JP2018020575A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer capable of selecting a medium of a kind suitable for each of fax printing and maintaining printing and performing the fax printing and the maintaining printing.SOLUTION: A printer includes a plurality of feeding trays. If a print mode is a FAX mode (affirmation determination in S1), the printer performs FAX tray selection processing and selects the feeding tray at a priority at which plain paper and recycled paper are equal (S2). FAX printing then is performed on the selected plain paper or the recycled paper (S3). On the other hand, if the print mode is a maintenance mode (affirmation determination in S4), the printer performs maintaining tray selection processing and selects the plain paper, and when there is not the plain paper, select the feeding tray by selecting the recycled paper (S5). The printer then prints a checking pattern on whiter plain paper in preference to the recycled paper (S6).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus including a plurality of medium supply sources in which a medium fed as a printing target is set.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus (inkjet printer) including a plurality of feeding trays (an example of a medium supply source) on which a plurality of sheets (an example of a medium) can be set. The printing apparatus includes a first tray that holds high-quality paper and a second tray that holds plain paper. When the printing mode is the first mode (high quality mode), the control unit drives the first driving unit to perform high quality printing (unidirectional printing) on high quality paper, and the printing mode is the second mode (normal). In the print mode), the control unit drives the second drive unit to perform normal printing (bidirectional printing) on plain paper. Therefore, when the type relating to the quality of the medium, such as high-quality paper or plain paper, is referred to as “medium quality type”, this printing apparatus can perform printing on a medium of an appropriate quality according to the printing mode.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a composite printing apparatus (composite type) including a facsimile unit that receives a FAX signal and performs fax printing in addition to a normal printing function for printing an image such as a document or a photograph selected by a user. Machine) is disclosed.

  There is also known a printing apparatus that performs maintenance printing that prints a check pattern (test pattern) for the purpose of maintenance of the printing apparatus. As maintenance printing, for example, printing position adjustment printing (for example, Patent Document 3) that prints a check pattern that is referred to when an adjustment value for adjusting a printing position of a print head with respect to a sheet is selected and input is known. . Also known is nozzle check printing (for example, Patent Document 4) that prints a check pattern for the purpose of checking nozzle defects (nozzle clogging, etc.) of a print head.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-320854 JP 2011-37109 A JP 2002-292959 A JP 2002-283672 A

  By the way, in a printing apparatus equipped with a facsimile unit, in order to print on various types of media suitable for fax printing and maintenance printing, select which type of media is set to the feeding tray. There is no disclosure or suggestion in Patent Documents 1 to 4 regarding whether or not this should be done.

  Here, since it is sufficient that the user can read the fax printing and grasp the requirements, it is not necessary to print on relatively expensive high-quality paper. In maintenance printing, it is necessary to visually check a check pattern to determine a slight printing misalignment or microscopic dot missing. In particular, when the printing apparatus is a color printer, when printing on a medium of slightly inferior white with a light color ink such as yellow, it may be difficult to make an appropriate determination of printing misalignment and to find missing dots. . This results in a decrease in print quality by setting an inappropriate adjustment value in the printing apparatus, or by missing a dot and performing printing without cleaning.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a printing apparatus capable of performing maintenance printing by selecting a suitable type of medium for maintenance printing. is there. Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can select and perform various types of media suitable for fax printing and maintenance printing.

Hereinafter, means for solving the above-described problems and the effects thereof will be described.
A printing apparatus that solves the above-described problem is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a medium fed from a medium supply source selected from among a plurality of medium supply sources. A selection unit that selects a medium supply source in which a medium is set; and a maintenance unit that performs maintenance printing on the medium fed from the medium supply source. When the maintenance unit performs printing, the selection is performed. The unit selects a medium supply source in which a medium having a high whiteness degree is set out of two media having different whiteness degrees. When the medium is not set, the whiteness degree in the two media having different whiteness degrees is selected. When a medium supply source in which a medium having a low whiteness is set is selected and none of the two media having different whiteness levels is set, a predetermined process is performed.
In the printing apparatus, the predetermined process is one of a process for selecting another medium supply source in which a medium is set, a process for displaying an error, and a process for prompting the medium to be set. Preferably there is.
In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the medium having a high whiteness degree is plain paper, and the medium having a low whiteness degree is recycled paper.
The printing apparatus includes a facsimile unit that performs printing based on a received fax signal on a medium fed from a medium supply source, and when the facsimile unit performs printing, the selection unit includes plain paper or recycled paper. It is preferable to select a medium supply source in which is set, and if plain paper and recycled paper are not set, a medium supply source in which another medium is set is selected.
A printing apparatus that solves the above-described problem is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a medium fed from a medium supply source selected from among a plurality of medium supply sources. A selection unit that selects a medium supply source in which a medium is set, a facsimile unit that performs printing based on the received fax signal on a medium fed from the medium supply source, and a medium that carries maintenance printing from the medium supply source A maintenance unit that performs printing, and when the facsimile unit performs printing, the selection unit selects a medium supply source based on a rule corresponding to printing based on the fax signal, and the maintenance unit performs printing. When performing the above, the medium supply source is selected based on a rule different from the rule and corresponding to the maintenance printing.
In the printing apparatus, according to the rule corresponding to the maintenance printing, the medium supply source on which the white paper is set is selected with priority over the medium supply source on which the colored paper is set.
In the printing apparatus, according to the rule corresponding to the maintenance printing, the medium supply source in which plain paper is set among the medium supply sources in which the white paper is set is the medium supply in which recycled paper is set. It is preferred to select in preference to the source.
In the printing apparatus, according to the rule corresponding to the printing based on the fax signal, the medium supply source in which plain paper is set and the medium supply source in which recycled paper is set are set with other media set. It is preferable that the selection be made in preference to the medium source.
A printing apparatus that solves the above-described problem is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a medium fed from a medium supply source selected from among a plurality of medium supply sources. A selection unit that selects a medium supply source in which a medium is set, a facsimile unit that performs printing based on the received fax signal on a medium fed from the medium supply source, and a medium that carries maintenance printing from the medium supply source A maintenance unit that performs the printing operation when the facsimile unit performs printing, and the selection unit includes a medium supply source in which a first medium among the plurality of medium supply sources is set, and the first When one of the medium and the medium supply source in which the second medium of different quality is set is selected with the same priority, and the maintenance unit performs printing, the medium supply source is selected from the plurality of medium supply sources. Previous A medium supply source in which the first medium that is whiter than a second medium is set is selected, and the medium in which the second medium is set when the first medium is not set Select the source.

  According to this configuration, when the facsimile unit performs printing, one of the medium supply source in which the first medium is set and the medium supply source in which the second medium is set has the same priority. Selected. Thus, the fax is printed on the first medium or the second medium. When the maintenance unit performs printing, the medium supply source in which the first medium is set is selected, and maintenance printing is performed on the first medium that is whiter than the second medium. On the other hand, when the first medium is not set, the medium supply source in which the second medium is set is selected, and maintenance printing is performed on the second medium. Therefore, the fax can be appropriately printed on the first medium or the second medium that does not interfere with reading when printed, and the maintenance print is preferentially printed on the first medium that is whiter than the second medium. By doing so, it is easy to confirm the printing result.

  In the above printing apparatus, when neither the first medium nor the second medium is set in the plurality of medium supply sources, another medium supply source having a remaining amount of medium is used. It is preferable to perform a medium-less process including at least one of a selection process, an error display process, and a medium prompting process.

  According to this configuration, when neither the first medium nor the second medium is set in the plurality of medium supply sources, another medium supply source having a remaining amount of medium is used as a medium-less process. Since at least one of the process of selecting, the process of displaying an error, and the process of prompting the medium to be set is performed, it can be avoided that the facsimile printing or the maintenance printing is not performed.

  The printing apparatus may further include a storage unit that stores at least the quality of the medium set for each medium supply source, and the selection unit may include a storage unit for each medium supply source stored in the storage unit. It is preferable to select using the quality of the medium.

  According to this configuration, the selection unit uses the medium quality information set for each medium supply source stored in the storage unit to select a medium supply source in which an appropriate quality medium is set. You can select quickly.

  The above-described printing apparatus further includes a detection unit that detects a remaining amount of the medium set for each medium supply source or the presence or absence of the medium, and the selection unit performs selection using a detection result of the detection unit. Preferably it is done.

  According to this configuration, the selection unit supplies the medium in which the first medium or the second medium is set using at least the quality of the medium set for each medium supply source stored in the storage unit. When the source is selected, if the detection unit detects the medium in the selected medium supply source, the medium supply source is selected. Therefore, it is possible to avoid selecting an empty medium supply source in which no medium is set. On the other hand, if neither the medium supply source in which the first medium is set nor the medium supply source in which the second medium is set, the medium-less process is performed. Therefore, the selection unit can perform an appropriate process using the detection result of the detection unit.

  Furthermore, in the above printing apparatus, the maintenance printing includes nozzle check printing that is printed to check whether there is a nozzle defect when the print head is a liquid ejection method, and a print position in a direction that intersects the medium conveyance direction. It is preferable that at least one of printing position adjustment printing printed for adjustment and medium feeding position adjustment printing printed for adjusting the feeding position in the conveyance direction of the medium.

  According to this configuration, when at least one of nozzle check printing, print position adjustment printing, and medium feed position adjustment printing is performed as maintenance printing, printing is performed on the first medium. Easy to do. For example, in the case of nozzle check printing, it is possible to appropriately confirm whether or not the nozzle needs to be cleaned. In addition, in the case of medium feeding position adjustment printing, it is possible to appropriately select and set an adjustment value of the feeding position in the medium conveyance direction.

In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the first medium is plain paper and the second medium is recycled paper.
According to this configuration, it is possible to print a fax on plain paper or recycled paper that has no hindrance to read a printed fax and that is lower in quality and relatively inexpensive than high-quality paper. Further, since maintenance printing is performed on plain paper that is whiter than recycled paper, it is easy to check the printing result, and maintenance printing can be performed on recycled paper when plain paper is not set.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a multifunction printer. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printer. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printer. (A)-(d) is a figure which shows the transition of the setting screen which sets the corresponding | compatible relationship between a feeding tray and a paper type. The figure which shows the main menu screen displayed on the display part. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating setting data in which a correspondence relationship between a feeding tray and a paper type is set. The top view which shows an example of the pattern for a check for printing position adjustment. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating an example of a check pattern for adjusting a paper feed position. The top view which shows an example of the pattern for a check for a nozzle check. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print control processing according to a mode. 6 is a flowchart showing a FAX tray selection processing routine. The flowchart which shows the tray selection processing routine for a maintenance. 6 is a flowchart showing a normal printing tray selection processing routine.

Hereinafter, an embodiment embodied in a printer which is an example of a printing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.
The printer 11 shown in FIG. 1 is a multifunction machine having both a scan function, a print function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. The printer 11 includes an apparatus main body 12 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an operation panel 13 provided on the front surface of the apparatus main body 12 (the front surface of the right hand in FIG. 1). The operation panel 13 is provided with a display unit 14 and an operation unit 15 including a plurality of operation switches. The operation unit 15 includes a power switch 15a, a print start button 15b, a mode switching button 15c for switching various modes, and the like. Note that the display unit 14 of the present embodiment is a touch panel that can select and input the content corresponding to the button displayed on the screen, and this touch panel function also constitutes a part of the operation unit.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of (three in the example of FIG. 1) cassette-type feeding trays 16 that can accommodate (set) a plurality of sheets of paper P as an example of medium on the lower front surface of the apparatus body 12. To 18 (feed cassettes) are mounted in a detachable manner with respect to the respective housing recesses individually provided in corresponding portions of the apparatus main body 12.

  The feed trays 16 to 18 shown in FIG. 1 are cassette-type, and can accommodate a relatively large number of sheets. The number of sheets that can be accommodated is, for example, a predetermined number within a range of 100 to 500 sheets. The type of paper (paper size and quality) set in the feeding trays 16 to 18 is not changed much. Further, a manual feed tray 19 (manual feed tray) disposed in an inclined posture is provided on the back side of the apparatus main body 12. Since the feeding tray 19 is a manual feed type, the number of sheets that can be set is smaller than that of the feeding trays 16 to 18, for example, a predetermined number in the range of 1 to 100 sheets. For this reason, the frequency of changing the type of paper set on the manual feed tray 19 is relatively high. Hereinafter, when the three feeding trays 16 to 18 are distinguished from each other, they are referred to as a first tray 16, a second tray 17, and a third tray 18 in order from the upper side. In the present specification, “quality type” is used as a name indicating the type of paper quality such as plain paper and recycled paper. Then, “paper type” is used as a name including “paper size” and “quality type”. Here, “the paper type” is different means that at least one of “paper size” and “quality type” is different.

  The four feeding trays 16 to 19 of the present embodiment can support a plurality of paper sizes that are equal to or smaller than the maximum paper size that can be handled by the printer 11. As an example, when the maximum paper size is “A4 size”, a plurality of paper sizes of A4 size or smaller can be handled by sliding paper guides (edge guides) (not shown) provided on the feeding trays 16 to 18. is there. In this embodiment, the maximum sheet size is described as an example of A4 size, but the maximum sheet size may be other sizes such as B4 size or B5 size.

  Further, in the printer 11, different types of paper P can be set in each of the four feeding trays 16 to 19, and the frequency of exchanging paper with different types before printing can be reduced. The types of paper used by being set in the feed trays 16 to 19 include plain paper, recycled paper, glossy paper, matte paper, photographic paper, high-quality paper (high quality paper), and colored paper. Other than colored paper, white paper (white medium) is generally used. Photo paper, glossy paper, and matte paper are almost as white as white, then plain paper is white, and recycled paper is white compared to plain paper. Inferior. In general, the price of quality-type paper is relatively high for photographic paper, glossy paper, matte paper and high-quality paper, cheap for plain paper, and cheaper for recycled paper. In the present embodiment, among the plain paper and the recycled paper that are white media, the plain paper corresponds to an example of the first medium, and the recycled paper that is inferior in whiteness to the plain paper is the second medium. It corresponds to an example. In addition, glossy paper, matte paper, photographic paper, and high-quality paper correspond to examples of high-quality media, recycled paper corresponds to an example of recycled media, and plain paper that is quality between the recycled media and high-quality media is ordinary media It corresponds to an example.

  The sheet P fed from one of the plurality of feeding trays 16 to 18 is reversed along a sheet reversing path (not shown) disposed on the back side in the apparatus main body 12, and then the transport direction Y It is conveyed along.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a carriage 22 that is reciprocally moved by being guided by a guide shaft 21 that extends in a main scanning direction X (in the width direction in this example) intersecting the transport direction Y is provided in the apparatus main body 12. Yes. The print head 23 attached to the lower part of the carriage 22 has a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting ink droplets onto the conveyed paper P (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1). By ejecting ink droplets from the nozzles during the reciprocating movement, the document P or the like is printed on the surface of the paper P. The printed paper P is sent in the transport direction Y and discharged from the discharge port 24 opened to the front middle position of the apparatus main body 12, and is stacked on, for example, a slide-type discharge stacker 25 (discharge tray).

  As described above, in the printer 11 shown in FIG. 1, the lower part of the apparatus main body 12 is the printer unit 26, and the scanner unit 27 is disposed on the upper side. The scanner unit 27 includes a document table (not shown) having a document reading surface disposed on the upper surface of the apparatus body 12 and a cover 28 provided on the upper side of the apparatus body 12 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the document table. An automatic document feeding unit 29 (auto document feeder) capable of setting a plurality of documents and feeding them one by one to the scanner unit 27 is provided on the upper portion of the cover 28.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the printer 11 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 11 includes a controller 30 that performs overall control, an operation panel 13, a scan engine 31, a print engine 32, and a facsimile communication unit (hereinafter referred to as “FAX communication unit 33”). . The printer 11 includes an external memory interface (hereinafter referred to as “external memory I / F 34”), a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / F 35”), and the like. The scan engine 31 includes a scanning head having a line sensor, an electric motor serving as a power source for scanning the scanning head, and a lamp that illuminates a reading position of the line sensor.

  The print engine 32 shown in FIG. 2 includes a print motor 23, a carriage motor 36 that serves as a power source for moving the carriage 22, a feed motor 37 that serves as a power source for feeding the paper P from the feed trays 16-19, A transport motor 38 serving as a power source for transporting the printed paper P, a cleaning device 39 for cleaning the nozzles of the print head 23, and the like. The controller 30 controls the print engine 32 based on the print data to print on the paper P. Further, the controller 30 drives and controls the scan engine 31 and the print engine 32, and causes the print engine 32 to print an image based on the image data of the document read by the scan engine 31, thereby “copying” the document. The printer 11 is a color printer as an example, and the print head 23 has nozzles for ejecting, for example, four colors of ink of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Separately, a predetermined number (180 or 360 as an example) is formed.

  The FAX communication unit 33 shown in FIG. 2 includes a ring detection unit (not shown) that can detect an incoming call via a telephone line. When a ring detection signal is input from the ring detection unit, a fax incoming call is notified. The controller 30 is notified. After this notification, the FAX communication unit 33 connects to the telephone line in accordance with an instruction from the controller 30 and receives fax data. The controller 30 causes the print engine 32 to drive and control the FAX document based on the received fax data to be printed on the paper P. The FAX communication unit 33 also has a function of transmitting fax data from the printer 11 by connecting to a telephone line.

  The external memory I / F 34 allows the controller 30 to access an external storage medium EM (for example, a memory card) inserted into the slot 12a of the printer 11. When the controller 30 receives the card print command, the controller 30 drives and controls the print engine 32 based on the image data read from the external storage medium EM via the external memory I / F 34 to print an image.

  The communication I / F 35 is for connecting the printer 11 to the host device 100. When the user designates a print target including at least one of an image and a document displayed on the monitor of the host device 100 and instructs execution of printing, a printer driver (not shown) in the host device 100 outputs print data. Generate and send to the printer 11. The controller 30 drives and controls the print engine 32 based on the print data received from the host device 100 to print a print target including at least one of an image and a document. The host device 100 may be a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA (Personal Digital Assistants)), a tablet PC, a smartphone, or the like.

  The controller 30 shown in FIG. 2 includes a computer 40. The computer 40 includes a CPU 41 (central processing unit), an ASIC 42 (Application Specific IC), a nonvolatile memory 43 and a RAM 44 as an example of a storage unit. The nonvolatile memory 43 stores programs necessary for various controls of the printer 11. As a part of the program, the nonvolatile memory 43 feeds paper from a feed tray on which a paper of a type corresponding to the print mode is set, and performs printing according to the print mode at that time. 13 stores a print control program shown in the flowchart. In the print mode, a FAX mode for printing a received FAX, a maintenance mode for printing a check pattern to be referred to when a user selects and inputs an adjustment value for print control, and other normal printing are performed. There are mainly three modes of the normal printing mode.

  Further, in the nonvolatile memory 43, each feeding tray is used as reference data to be referred to when the CPU 41 that executes the above-described printing control program selects a feeding tray on which the type of paper corresponding to the printing mode is set. Setting data SD (refer to FIG. 6) indicating the correspondence between 16 to 19 and the type of paper set in it is stored. Here, “paper type” in this example refers to “paper size” and “quality type” as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the apparatus main body 12, a feeding drive unit 46 that feeds the paper P one by one from each of the feeding trays 16 to 18 using a feeding motor 37 as a power source is provided for each feeding tray. ing. Each feeding drive unit 46 includes a pickup roller 48 that is rotatably supported at the tip of a swing member 47 that is pivotally supported by the frame on the apparatus main body 12 side. When the pick-up roller 48 urged by a spring (not shown) rotates in a direction in contact with the upper surface of the paper P set on the paper feed trays 16 to 18, the uppermost sheet in the paper group is downstream in the paper feeding direction. Sent out. Further, the feed roller 49 provided in the vicinity of the base end portion of the manual feed tray 19 is driven to rotate by the power of the feed motor 37, so that the topmost of the paper group on the feed tray 19. Is sent to the downstream side in the feeding direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus main body 12 is provided with tray sensors 51 to 53 that can detect removal and attachment of the feeding trays 16 to 18 for each feeding tray. These tray sensors 51 to 53 are connected to input terminals of the controller 30.

  Further, in the apparatus main body 12 or the feeding trays 16 to 18, paper sensors 54 to 56 as an example of a detection unit capable of detecting the presence or absence of the paper P on the feeding trays 16 to 18 are provided. It is provided for each. Further, the apparatus main body 12 is provided with a paper sensor 57 as an example of a detection unit capable of detecting the presence or absence of the paper P on the manual feed tray 19. These paper sensors 54 to 57 are connected to the input terminals of the controller 30.

  For this reason, the controller 30 can detect a specific operation that is mounted again after the feeding trays 16 to 18 are removed from the apparatus main body 12 based on the detection signals of the tray sensors 51 to 53. At this time, there is a possibility that the paper P set in the feed trays 16 to 18 has been replaced and the type of the paper has been changed. The controller 30 detects that the paper on the manual feed tray 19 has been replaced when the detection signal of the paper sensor 57 is switched from the non-detection state to the detection state. At this time, the paper P on the manual feed tray 19 may be replaced and the type of paper set may be changed.

  The paper sensors 54 to 57 output a detection signal indicating the presence of paper to the controller 30 when the paper P set in the feed trays 16 to 19 is detected, and are set in the feed trays 16 to 19. When there is no paper P, a non-detection signal indicating that there is no paper is output to the controller 30. For this reason, the controller 30 can check the presence or absence of the remaining amount of the paper P on the feed trays 16 to 19 based on signals from the paper sensors 54 to 57. The paper sensors 54 to 57 may be contact type or non-contact type switch type sensors, and may include a distance sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, and the like that can detect the remaining amount of the paper P.

  Next, the functional configuration of the controller 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The controller 30 includes a functional part constructed as software by a CPU 41 that executes a program, and a functional part constructed by a program written in a circuit in the ASIC 42. Specifically, the controller 30 includes a setting unit 61, a mode determination unit 62, a tray selection unit 63 as an example of a selection unit, and a control unit 64 as functional components.

  The control unit 64 illustrated in FIG. 3 manages various controls in the printer 11 including print control. The control unit 64 includes a print control unit 65 that performs normal printing, a facsimile control unit 66 that prints a fax document received by the fax communication unit 33, and a maintenance control unit 67 that prints a check pattern. And. Here, normal printing refers to printing different from FAX printing and maintenance printing. For example, printing based on print data received from the host device 100, printing based on image data read from the external storage medium EM (such as card printing). ) And copy printing. In the present embodiment, the FAX communication unit 33 and the facsimile control unit 66 constitute an example of a facsimile unit. The maintenance control unit 67 constitutes an example of a maintenance unit.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a main menu screen 70 is displayed on the display unit 14. On the main menu screen 70, a print button 71 for selecting a process to be executed by the printer 11. A scan button 72, a copy button 73, a FAX button 74, a maintenance button 75, and a tray setting button 76 are prepared. In the main menu screen 70 shown in FIG. 5, when one of the “print”, “scan”, “copy”, “FAX”, “maintenance”, and “tray setting” buttons 71 to 76 is selected and operated, the subordinate regarding the selected item is displayed. The setting screen is displayed. Setting conditions are changed by selecting a selection item on the setting screen. For example, when the print button 71 is selected, the screen is switched to a selection screen for selecting the type of printing. For example, when card printing for reading and printing image data from an external storage medium (for example, a memory card) inserted in the slot 12a is performed, A print button (not shown) is selected, print conditions are set, and the operation unit 15 is operated to instruct execution of printing.

  The scan button 72 is operated when scanning a document, and a scan condition can be set and a scan execution instruction operation can be performed on the lower screen. The copy button 73 is operated when copying, and setting of copy conditions and a copy execution instruction operation are possible on the lower screen. The FAX button 74 is operated when FAX is performed, and FAX condition setting and FAX printing execution instruction operation can be performed on the lower screen. The maintenance button 75 is operated when performing maintenance printing such as a test pattern to be referred to when selecting an adjustment value for print control of the printer 11 and a nozzle check pattern for checking nozzle clogging. . On the maintenance screen of the lower screen that is displayed by operating the maintenance button 75, it is possible to select the type of maintenance (adjustment) and perform an operation to instruct execution of printing a check pattern according to the type. Further, the tray setting button 76 is operated when updating the setting data SD (see FIG. 6) indicating the correspondence between the feeding trays 16 to 19 and the type of paper set (paper size and quality type). Is done. In the lower screen displayed by operating the tray setting button 76, it is possible to select a feeding tray and input the type of paper (paper size and quality) that has been set.

Next, returning to FIG. 3, the functions of the setting unit 61, the mode determination unit 62, the tray selection unit 63, and the control unit 64 will be described in detail.
The setting unit 61 illustrated in FIG. 3 is activated when, for example, the tray setting button 76 is operated, and causes the display unit 14 to display the setting screen 80 illustrated in FIG. The setting screen 80 shown in FIG. 4A is provided with tray selection buttons 81A, 81B, 81C in which the paper size and type of the paper P set for each feeding tray are displayed in the button display area. When the arrow key 82 is operated, the screen is scrolled in the direction of the operated arrow, and all tray selection buttons can be selected.

  For example, when the selection operation of the tray selection button 81A for the first tray is performed on the setting screen 80, the screen is switched to the tray-specific setting screen 83 shown in FIG. The tray setting screen 83 includes a paper size button 84 that is operated when setting the paper size of the paper P set in the selected feeding tray, and a quality type button that is operated when setting the quality type. 85 is provided.

  For example, when the paper size button 84 is selected, the screen is switched to a paper size selection screen 86 shown in FIG. In the example of the paper size selection screen 86, a list of paper size candidates such as A4 size, B5 size, A5 size, and letter is displayed by a button 87 as a selection target of the paper size. When the arrow key 82 in the screen 86 is operated, the screen is scrolled in the direction of the operated arrow, and all the paper size buttons 89 can be selected. As shown in the example of FIG. 4C, when the “B5” button 87 indicated by a thick frame in FIG. 4 is selected as the paper size, “B5” is set instead of “A4”.

  On the other hand, when the quality type button 85 is selected on the tray-specific setting screen 83 shown in FIG. 4B, the quality type selection screen 88 shown in FIG. In the example of the quality type selection screen 88, a list of quality type candidates that can be supported by a printer such as plain paper, recycled paper, colored paper, and photographic paper is displayed by a button 89. When an arrow key 82 in the screen 88 is operated, the screen is scrolled in the direction of the operated arrow, and all types of buttons 89 can be selected. As shown in the example of FIG. 4D, when the “colored paper” button 89 indicated by a thick frame in FIG. 4 is selected as the quality type, “colored paper” is set instead of “plain paper”. Is done. In this way, the setting data SD is updated.

  By the way, when the user replaces the paper set in at least one of the feeding trays 16 to 19 with a different type of paper, the correspondence between the actual feeding trays 16 to 19 and the type of paper is set to the setting data SD. Will be different. For this reason, there is a possibility of printing on a paper different from the paper type designated at the time of printing. Therefore, when the setting unit 61 of the present embodiment detects a specific operation in which the user replaces the paper set in the feeding tray, the setting unit 61 inquires the display unit 14 about the type of the paper set in the feeding tray. An inquiry screen 83A that prompts the input is displayed. The inquiry screen 83A is, for example, a screen similar to the tray-specific setting screen 83 shown in FIG. 4B. For example, a message that prompts input such as “Please input the type of paper set in the feeding tray.” Is displayed.

  When at least one of the paper size and the quality type is changed by the operation on the inquiry screen 83A, the setting unit 61 updates the data portion corresponding to the corresponding feeding tray in the setting data SD with the changed content. . In this way, the nonvolatile memory 43 stores setting data SD indicating the correspondence between the feeding tray and the type of paper set in the feeding tray. If there is no change in the paper size and quality, by operating a cancel button (not shown) prepared on the inquiry screen 83A, the settings so far are maintained and the display unit 14 is switched to the main menu screen 70.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the setting data SD, the index In assigned by number to each feeding tray, the feeding trays 16 to 19 corresponding to the index In, and the paper type are set. As described above, the paper type includes the paper size and the quality type. FIG. 6 shows an example after the paper size of the first tray 16 is changed to “B5” and the quality type is changed to “colored paper” in FIGS. 4C and 4D. That is, in the setting data SD shown in FIG. 6, “colored paper” of “B5 size” is set in the first tray 16, “recycled paper” of “A4 size” is set in the second tray 17, and the third tray. “A4 size” “plain paper” is set in 18, and “B5 size” “plain paper” is set in the manual feed tray 19.

  The mode determination unit 62 shown in FIG. 3 determines the print mode based on the input signal. The mode determination unit 62 receives an operation signal instructing printing from the operation unit 15, a FAX signal received by the FAX communication unit 33, and print data received through the communication I / F 35. The mode determination unit 62 determines the FAX mode when a FAX signal (which may be FAX data) transmitted when the FAX communication unit 33 receives a FAX is input, and the maintenance displayed on the display unit 14. When an operation signal when an operation for instructing maintenance printing is performed on the screen is input, it is determined that the maintenance mode is set. Further, the mode determination unit 62 receives an operation signal when an operation for instructing normal printing (such as card printing or copy printing) is performed on the print instruction screen displayed on the display unit 14, and from the host device 100. When a print signal (which may be print data) for instructing printing is input, it is determined that the normal print mode is set. The mode determination result is sent from the mode determination unit 62 to the tray selection unit 63.

  The tray selection unit 63 selects a feeding tray on which a type of paper corresponding to the print mode is set. Specifically, in the normal print mode, the tray selection unit 63 sets the setting data SD to the feeding tray in which the same type of paper as the type of paper included in the header of the input data is set. Browse to select. Further, in the FAX mode, the tray selection unit 63 selects a feeding tray with the same priority (same level) for recycled paper and plain paper. Further, in the maintenance mode, the tray selection unit 63 selects the feeding tray so that the plain paper is given the highest priority, and if there is no plain paper, the recycled paper is given the next priority.

  In the normal print mode, the print control unit 65 drives the print engine 32 based on the input data to perform printing. Specifically, the print control unit 65 executes printing based on print data received from the host device 100, card printing for printing an image read from an external storage medium EM (for example, a memory card), and copy printing. If the facsimile control unit 66 determines that the FAX mode is selected, the facsimile engine 66 drives and controls the print engine 32 based on the FAX data to print a FAX document.

  In the maintenance mode, the maintenance control unit 67 shown in FIG. 3 performs maintenance printing according to the maintenance printing item selected on the maintenance screen. Specifically, the maintenance control unit 67 reads the check pattern print data corresponding to the maintenance print item, and drives the print engine 32 based on the print data to print the check pattern. The maintenance printing items include, for example, printing position adjustment printing (gap adjustment printing) for adjusting the printing position of the print head 23 in the main scanning direction X, and paper feeding for adjusting the feeding position in the paper transport direction. There are position adjustment printing, nozzle check printing for checking the presence or absence of defects such as nozzle clogging of the print head 23, and the like.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the check pattern 91 for adjusting the print position, and adjusts the deviation between the print position (ink landing position) in the forward movement process and the print position in the backward movement process of the print head 23 during bidirectional printing. Used for Bi-d adjustment (gap adjustment). The check pattern 91 includes a plurality of unit patterns 92 that are printed by changing the adjustment values that define the print position in the forward movement process and the print position in the backward movement process little by little. The user visually confirms the check pattern 91 printed on the plain paper P1, and inputs the number assigned to the unit pattern 92 with the smallest print deviation to the printer 11 by operating the operation unit 15 to determine the print position. Set the adjustment value. In FIG. 7, only the check pattern 91 for one color is shown.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a check pattern 93 for adjusting the paper feed position. The check pattern 93 includes a plurality of unit patterns 96 formed by printing two horizontally long bars 94 and 95 by changing the condition of the sheet feed pitch by the transport motor 38. The user visually confirms the check pattern 93 printed on the plain paper P1, and the number assigned to the unit pattern 96 with the smallest deviation in the transport direction between the bars 94 and 95 is displayed on the printer by operating the operation unit 15. 11 to set the adjustment value of the paper feed position.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a check pattern 97 for nozzle check. The check pattern 97 includes a plurality of patterns 98 that are formed for each ink color (for each CMYK) so that the print dots are not overlapped by ejecting ink droplets using all the nozzles of the print head 23. The user visually confirms the check pattern 97 printed on the plain paper P1, and when there is a missing dot 99 due to nozzle clogging or the like, the user operates the operation unit 15 to instruct cleaning, and the cleaning device 39 Nozzle cleaning of the print head 23 is performed.

  Next, the operation of the printer 11 will be described. Hereinafter, tray selection processing in each print mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, an overall print control process involving a tray selection process will be described with reference to FIG. When a signal or data that triggers execution of printing is input, the CPU 41 executes the program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 to 13, the feeding tray is simply referred to as “tray”.

  First, in step S1, it is determined whether the FAX mode is set based on the input signal or data. When the input signal is a FAX signal, it is determined that the FAX mode is selected, and when it is any other signal or data, it is determined that the FAX mode is not selected. If it is the FAX mode, the process proceeds to step S2 to execute FAX tray selection processing. In step S3, the paper is fed from the selected FAX feeding tray to perform FAX printing.

  On the other hand, if it is not the FAX mode in Step S2, the process proceeds to Step S4, and it is determined whether or not it is the maintenance mode. If the input signal is a maintenance print instruction signal, the maintenance mode is determined. If the input signal is any other signal, it is determined that the maintenance mode is not set. If it is the maintenance mode, the process proceeds to step S5, and a maintenance tray selection process is executed. In step S6, a check pattern is printed by feeding paper from the selected feed tray.

  On the other hand, if it is not the maintenance mode in step S4 (that is, if it is the normal printing mode), the process proceeds to step S7, and the normal printing tray selection process is executed. In the next step S8, it is determined whether or not the feeding tray can be selected. If the feeding tray can be selected, the process proceeds to step S9 to feed the paper from the selected feeding tray and perform normal printing. . On the other hand, if the tray cannot be selected in step S8, the process proceeds to step S10 and an error notification is given.

  In addition, the mode determination part 62 shown in FIG. 3 performs the mode determination process of step S1 and S4. Further, the tray selection unit 63 performs a tray selection process in steps S2, S5, and S7. Further, the facsimile control unit 66 performs the FAX printing process in step S3, the maintenance control unit 67 performs the check pattern printing process in step S5, and the print control unit 65 performs the normal printing process in step S7.

  Next, details of each tray selection process in steps S2, S5 and S7 in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. These tray selection processes are performed by the tray selection unit 63 with reference to setting data SD shown in FIG. First, the FAX tray selection processing routine shown in FIG. 11 will be described.

  In step S11, the first tray is selected. Tray selection processing is performed in the order of the index In attached to each data in the setting data SD shown in FIG. For this reason, in step S11, the first tray with the index “1” in the setting data SD is selected.

  In the next step S12, it is determined whether or not the selected tray is plain paper or recycled paper. Specifically, the quality type corresponding to the first tray of the index “1” in the setting data SD is checked to determine whether the quality type is plain paper or recycled paper. If the quality type is plain paper or recycled paper, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, it is determined whether the selected tray has a remaining amount. Specifically, the presence or absence of paper in the tray is determined based on a detection signal from one of the paper sensors 54 to 57 corresponding to the tray, and if there is paper, it is determined that there is a remaining amount. If there is a remaining amount, the tray is selected and the routine is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the paper is not plain paper or recycled paper, or if it is determined that the tray selected in step S13 has no remaining amount, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, it is determined whether all have been selected. That is, it is determined whether or not all the indexes have been selected from the setting data SD. If not all have been selected (No in S14), the process proceeds to step S15 to select the next tray. For example, the index is updated to an index In = In + 1 (for example, “2”) obtained by adding “1” to the current index In (for example, “1”). Then, the process returns to step S12.

  Hereinafter, similarly, the process of steps S12 to S14 is performed on the updated index, and the selected tray is plain paper or recycled paper (positive determination in S12), and the selected tray has a remaining amount ( Steps S12 to S15 are repeated until it is determined that the determination in step S13 is affirmative) or until it is determined in step S14 that all have been selected. For example, if the setting data SD shown in FIG. 6 is set, the first tray is not selected because the quality type corresponding to the first tray of the index “1” is “colored paper”. Thereafter, since the quality type corresponding to the second tray of the index “2” is “recycled paper”, the second tray is selected. Also, if the quality type corresponding to the second tray of index “2” is neither recycled paper nor plain paper, then the quality type corresponding to the third tray of index “3” is “plain paper”. The third tray 18 is selected.

  On the other hand, if there is neither plain paper nor recycled paper in the qualities corresponding to all trays set in the setting data SD, it is determined that all the plain paper and recycled paper are selected in step S14, and the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, a tray with paper is selected. That is, as a paper-less process (an example of a medium-less process) that is performed when both plain paper and recycled paper are not present, paper out of a feeding tray in which other types of paper other than plain paper and recycled paper are set One feeding tray that is determined to have paper based on the sensor signal is selected. In addition to this, as a paper-less process, a paper-feeding tray may be selected in the order of the index, or a paper-feeding tray may be selected by giving priority to a paper size suitable for FAX in advance. In addition, a paper feed tray may be selected in an order that prioritizes quality types similar to preset plain paper and recycled paper (for example, an order that prioritizes low quality types). Furthermore, when there is no plain paper and recycled paper, the paperless process is continued, or when there are no other types other than the plain paper and recycled paper for performing the paperless process, plain paper or recycled paper is set. The user may be prompted to do so, or printing may be stopped as a paper out error.

  In this way, in the FAX mode, the feeding tray on which plain paper or recycled paper is set is selected with priority equal to the feeding tray on which other types of paper are set, and the plain paper or recycled paper is selected. FAX printing is performed on Accordingly, it is possible to print a FAX document on a relatively inexpensive paper P that does not hinder reading.

Next, details of the maintenance tray selection processing routine shown in FIG. 12 will be described.
In step S21, the first tray is selected. In order to perform tray selection processing in the order of the indexes in the setting data SD shown in FIG. 6, the first tray 16 with the index “1” is selected.

  In the next step S22, it is determined whether or not plain paper is set in the selected tray. Specifically, the quality type corresponding to the first tray 16 with the index “1” in the setting data SD is checked to determine whether or not the quality type is plain paper. If the quality type is plain paper, the process proceeds to step S23 to determine whether the selected tray has a remaining amount. Specifically, the presence / absence of paper is determined based on a detection signal from a paper sensor that can detect the presence / absence of paper on the feeding tray among the paper sensors 54 to 57, and if there is paper, it is determined that there is a remaining amount. To do. If there is a remaining amount, the tray is selected and the routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the paper is not plain paper, or if it is determined that there is no remaining amount of the tray selected in step S23, the process proceeds to step S24, and it is determined whether or not all are selected. That is, it is determined whether or not all the indexes have been selected from the setting data SD. If not all have been selected (in the case of negative determination in S24), the process proceeds to step S25 to select the next tray. For example, the index is updated to an index In = In + 1 (for example, “2”) obtained by adding “1” to the current index In (for example, “1”). Then, the process returns to step S22.

  Hereinafter, similarly, the processing of steps S22 to S24 is performed for the current index, and the plain paper is set in the selected tray (Yes in S22), and the selected tray has a remaining amount ( Steps S22 to S25 are repeated until it is determined in S23 that the determination is affirmative) or until it is determined in step S24 that all have been selected. For example, in the example in which the setting data SD shown in FIG. 6 is set, since the quality type corresponding to the first tray 16 with the index “1” is “colored paper”, the first tray 16 is not selected. After that, since it is determined that the quality type corresponding to the third tray 18 with the index “3” is “plain paper”, the third tray 18 is selected. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that all have been selected, the process proceeds to step S26. In other words, if there is no “plain paper” in the qualities corresponding to all trays set in the setting data SD, a search is made for a feeding tray in which “recycled paper” having the next highest priority is set. Proceed to step S26.

In the next step S26, the first tray is selected. That is, the first tray with the index “1” in the setting data SD shown in FIG. 6 is selected.
In the next step S27, it is determined whether or not the selected tray is recycled paper. Specifically, the quality type corresponding to the first tray of the index “1” in the setting data SD is checked to determine whether or not the quality type is recycled paper. If the quality type is recycled paper, the process proceeds to step S28 to determine whether or not the selected tray has a remaining amount. Specifically, the presence / absence of paper is determined based on a detection signal from a paper sensor that can detect the presence / absence of paper on the feeding tray among the paper sensors 54 to 57, and it is determined that there is a remaining amount if there is paper. To do. If there is a remaining amount, the routine ends with the tray selected.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S27 that it is not recycled paper, or if it is determined that there is no remaining amount of the tray selected in step S28, the process proceeds to step S29 and it is determined whether or not all are selected. That is, it is determined whether or not all the indexes have been selected from the setting data SD. If not all have been selected (NO in S29), the process proceeds to step S30 to select the next tray. For example, an index (for example, “2”) having a value obtained by adding “1” to the current index (for example, “1”) is selected. Then, the process returns to step S27.

  Similarly, the processes of steps S27 to S30 are performed for the current index, and the selected tray is recycled paper (positive determination in S27) and the selected tray has a remaining amount (positive determination in S28). Until it determines, or until it determines with having selected all by step S29, the process of step S27-S30 is repeated. For example, in the example in which there is no plain paper in the setting data SD and recycled paper is set for the quality type corresponding to the second tray of the index “2”, the quality type corresponding to the second tray of the index “2” is “ Since it is “recycled paper”, the second tray is selected. If the quality corresponding to the tray in the setting data SD does not include both plain paper and recycled paper (if affirmative determination is made in S29), the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S31, paper-less processing (an example of medium-less processing) is performed as in step S16. In this embodiment, specifically, a tray with paper is selected. In this case, a tray with paper may be selected by giving priority to a paper size suitable for maintenance in advance, or in an order of giving priority to quality types similar to preset plain paper and recycled paper (for example, low quality A tray with paper may be selected in the order of priority of quality types). Furthermore, when there is neither plain paper nor recycled paper, the paperless process is continued, or when there is no other type other than the plain paper and recycled paper for performing the paperless process, plain paper is set. The user may be prompted, or printing may be stopped as a paper out error.

  Thus, in the maintenance mode, the feeding tray on which plain paper is set is selected with priority over the feeding tray on which recycled paper is set. For this reason, the check pattern is printed on the plain paper P1 which is relatively cheap and has a whiteness superior to that of the recycled paper. Therefore, the user can appropriately confirm visually the printing misalignment or missing dot in the check pattern, and can set an appropriate adjustment value or perform an appropriate cleaning.

  If there is no plain paper in any of the feed trays, the feed tray on which recycled paper having the next highest priority is set is selected preferentially, and the feed is selected from the selected feed tray. The check pattern is printed on the recycled paper.

Next, details of the normal printing tray selection processing routine shown in FIG. 13 will be described. In the normal printing mode, printing is instructed by specifying printing conditions including paper size and quality type.
In step S41, the first tray is selected. The first tray with index “1” in the setting data SD shown in FIG. 6 is selected.

  In the next step S42, it is determined whether or not the designated sheet is set in the selected tray. Specifically, the quality type and the paper size corresponding to the first tray of the index “1” in the setting data SD are checked, and it is determined whether or not the quality type and the paper size match those specified. If it is the designated paper (Yes in S42), the process proceeds to step S43 to determine whether or not the selected tray has a remaining amount. The determination regarding the remaining amount is made based on a signal from the paper sensor corresponding to the selected tray. If there is a remaining amount, the tray is selected and the routine is terminated. On the other hand, if there is no remaining amount, the process proceeds to step S44.

  In step S44, it is determined whether all have been selected. If all the indexes of the setting data SD have not been selected (No determination in S44), the process proceeds to step S45 to select the next tray (In = In + 1). Then, the process returns to step S42.

  Thereafter, similarly, the processes of steps S42 to S44 are performed for the updated index. Until the selected tray is the paper size and quality specified in the printing conditions (Yes in S42) and the selected tray is determined to have a remaining amount (Yes in S43) or all in Step S44 Until it determines with having selected, the process of step S42-S45 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the paper size and quality type corresponding to all trays set in the setting data SD do not match the designated paper size and quality type, it is determined that all the paper sizes and quality types have been selected in step S44, and the process proceeds to step S46. . In step S46, a tray selection error is determined, and this is displayed on the display unit 14.

According to the first embodiment described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When the facsimile control unit 66 performs fax printing (in the FAX mode), the tray selection unit 63 selects a feeding tray on which plain paper is set from the plurality of feeding trays 16 to 19 and recycled paper. One of the set feeding trays is selected with equal priority, and the fax is printed on plain paper or recycled paper. Further, when the maintenance control unit 67 performs printing (in the maintenance mode), a feeding tray on which plain paper is set is selected from the plurality of feeding trays 16 to 19, and maintenance printing is performed more than recycled paper. Made on white plain paper. When plain paper is not set, a feeding tray on which recycled paper is set is selected, and maintenance printing is performed on the recycled paper. Therefore, the fax can be printed on plain paper or recycled paper that is relatively inexpensive and has no trouble in reading, and the check pattern (maintenance printing) can be preferentially printed on plain white paper rather than recycled paper. This makes it easy to check the print result of the check pattern.

  (2) In both the FAX mode and the maintenance mode, when neither plain paper nor recycled paper is set in all the feeding trays 16 to 19, the paper-free process is performed. In particular, in this example, as a paper-out process, a process of selecting another feeding tray on which another type of paper having a remaining amount of paper is set is performed. Therefore, FAX printing or maintenance printing can be performed even when neither plain paper nor recycled paper is set. For example, it is possible to avoid a situation in which FAX printing or maintenance printing cannot be performed when the user has no spare paper for setting both plain paper and recycled paper. In addition, when neither plain paper nor recycled paper is set, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the paper is left without performing FAX printing or maintenance printing.

  (3) The tray selection unit 63 sets, for each feeding tray, a quality sheet suitable for the print mode, using the setting data SD indicating the correspondence with the type of the set sheet. Since the feeding tray is selected, the feeding tray can be selected quickly.

  (4) When the tray selection unit 63 selects a feeding tray using the setting data SD, the remaining amount of paper is stored in the selected feeding tray based on a signal from the paper sensor corresponding to the selected feeding tray. If there is a remaining amount, the feeding tray is selected. If there is no remaining amount, the feeding tray is not selected. Therefore, it is possible to avoid selecting a feeding tray with an empty sheet. On the other hand, when there is no feeding tray on which plain paper or recycled paper is set, paper-free processing is performed. Therefore, the tray selection unit 63 can perform appropriate processing using the detection result of the paper sensor.

  (5) Paperless processing is a process of selecting other feed trays with other types of paper that have a remaining amount of paper other than plain paper and recycled paper, so FAX printing and maintenance printing are canceled. Can be done without being.

  (6) When printing at least one of nozzle check printing, printing position adjustment printing (gap adjustment printing), and paper feed position adjustment printing as check pattern printing (maintenance printing), it is usually whiter than recycled paper Since it is printed on paper, it is easy to check the printing result. For example, in the case of nozzle check printing, it can be properly confirmed whether or not the nozzle needs to be cleaned. Further, in the case of printing position adjustment printing, it is possible to confirm the shift of the printing position in the main scanning direction X and perform the adjustment appropriately. Further, in the case of the paper feed position adjustment printing, it is possible to confirm the shift of the feed position in the paper transport direction and perform the adjustment appropriately.

In addition, the said embodiment can also be changed into the following forms.
The medium-less process may include at least one of a process for selecting another medium supply source with a remaining amount of medium, a process for displaying an error, and a process for prompting a medium set. For example, in the error display process, an error notification screen indicating that there is no appropriate paper (medium) is displayed on the display unit 14. In the processing for prompting the medium setting, a screen for prompting the user to set plain paper or recycled paper is displayed on the display unit 14 in the FAX mode, and a screen for prompting the user to set plain paper is displayed on the display unit 14 in the maintenance mode. Further, in the case of the normal printing mode, a screen for prompting setting of the designated paper is displayed on the display unit 14. When the user sets paper, printing is performed on the set paper. Moreover, you may display one screen containing the message which alert | reports an error and a medium setting. Further, when at least one of the error notification screen and the medium setting prompt screen is canceled or permitted, another medium supply source having a medium remaining amount may be selected.

  The first medium is not limited to plain paper, but may be any material that is whiter than the second medium. For example, high-quality paper, glossy paper, matte paper or photographic paper may be used. The second medium is not limited to recycled paper, but may be any kind that is inferior in whiteness to the first medium. For example, when the first medium is fine paper, the second medium may be plain paper or recycled paper.

  In the embodiment, the qualities may be determined in the reverse order of the index order. Also, the order of trays to be determined may be changed randomly. Even in these configurations, two medium supply sources in which both the first medium and the second medium are set are selected with equal priority.

  In the embodiment, when referring to the setting data SD, first, a quality type corresponding to the printing mode at that time is searched in the setting data SD, and if a corresponding quality type can be searched, a feeding tray corresponding to the quality type is searched. You may perform the process which selects. In the above-described embodiment, the setting data SD only needs to store at least the quality of the medium set for each feeding tray.

  -You may abolish the paper sensor as an example of a detection part. In this case, the mediumless process is performed when the paper sensor capable of detecting the fed paper at a predetermined position on the transport path does not detect the paper even though the transport motor 38 is driven at a predetermined number of revolutions or more. At least one of a process for displaying an error and a process for prompting a medium to be set may be performed.

  Instead of allowing the user to input at least one of the quality type and size of the medium set in the medium supply source, a quality type sensor and a size sensor may be provided and detected. In this case, the detected quality type and size may be stored in the setting data SD, or instead of abandoning the setting data SD and referring to the setting data SD, a quality sensor or size sensor is used for quality. Species and size may be detected.

  The number of cassette-type feeding trays (feeding cassettes) is not limited to three, and the number of manual-type feeding trays (manual feeding trays) is not limited to one. For example, there may be a plurality of only one, or there may be an arbitrary number of one or more manual feed trays and feeding cassettes. Further, a plurality of trays (an example of a medium supply source) in which different types of paper can be set in one feeding cassette are stored, and one of the trays is selected to feed paper. But you can. If this feeding cassette is used, only one printer may be used. In short, it is sufficient that the printing apparatus includes a plurality of medium supply sources that can select and feed different types of media. Further, some of the plurality of medium supply sources provided in the printing apparatus may be selected by the selection unit. The medium supply source is not limited to a cassette type or a manual feed type, and may be a belt conveyance type medium supply source or a long medium supply source for feeding a long medium such as roll paper.

In the case of selecting another type of medium that does not have both the first medium and the second medium and has a remaining amount, an inquiry screen for obtaining permission from the user may be displayed on the display unit 14.
Depending on the print mode, the feeding tray may be selected by determining whether or not the paper size condition is satisfied in addition to the quality types such as plain paper and recycled paper. For example, even if plain paper is in the FAX mode, if the paper size is less than a specified size (for example, A4 size), it is not selected and a feeding cassette on which recycled paper of a specified size or more is set is selected.

  As the print mode, there may be print modes other than the above three (FAX printing, maintenance printing, and normal printing). For example, there may be a printing mode in which printing on recycled paper has the highest priority.

  The medium is not limited to paper, but a resin sheet, a paper-resin composite film (resin-impregnated paper, resin-coated paper, etc.), a resin-metal composite film (laminate film), a woven fabric, a metal film, It may be a ceramic sheet. Further, the first medium and the second medium may be a combination of different materials such as a paper and a resin sheet, a paper and a metal sheet, and a resin sheet and a metal sheet.

  -The printing apparatus should have at least a FAX printing function and a maintenance printing function. For example, at least one of the scan function and the copy function may not be provided. Further, a FAX dedicated printer having only a FAX printing function and a maintenance printing function may be used.

  The printing method of the printing apparatus is not limited to the ink jet method, and may be a dot impact method or a laser method. Furthermore, the printing apparatus is not limited to a serial printer, but may be a line printer or a page printer.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Printer which is an example of printing apparatus, 12 ... Apparatus main body, 14 ... Display part, 15 ... Operation part, 16-18 ... Cassette feed tray as an example of a medium supply source, 19 ... Example of medium supply source A manual feed tray, 23... Print head, 30... Controller, 32... Print engine, 33 .. FAX communication unit constituting an example of fuck simil part, 43. ... Setting part, 62 ... Mode determination part, 63 ... Tray selection part as an example of a selection part, 64 ... Control part, 65 ... Print control part, 66 ... Facsimile control part which constitutes an example of fuck simulation part, 67 ... Maintenance A maintenance control unit constituting an example of a unit, Y ... conveying direction, SD ... setting data, P ... paper as an example of medium, P1 ... plain paper.

Hereinafter, means for solving the above-described problems and the effects thereof will be described.
A printing apparatus that solves the above problem is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a medium fed from a medium supply source selected from among a plurality of medium supply sources, and is a maintenance print out of the plurality of medium supply sources. A selection unit that selects a medium supply source to be used for the recording medium, and a maintenance unit that performs maintenance printing on the medium fed from the medium supply source selected by the selection unit. If there is a medium supply source, the medium supply source is selected. If there is no medium supply source, a medium supply source in which recycled paper is set is selected.
In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the maintenance unit does not perform maintenance printing when there is no medium supply source in which plain paper and recycled paper are set.
In the above printing apparatus, when there is no medium supply source in which plain paper and recycled paper are set, the selection unit sets a medium supply source in which a paper whose paper size is equal to or larger than a predetermined paper size is set. It is preferable to select.
In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the selection unit selects a medium supply source on which paper is set when there is no medium supply source on which plain paper and recycled paper are set.
In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the selection unit selects a medium supply source on which paper other than colored paper is set when there is no medium supply source on which plain paper and recycled paper are set.
In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the selection unit selects a medium supply source on which paper other than high-quality paper is set when there is no medium supply source on which plain paper and recycled paper are set.
In the printing apparatus, the high-quality paper preferably includes glossy paper, matte paper, photographic paper, and high-quality paper.
A printing apparatus that solves the above-described problem is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a medium fed from a medium supply source selected from among a plurality of medium supply sources. A selection unit that selects a medium supply source in which a medium is set; and a maintenance unit that performs maintenance printing on the medium fed from the medium supply source. When the maintenance unit performs printing, the selection is performed. The unit selects a medium supply source in which a medium having a high whiteness degree is set out of two media having different whiteness degrees. When the medium is not set, the whiteness degree in the two media having different whiteness degrees is selected. When a medium supply source in which a medium having a low whiteness is set is selected and none of the two media having different whiteness levels is set, a predetermined process is performed.
In the printing apparatus, the predetermined process is one of a process for selecting another medium supply source in which a medium is set, a process for displaying an error, and a process for prompting the medium to be set. Preferably there is.
In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the medium having a high whiteness degree is plain paper, and the medium having a low whiteness degree is recycled paper.
The printing apparatus includes a facsimile unit that performs printing based on a received fax signal on a medium fed from a medium supply source, and when the facsimile unit performs printing, the selection unit includes plain paper or recycled paper. It is preferable to select a medium supply source in which is set, and if plain paper and recycled paper are not set, a medium supply source in which another medium is set is selected.
A printing apparatus that solves the above-described problem is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a medium fed from a medium supply source selected from among a plurality of medium supply sources. A selection unit that selects a medium supply source in which a medium is set, a facsimile unit that performs printing based on the received fax signal on a medium fed from the medium supply source, and a medium that carries maintenance printing from the medium supply source A maintenance unit that performs printing, and when the facsimile unit performs printing, the selection unit selects a medium supply source based on a rule corresponding to printing based on the fax signal, and the maintenance unit performs printing. When performing the above, the medium supply source is selected based on a rule different from the rule and corresponding to the maintenance printing.
In the printing apparatus, according to the rule corresponding to the maintenance printing, the medium supply source on which the white paper is set is selected with priority over the medium supply source on which the colored paper is set.
In the printing apparatus, according to the rule corresponding to the maintenance printing, the medium supply source in which plain paper is set among the medium supply sources in which the white paper is set is the medium supply in which recycled paper is set. It is preferred to select in preference to the source.
In the printing apparatus, according to the rule corresponding to the printing based on the fax signal, the medium supply source in which plain paper is set and the medium supply source in which recycled paper is set are set with other media set. It is preferable that the selection be made in preference to the medium source.
A printing apparatus that solves the above-described problem is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a medium fed from a medium supply source selected from among a plurality of medium supply sources. A selection unit that selects a medium supply source in which a medium is set, a facsimile unit that performs printing based on the received fax signal on a medium fed from the medium supply source, and a medium that carries maintenance printing from the medium supply source A maintenance unit that performs the printing operation when the facsimile unit performs printing, and the selection unit includes a medium supply source in which a first medium among the plurality of medium supply sources is set, and the first When one of the medium and the medium supply source in which the second medium of different quality is set is selected with the same priority, and the maintenance unit performs printing, the medium supply source is selected from the plurality of medium supply sources. Previous A medium supply source in which the first medium that is whiter than a second medium is set is selected, and the medium in which the second medium is set when the first medium is not set Select the source.

Claims (11)

A printing apparatus that performs printing on a medium fed from a medium supply source selected from among a plurality of medium supply sources,
A selection unit that selects a medium supply source in which a medium to be printed is set among the plurality of medium supply sources;
A maintenance unit that performs maintenance printing on a medium fed from a medium supply source,
When the maintenance unit performs printing, the selection unit selects a medium supply source in which a medium having a high whiteness degree is set out of two media having different whiteness degrees, and the medium is not set Selects a medium supply source in which a medium with a low whiteness degree is set out of the two media with different whiteness degrees, and performs a predetermined process when neither of the two media with different whiteness degrees is set. A printing apparatus characterized by the above.   The predetermined process is one of a process for selecting another medium supply source in which a medium is set, a process for displaying an error, and a process for prompting a medium to be set. The printing apparatus according to 1. A storage unit for storing the type of medium set for each medium supply source;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit performs selection using a medium type for each medium supply source stored in the storage unit. A detection unit for detecting the remaining amount of the medium set for each medium supply source or the presence or absence of the medium;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit performs selection using a detection result of the detection unit.   The maintenance printing is performed for nozzle check printing that is printed to check whether there is a nozzle defect when the print head is a liquid jet method, or for adjustment of the printing position in a direction that intersects the medium conveyance direction. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing position adjustment printing is at least one of printing position adjustment printing and medium feeding position adjustment printing printed for adjusting a feeding position in a conveyance direction of the medium. The printing apparatus as described.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medium having a high whiteness degree is plain paper, and the medium having a low whiteness degree is recycled paper. A facsimile unit that performs printing based on a received fax signal on a medium fed from a medium supply source;
When the facsimile unit performs printing, the selection unit selects a medium supply source in which plain paper or recycled paper is set, and when no plain paper and recycled paper are set, another medium is set. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a medium supply source is selected. A printing apparatus that performs printing on a medium fed from a medium supply source selected from among a plurality of medium supply sources,
A selection unit that selects a medium supply source in which a medium to be printed is set among the plurality of medium supply sources;
A facsimile unit that performs printing based on a received fax signal on a medium fed from a medium supply source; and
A maintenance unit that performs maintenance printing on a medium fed from a medium supply source;
With
The selection unit selects a medium supply source based on a rule corresponding to printing based on the fax signal when the facsimile unit performs printing, and when the maintenance unit performs printing, A printing apparatus, wherein a medium supply source is selected based on different rules corresponding to the maintenance printing.   9. The rule corresponding to the maintenance printing, wherein a medium supply source on which white paper is set is selected in preference to a medium supply source on which colored paper is set. Printing device.   In the rule corresponding to the maintenance printing, the medium supply source in which plain paper is set is selected in preference to the medium supply source in which recycled paper is set among the medium supply sources in which the white paper is set. The printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein:   According to the rule corresponding to the printing based on the fax signal, the medium supply source on which plain paper is set and the medium supply source on which recycled paper is set have priority over the medium supply source on which other media are set. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the printing apparatus is selected.