JP2016129975A - Printer and print system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer that enables a user to easily determine whether to replace a cartridge and add ink.SOLUTION: A printer has a printing execution unit that discharges ink stored in a storage unit to execute printing, a display unit that displays information to a user, and a display control unit which can display, on the display unit, a first indicator 71 that shows an ink residual quantity in the storage unit at a specific time point, and a second indicator 75 that shows a change with time in an ink residual quantity in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing technique for performing printing by discharging ink.

  Patent Document 1 describes an ink jet printer that performs printing using ink ejected from nozzles. This printer has a total display screen showing device information. The amount of ink used in the total period specified by the user (1 day, 1 week, 1 month) is calculated from the number of print stages and the character size, and displayed as a total. Display on the screen.

JP 2007-181957 A

  In the printer as described above, when the ink in the cartridge is used up, it is necessary to replace the cartridge. For this reason, some users have a need to easily determine when the cartridge needs to be replaced before the ink is used up. However, the technique of Patent Document 1 cannot be said to sufficiently meet such user needs.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows a user to easily determine when to replace a cartridge or refill ink.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printer according to the present invention includes a print execution unit that executes printing by discharging ink stored in a storage unit, a display unit that displays information, and a storage unit at a specific time point A display control unit capable of displaying on the display unit a first indicator indicating the remaining ink amount and a second indicator indicating a change in the remaining ink amount of the storage unit over time.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to the present invention includes a printer that performs printing by discharging ink stored in a storage unit, and a control device that controls the printer. Display control unit capable of displaying on the display unit a display unit that displays a first indicator that indicates the remaining amount of ink in the storage unit at a specific time point, and a second indicator that indicates a change in the remaining amount of ink in the storage unit over time With.

  In order to achieve the above object, the ink amount control method according to the present invention displays the remaining amount of ink at a specific point in the storage unit that is detachably attached to the printer and stores the ink on a display unit that displays information. And a step of displaying, on the display unit, a change with time of the ink remaining amount in the storage unit.

  In the present invention (printer or printing system) configured as described above, the remaining amount of ink in the storage unit at a specific point in time and the change in the remaining amount of ink in the storage unit over time are displayed on the display unit. Therefore, the user can grasp the ink consumption pace from the change in the remaining amount of ink over time, and based on the result and the remaining amount of ink at the specified time, how much time has passed since the specified time It is possible to determine whether or not ink replenishment is necessary. In this way, the user can easily determine the cartridge replacement and ink replenishment timing.

  Further, the display control unit selectively executes either the first mode in which the first indicator is displayed and the second indicator is not displayed, or the second mode in which the first indicator and the second indicator are displayed. A printer may be configured. In such a configuration, the first mode is executed when the display of the second indicator is unnecessary, and the second mode is executed when the display of the second indicator is necessary. Display control is possible.

  At this time, the display control unit may configure the printer so that the second indicator pops up in accordance with the switching from the first mode to the second mode.

  In the second mode, the second indicator is displayed within a predetermined range while the first indicator is displayed without overlapping the predetermined range. In the first mode, the first indicator is displayed while overlapping the predetermined range. 2 The printer may be configured not to display the indicator. In such a configuration, in the second mode, the first and second indicators are displayed without overlapping each other, so that the visibility of the first and second indicators can be ensured. On the other hand, in the first mode, the first indicator is displayed overlapping the predetermined range in which the second indicator is displayed in the second mode. Therefore, in the first mode, the predetermined range can be effectively used for displaying the first indicator.

  Further, the display control unit may configure the printer so that the first indicator is displayed in a reduced size in the second mode than in the first mode. In such a configuration, in the first mode, the first indicator can be displayed large to improve the visibility of the first indicator, and in the second mode, the display range (predetermined range) of the second indicator is secured and the second indicator is displayed. Visibility can be improved.

  In addition, the print execution unit holds a plurality of the storage units, and the display control unit configures the printer to display a plurality of first indicators indicating the remaining ink levels of different storage units in the first mode. May be.

  Further, the display control unit includes an input operation unit that receives a selection operation for selecting one of the first indicators displayed in the first mode, and the display control unit inputs the selection operation to the input operation unit. The printer is so configured that the change from the first mode to the second mode is performed, and the change in the ink remaining amount in the storage unit corresponding to the first indicator selected by the selection operation is displayed by the second indicator. May be configured. In such a configuration, the selection operation for selecting the first indicator corresponding to the storage unit for which the change in the remaining ink amount over time is selected during the display of the first mode can be performed, depending on the time of the remaining ink amount in the desired storage unit. A second indicator indicating the change can be displayed on the display unit for confirmation.

  Incidentally, various specific examples of the selection operation are conceivable. That is, when the input operation unit has a mouse, it is possible to determine that the operation of clicking or mouse hovering on the first indicator indicating the remaining ink amount in the desired storage unit is the selection operation. Alternatively, when the input operation unit has a touch panel, it is possible to determine that an operation of performing a tap or long press on the first indicator indicating a desired ink remaining amount is a selection operation.

  Alternatively, an input operation unit that receives a switching operation for requesting switching from the first mode to the second mode during execution of the first mode is provided, and the display control unit is configured to input the switching operation when the switching operation is input to the input operation unit. The printer may be configured such that the change from the mode to the second mode is performed, and the change in the ink remaining amount of each of the plurality of storage units with time is displayed by the second indicator. In such a configuration, the switching from the first mode to the second mode can be executed at an arbitrary timing in order to confirm the change of the remaining ink amount with time.

  Incidentally, various specific examples of the switching operation are conceivable. That is, when the input operation unit has a mouse, an operation of clicking or performing mouse hover on the first indicator can be determined as a switching operation. Alternatively, when the input operation unit has a touch panel, it is possible to determine that an operation of performing a tap or long press on the first indicator is a switching operation.

  Further, the display control unit may configure the printer so that the second indicator is displayed on the display unit without overlapping the first indicator. In such a configuration, the first and second indicators are displayed without overlapping each other, so that the visibility of the first and second indicators can be ensured.

  The print execution unit executes printing according to a print job indicating the contents of printing, and the display control unit changes the display mode of the change in the remaining amount of ink with time in the second indicator for each print job. May be configured. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily grasp the ink consumption pace for each print job based on the difference in display mode. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately grasp the time when the storage unit needs to be replaced with a print job to be executed in the future.

  The display control unit may configure the printer so that the mode indicating the second indicator can be executed in a window different from the window indicating the first indicator. In such a configuration, the second indicator can be easily enlarged and displayed by, for example, displaying a window showing the second indicator in full screen.

  Various specific configurations of the first indicator are conceivable. Therefore, the first indicator may configure the printer so that the remaining amount of ink in the storage unit at a specific time is indicated by the length of the bar.

  Various specific configurations of the second indicator are conceivable. Therefore, the second indicator may be configured so that the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the remaining ink level in the storage unit, and the remaining ink level is plotted in the graph.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer to which the present invention can be applied. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for confirming the remaining amount of ink. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of displaying ink remaining amount data on a display. The figure which shows an example displayed on a display in the present condition display mode. The figure which shows an example displayed on a display in log | history display mode. The figure which shows the 1st modification of the ink status window in log | history display mode. The figure which shows the 2nd modification of the ink status window in log | history display mode. The figure which shows the 3rd modification of the ink status window in log | history display mode. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which the present invention is applicable.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer to which the present invention can be applied. In FIG. 1, for example, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or USB (Universal
In addition to the printer 1, a recording medium 10 such as a serial bus) memory is also written. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes an engine unit 3 that is a mechanical configuration of the printer 1 and a controller 5 that is an electrical configuration that controls the engine unit 3. The engine unit 3 of the printer 1 ejects ink onto a web by an ink jet method, and has the same mechanical configuration as the printer disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-180805 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-997. It has a configuration.

  The engine unit 3 includes a cartridge holding unit 31 that detachably holds an ink cartridge 311 that is an ink storage unit. A plurality of ink cartridges 311 can be attached to the cartridge holding unit 31. These ink cartridges 311 store inks of different colors, for example, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) inks in the present embodiment. Further, the engine unit 3 includes a print head 33 that ejects ink from a nozzle by an inkjet method, and the print head 33 ejects the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 311 onto the web. Printing is thus executed.

  The engine unit 3 includes a maintenance unit 35 that performs maintenance of the print head 33. Maintenance includes capping, cleaning and wiping. Capping is a process of covering the print head 33 with a cap. This capping can suppress an increase in the viscosity of the ink in the nozzles of the print head 33. Cleaning is a process of forcibly discharging ink from the nozzles of the print head 33 by generating a negative pressure in the cap while capping the print head 33. By this cleaning, ink with increased viscosity, bubbles in the ink, and the like can be removed from the nozzles of the print head 33. Wiping is a process of wiping the surface (nozzle formation surface) where nozzle openings are arranged in the print head 33 with a wiper. By this wiping, the ink can be wiped from the nozzle forming surface of the print head 33.

  Further, the engine unit 3 has a display 37. The display 37 is provided with a touch panel, and functions as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that displays information indicating the state of the printer 1 to the user and accepts an input operation from the user. In particular, in this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the display 37 displays information related to the ink stored in each ink cartridge 311 in response to a user request.

  The controller 5 includes an arithmetic unit 51 and a storage unit 53. The arithmetic unit 51 is a computer composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and comprehensively controls the operation of the printer 1. The storage unit 53 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that stores various programs and data.

  The storage unit 53 stores remaining amount data Dr regarding the remaining amount of ink of each color ink cartridge 311. Further, the storage unit 53 stores a print program Pp for causing the printer 1 to execute printing. The print program Pp is provided in a form recorded in the recording medium 10 so as to be readable by a computer, and is installed in the storage unit 53 in advance. When the arithmetic unit 51 executes the printing program Pp, the print control unit 511, the remaining amount control unit 513, and the input / output control unit 515 are built in the arithmetic unit 51.

  When the user touches the touch panel of the display 37 and inputs an operation for requesting print execution, the input / output control unit 515 generates a print job and outputs the print job to the print control unit 511. Then, the print control unit 511 controls the print head 33 according to the print job, so that the print process is executed. Such a printing process is executed every time an operation for requesting printing is input to the touch panel of the display 37. Further, the remaining amount control unit 513 executes the flowchart of FIG. 2 in order to confirm the amount of ink in each ink cartridge 311 that decreases with the execution of the printing process.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for confirming the remaining amount of ink. In this remaining amount confirmation process, the remaining amount control unit 513 measures the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 311 (step S101). Incidentally, various specific methods for measuring the ink remaining amount are conceivable. For example, the remaining amount of ink can be obtained based on the result of calculating the amount of ink used up to the time of measurement from the print job. Alternatively, the remaining amount of ink can be obtained based on the result of detecting the ink level in the ink cartridge 311 using an optical sensor, a float sensor, or the like. Alternatively, the amount of ink actually ejected can be obtained by counting the number of ejections with respect to the amount of ejection per one time.

  In step S102, the measurement result in step S101 is stored in the storage unit 53 as the remaining amount data Dr in association with the measurement time (that is, the time when the measurement is performed). The remaining amount control unit 513 repeatedly executes steps S101 and S102 until the printer 1 is turned off (until “YES” is determined in step S103). Thus, the remaining amount data Dr is data indicating the measurement result of the remaining ink amount at each of a plurality of measurement times, and is a table format in which the measurement time and the measurement result of the remaining ink amount at the measurement time are associated with each other. Is stored in the storage unit 53. The remaining amount data Dr is obtained for each ink cartridge 311 and stored in the storage unit 53.

  In this embodiment, the user can check the content of the remaining amount data Dr as appropriate. That is, when the user inputs an operation for requesting the display of the remaining amount data Dr to the touch panel of the display 37, the input / output control unit 515 executes the flowchart of FIG. 3 to perform the remaining amount data in the form requested by the user. Dr is displayed on the display 37. Here, FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for displaying the information indicated by the ink remaining amount data on the display. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a window displayed on the display in the current status display mode executed in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a window displayed on the display in the history display mode executed in the flowchart of FIG. Incidentally, the broken-line square denoted by reference numeral 75 in FIG. 4 is shown for later explanation, and is not actually displayed on the display.

  When the display control process of FIG. 3 is started, the input / output control unit 515 executes a current display mode in which the remaining ink amount of each ink cartridge 311 is displayed on the display 37 (step S201). In the current status display mode, the ink status window 70 shown in FIG. That is, in the ink status window 70 in the current display mode, the current remaining amount indicator 71 is displayed for each ink cartridge 311 of each color. Each current remaining amount indicator 71 indicates the current remaining amount of ink in the corresponding color ink cartridge 311 by a current remaining amount display bar 73. The current remaining amount display bar 73 has a length corresponding to the current ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge 311 of the corresponding color, and expands and contracts in the vertical direction of the display 37 according to increase / decrease in the ink remaining amount. Specifically, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 311 decreases, the upper end of the current remaining amount display bar 73 decreases, and when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 311 increases, the upper end of the current remaining amount display bar 73 increases. Incidentally, the input / output control unit 515 displays the ink remaining amount at the latest measurement time indicated by the remaining amount data Dr for each color ink cartridge 311 as the current ink remaining amount.

  In such a configuration, the user can grasp the current ink remaining amount in each of the ink cartridges 311 for four colors by checking each current remaining amount indicator 71 displayed on the display 37 by executing the current display mode. . Furthermore, the user can check the history of the ink remaining amount to be selected by executing a selection operation for selecting one of the current remaining amount indicators 71 for the four colors on the display 37.

  That is, the input / output control unit 515 monitors an input operation on the touch panel of the display 37 by the user (step S202). Specifically, the input / output control unit 515 determines whether or not a selection operation of touching (tapping) one of the four current remaining amount indicators 71 displayed on the display 37 with a finger is input. If the input of the selection operation cannot be confirmed, the input / output control unit 515 proceeds to step S203 to execute the current status display mode, and displays the ink status window 70 of FIG.

  If the input of the selection operation can be confirmed, the input / output control unit 515 proceeds to step S204 and executes the history display mode. In the history display mode, the ink status window 70 shown in FIG. In the history display mode, the current remaining amount indicators 71 for four colors are displayed on the ink status window 70 as in the above-described current display mode. Further, in the ink status window 70 in the history display mode, a history display space S75 is formed on the right side of the current remaining amount indicator 71 for four colors, and the remaining amount history indicator 75 is displayed in the history display space S75.

  The remaining amount history indicator 75 indicates a change with time of the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 311 corresponding to the current remaining amount indicator 71 selected by the selection operation. The change in the remaining amount of ink with time is a change in the remaining amount of ink over time and indicates how the remaining amount of ink fluctuated per predetermined time. Here, the ink cartridge 311 corresponding to the current remaining amount indicator 71 indicates an ink cartridge 311 in which the current remaining amount indicator 71 indicates the remaining amount of ink. In the example of FIG. 5, the C (cyan) current remaining amount indicator 71 is selected by the selection operation, and the change in the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 311 storing the C (cyan) ink with time (remaining amount history graph) 77) is shown in the remaining amount history indicator 75. The remaining amount history indicator 75 is a graph in which the measurement result of the remaining amount of ink of the ink cartridge 311 to be selected is plotted for each measurement time in the graph in which time is taken on the horizontal axis and the remaining amount of ink is taken on the vertical axis. A figure (line graph), that is, a remaining amount history graph 77 is shown. Thus, the remaining amount history graph 77 indicated by the remaining amount history indicator 75 corresponds to a plot of the contents of the remaining amount data Dr.

  Incidentally, in the example of FIG. 5, a C (cyan) remaining amount history graph 77 is displayed on the remaining amount history indicator 75. However, during execution of the history display mode, the user can appropriately select an object to be displayed on the remaining amount history indicator 75. Specifically, when a selection operation for tapping any one of the remaining color indicators 71 for the four colors displayed on the display 37 during execution of the history display mode is input, the input / output control unit 515 A remaining amount history indicator 75 shows a change (remaining amount history graph 77) of the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 311 corresponding to the current remaining amount indicator 71 selected by the selection operation with time. Therefore, the user can display the remaining amount history graph 77 of the desired color on the remaining amount history indicator 75 by tapping the desired remaining amount indicator 71 of the desired color in the history display mode.

  The display range of the remaining amount history graph 77 on the remaining amount history indicator 75 is initially set to a predetermined range in the past starting from the latest measurement point. Further, the user can change the display range of the remaining amount history graph 77 on the remaining amount history indicator 75 by inputting an enlargement / reduction operation to the display 37. Specifically, the display range of the remaining amount history graph 77 in the remaining amount history indicator 75 is expanded or reduced by performing an operation (pinch in) or an operation (pinch out) to narrow two fingers that touch the display 37. can do.

  As described above, the display content in the ink status window 70 is changed from FIG. 4 to FIG. 5 as the display mode is switched. The input / output control unit 515 changes the display content as follows. In the current display mode, the current remaining amount indicators 71 are arranged in the horizontal direction with a relatively wide width. As a result, a part of the current remaining amount indicator 71 arranged on the right side is displayed redundantly in the history display space S75. On the other hand, as the history display mode is switched, the current remaining amount indicator 71 in the history display mode is reduced in the width direction (lateral direction) as compared with the current remaining amount indicator 71 in the current display mode. As a result, in the ink status window 70, each current remaining amount indicator 71 is displayed so as not to overlap the history display space S75, and the history display space S75 becomes empty on the right side of the current remaining amount indicator 71 for four colors. Then, the remaining amount history indicator 75 is popped up in the history display space S75 thus vacated.

  When step S203 or S204 is executed as described above, the input / output control unit 515 confirms whether or not there has been a request to end display of the ink status window 70 (step S205). Specifically, the input / output control unit 515 determines whether or not an end operation for sliding (flicking) a finger touching the ink status window 70 displayed on the display 37 is input. If the input of the end operation cannot be confirmed, the input / output control unit 515 returns to step S202 and confirms the input operation.

  When the input / output control unit 515 returns to step S202 while executing the current state display mode, the input / output control unit 515 performs the same determination process as described above in step S202. On the other hand, when the process returns to step S202 while executing the history display mode, it is confirmed in step S202 whether or not there has been a request to delete the history display. Specifically, it is determined whether or not an erasing operation for tapping a range other than the current remaining amount indicator 71 and the remaining amount history indicator 75 is input in the ink status window 70 in the history display mode displayed on the display 37. If the input of the erase operation can be confirmed, step S203 is executed, and if the input of the erase operation cannot be confirmed, step S204 is executed. The input / output control unit 515 repeatedly executes steps S201 to S204 until there is a request to delete the ink status window 70 (until “YES” is determined in step S205).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the current remaining amount indicator 71 indicating the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 311 at the present time (corresponding to an example of the “specific time” of the present invention), and the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 311. A remaining amount history indicator 75 indicating a change with time is displayed on the display 37. Accordingly, the user can grasp the ink consumption pace from the change of the remaining ink amount with time, and based on the result and the remaining ink amount at the present time, how much time has passed from the present time to replace the ink cartridge 311 Can be determined. In this way, the user can easily determine when to replace the ink cartridge 311.

  In addition, the input / output control unit 515 displays a current display mode in which the current remaining amount indicator 71 is displayed and the remaining amount history indicator 75 is not displayed, and a history display mode in which the current remaining amount indicator 71 and the remaining amount history indicator 75 are displayed. Select one of them. As a result, the display of the remaining amount history indicator 75 is executed such that when the display of the remaining amount history indicator 75 is unnecessary, the current state display mode is executed, and when the remaining amount history indicator 75 is required, the history display mode is executed. Display control according to necessity is possible.

  In the history display mode, the remaining amount history indicator 75 is displayed in the history display space S75 (corresponding to an example of the “predetermined range” of the present invention), and the current remaining amount indicator 71 is not overlapped with the history display space S75. indicate. In the current display mode, the current remaining amount indicator 71 is displayed overlapping the history display space S75. In such a configuration, in the history display mode, the current remaining amount indicator 71 and the remaining amount history indicator 75 are displayed without overlapping each other, so that the visibility of the indicators 71 and 75 can be ensured. On the other hand, in the current status display mode, the current remaining amount indicator 71 is displayed overlapping with the history display space S75. Therefore, in the current display mode, the history display space S75 can be effectively used for displaying the current remaining amount indicator 71.

  In addition, the input / output control unit 515 displays the current remaining amount indicator 71 in the history display mode in a smaller size than the current display mode. With this configuration, the current remaining amount indicator 71 can be displayed larger in the current display mode to improve the visibility of the current remaining amount indicator 71, and in the history display mode, the display range of the remaining amount history indicator 75 (history display space S75). ) And the visibility of the remaining amount history indicator 75 can be improved.

  The touch panel of the display 37 accepts a user's selection operation for selecting one current remaining amount indicator 71 from among a plurality of current remaining amount indicators 71 being displayed in the current display mode. When the selection operation is input to the touch panel of the display 37, the input / output control unit 515 switches from the current display mode to the history display mode and corresponds to one current remaining amount indicator 71 selected by the selection operation. The remaining amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 311 to be changed is displayed by the remaining amount history indicator 75. In such a configuration, the user performs a selection operation for selecting the current remaining amount indicator 71 corresponding to the ink cartridge 311 for which the change in the remaining amount of ink with time is desired during the display of the current display mode, whereby the desired ink cartridge 311 is selected. A remaining amount history indicator 75 showing a change in remaining ink amount with time can be displayed on the display 37 for confirmation.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the printer 1 corresponds to an example of the “printer” of the present invention, the print control unit 511 corresponds to an example of the “print execution unit” of the present invention, and the display 37 corresponds to the “printer” of the present invention. The ink cartridge 311 corresponds to an example of the “cartridge” of the present invention, and the input / output control unit 515 corresponds to an example of the “display control unit” of the present invention. The current remaining amount indicator 71 corresponds to an example of the “first indicator” of the present invention, the remaining amount history indicator 75 corresponds to the “second indicator” of the present invention, and the current display mode is the “first mode” of the present invention. The history display mode corresponds to an example of the “second mode” of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made to the above-described one without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, for example, the display mode in the ink status window 70 in the history display mode may be changed as appropriate. Subsequently, such a modification will be described. In the following, differences from the above embodiment will be mainly described, and description of common points will be omitted as appropriate. However, it is needless to say that the same effect can be achieved by providing the configuration common to the above embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first modification of the display mode of the ink status window in the history display mode. In the modification of FIG. 6, when the selection operation is executed, the input / output control unit 515 increases the distance between the current remaining amount display bar 73 to be selected and the current remaining amount display bar 73 adjacent to the selection target. A history display space S75 is provided between them. Then, a remaining amount history indicator 75 is displayed in the history display space S75.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second modification of the display mode of the ink status window in the history display mode. In the modified example of FIG. 7, the current remaining amount indicator 71 is displayed horizontally, and the current remaining amount display bar 73 of the current remaining amount indicator 71 expands and contracts horizontally according to the ink remaining amount of the corresponding ink cartridge 311. .

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a third modification of the display mode of the ink status window in the history display mode. In the modification of FIG. 8, a remaining amount history graph 77 for four colors is displayed on the remaining amount history indicator 75. In this modification, in step S202 (FIG. 3) in which switching from the current display mode to the history display mode is determined, the input / output control unit 515 monitors whether there is a switching operation for requesting switching of the display mode. Specifically, the input / output control unit 515 determines whether or not a switching operation for tapping any place in the ink status window 70 is input to the touch panel of the display 37 by the user. If the input of the switching operation cannot be confirmed, the process proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if the input of the switching operation is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S204, and the ink status window 70 of FIG. In such a configuration, the user can execute switching from the current display mode to the history display mode at an arbitrary timing in order to confirm the change of the remaining ink amount with time.

  By appropriately widening the display range, the remaining amount history graph 77 shown in the remaining amount history indicator 75 can include the results of a plurality of print jobs executed in the past. For example, the remaining amount history graph 77 shown in FIG. 6 includes three print jobs (in the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that a print job is executed at a location where the remaining ink amount decreases). At this time, the input / output control unit 515 may change the display mode (for example, line type, color, thickness, etc.) of the remaining amount history graph 77 for each print job. With this configuration, the user can easily grasp the ink consumption pace for each print job based on the difference in display mode. Therefore, the user can more accurately grasp the time when the ink cartridge 311 needs to be replaced with a print job to be executed in the future.

  In addition to the display modes described above, the input / output control unit 515 may be configured to execute a mode in which only the remaining amount history indicator 75 is displayed in a window different from the current remaining amount indicator 71. In such a configuration, the remaining amount history indicator 75 can be easily enlarged and displayed, for example, by displaying the ink status window 70 indicating the remaining amount history indicator 75 on the entire surface of the display 37 (full screen display). As a result, it is convenient when it is desired to check details of the remaining amount history indicator 75.

  In the above history display mode, only the remaining amount history indicator 75 may be displayed in the ink status window 70 and the current remaining amount indicator 71 may not be displayed. Even in such a configuration, a current remaining amount indicator 71 (current display mode) indicating the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 311 at the present time, and a remaining amount history indicator 75 (history display) indicating a change in the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 311 with time. Mode) is displayed on the display 37 by appropriately switching the display mode. Accordingly, the user can grasp the ink consumption pace from the change of the remaining ink amount with time, and based on the result and the remaining ink amount at the present time, how much time has passed from the present time to replace the ink cartridge 311 Can be determined. In this way, the user can easily determine when to replace the ink cartridge 311.

  Moreover, although input operation was performed with the touch panel of the display 37 in the said embodiment, it is not limited to this. Selection may be performed by operating a button or the like or a pointer may be operated by a separate operation unit.

  Various changes can be made to the display mode in the current display mode. Accordingly, in the ink status window 70 in the current display mode, for example, the current remaining amount indicator 71 may be displayed in the horizontal direction, and the current remaining amount display bar 73 may be expanded or contracted in the horizontal direction according to the remaining amount of ink.

  In the above embodiment, the function of the controller 5 is built in the printer 1. However, as shown in FIG. 9, a part of the controller 5 may be provided separately from the printer 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a printing system to which the present invention can be applied. The printing system 100 includes a printer 1 and a control device 8. The control device 8 is a personal computer, and controls printing by the printer 1 by communicating with the printer 1 via a wire or wirelessly. In the printing system 100, a configuration excluding the print control unit 511 among the configurations of the controller 5 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be mounted on the control device 8. In such a configuration, the ink status window 70 is displayed on the display 81 of the control device 8, and the user can execute an input operation on the input / output control unit 515 via the input device 83 (such as a keyboard or a mouse) of the control device 8. . Incidentally, FIG. 9 illustrates the case where the personal computer is caused to function as the control device 8. However, a mobile terminal device such as a laptop personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet may function as the control device 8.

  Further, in the printer 1 including the maintenance unit 35 as described above, maintenance is appropriately performed. In such maintenance, ink suction from the print head 33 is executed as appropriate, and ink consumption occurs. Therefore, when measuring the ink remaining amount, ink consumption accompanying maintenance may be taken into consideration. That is, when ink is consumed by maintenance, the ink remaining amount may be reduced by the amount consumed. Incidentally, when the ink level is detected by the sensor, the ink consumption associated with the maintenance may be obtained from the detected value of the sensor. On the other hand, in a configuration in which the amount of ink used for printing is calculated from a print job, the amount of ink consumed for maintenance cannot always be obtained directly. In such a case, for example, a result obtained experimentally in advance for the amount of ink consumed for maintenance may be used.

  Further, when measuring the remaining amount of ink, the amount evaporated over time may be taken into consideration. In addition to the value calculated from the ink consumption from the print job or the value calculated from the amount of ink actually ejected and the amount of ink consumed during maintenance, the remaining amount of ink is the amount evaporated over time. You may add.

  Moreover, although the ink cartridge which can be attached and detached was demonstrated as an example as an ink storage part, it is not limited to this. It is good also as a structure which can replenish ink with respect to the tank which can store ink. The tank may be fixed or detachable.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer, 37 ... Display, 311 ... Ink cartridge, 511 ... Print control part, 513 ... Remaining amount control part, 515 ... Input / output control part, 71 ... Current remaining amount indicator, 75 ... Remaining amount history indicator

Claims (14)

A print execution unit that executes printing by discharging the ink stored in the storage unit;
A display for displaying information;
A printer comprising: a display controller capable of displaying on the display unit a first indicator that indicates a remaining amount of ink in the storage unit at a specific time point; and a second indicator that indicates a change in the remaining amount of ink in the storage unit with time. .   The display control unit selectively executes one of a first mode in which the first indicator is displayed and the second indicator is not displayed, and a second mode in which the first indicator and the second indicator are displayed. The printer according to claim 1.   The printer according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit pops up the second indicator in accordance with switching from the first mode to the second mode. In the second mode, while displaying the second indicator in a predetermined range, the first indicator is displayed without overlapping the predetermined range,
The printer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein in the first mode, the second indicator is not displayed while the first indicator is displayed overlapping the predetermined range.   5. The printer according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit displays the first indicator in a reduced size in the second mode than in the first mode. The printing execution unit holds a plurality of the storage units,
6. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit displays a plurality of the first indicators indicating the remaining amounts of ink in the different storage units in the first mode. 7. An input operation unit for receiving a selection operation for selecting one first indicator from the plurality of first indicators displayed in the first mode;
The display control unit switches from the first mode to the second mode when the selection operation is input to the input operation unit, and corresponds to one first indicator selected by the selection operation. The printer according to claim 6, wherein a change with time of the ink remaining amount in the storage unit is displayed by the second indicator. An input operation unit that receives a switching operation for requesting switching from the first mode to the second mode during execution of the first mode;
The display control unit switches from the first mode to the second mode when the switching operation is input to the input operation unit, and changes the remaining amount of ink in each of the plurality of storage units with time. The printer according to claim 6, wherein display is performed by the second indicator.   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the second indicator on the display unit without overlapping the first indicator. The print execution unit executes printing according to a print job indicating the contents of printing,
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the display control unit changes a display mode of a change in the remaining amount of ink with time in the second indicator for each print job.   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit is capable of executing a mode in which the second indicator is displayed in a window different from a window in which the first indicator is displayed.   The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first indicator indicates a remaining amount of ink in the storage unit at the specific time point by a length of a bar.   The said 2nd indicator plots and shows the ink residual amount of the said storage part in the graph which took time on the horizontal axis and took the ink residual amount of the said storage part on the vertical axis | shaft. Printer. A printer that performs printing by discharging ink stored in a storage unit;
A control device for controlling the printer,
The controller is
A display for displaying information;
Printing provided with a display control unit capable of displaying on the display unit a first indicator that indicates the remaining amount of ink in the storage unit at a specific time point, and a second indicator that indicates a change in the remaining amount of ink in the storage unit over time. system.

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