JP2017104990A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer appropriately managing information related to ink.SOLUTION: A printer includes: a slot 230 from which a memory unit 100 storing allowable use amount information of ink stored in an ink storage section is detachable; and a processing section 210 performing updating processing of ink estimation amount information being information estimating an ink amount of the ink storage section. The processing section 210 performs charge processing by the memory unit 100 when the memory unit 100 is attached to the slot 230, and performs processing for writing the ink estimation amount information as backup information in a region different from a region where the allowable use amount information is stored out of a storage region of the memory unit 100 after the charge processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

  Some user replaceable ink cartridges (an example of an ink storage unit) used in an ink jet printer are provided with a storage device for managing the ink consumption of ink consumed from the cartridge. . Also, there is a method of managing ink consumption by attaching a memory unit including a storage device to a printing apparatus in a method of filling ink in an ink tank (an example of an ink storage unit) provided in the printing apparatus. This storage device stores information such as ink color and ink consumption.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a method of writing information on the main body side ink consumption amount managed on the main body side of the printing apparatus into the memory unit every time the main body side total ink consumption exceeds the first threshold (WTH1). It is disclosed. Further, in Patent Document 1, the above writing is performed until the total ink consumption on the main body side exceeds the second threshold (WTH2), and when it exceeds WTH2, the memory unit is set to an invalid state, and thereafter A technique that does not perform writing is also disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for storing the identification number and capacity of a set memory card in a storage unit of a printing apparatus. In Patent Document 2, the storage unit of the printing apparatus stocks the liquid stock amount information so as to add the liquid stock amount based on the information of the set memory card regardless of whether or not the ink is replenished. Patent Document 3 also discloses a method of adding the ink capacity of a separate memory to the amount of ink that can be used by the printer.

JP 2014-46545 A JP 2008-254395 A JP 2011-73208 A

  In the method of Patent Document 1, since writing processing is performed on the memory unit until the total ink consumption on the main body side exceeds WTH2, the user removes the memory unit before the total ink consumption on the main body exceeds WTH2. If this happens, the printing operation stops. Therefore, in order to perform continuous printing, after the main body side total ink consumption exceeds WTH2, and the printing operation is stopped by determining that the ink has ended (the main body side total ink consumption exceeds the third threshold WTH3). The user will be forced to replace the memory unit within a specific period of time before. Moreover, since the printing operation is stopped without such replacement, there is a problem that it is difficult to use continuously for a long time.

  In the methods of Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, it is possible to collectively add information from a plurality of memory cards and separate memories to the liquid stock amount on the main body side, and the ink amount stored on the main body side is eliminated. Continuous printing is possible. However, if an abnormality occurs in the main body of the printing apparatus and the ink amount information is lost, there is a possibility that the ink for the stock (charge) may not be used, which is not preferable.

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that appropriately manages information about ink.

  Further, according to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that can perform continuous printing with a small user burden and can appropriately manage ink even in the event of a failure.

  One aspect of the present invention is a slot in which a memory unit that stores usage permission amount information of ink stored in an ink storage unit is removable, and an estimated ink amount that is information for estimating the amount of ink in the ink storage unit. A processing unit that performs an information update process, and the processing unit updates the estimated ink amount information with the use permission amount information of the memory unit when the memory unit is installed in the slot. A printer that performs a process of writing the estimated ink amount information as backup information in an area of the storage area of the memory unit that is different from an area in which the usage-permitted amount information is stored after the charging process. Involved.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the backup information of the ink estimation amount information is written in an area different from the area where the use permission amount information used for the charge process is stored in the storage area of the memory unit subjected to the charge process. As a result, even when an abnormality occurs in the printing apparatus and the estimated ink amount information is lost, it is possible to perform an appropriate recovery by using the backup information of the memory unit.

  Further, in one aspect of the present invention, when the processing unit detects that the memory unit installed in the slot is removed and a second memory unit is installed in the slot, A process of writing the estimated ink amount information as the backup information in an area different from the area where the use permission amount information is stored in the storage area of the second memory unit may be performed.

  Accordingly, even when a memory unit different from the memory unit used for the charging process is mounted, it is possible to appropriately back up the estimated ink amount information using the different memory unit.

  In the aspect of the invention, the processing unit may use the ink consumption represented by the estimated ink amount information when the second memory unit is installed in the slot after the charging process by the memory unit. The charging process by the second memory unit is not performed until the amount exceeds a given threshold, and the charging by the second memory unit is performed when the ink consumption exceeds the given threshold. Processing may be performed.

  As a result, the removal of the memory unit after the charge process, the reservation of the charge process by the second memory unit (reservation), and the automatic switching when the estimated ink consumption in the ink storage unit exceeds a given threshold (the first 2), a continuous printing operation can be realized with a small user burden.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a storage unit that stores a charged flag and a reserved flag is included, and the processing unit displays the charged flag when the charge process is performed by the memory unit. The reserved flag may be set on if the second memory unit is installed in the slot before the ink consumption exceeds the given threshold.

  Thereby, it is possible to realize appropriate charge processing and reserve processing by storing the set state of the charged flag and the reserved flag and setting each flag at a given timing.

  In the aspect of the invention, the processing unit may set the reserved flag to OFF when performing the charging process by the second memory unit.

  Accordingly, it is possible to realize appropriate charge processing and reserve processing by setting the reserved flag at a given timing.

  In the aspect of the invention, the processing unit may set the memory unit to an invalid state when the charge process is performed by the memory unit.

  As a result, it is possible to suppress the reuse of the memory unit after the charge process.

  In the aspect of the invention, when the charge process is performed by the memory unit, the processing unit is configured for an area where the usage permission amount information is stored in a storage area of the memory unit. The memory unit may be set to the invalid state by writing invalid data.

  As a result, the memory unit can be set to an invalid state by using the storage area in which the usage permission amount information is stored.

  Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, the backup information includes a storage unit that stores the estimated ink amount information, and the backup information includes the estimated ink amount information when the estimated ink amount information in the storage unit is in an abnormal state. It may be information used for recovery.

  As a result, the backup information can be used as recovery information when the estimated ink amount information in the storage unit of the printing apparatus is in an abnormal state.

2 is a system configuration example of a printing apparatus. An example of the storage area of a memory unit. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a printing apparatus. FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a configuration example of an ink storage unit (ink tank) and a slider. Example of slider configuration. Configuration example of memory unit. Configuration example of the tip of the slider with a memory unit. An example configuration of an ink pack set. 2 shows a configuration example of a plurality of slots, a plurality of memory units, and a processing unit. The conceptual diagram explaining a charge process and a reserve process. The flowchart explaining the process of this embodiment. The other flowchart explaining the process of this embodiment. A state transition diagram explaining processing of this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. First, the method of this embodiment will be described. 2. Description of the Related Art Printing apparatuses that perform a count process (soft count process) that counts a cumulative value of consumed ink amount during operation of the printing apparatus to obtain an estimated ink consumption amount of ink in an ink tank are widely known. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 of Patent Document 1, an ink replenishing container (ink pack 310) in which ink is enclosed and information on the ink enclosed in the ink replenishing container, for example, information on color, capacity, and the like are stored. A printing apparatus provided separately to the memory unit 100 that is provided to the user is also widely known.

  In the printing apparatus, managing the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage unit is important in an appropriate printing process, and for this purpose, the ink consumption determined by the counting process may be used. Specifically, since the amount of ink that can be used is defined by the use permission amount information stored in the memory unit 100, printing is performed until it is determined that the amount of ink specified by the use permission amount information has been consumed. When it is determined that the amount of ink specified by the use permission amount information has been consumed, the user may be instructed to replenish ink, or the printing operation may be stopped.

  However, when the ink pack 310 and the memory unit 100 are separate, the timing when ink is replenished from the ink pack 310 to the ink container (ink tank) of the printing apparatus and the timing when the memory unit 100 is mounted on the printing apparatus. Do not always match. For this reason, there is a possibility that a deviation occurs between the amount of ink determined to be usable by the printing apparatus main body side and the amount of ink actually contained in the ink tank.

  Patent Document 1 is a method that assumes management for suppressing this shift. Specifically, every time the difference in ink consumption exceeds WTH1, the ink consumption is managed by reading and writing ink total consumption information between the memory unit 100 and the printing apparatus main body. According to the method of Patent Document 1, (1) the ink is replenished from the ink pack 310 and the memory unit 100 is mounted, and (2) the total ink consumption on the main body side is written while the total ink consumption is written to the memory unit. Printing is performed until the total ink consumption is equal to or greater than WTH2, and (3) a new ink pack provided by the vendor is returned to (1) with the total ink consumption being WTH3> total ink consumption ≧ WTH2. In addition to replenishing ink from 310, the new memory unit 100 included in the ink pack 310 is mounted, and the total ink consumption on the main body side is rewritten with the total ink consumption on the memory unit side of the new memory unit. This usage mode allows the user to use the printing apparatus.

  However, it has been found by the applicant's investigation that the actual usage is not as described above. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, the printing apparatus executes a printing operation on condition that a new valid memory unit 100 is mounted. Therefore, if the memory unit 100 is not properly mounted, printing cannot be executed even if the ink in the ink pack 310 is replenished to the ink tank.

  In addition, although it is not a preferable mode of use, as long as the memory unit 100 is in an effective state, it is assumed that the ink that is actually replenished is not ink provided by the printing apparatus vendor (not included in the ink pack set 300). However, a temporary printing operation is possible. When the ink provided by the vendor is not used, in the ink pack set 300, the memory unit 100 has a relatively high value and the ink pack 310 has a relatively low value. As a result, a difference occurs in the management system of the memory unit 100 and the ink pack 310. For example, when a printing apparatus is used in a factory, an administrator and a general employee working under the administrator are users of the printing apparatus. Since the ink pack 310 does not require strict management, there is no restriction on handling of the ink pack 310 by a general employee, and the ink tank can be replenished at an appropriate timing. On the other hand, the memory unit 100 is managed by an administrator.

  In such a case, replenishment of the ink stored in the ink pack 310 to the ink tank can be performed at any time as long as the ink does not overflow from the ink tank, whereas the administrator is working to install the memory unit 100. Can only be done for a limited time. In recent years, the ink contained in the ink pack 310 has increased in capacity of 1 L, but the printing apparatus itself has also increased in size, and even if one ink in the ink pack 310 is replenished to the ink tank, For example, only continuous printing for about 12 hours can be performed. Therefore, in the case of the management system as described above, a small number of managers must execute the mounting of the memory unit 100 to the printing apparatus at least every 12 hours, which increases the burden on the user of the printing apparatus.

  As described above, in the method of Patent Document 1, when continuous printing is performed, there is a restriction on the replacement timing of the memory unit 100, and as a result, the user burden for continuous printing is large or continuous printing is difficult. There is a problem.

  For such problems, as in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, when a memory card or separate memory is installed, the capacity (ink capacity) stored in the memory card or separate memory is set to the main body. A method of adding to the liquid stock amount on the side is conceivable. In Patent Documents 2 and 3, since the information of the memory card and the separate memory is transferred to the main body side, the printing operation can be continued even after the memory card and the separate memory are removed from the printing apparatus. In addition, even when multiple memory cards or separate memories are installed, the capacity of each memory is added and managed on the main unit side, so continuous printing can be performed for a long time without installing new memory. Is possible.

  However, in Patent Literature 2 and Patent Literature 3, it is assumed that the memory card and the separate memory in which the stored capacity is added to the liquid stock amount on the main body side are set to an invalid state. Otherwise, one memory card and another memory can be used repeatedly, which is unreasonable. For this reason, the memory card and separate memory with added capacity on the main unit side are not expected to be used later, and retain information on the actual ink consumption for the capacity stored in the memory card and separate memory. Can not. As a result, if an error occurs on the main unit and information on the amount of liquid stock managed on the main unit is lost, information on how much capacity has been added and how much of that amount has been restored is restored. Can not do it. If the amount of ink that can be used is zero after recovery (repair) of the printing device, it would be severe for a user who had consumed only a part of the capacity stored in the memory card or separate memory. . However, if the liquid stock amount is the sum of the capacities stored in the memory card or separate memory (or the maximum value that can be added on the main unit side), there is a possibility of overcompensation for the user, which is not preferable. . That is, the methods of Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 have a problem that it is difficult to appropriately deal with a failure.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment stores memory usage permitted amount information (information based on the amount of ink filled in an ink replenishing container described later) of ink stored in the ink storage unit 220. 100 includes a slot 230 to which 100 can be attached and a processing unit 210 that performs update processing of ink estimation amount information that is information for estimating the amount of ink in the ink storage unit 220 (estimated ink amount information in the ink storage unit 220). . Then, when the memory unit 100 is installed in the slot, the processing unit 210 performs a charging process for updating the estimated ink amount information with the permitted usage amount information of the memory unit. Further, after the charging process, the processing unit 210 performs a process of writing the estimated ink amount information as backup information in an area different from the area where the use permission amount information is stored in the storage area of the memory unit 100. FIG. 2 shows an address map of the storage area of the memory unit 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage area has an area for storing backup information (an area specified by ad4) in an area different from an area for storing the permitted usage amount information (an area specified by ad3).

  Here, the permitted usage amount information is information stored in the memory unit 100, and is information indicating the amount of ink permitted to be used by the user who owns the memory unit 100 (usable usage amount). . In a narrow sense, the usage permission amount information is information on the initial filling amount of ink stored in the ink pack 310 in which the memory unit is bundled, and the ink consumption amount already consumed with respect to the initial filling amount. Is remembered as The ink consumption is stored as data of the ratio of the amount consumed with respect to the initial ink filling amount. When the user purchases the ink pack set 300, 0% of the ink consumption is stored.

  By purchasing the ink pack set 300, the user purchases the right to use only the ink contained in the ink pack 310, and the printing apparatus prints the printing apparatus according to the usage permission amount information of the memory unit 100. Perform operations such as continue / stop operation.

  The estimated ink amount information is information for estimating the amount of ink in the ink storage unit 220 and is stored in the storage unit 212 of the printing apparatus in a nonvolatile manner. In the present embodiment, the estimated ink amount information is represented by an ink consumption amount, and the ink consumption amount here is a ratio of the cumulative ink consumption amount to the initial filling amount read from the mounted memory unit 100 ( It is also referred to as total ink consumption information WD on the main body side.). As will be described later, the total ink consumption information WD on the main body side is replaced with the ink consumption of the memory unit 100 in the charging process when the memory unit 100 is mounted. The processing unit 210 of the printing apparatus controls the operation of the printing apparatus to be continued / stopped based on the estimated ink amount information.

  That is, the estimated ink amount information is represented as information indicating the degree of ink consumption with respect to the usable ink amount (usable use amount, initial filling amount). Information indicating how much of the initial filling amount corresponds to the amount of ink consumed after the memory unit 100 is mounted and the usage-permitted amount information of the memory unit 100 is charged to the main body is counted. The total ink consumption information WD on the main body side is assumed.

  The total ink consumption amount information WD may be expressed as a relative value (0 to 100%), for example, assuming that the amount of ink stored in the ink pack 310 (here, the storage amount of the ink pack 310 is 1 L) is 100%. it can. The processing unit 210 reads the initial filling amount of the ink pack 310 from the memory unit 100, calculates a relative value from the initial filling amount and the consumed ink amount, and sets this as the ink consumption amount. However, an actual printing apparatus has a tolerance in ink consumption efficiency (printing efficiency). In other words, even if the printing process is performed with the same print data, the actual ink consumption (the amount of ink actually consumed) does not match the ink consumption determined by the counting process, and the actual ink consumption is large. There are devices or printing devices that consume less actual ink.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the ink consumption efficiency of the printing apparatus is the lower limit value of the predetermined range (when the printing apparatus has the largest actual ink consumption), use in the usage environment recommended by the printing apparatus vendor is recommended. Assuming that the ink consumption estimated when the ink stored in the ink pack 310 is consumed is 100%, the ink consumption is expressed as a relative value.

  By doing so, even a printing apparatus with the lowest ink consumption efficiency can print up to 100%, and when it reaches 100%, it is possible to perform processing for displaying a message for prompting ink replenishment.

  In such a case, when a printing apparatus with standard ink consumption efficiency is used in a standard environment, the amount of ink consumed when the amount of ink filled in the ink pack 310 is actually consumed (ratio of ink consumption) Becomes more than 100% and becomes 117%. The printing apparatus vendor stores in advance the total ink consumption information WD (117% in this case) when the ink amount filled in the ink pack is all consumed by a printing apparatus with standard ink consumption efficiency. The total ink consumption information WD is stored from this value, the initial filling amount (expressed in weight unit) read from the memory unit, and the accumulated ink consumption (expressed in weight unit). Is calculated and stored in the storage unit 212.

  The ink pack is an ink pack for 1 L, but there is some variation in the filling amount for each ink pack. For this reason, since the variation in the initial filling amount for storing the initial filling amount in the memory unit 100 for each ink pack is not large compared with the variation in the ink consumption efficiency, the printing apparatus in which the ink consumption efficiency preset by the vendor is standard. Thus, the total ink consumption information WD may be calculated assuming that the total ink consumption information WD (117%) when the ink amount 1L filled in the ink pack is consumed corresponds to the initial filling amount.

  However, instead of storing the ratio of the ink consumption amount on the main body side as the estimated ink amount information, the initial filling amount and the cumulative ink consumption weight may be stored on the main body side. In this case, the processing unit 210 may calculate the total ink consumption information WD as appropriate based on the information.

  The charge process of the present embodiment is the total ink consumption information WD (estimated ink amount information WD (main body side) based on the ink consumption amount of the permitted usage amount information stored in the memory unit 100 installed in the slot 230 at that time. Ink consumption) is updated, and the initial filling amount stored in the memory unit 100 is set in the storage unit 212 as information for the processing unit 210 on the main body side to calculate the total ink consumption information WD. It is processing.

  As in the present embodiment, when the format of the estimated ink amount information on the main body side and the permitted usage amount information on the memory unit 100 side is the same, the update process simply uses the ink consumption amount of the permitted usage amount information. The ink consumption amount in the ink estimation amount information may be replaced. However, when the format of the estimated ink amount information and the permitted usage amount information does not match, for example, when the memory unit 100 stores the ratio and the main body side stores the consumed ink capacity itself, the permitted usage amount information Alternatively, a process for replacing the estimated ink amount information may be performed on the basis of the result of performing some change process. “Substitution” in the present embodiment can be said to be processing including substitution after conversion.

  Further, the storage area of the memory unit 100 may be managed by an address, and the “area different from the area where the use permission amount information is stored” is specified by an address different from the address where the use permission amount information is stored. It may be a region to be used. In FIG. 2, an address is assigned for each byte, and what information is stored using how many bits of area from each address. In the example of FIG. 2, the ID information of the memory unit 100 is stored using 8 bits of the storage area corresponding to the address ad1 (for example, the area having ad1 as the head address), and 2 bits of the storage area corresponding to the address ad2 is used. Color information representing the ink color is stored, use permission amount information is stored using 8 bits of the storage area corresponding to the address ad3, and backup information is stored using 8 bits of the storage area corresponding to the address ad4. Is done. FIG. 2 shows an example of information stored in the memory unit 100, and the memory unit 100 may store other information. Further, the size (number of bits) of each information stored in the memory unit 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2, and various modifications can be made. For example, when the use permission amount information is represented by the initial filling amount and the ink consumption amount with respect to the initial filling amount, the region for storing the use permission amount information is divided into two regions, and the initial filling amount is divided into the first region. And the ink consumption is stored in the second area. Further, when the estimated ink amount information of the printing apparatus is expressed by the usable ink amount (initial filling amount) and the ink consumption amount, the area for storing the backup information is divided into two areas. The initial filling amount is stored, and the ink consumption amount is stored in the second area.

  In the method of the present embodiment, first, in order to distinguish from the memory unit 100 (hereinafter, the second memory unit 100-2 which is a memory unit 100 for reserve which will be described later), this memory unit is referred to as the first memory unit 100-1. Is also mounted, the charging process is performed to update the estimated ink amount information with the use permission amount information of the memory unit 100. That is, for the first memory unit, similarly to Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, the use permission amount information (capacity and ink amount in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3) is transferred to the main body side. Thus, after the charging process, the memory unit 100 can be removed from the slot 230, so that the printing operation is not stopped even if the memory unit 100 is not attached.

  Normally, in the memory unit 100 that has been subjected to the charging process, since necessary information has been transferred to the printing apparatus main body side, further reading / writing of data is not expected. However, in the present embodiment, the estimated ink amount information is written in the memory unit 100 at an appropriate timing in consideration of backup at the time of the main body failure. Thus, even if the estimated ink amount information on the main body side is lost due to a failure, the estimated ink amount information corresponding to the actual ink consumption amount of the user can be restored by writing the backup information on the main body side. Further, since the memory unit 100 that is originally unnecessary can be used as a backup memory, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to prepare a separate external storage device dedicated to backup.

  The timing for executing the backup is appropriately set every time when a predetermined amount or more of ink is consumed during normal printing operation (for example, every time when ink equivalent to 1% is consumed), at the end of printing JOB, or when maintenance is performed. .

  At this time, a method of writing backup information to a storage area for storing use permission amount information is also conceivable. However, if a value in an appropriate range (for example, 0% or more and less than WTH% in the case of a usage ratio) is written in the area, the charged memory unit 100 may be reused. There is.

  For example, if the ink is consumed up to 20% of the initial filling amount after performing the charging process, the estimated ink amount information (ink consumption amount) is 20%, and the information is stored in the memory unit 100. Written. When this writing is performed on an area for storing use permission amount information (especially ink consumption amount), according to the method of Patent Document 1, the memory unit 100 uses only 20% of the initial filling amount. It is determined that the remaining amount (80% of the initial filling amount) can be used by mounting the memory unit 100 in the printing apparatus. In other words, the memory unit 100 has a valid right even though all the rights held by the memory unit 100 (the right to print as much as the amount permitted for use) have been moved to the printing apparatus main body by the charging process. There is a risk that it can be reused as a possession. Of course, if an area for writing a flag indicating an invalid state (charged) is provided in another storage area of the memory unit 100 and the flag is determined at the time of use, depending on the value of the permitted usage amount information. Therefore, it is considered that the reuse of the used memory unit 100 can be prohibited. However, whether or not to refer to such a flag is determined by the specifications of the printing apparatus, and the memory unit 100 is used in the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment and another printing apparatus (for example, the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1). It is unclear whether or not it can be prohibited from being reused.

  In this regard, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the storage area for the permitted usage amount information is different from the storage area in which the backup information is written, so that the backup information is the permitted usage amount information of the memory unit 100. The possibility of misidentification can be suppressed, and the appropriate memory unit 100 can be used.

  The printing apparatus includes a storage unit 212 that stores estimated ink amount information as illustrated in FIG. The backup information is information used to restore the estimated ink amount information when the estimated ink amount information in the storage unit 212 is in an abnormal state. That is, in the recovery process of the estimated ink amount information, a process of writing the backup information stored in the memory unit 100 into an area for storing the estimated ink amount information in the storage area of the storage unit 212 of the printing apparatus is performed. Just do it. Further, as will be described later, the memory unit 100 is not limited to the one used for the charging process, and it is assumed that the memory unit 100 is replaced as appropriate. The backup information of the unit 100 may be used.

  In the present embodiment, since the charging process is performed, the memory unit 100 after the charging process can be removed. Therefore, the writing of the backup information is performed when the memory unit 100 is mounted after the charging process, and is not performed if the memory unit 100 is not mounted. However, the printing apparatus assumed in the present embodiment is required to operate continuously for a long time as described above. For this purpose, when the charged memory unit 100 is removed, the next memory is immediately used. It is a common usage pattern that the unit 100 is mounted. Even when the charge processing by a plurality of memory units 100 is possible as in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, even when the reserve processing described later is possible, a new memory unit 100 is removed while removing the memory unit 100. This is because the operation of not mounting the memory unit is not particularly significant.

  Therefore, the processing unit 210 detects that the memory unit 100 (first memory unit 100) installed in the slot 230 is removed, and that the second memory unit 100-2 is installed in the slot 230. In this case, a process of writing the estimated ink amount information as backup information in a region different from the region where the use permission amount information is stored in the storage region of the second memory unit 100-2 is performed.

  In this way, even when the memory unit 100 is replaced, the backup information can be stored appropriately. That is, the writing of the backup information by the processing unit 210 may be performed on the memory unit 100 installed in the slot 230 at that time. As described above, since the usage mode in which the printing operation is continued without the memory unit 100 being inserted into the slot 230 is not common, backup information is appropriately stored for many periods in this way. It is possible.

  When the first memory unit 100 (first memory unit 100-1) is charged and then the first memory unit 100-1 is removed and a different second memory unit 100-2 is attached. In addition, it is not hindered to immediately perform the charging process by the second memory unit 100-2 as in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3. However, in the present embodiment, when the second memory unit 100-2 is installed, the second memory unit 100-2 only reserves reservation for the charge process, and the first memory unit 100-2 is reserved. When it is determined that the amount of ink corresponding to the unit 100-1 has been consumed, the charging process by the second memory unit 100-2 is performed. In this way, since two or more memory units 100 are not subject to charge processing at the same time, it is not necessary to use the permitted usage amount information of a large number of memory units 100 at the time of failure. That is, it is possible to make it easier to cope with a failure together with the backup information.

  Further, in the case of a user who uses a large number of printing apparatuses, there may be a case where it is impossible to predict in advance how much printing will be performed with which printing apparatus. In that case, there is a request to transfer the usage permission amount information charged for a given printing apparatus to another printing apparatus. In that case, since the charged memory unit 100 cannot be reused by the methods of Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, exchange of use permission amount information (ink estimated amount information) charged between the printing apparatus main bodies is realized. I have to. In this regard, in the method of the present embodiment, the memory unit 100 that is mounted in the slot 230 but before the charge process (in a reserved state, which will be described later) is not set to an invalid state. It is easy to remove from 230 and use with other printing apparatuses. In other words, the memory unit 100 can be flexibly used by the method of the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, after describing a configuration example of the printing apparatus and the memory unit 100, a charging process and a reserve process according to the present embodiment will be described.

2. Configuration Example of Printing Apparatus and Memory Unit FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of the printing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. The printing apparatus 200 according to this embodiment includes four ink tanks (also referred to as ink storage units) 221-a to 221-d, four slots 230-a to 230-d, and four memory units 100. -A to 100-d, four sliders 240-a to 240-d, a processing unit 210, an operation unit 250, and a print execution unit (not shown) including a print head. In the present embodiment, the number of ink tanks is four. However, the number of ink tanks is not limited to this, and may be two, three, or five or more.

  In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish the individual ink tanks among the four ink tanks 221-a to 221-d, they are appropriately described as ink tanks 221. The same applies to the slots 230-a to 230-d, the memory units 100-a to 100-d, and the sliders 240-a to 240-d.

  The four ink tanks 221-a to 221-d are each filled with ink stored in an ink pack provided by a printing apparatus vendor. For example, the ink tank 221-a is filled with black, the ink tank 221-b is filled with yellow, the ink tank 221-c is filled with magenta, and the ink tank 221-d is filled with cyan ink. These inks are stored in separate ink packs and provided to the user. The user can fill (supplement) ink into the ink tank 221 corresponding to the ink color from the ink pack of the required ink color.

  In the ink tank 221, the amount of ink in the ink tank is visible to the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the ink tank 221 is visible to the user by exposing at least a part of the ink tank 221 to the outside, and the ink visible inside the ink tank 221 is configured by a transparent member. Is configured to be visible. The ink tank 221 is provided with a lower limit line (not shown). The lower limit line is a linear mark provided in the horizontal direction on the surface of the ink tank where the internal ink is visible. If the ink amount has decreased to the lower limit line (if the ink surface has decreased to the position of the lower limit line), it indicates that all the ink in the ink pack 310 can be filled. By visually recognizing the relationship between the ink amount and the lower limit line, the user can appropriately replenish ink even during printing. The printing apparatus also includes an operation unit 250. The operation unit 250 includes a user interface (UI) such as a display unit and a user operation input reception unit. The display unit can display information related to ink replenishment. Therefore, the user replenishes ink from the ink pack 310 to the ink tank 221 while checking the UI of the printing apparatus and the ink in the ink tank 221. In some cases, it is possible to replenish ink by actively confirming that the ink surface has fallen below the lower limit line, or to replenish ink upon receiving a warning from the UI.

  In the flow path between the ink tank 221 and the print head, there is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of ink. When this sensor detects the absence of ink, the printing apparatus is not dependent on the value of the total ink consumption information WD of the main body. Always stops working. For this reason, even if the user forgets to replenish the ink in the ink tank, it is possible to prevent a head failure due to the head being struck (ink ejection operation without ink in the head).

  The plurality of slots 230-a to 230-d are for mounting sliders 240-a to 240-d that can be attached to and detached from the printing apparatus 200 to the printing apparatus 200, and are provided in the ink tanks 221-a to 221-d. Correspondingly provided. For example, the four slots 230-a to 230-d are provided corresponding to the respective ink tanks 221-a to 221-d for black, yellow, magenta, and cyan.

  The memory units 100-a to 100-d are provided with the ink pack and provided to the user, and are detachably mounted on the sliders 240-a to 240-d by the user. The sliders 240-a to 240-d to which the memory units 100-a to 100-d are attached are mounted in the slots 230-a to 230-d, so that the memory unit 100 is mounted in the slot 230. In FIG. 3, since each memory unit 100 is installed in each corresponding slot 230, it cannot be seen. Each of the memory units 100-a to 100-d includes a storage device 110 (not shown).

  When the memory unit 100 is installed in the slot, that is, when the memory unit 100 is installed in the printing apparatus, the processing unit 210 of the printing apparatus can access the storage device 110.

  The storage device 110 includes the storage area described with reference to FIG. The storage device 110 includes communication ID information used by the processing unit to identify a communication partner, ink color information corresponding to the ink color of the included ink pack, and ink filling of the included ink pack. Usage permission amount information (the above-mentioned initial filling amount and ink consumption amount) corresponding to the amount is written at the time of factory shipment. In addition to this, the storage device 110 also has valid / invalid information (which will be described later) indicating whether the memory unit 100 is in a valid state or an invalid state that can be used by the printing apparatus. Information on a printing apparatus to which the memory unit can be adapted may be stored. The valid / invalid information is written with valid information indicating that the memory unit 100 is valid when the memory unit 100 is shipped from the factory. The storage device 110 can be configured by a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM).

  The processing unit 210 includes a CPU 211, a storage unit 212, and a communication processing unit 213, and executes a printing process of the printing apparatus 200 and a communication process with each memory unit 100. Specifically, data read or write control is performed on the memory units 100-a to 100-d mounted in the slots 230-a to 230-d. Further, the processing unit 210 performs a process of detecting whether or not the memory units 100-a to 100-d are mounted in the slots 230-a to 230-d.

  In addition, the processing unit 210 performs a count process (soft count process) for obtaining an accumulated ink consumption for each ink color during execution of printing for the ink weight of one ink pack. That is, the total ink consumption information WD (WDa to WDd corresponding to each color), which is the ratio of the cumulative ink consumption of each ink color to the initial filling amount stored in the storage unit 212 from the memory unit 100 during the charging process. And the process of updating the total ink consumption information WD in its own storage unit 212 is performed.

  The ink consumption amount counted by the processing unit 210 includes, in addition to the ink consumption amount due to printing, the ink consumption amount used for print head maintenance such as cleaning the print head. The processing unit 210 appropriately updates the total ink consumption information WD at the maintenance execution timing.

  The storage unit 212 stores the initial filling amount corresponding to each ink color, the total ink consumption information WD corresponding to each ink color, the threshold value WTH of the total ink consumption information WD to be automatically switched, and when not reserved. Threshold value WTH ′ (WTH ′ = WTH + α, α> 0, a value larger than the permitted usage amount is set) of the total ink consumption information WD that can continue printing only by charging, a charged flag described later, and reserved A flag is stored. The storage unit 212 is composed of a nonvolatile memory.

  The operation unit 250 is an input device for the user to perform various instructions and settings, and includes a display unit for performing various notifications to the user.

  FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a configuration example of the ink tank 221 and the slider 240 according to the present embodiment. The ink tank 221 includes an ink supply port 222. The user can fill the ink stored in the ink pack from the ink supply port 222. The ink tank 221 is fixed to the printing apparatus 200 and can be filled with ink in a fixed state. In a state where the slider 240 is mounted in the slot 230, the ink tank 221 can be filled with ink by opening the ink supply port cover 242 of the slider 240.

  The slider 240 can be detached from the printing apparatus 200 by sliding the upper part of the ink tank 221. When the user installs the memory unit 100 in the slot 230, the slider 240 is pulled out of the slot 230, the memory unit 100 is mounted on the tip of the slider 240 in the mounting direction, and the slider 240 is again mounted along the mounting direction. Insert into slot 230. FIG. 4 shows a state where the memory unit 100 is mounted on the slider 240.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the slider 240 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the memory unit 100 is mounted at the tip of the slider 240 on the mounting direction side. Here, “mounted” means that the memory unit 100 is placed at a predetermined location of the slider 240 and does not need to be fixed at the predetermined location.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of the memory unit 100 of this embodiment. The memory unit 100 includes a storage device 110 (not shown), a reset terminal TRST, a clock terminal TSCK, a data terminal TSDA, a first power supply terminal TVDD, a second power supply terminal TVSS, and a mounting detection terminal TCO. These terminals are electrically connected to the main body side terminals CRST, CSCK, CSDA, CVDD, CVSS, and CCO of the printing apparatus 200 provided in the slot 230 when the memory unit 100 is mounted in the slot 230, respectively. . Note that the reset terminal TRST, the clock terminal TSCK, the data terminal TSDA, the first power supply terminal TVDD, and the second power supply terminal TVSS are also collectively referred to as “memory device terminals”. Further, the number and arrangement of the terminals are not limited to those shown in FIG. 6, and various numbers and arrangements are possible.

  FIG. 7 shows an example in which the memory unit 100 is mounted on the slider 240 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the memory unit 100 is mounted at the distal end portion of the slider 240 on the mounting direction side.

  FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the ink pack set 300 of the present embodiment. The ink pack set 300 includes an ink pack 310 (also referred to as an ink replenishing container) and a memory unit 100, which are bundled together. For example, the black ink pack set 300 includes an ink pack 310 in which black ink is stored and a memory unit 100 in which black ink color information is stored. The ink pack 310 is obtained by filling a bag (pouch pack) formed of a laminated film with ink, for example. The ink pack set 300 is provided from the printing apparatus vendor to the user of the printing apparatus.

  FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration example of the slots 230-a to 230-d, the memory units 100-a to 100-d, and the processing unit 210 of the printing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment.

  The memory units 100-a to 100-d each have a reset terminal TRST, a clock terminal TSCK, a data terminal TSDA, a first power supply terminal TVDD, and a second power supply terminal TVSS as storage device terminals. These storage device terminals are electrically connected to the storage device 110 included in each memory unit 100.

  Further, the memory units 100-a to 100-d each have a mounting detection terminal TCO. In each memory unit 100, the mounting detection terminal TCO is electrically connected to the second power supply terminal TVSS.

  When the memory unit 100-a is mounted in the slot 230-a, the storage device terminals TRST, TSCK, TSDA, TVDD, TVSS, and the mounting detection terminal TCO are connected to the body side terminal CRST, which is provided in the slot 230-a. Electrically connected to CSCK, CSDA, CVDD, CVSS and CCO, respectively. The same applies to the memory units 100-b to 100-d.

  Of the main body side terminals provided in the slots 230-a to 230-d, the clock terminal CSCK, the data terminal CSDA, the first power terminal CVDD, and the second power terminal CVSS are the clock terminal SCK and data terminal of the processing unit, respectively. The SDA, the first power supply terminal Vdd, and the second power supply terminal Vss are commonly connected. The processing unit 210 includes a clock signal SCK with respect to the clock terminal CSCK, a first power supply voltage (high potential side power supply voltage) VDD with respect to the first power supply terminal CVDD, and a second power supply with respect to the second power supply terminal CVSS. A power supply voltage (low potential side power supply voltage) VSS is output. Further, the processing unit 210 outputs a data signal SDA to the data terminal CSDA and receives the data signal SDA from the data terminal CSDA.

  The processing unit 210 outputs reset release signals RSTa to RSTd to reset terminals CRST provided in the slots 230-a to 230-d. The storage device from which the processing unit 210 has output the reset release signal is the storage device that is to be accessed by the processing unit 210.

  The processing unit 210 includes a CPU 211, a storage unit 212, and a communication processing unit 213. The processing unit 210 executes communication processing with each memory unit 100 via the communication processing unit 213.

  The processing unit 210 can detect that the memory unit 100 is mounted in the slot 230 by the mounting detection terminal TCO. For example, when performing mounting detection for the slot 230-a, the processing unit 210 outputs the first power supply voltage VDD to the first power supply terminal CVDD, and mounts according to the voltage level of the mounting detection signal COa. The presence or absence of is detected. Since the main body side mounting detection terminal CCO of the slot 230-a is connected to the first power supply terminal CVDD via the resistance element Ra, the voltage level of the mounting detection signal COa when the memory unit 100 is not mounted. Becomes H level (high potential level, VDD level).

  On the other hand, when the memory unit 100 is mounted, the main body side mounting detection terminal CCO, the mounting detection terminal TCO of the memory unit 100, and the second power supply terminal TVSS are electrically connected. The voltage level becomes L level (low potential level, VSS level). Therefore, the processing unit 210 can determine that it is not mounted when the mounting detection signal COa is at the H level, and can determine that it is mounted when it is at the L level. In this way, the processing unit 210 can detect whether or not the memory unit 100 is installed in each of the slots 230-a to 230-d.

  In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 9, the processing unit 210 can select one memory unit 100 to perform reading or writing by activating (resetting the reset) one of the reset cancellation signals RSTa to RSTd. it can.

3. Charge Processing and Reserve Processing Next, charge processing and reserve processing will be described. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 210 performs the estimated ink amount information when the second memory unit 100-2 is installed in the slot 230 after the charging process by the memory unit 100 (first memory unit 100-1). Until the ink consumption amount expressed by the second memory unit 100-2 is charged until the ink consumption amount exceeds the given threshold value (WTH). The charge process by the memory unit 2 is performed.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of charge processing and reserve processing by two memory units. First, when the first memory unit 100-1 is installed in the slot 230 in a state where the charging process is not performed, the storage unit 212 of the printing apparatus is used according to the usage permission amount information of the first memory unit 100-1. A charge process is performed to update the estimated ink amount information stored in. After the charging process, the ink consumption operation of the printing apparatus is not affected even if the first memory unit 100-1 is removed.

  While the ink consumption operation of the printing apparatus based on the usage permission amount information of the first memory unit 100-1 is being performed, the processing unit 210 is installed by mounting the second memory unit 100-2 in the slot 230. Then, a reserve process for setting the second memory unit 100-2 to the reserved state is executed. In other words, the user of the printing apparatus can implement charging and reservation by appropriately attaching and detaching the memory unit 100 to and from the slot 230.

  That is, when another memory unit (second memory unit 100-2) is mounted after the charging process, the charging process by the second memory unit 100-2 is immediately performed as in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3. Instead of making a determination, a determination is made based on the ink consumption.

  Here, even if the second memory unit 100-2 is mounted, the charging process is performed until the ink consumption amount based on the estimated ink amount information of the main body exceeds a given threshold value (corresponding to the use permission amount information). It remains absent. Therefore, even if the ink estimation amount information on the main body side is in an error state due to a failure of the storage unit 212 on the main body side in that state, the usage permission amount information of the first memory unit 100-1 is lost. The second memory unit 100-2 remains unaffected. That is, the second memory unit 100-2 before the charge process is still usable and is not affected by the failure.

  Note that the given threshold value WTH is a value indicating the use permission amount, considering that the user can use the use permission amount corresponding to the use permission amount information of the first memory unit 100-1 without shortage. Alternatively, it may be a value having a given margin. For example, if the value corresponding to the use permission amount is 117%, a value of 117% to 120% may be used.

  If the total ink consumption information WD exceeds a given threshold value WTH, the processing unit 210 of the printing apparatus automatically executes the charging process of the second memory unit 100-2 regardless of a user instruction. . This automatically executed charging process is based on the ink consumption operation of the printing apparatus based on the permitted usage amount information of the first memory unit 100-1 and the printing based on the permitted usage amount information of the second memory unit 100-2. Since this is an automatic switching to the ink consumption operation of the apparatus, it is also referred to as “automatic switching” in the following specification. In this way, as long as the second memory unit 100-2 is installed in the slot 230, the charging process is automatically executed without the user's involvement. -2 has an advantage that the mounting timing is not limited.

  The second memory unit 100-2 is mounted until the total ink consumption information WD of the estimated ink amount information charged by the first memory unit 100-1 exceeds a given threshold value WTH. It can be considered that the charge process is reserved (reserved) in the sense that if the condition is satisfied, it becomes the target of the charge process. Therefore, in the following specification, the second memory unit mounted before the total ink consumption information WD of the estimated ink amount information charged by the first memory unit 100-1 exceeds a given threshold value WTH. Reference numeral 100-2 denotes “reserved state”, and processing of the processing unit 210 that sets the second memory unit 100 to the reserved state is referred to as reserve processing. In this embodiment, since it is possible to continuously use the amount of ink corresponding to the usage permission amount information of the memory unit that has been charged and the reserved memory unit, ink is appropriately replenished to the ink storage unit. As a result, printing can be continuously performed for a long time (for example, 24 hours) compared to the usage time of one memory unit without replacement of the memory unit 100.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a printing apparatus that has four color ink storage sections 220 and a plurality of slots 230 corresponding to the respective colors, and the memory unit 100 can be mounted in each slot. However, the first memory unit 100-1 and the second memory unit 100-2 represent the memory unit 100 corresponding to a given color, and the slot 230 is also one of the given colors. Intended for slots. For example, according to the method of the present embodiment, the black memory unit 100 is mounted in the black slot 230, and after the memory unit 100 is removed, another black memory unit 100 is inserted in the black slot 230. It defines the processing when it is attached.

  A charge process and a reserve process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As described above, the storage unit 212 stores a charged flag and a reserved flag. The charged flag is a flag indicating whether or not the estimated ink amount information on the main body side has been updated (charged) based on the permitted usage amount information of a given memory unit 100, and is turned on by the charging process. The value 1 is stored in the charged flag area. Since the reserve process is performed on the premise that it has been charged, the charged flag may be considered as a reserve waiting flag. The reserved flag indicates whether or not the second memory unit 100-2 is attached after the charging process by the first memory unit 100-1 and the charging process is reserved by the second memory unit 100-2. Is a flag representing By performing the reserve process, the reserved flag is turned on, and a value of 1 is stored in the storage unit 212. Hereinafter, storing 1 or 0 as the flag state is also referred to as setting the 1 or 0 flag.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining charge and reserve processing using a flag corresponding to the mounting state of the memory unit 100. This process is a process executed by the processing unit 210. In addition, each process can be arbitrarily changed in order within the range which does not produce inconsistency in a processing content, or can be performed in parallel.

  When this process is started, it is first determined whether or not the memory unit 100 is installed in the slot 230 (step S101). As described above, this is determined by the state of the terminal COa. When the memory unit 100 is mounted, the process proceeds to S102, and it is determined whether or not the memory unit 100 is appropriate (step S102).

  In step S102, it is determined whether the memory unit 100 is valid or invalid. The memory unit 100 whose use permission amount information has already been replaced (charged) is set to an invalid state by the processing unit 210 so that it cannot be reused. If the mounted memory unit 100 is in an invalid state, it is determined in step S102 that it is not appropriate, and the process proceeds to S108. Further, in S102, the correspondence relationship between the installed memory unit 100 and the slot 230 may be determined. For example, when the memory unit 100 corresponding to another color (cyan, magenta, yellow) is mounted in the black slot 230, it is determined that the memory unit 100 is not appropriate. If a printing apparatus that matches the memory unit 100 is stored, the correspondence relationship with the printing apparatus is determined. If the printing device and the printing device stored in the memory unit 100 are not compatible, or if the printing device compatible with the memory unit 100 is not stored, it is determined that the memory unit 100 is not appropriate.

  That is, the determination process of “whether or not appropriate” in the present embodiment is a process of determining one or more conditions including at least the determination of “valid or invalid”. When performing a plurality of condition determinations, basically, if it is determined that all conditions are appropriate, a process for determining that the final result is also appropriate is performed.

  When it is determined that the memory unit 100 is appropriate, the process proceeds to S103, and the charged flag is determined (step S103). When the state of the charged flag is 0, the charging process is performed by the appropriate memory unit 100 (first memory unit 100-1) that is attached. Specifically, the estimated ink amount information is updated with the permitted usage amount information of the memory unit 100 (step S104). As a result, the usage permission amount information of the memory unit 100 has been moved to the printing apparatus main body, so that the memory unit 100 stores an invalid state in order to prohibit the reuse of the memory unit 100. (Step S105). Further, since the charging process is completed, the charged flag is set to 1 (step S106).

  If the charged flag is 1 in step S103, this corresponds to a state in which a more effective memory unit 100 is mounted in a state where the charging process has already been performed. Therefore, the reserved flag is set to 1 on the assumption that the charge processing has been reserved by the mounted memory unit 100 (corresponding to the second memory unit 100-2 described above) (step S107).

  When the memory unit 100 is not attached or when the attached memory unit 100 is not appropriate (No in step S101 or step S102), the charged flag is determined (step S108).

  When the charged flag is 1, since the charging process is performed, the printing operation can be continued. As described above, in this embodiment, even if the charged memory unit 100 is removed, the printing operation is not affected. In addition, although the memory unit has been charged but is not attached, or even if it is attached, the memory unit 100 is not an appropriate memory unit 100. Therefore, the reserve process by the second memory unit 100-2 cannot be executed. For this reason, the reserve process has not been completed, and the reserved flag is set to 0 (step S109).

  Note that step S109 may be performed when the reserved flag is 1, or may be performed when the reserved flag is 0. A reserved flag of 1 means that after the charging process, an appropriate memory unit 100 is once mounted and the process in step S107 is performed, but then the memory unit 100 is removed (in some cases, another process is performed after that). Corresponds to a state in which an inappropriate memory unit 100 is mounted). In this case, since the reserved memory unit 100 has been removed, the reserved unit is not in a reserved state, and therefore the process of step S109 is a process of returning the reserved flag that was 1 to 0. Further, the case where the process of step S109 is performed when the reserved flag is 0 is a situation where the reserve process is not performed and a valid memory unit 100 is not mounted after that, so step S109 is performed. Then, the reserved flag which is 0 is maintained in the 0 state. Considering the display of information to the user, the two processes of (1) the reserved flag in S109 may be changed from 1 to 0, and (2) the reserved flag may be set to 0 may be considered separately. Good. For example, when the reserved flag is 1 and the process of step S109 is performed (in the case of (1)), the user is notified that the reserved (reserved) that has already been cancelled. In addition, when the reserved flag is 0 and the process of step S109 is performed (in the case of (2)), information for making the user perform the reservation correctly, for example, “appropriate memory unit for reservation”. "Please wear it" is displayed. In that case, the user's operation may be facilitated by displaying information specifying the color together.

  If the charged flag is 0 in the determination in step S108, the printing operation is stopped (step S110). As will be described later with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the charged flag in this embodiment is a flag that becomes 1 by the charging process, and the ink consumption (total ink consumption information WD) becomes 0. This is a case where the second threshold value WTH ′ (= WTH + α) is greater than the predetermined threshold value WTH.

  The second threshold value WTH ′ is a value larger than the ink amount corresponding to the use permission amount. The estimated total ink consumption information WD (for example, 135%) that can use up the ink for the initial filling amount of one ink pack by the printing apparatus having the highest ink consumption efficiency is set as a guide. In this way, printing can be continued when the ink remains in the printing apparatus with the highest ink consumption efficiency even after the WTH is exceeded. Furthermore, after the operation of switching from reserve to automatic charging with WTH continues, when WTH is exceeded in a state where the reserve is not performed, it is assumed that ink remains even if it becomes 135%. For this reason, WTH ′ may be set to about 170%.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the total ink consumption information WD exceeds a given threshold value WTH. This process is a process executed by the processing unit 210. When this process is started, first, a determination of a charged flag and a reserved flag is performed (steps S201, S202, and S205).

  When the reserved flag is set to 1 and the charged flag is set to 1 (YES in steps S201 and S202), a valid second memory unit 100-2 is installed and reserved. Thus, the ink consumption on the main body side exceeds the given threshold value WTH. Therefore, the processing unit 210 performs automatic switching by the mounted memory unit 100. In the automatic switching process, first, both the reserved flag and the charged flag are set to 0 (step S203), and then the process returns to S104 in FIG. In S203, the reserved flag is set to 0 because the reserved memory unit 100 is subject to charge processing and is not in the reserved state (that is, the second memory unit 100-2 becomes the first memory unit 100). -1). The reason why the charged flag is set to 0 is that the ink charged by the memory unit installed in front of the currently installed memory unit has been used up. In addition, when returning to the process of FIG. 11, preparation for performing the charge process (step S <b> 104) by the reserved memory unit 100 is performed. Further, when returning to the process of FIG. 11, the processes of steps S105 and S106 are performed, so that the second memory unit 100-2 (not the second memory unit 100-2 but the first memory unit at this time). (Corresponding to the unit 100-1) is set to an invalid state, and the charged flag is set to 1 again.

  If the reserved flag is set to 0 and the charged flag is set to 1 (NO in step S201, YES in S205), the given threshold value WTH has been exceeded, but the reserve has been performed. There is no automatic switching. Therefore, if the ink consumption further proceeds from a given threshold value WTH corresponding to the use permission amount information WD and the total ink consumption amount information WD exceeds the threshold value WTH ′, further printing cannot be continued. A warning to that effect is displayed (step S206).

  Then, it is determined whether the appropriate memory unit 100 is installed (step S207) and whether the total ink consumption WD does not exceed WTH ′ (step S208). Step 207 is the same process as S102. The case of YES in step S208 is a state in which the ink consumption has increased so that the printing operation cannot be continued without the proper memory unit 100 being mounted. Therefore, both the charged flag and the reserved flag are set to 0 (step S209), and the printing operation is stopped (S210). In step S101 in FIG. 11, it is determined that there is no memory unit, in S108, the charged flag is determined to be 0 (the charged flag is determined to be 0 in S108 in the process of S209), and the process proceeds to S110. This is processing corresponding to migration.

  On the other hand, if the appropriate memory unit 100 is installed before the total ink consumption WD exceeds WTH ′, the charged flag is set to 0 (step S211), and the process returns to the process of FIG. Step S211 is a preparation for performing the charging operation by the newly installed memory unit 100 since the charged portion has already been consumed.

  Note that when the reserved flag is set to 1 and the charged flag is set to 0 (YES in step S201, NO in S202), the flag management in this embodiment cannot occur. . This is because the reserve process is a process performed on the premise that the battery has been charged, and the reserve flag cannot be set to 1 because the battery is not charged and is in a reserved state. Therefore, error processing is performed (step S204). Various specific contents of the error processing can be considered. For example, both the charged flag and the reserved flag are set to 0, and the printing operation is stopped.

  If the reserved flag is set to 0 and the charged flag is set to 0 (NO in steps S201 and S205), the printing operation is stopped (step S212. This is the same step as S110). Is). As described above, the charged flag is 0 when the ink consumption exceeds WTH '(S209) or when the charging process is ready (S203 or S211). Therefore, if the charged flag is set to 0, the printing operation is stopped (step S210) or the charged flag is immediately returned to 1 (step S106), and the charged flag is 0. However, it is not assumed that the normal printing operation is continued.

  FIG. 13 is a state transition diagram corresponding to the above processing. The four parameters in each state in FIG. 13 represent the mounting state of the memory unit 100, the state of the charged flag, the state of the reserved flag, and the availability of the printing operation, respectively, from the left. For example, if (None, 0, 0, Impossible), the memory unit 100 is not installed, and both the charged flag and the reserved flag are set to 0, indicating that the printing operation is impossible.

  The state S0 corresponds to the state before the initial filling of the print head (the state in which the user purchased the printing apparatus and before using the printing apparatus and the print head is not filled with ink), and the memory unit 100 Not installed, both the charged flag and the reserved flag are 0, and the printing operation is impossible. In this case, since the charging process and the printing operation are not started, the total ink consumption amount information WD (ink consumption amount) is 0%, and the appropriate memory unit 100 is waiting to be mounted.

  When the appropriate memory unit 100 is mounted in the state S0, the state transitions to the state S1 in which the charge process is executed. In the state S1, since the memory unit 100 is mounted and the memory unit 100 is appropriate, the charged flag is set to 1 by the charging process, and the printing operation can be performed. The reserved flag remains 0. In order to be able to perform a printing operation here, the user must replenish ink in the ink tank and the sensor must detect the presence of ink.

  In the state S1, it is assumed that the memory unit 100 is properly attached, but the memory unit 100 can be removed after the charging process. Therefore, after executing the charging process in the state S1, the state automatically shifts to the state S2 corresponding to the charged state.

  In the state S2, the mounting state of the memory unit 100 is different and is “ignore”. That is, in the state S2, the memory unit 100 may be attached or removed. The state S2 itself does not matter whether the memory unit 100 is attached, but it monitors whether the appropriate memory unit 100 is attached as a condition for state transition to the state S3.

  Then, when the appropriate memory unit 100 is mounted in the state S2, the state shifts to the state S3. The state S3 corresponds to the reserved state, and reserve processing is performed by the appropriate attached memory unit 100. Therefore, the memory unit 100 is installed, both the charged flag and the reserved flag are set to 1, Printing operation is possible.

  When the memory unit 100 is removed in the state S3, the memory unit 100 for reserve disappears, so that the process returns to the state S2. That is, the state S2 corresponds to a charged and unreserved state.

  Further, when the ink consumption (total ink consumption information WD) managed on the main body side in the state S3 exceeds a given threshold value WTH, charge processing (automatic switching) by the memory unit 100 for reserve is performed. Do. For this purpose, first, the state transitions to state S4. In the state S4, both the charged flag and the reserved flag become 0, corresponding to step S203 in FIG.

  Then, the state automatically changes from the state S4 to the state S1, and further automatically changes to the state S2, thereby executing the charge process by the reserved memory unit 100.

  On the other hand, when the total ink consumption information WD exceeds the threshold value WTH in the state S2, the process proceeds to the state S5. The state S5 is a state in which the charge process cannot be executed because the appropriate memory unit 100 is not mounted even though the charge process by a new memory unit is required. However, since the total ink consumption information WD has not reached WTH ′, the printing operation can be continued. In the state S5, when the appropriate memory unit 100 is mounted, the process proceeds to the state S6. State S6 is a preparatory stage for the user's manual charging process, the charged flag is changed from 1 to 0, and the state transitions to state S1. Also in this case, the process automatically proceeds to S2 to complete the charging process.

  That is, the state transition of S3 → S4 → S1 → S2 is an automatic switching from the reserve, and the state transition of S2 → S5 → S6 → S1 → S2 represents a manual switching by the user mounting the memory unit 100. Become.

  Further, in the state S5, when the total ink consumption information WD becomes WTH ′ (= WTH + α) without attaching the appropriate memory unit 100, the state transitions to the state S7 corresponding to the count excess error. In the state S7, regardless of the mounted state of the memory unit 100, both the charged flag and the reserved flag are set to 0 to disable the printing operation. Note that, during normal operation, transition from other than S5 to S7 cannot be considered, but state transition from other than S5 to S7 may be allowed in consideration of some abnormality. That is, when the total ink consumption information WD becomes WTH ′, the process may proceed to S7 regardless of which state the current state is.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus includes the storage unit 212 that stores the charged flag and the reserved flag, and the processing unit 210 is based on the first memory unit 100-1. When the charging process is performed, the charged flag is set to ON (1 in the above example), and the second memory unit 100-2 is inserted into the slot 230 before the ink consumption exceeds the given threshold value WTH. When is attached, the reserved flag is set to ON (value 1). Specifically, this corresponds to steps S106 and S107 in FIG.

  In this way, the charging process is performed when the appropriate memory unit 100 is installed in an uncharged state, and the reserve is achieved when the next appropriate memory unit 100 that has been charged and the ink consumption is less than WTH is installed. It is possible to realize the processing of the present embodiment of performing processing using two flags.

  The processing unit 210 sets the reserved flag to OFF (value 0) when performing the charging process by the second memory unit 100-2. Specifically, this corresponds to a part of the processing of S203 in FIG.

  In this way, when the charge process (automatic switching) by the memory unit 100 in the reserved state is executed, the reserved flag can be turned off. At the time of automatic switching, the memory unit 100 that has been in the reserved state is set to an invalid state by the charge process, so that the appropriate memory unit 100 has not been installed and the reservation for automatic switching has not been completed. That is, by performing such flag management, appropriate charge processing and reserve processing can be performed.

  In addition, the processing unit 210 performs the ink consumption (total ink consumption information WD) represented by the ink estimated amount information in a state where the second memory unit 100-2 set to the valid state is mounted in the slot 230. When the threshold value exceeds a given threshold value WTH, the charging process by the second memory unit 100-2 is performed, and the second memory unit 100-2 set to the invalid state is mounted in the slot 230. When the ink consumption (total ink consumption information WD) represented by the estimated ink amount information exceeds a given threshold value WTH, the charging process by the second memory unit 100-2 is not performed. In the example of FIG. 11, this corresponds to the case where the charge process (steps S104 to S106) is not executed unless it is determined to be appropriate in step S102.

  As a result, it is possible to make the condition for automatic switching that the memory unit 100 to be reserved is in an effective state. In other words, inappropriate reuse of the memory unit 100 in an invalid state can be suppressed.

  In the above description, as shown in S102 of FIG. 11, the determination as to whether the state is valid or invalid (determination as to whether it is appropriate in a broad sense) is performed regardless of the timing of the charge process. For example, it is possible to determine whether the memory unit 100 is valid or invalid when the memory unit 100 is mounted, and omit the re-determination at the time of automatic switching. However, the determination timing is not limited to this, and it may be determined at the time of charge processing without determining whether the memory unit 100 is installed or not.

  In order to prevent improper reuse of the memory unit 100, the processing unit 210 sets the memory unit 100 to an invalid state when a charge process is performed by the memory unit 100. FIG. 11 corresponds to step S105.

  If the reuse of the memory unit 100 once used is permitted, appropriate ink management becomes impossible. The use of the memory unit 100 in the present embodiment may be considered as the timing when the ink estimation amount information on the main body side is updated (replaced) by the use permission amount information, that is, the timing when the charging process is performed. By performing management, an appropriate printing apparatus can be used.

4). Modification Examples Hereinafter, some modification examples will be described.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which there is an area for storing the valid / invalid state in the storage device 110 of the memory unit 100 has been described, but various methods for setting the memory unit 100 to the invalid state are conceivable. For example, when the charging process is performed by the memory unit 100, the processing unit 210 writes invalidation data to an area in the storage area of the memory unit 100 in which the usage permission amount information is stored. The unit may be set to an invalid state. For example, when the ink consumption amount on the memory unit side (information that becomes 0% in an unused state) is stored as use permission amount information, the value corresponding to the initial filling amount (117%) is exceeded in the storage area. Just write a valid value. In this way, it becomes possible to set the memory unit 100 to an invalid state using the storage area for the permitted usage amount information. However, the setting method for the invalid state is not limited to this, and an area for storing the valid flag (invalid flag) is provided separately from the area (address) for storing the usage permission amount information, and the data in the area is stored. The memory unit 100 may be set to an invalid state by rewriting the value corresponding to the invalid state.

  In the present embodiment, the permitted usage amount information of the memory unit 100 is the initial filling amount and the ink consumption amount with respect to the initial filling amount, and the estimated ink amount information of the printing apparatus is the total ink consumption amount information WD and the initial filling amount. However, it is not limited to this. For example, information on the remaining amount may be used instead of information on the consumption. Specifically, the remaining amount of ink estimated to remain unused from the initial filling amount may be used. When the remaining amount of ink is used instead of the ink consumption information, the place of “exceeding a given threshold” in this embodiment is replaced with “below the given threshold”.

  Here, the ink remaining amount is information represented by volume as an example. In this case, without referring to the initial filling amount, it is possible to directly grasp the amount of ink that can be used as the volume and weight as long as the remaining amount of ink is referred to. Therefore, the update (charge process) of the estimated ink amount information based on the permitted use amount information is realized by a process of replacing the remaining ink amount in the permitted use amount information with the remaining ink amount in the permitted use amount information.

  Further, the remaining amount of ink may be information indicating the ratio of the remaining amount with respect to the initial filling amount. In this case, the charging process is a process of updating the estimated ink amount information of the printing apparatus based on both the initial filling amount of the permitted use amount information and the remaining ink amount.

  Further, the initial filling amount of the present embodiment may be represented by a capacity (volume) or may be represented by a weight. Further, the ink consumption amount and the ink remaining amount are not limited to those represented by the ratio and the volume, but can be represented by the weight.

  In the present embodiment, the ink consumption efficiency is the lower limit of the predetermined range, and the ink estimated when the initial filling amount is consumed assuming use in the usage environment recommended by the printing apparatus vendor. Consumption was expressed as 100%. However, the standard in the case of expressing the ink consumption as a ratio is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made. For example, if warning display is performed with a margin, the reference is set to a value smaller than the initial filling amount.

  Various types of information can also be used as information used when the processing unit 210 obtains estimated ink information (ink consumption). The processing unit 210 counts the number of ink ejections by a soft count process, and the count number may be used as estimated ink amount information, or information obtained by multiplying the count number by an ink amount that is assumed to be consumed by one ejection, That is, information representing the volume of ejected ink may be used as the estimated ink amount information. In any case, the estimated ink amount information is information indicating the consumption degree of the target ink.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in consideration of the variation in the amount of ink filled in the ink pack 310 and the presence of a plurality of sizes of ink packs 310 (for example, 1L and 2L), the memory unit 100 and the printing apparatus hold information on the initial filling amount. However, when the ink pack 310 has only a predetermined capacity, and the variation need not be considered, the initial filling amount can be set to a fixed value. In this case, it is not significant to store the initial filling amount which is a fixed value in the memory unit 100 bundled with all the ink packs 310. Therefore, the storage unit 212 of the printing apparatus stores an initial filling amount (ink pack capacity) and a ratio corresponding to the initial filling amount in advance. Thereby, the initial filling amount can be omitted from the permitted usage amount information of the memory unit 100. In this case, since it is not necessary to consider the update (replacement) of the initial filling amount in the charging process, the update (replacement) based on the ink consumption (ink remaining amount) may be performed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the memory unit 100 that has been used halfway, specifically, the ink consumption is larger than the unused state (0%), and is larger than the value corresponding to the initial filling amount (for example, WTH%). We are also considering installing a small memory unit 100. Such a memory unit 100 can be produced, for example, when the technique of Patent Document 1 is used in combination. In the present embodiment, since the ink consumption of the memory unit 100 is used in the charging process, an appropriate process is possible regardless of whether the memory unit 100 is unused or used halfway.

  However, it may be assumed that a new and effective memory unit 100 is always used. For example, according to the method of the present embodiment, the memory unit 100 that has been charged is invalidated, and therefore there is a memory unit 100 in which the ink consumption is between 0% and WTH% and is valid. do not do. In other words, the memory unit 100 takes into consideration two things: new and valid, or invalid. In that case, since the ink consumption is always 0% for the effective memory unit 100, it is not significant to store the ink consumption in the memory units 100 included in all the ink packs 310. Therefore, the ink consumption amount may be omitted from the use permission amount information in this embodiment, and only the initial filling amount may be used.

  Further, when the initial filling amount is set in the printing apparatus in advance, and when it is assumed that the memory unit 100 is always new and effective, both the initial filling amount and the ink consumption amount can be omitted. As long as at least the memory unit 100 can be confirmed, the ink estimation information may be charged (the ink consumption is reset). In this case, the ink use permission information is information that can confirm that the memory unit is valid. If it is.

  In addition, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, a color printing apparatus is assumed, and a plurality of ink tanks, slots, memory units, and sliders are described. However, in the case of a monochrome printing apparatus, there may be only one ink tank, slot, memory unit, and slider.

  In the present embodiment, the printing operation is stopped when the sensor for detecting the presence or absence of ink detects the absence of ink. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The printing operation may be stopped when a predetermined number of count processes are performed (when the soft count is equal to or greater than a given threshold). If the sensor detects the presence of ink after the stop of the printing operation based on the detection of the absence of ink by the sensor, the printing apparatus returns to the state before the stop of the printing operation. For example, the states of the charged flag and the reserved flag are set to values before the printing operation is stopped. In the example of the state transition diagram of FIG. 13, since the detection of the absence of ink by the sensor is performed during the printing operation, the printing operation by the sensor can be stopped in each state of S1 to S6. In this case, the state Si (i is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ i ≦ 6) is shifted to a printing stop state (not shown), and Si that is the state before the stop is held (for example, stored in the storage unit 212). When it is detected that ink is present, a process of shifting from the printing stop state to the state Si is performed.

  Further, the method for detecting the mounting of the memory unit 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, two mounting detection terminals that are electrically connected are provided in the memory unit 100, and the processing unit 210 electrically connects between two main body side (slot side) mounting detection terminals corresponding to the two mounting detection terminals. You may detect mounting | wearing by detecting continuity.

  Further, the method by which the processing unit 210 selects the memory unit 100 to be accessed is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, if the processing unit 210 is configured to output the clock signal SCK individually for each slot 230, the memory unit can be selected by outputting the clock signal SCK only to a given memory unit. Alternatively, if the processing unit 210 is configured to input / output the data signal SDA individually for each slot 230, the data signal SDA (for example, a read command) is output only to a given memory unit, so that the memory unit is You can also choose.

  Further, the ink replenishing container is not limited to the ink pack 310. For example, the ink replenishing container may be a container using a hard member such as resin. Even in this case, the ink replenishing container only needs to withstand the use until the ink tank 221 is replenished, and the demand for durability and the like can be lowered as compared with the ink tank 221. In addition, when using the ink pack 310 (pouch pack), it is assumed that it is necessary to replenish all the ink inside the ink tank 221 after opening. In other words, once the ink pack 310 is opened, it is difficult to use it for the purpose of properly storing ink. On the other hand, when a hard member is used for the ink replenishing container and the refilling container itself can be plugged, the ink can be replenished several times.

  In addition, an area for storing unique information of the printing apparatus main body in which the memory unit 100 is mounted may be provided in the storage device 110. The unique information can be written into the storage device 110 when the processing unit 210 determines that the memory unit is appropriate, or together with the backup information. In this way, it is possible to link the printing apparatus and the memory unit that should be recovered from the failure of the storage unit 212. Further, when the printing apparatus is restored, the processing unit 210 determines whether or not the unique information of the storage device 110 and the own unique information of the storage device 110 are the same. If they are the same, the backup unit writes backup information to the storage unit 212 of the printing apparatus body. The recovery work can be completed easily. At this time, if the memory unit is not set to an invalid state, the reserved flag is also set to 1.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, a term described at least once together with a different term having a broader meaning or the same meaning in the specification or the drawings can be replaced with the different term in any part of the specification or the drawings. Further, the configuration and operation of the printing apparatus are not limited to those described in this embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Memory unit, 110 ... Memory | storage device, 200 ... Printing apparatus, 210 ... Processing part,
212 ... Storage unit, 213 ... Communication processing unit, 220 ... Ink storage unit, 221 ... Ink tank,
230 ... slot, 240 ... slider, 242 ... ink supply port cover,
250 ... operation unit, 300 ... ink pack set, 310 ... ink pack,
CCO: body side mounting detection terminal, CRST: reset terminal, CSCK: clock terminal,
CSDA ... Data terminal, CVDD ... Power supply terminal, CVSS ... Power supply terminal,
TCO: mounting detection terminal, TRST: reset terminal, TSCK: clock terminal,
TSDA: Data terminal, TVDD: Power supply terminal, TVSS: Power supply terminal

Claims (8)

A slot in which a memory unit for storing use amount information of ink stored in the ink storage unit is removable;
A processing unit that performs an update process of estimated ink amount information that is information for estimating the amount of ink in the ink storage unit;
Including
The processor is
When the memory unit is installed in the slot, a charge process is performed to update the ink estimated amount information with the use permission amount information of the memory unit,
A printing apparatus that, after the charging process, performs a process of writing the estimated ink amount information as backup information in an area that is different from an area where the use permission amount information is stored in a storage area of the memory unit. . In claim 1,
The processor is
When it is detected that the memory unit installed in the slot is removed and a second memory unit is installed in the slot, the use of the storage area of the second memory unit A printing apparatus that performs a process of writing the estimated ink amount information as the backup information in a region different from a region where permitted amount information is stored. In claim 2,
The processor is
After the charging process by the memory unit, when the second memory unit is installed in the slot, the second amount of ink consumption represented by the estimated ink amount information exceeds the second threshold until the second consumption amount is exceeded. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the charging process is performed by the second memory unit when the ink consumption exceeds the given threshold without performing the charging process by the second memory unit. In claim 3,
Including a storage unit for storing a charged flag and a reserved flag;
The processor is
When the charge process by the memory unit is performed, the charged flag is set on,
The reserved apparatus sets the reserved flag to ON when the second memory unit is installed in the slot before the ink consumption exceeds the given threshold value. In claim 4,
The processor is
The printing apparatus, wherein the reserved flag is set to OFF when the charge process is performed by the second memory unit. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
The processor is
A printing apparatus, wherein the memory unit is set to an invalid state when the charge process is performed by the memory unit. In claim 6,
The processor is
When the charge process is performed by the memory unit, the invalidation data is written into an area where the usage-permitted amount information is stored in the storage area of the memory unit. A printing apparatus that is set to an invalid state. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
A storage unit for storing the estimated ink amount information;
The backup information is
The printing apparatus, which is information used to restore the estimated ink amount information when the estimated ink amount information in the storage unit is in an abnormal state.

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