second total print amount. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as it is obtained based on the actual print amount and the remaining ink amount.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the ink cartridge 48 is replaced, the total print amount information 15 is updated based on the total print amount, the actual print amount, and the remaining ink amount, or based on the actual print amount at the time of ink end. Although the print amount information 15 is updated, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and various methods can be adopted. For example, when the ink cartridge 48 is replaced, the total print amount of the ink cartridge 48 may be updated based on the actual print amount. In this way, for example, when the colorant cartridge is replaced after the actual print amount exceeds the stored total print amount, the total print amount can be updated using the actual print amount.

  Further, when the ink cartridge 48 is replaced, the total print amount information 15 may be updated based on the total print amount and the remaining ink amount. In this way, for example, even when the ink cartridge 48 is replaced before the ink remaining amount reaches the ink end state, the total printing amount information 15 is updated using the total printing amount and the remaining ink amount. can do.

  Regardless of the replacement of the ink cartridge 48, the total print amount information 15 may be updated based on the actual print amount and the remaining ink amount. In this way, for example, when there is an ink remaining amount, the total printing amount information 15 can be updated by obtaining the total printing amount using the relationship between the actual printing amount and the ink remaining amount. At this time, the update of the total printing amount information 15 may be performed, for example, when the replacement of the ink cartridge 48 is notified or may be performed at an arbitrary timing.

  Regardless of the replacement of the ink cartridge 48, the total print amount information 15 may be updated based on the total print amount and the remaining ink amount. In this way, for example, when there is an ink remaining amount, the total printing amount information 15 can be updated by obtaining a new total printing amount using the relationship between the total printing amount and the ink remaining amount.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print amount is described as the number of prints of the print medium S, but is not particularly limited thereto, and may be, for example, an ink amount. In the above-described embodiment, the unit period for obtaining the estimated print amount is set to one day. However, the unit period is not particularly limited to this, and is set to, for example, half a day, three days, or one week. May be. Further, the unit period does not have to be a period for which information for prompting exchange is desired. In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined period for grasping the tendency of the printing amount is a period one week before the last, but is not particularly limited as long as the tendency of the printing amount can be grasped. It may be a period of one month ago, a period of three months ago, or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the estimated print amount is obtained by taking the tendency of the predetermined period into consideration. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the estimated print amount may be obtained without taking the tendency of the predetermined period into consideration. Even in this case, by using the estimated print amount and the updated total print amount, the replacement timing of the ink cartridge 48 can be notified relatively easily and more accurately.

  In the above-described embodiment, the ink remaining amount is estimated based on the integration of the ink discharge amount, but this process may be omitted. In this case, the total print amount may be updated based on the actual print amount (see step S240). In this way, it is possible to notify the replacement timing of the ink cartridge 48 more simply and accurately.

  In the above-described embodiment, the notification is made by displaying the information prompting the replacement of the ink cartridge 48 on the display unit 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information prompting the replacement of the ink cartridge 48 is sounded. It may be notified by outputting, or may be notified by printing processing information that prompts replacement of the ink cartridge 48.

  In the embodiment described above, it is determined whether or not the sum of the actual print amount and the estimated print amount exceeds the total print amount at a frequency corresponding to the unit period (one day) determined by the estimated print amount information 17. However, it is not particularly limited to this. Further, the above determination is made within the unit period based on the power-on interval of the self-printing apparatus 10. However, the actual print amount and the estimated print are set for each unit period set in the estimated print amount information 17. It may be determined whether or not the sum with the amount exceeds the total printing amount. Even in this case, the replacement timing of the ink cartridge 48 can be notified more accurately.

  In the embodiment described above, the self-printing apparatus 10 including the printer unit 30 has been described. However, a multifunction printer including a scanner unit and a printer unit may be used, or a FAX apparatus having a FAX function may be used. The printer unit 30 is an ink jet color printer mechanism, but is not particularly limited to this, and may be an electrophotographic color printer, a dot impact color printer, or a monochrome printer of these. It is good.

  In the embodiment described above, the self-printing apparatus 10 has been described. However, an image printing method or a program for executing this method may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Self-printing apparatus, 11 Controller, 12 CPU, 13 Flash memory, 14 RAM, 15 Total printing amount information, 16 Actual information, 17 Estimated printing amount information, 18 Remaining amount information, 21 Actual update part, 22 Printing amount estimation part, 23 Total printing amount update unit, 24 Remaining amount estimation unit, 30 Printer unit, 32 Printer ASIC, 40 Printer engine, 41 Carriage, 42 Print head, 43 Nozzle, 44a Carriage motor, 44b Driven roller, 45 Belt, 46 Guide, 47 Transport roller, 47a motor, 48 ink cartridge, 48a ink end sensor, 49 paper cartridge, 50 operation panel, 51 display section, 52 operation section, 54 memory card reader, 60 startup screen, 62 message display field MC memory card, S print media.

Claims (9)

An image forming apparatus that prints on a print medium using a colorant contained in a colorant cartridge,
Storage means for storing total print amount information including a total print amount printable by the colorant cartridge;
A record update means for updating record information obtained by counting a record print amount based on the use of the colorant cartridge;
A printing amount estimation means for obtaining an estimated printing amount by estimating a printing amount per unit period;
Informing means for informing information for prompting replacement of the colorant cartridge when the sum of the actual print amount and the estimated print amount exceeds the total print amount;
When the colorant amount accommodated in the colorant cartridge becomes in a print-disabled state, the total print amount for updating the printable total print amount of the colorant cartridge included in the total print amount information based on the actual print amount Update means;
An image forming apparatus.   The image according to claim 1, wherein when the colorant cartridge is replaced, the total print amount update unit updates the total print amount of the colorant cartridge based on the actual print amount of the colorant cartridge. Forming equipment. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
A remaining amount estimating means for estimating the remaining amount of the colorant contained in the colorant cartridge,
The total printing amount update unit updates the total printing amount information based on the total printing amount and the remaining amount when the colorant cartridge is replaced. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A remaining amount estimating means for estimating the remaining amount of the colorant contained in the colorant cartridge,
The total print amount updating unit updates the total print amount information based on the actual print amount and the remaining amount. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
A remaining amount estimating means for estimating the remaining amount of the colorant contained in the colorant cartridge,
The total print amount update unit obtains a first total print amount based on the total print amount and the remaining amount, and obtains a second total print amount based on the actual print amount and the remaining amount, An image forming apparatus that updates the total print amount information based on a smaller one of the first total print amount and the second total print amount.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print amount estimation unit obtains the estimated print amount based on a tendency of the print amount during a predetermined period.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is a display unit that displays information that prompts replacement of the colorant cartridge. An image using an image forming apparatus that includes a storage unit that stores total print amount information including a total print amount that can be printed by the colorant cartridge, and that performs print processing on a print medium using the colorant stored in the colorant cartridge. A forming method comprising:
(A) updating the record information obtained by counting the record print amount based on the use of the colorant cartridge;
(B) obtaining an estimated print amount obtained by estimating the print amount per unit period;
(C) notifying information for prompting replacement of the colorant cartridge when the sum of the actual print amount and the estimated print amount exceeds the total print amount;
(D) When the amount of the colorant stored in the colorant cartridge becomes in a print-disabled state, the total printable print amount of the colorant cartridge included in the total print amount information is updated based on the actual print amount. Steps,
An image forming method comprising:   A program that causes one or more computers to execute each step of the image forming method according to claim 8.

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