JP2019177641A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent the same image from being recorded and duplicated in accompany with recording interruption, even when one or several sections of image recording are executed.SOLUTION: Use amount calculation processing is performed for calculating a use amount U1 of ink consumed by one section of image recording. Further, residual amount calculation processing is performed for calculating a total residual amount R1 including an ink residual amount in an ink cartridge and an ink residual amount in a buffer tank. Then, comparison processing (S14) is performed for determining whether or not the total residual amount R1 - the use amount U1 is less than a first predetermined amount M1, which indicates that a residual amount of the buffer tank is small, at a point of time before starting image recording a first section relating to a recording job, or before starting image recording another section after completing image recording any one section relating to a recording job. First interruption processing (S19) for interrupting image recording is executed at this point of time, when the total residual amount R1- the use amount U1 is determined to be less than the first predetermined amount M1 in the comparison processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus including a buffer tank to which a color material is supplied from a removable color material cartridge.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a printer device having a sub-tank that can store ink and an ejection head that is supplied with ink from the sub-tank, in which an ink cartridge (main tank) is detachable. . In such a printer apparatus, the ink stored in the ink cartridge is supplied to the sub tank. In this printer apparatus, it is possible to continue printing as long as ink remains in the sub tank even after the ink stored in the ink cartridge is exhausted.

JP 2009-6618 A

  In a printer apparatus provided with a sub tank (buffer tank) to which ink is supplied from a detachable ink cartridge as in Patent Document 1, even if the ink cartridge runs out of ink and the ink cartridge is being replaced, Printing can be continued by supplying ink. However, in such a situation, the recording job is a part of image recording that is continuous image recording on a plurality of recording media, or a unit that causes each unit to record the same image on a recording medium corresponding to the recording order. In the case where a plurality of image recordings are executed in units, there is a high possibility that the ink in the sub-tank will run out in the middle of any one of the image recordings. When printing is interrupted in the middle of part of image recording, an image recording apparatus such as a printer apparatus normally records the image from the beginning of the part when printing is resumed in consideration of user convenience. Is often done. Therefore, since the recording medium on which the same image is printed is obtained in duplicate, the recording medium and the ink that is the color material are wasted.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus including a buffer tank to which color material is supplied from a detachable color material cartridge, and even when partial or plural image recording is performed, the same image is generated when recording is interrupted. It is an object to provide an image recording apparatus that does not record redundantly.

  The image recording apparatus of the present invention is connected to the cartridge mounting portion in which a color material cartridge capable of containing a color material can be detachably mounted, and the color material cartridge mounted in the cartridge mounting portion, and the color material A buffer tank that stores the color material supplied from the cartridge, a recording unit that records an image on a recording medium using the color material supplied from the buffer tank, and a memory that can store a recording job related to image recording on the recording medium And a control unit, wherein the control unit is a part of image recording in which the recording job is continuous image recording on a plurality of recording media, or a recording order in each unit. Is stored in the storage unit when the recording unit performs image recording of a plurality of copies in units of copies so that the same image is recorded on a corresponding recording medium. A usage amount calculation process for calculating a usage amount of a color material consumed in the recording unit by recording the part of the images on a plurality of recording media, and a color material remaining in the color material cartridge. A remaining amount calculation process for calculating the total remaining amount of the amount and the colorant remaining amount of the buffer tank, and the usage amount calculated in the usage amount calculation process from the total remaining amount calculated in the remaining amount calculation process Before the start of the first partial image recording relating to the recording job, and a comparison process for determining whether or not the amount obtained by subtracting is greater than a first predetermined amount indicating that the remaining amount of the buffer tank is small Or, after the end of any one of the image recordings related to the recording job and before the start of another part of the image recording, the amount of use is calculated from the total remaining amount in the comparison process. Is the first predetermined amount If it is determined that less than, at that time, and is configured to perform a first interrupt processing interrupt the image recording, the.

  In the present invention, the remaining amount of the color material in the color material cartridge is before the start of the first partial image recording or after the end of the partial image recording and before the start of another partial image recording. The remaining amount of the buffer tank is less than the total remaining amount of the buffer tank and the color material remaining in the buffer tank minus the amount of color material used that will be consumed by the part of the image recording that will start image recording. The image recording can be interrupted when the amount is smaller than the first predetermined amount. That is, it is possible to avoid interruption of image recording in the middle of partial image recording. Therefore, the same image is not recorded repeatedly due to the recording interruption.

1 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer unit of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection state between an ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder illustrated in FIG. 1 and a buffer tank. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a recording job assumed in this embodiment, where FIG. 5A shows Case 1 and FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an ink cartridge management processing procedure performed by a control unit illustrated in FIG. 3. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the image data acquisition process procedure performed by the control part shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the image recording process procedure performed in the control part shown in FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a modification of the image recording processing procedure performed by the control unit shown in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the exchange promotion screen displayed on the touch panel of FIG. It is a figure which shows the interruption confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a cartridge presence / absence confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel of FIG. 3.

  Hereinafter, a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a multi function peripheral (MFP) having a scanner function and a printing function. The multi-function device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a scanner unit 80 (see FIG. 3) and a printer unit 90 (see FIG. 3) arranged in a housing 40 (see FIG. 1). The scanner unit 80 is a device that reads an image optically formed on a document using a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or CMOS, and outputs a read signal. The printer unit 90 of the present embodiment is an apparatus that records an image on the paper P by an inkjet method.

[Schematic configuration of printer unit 90]
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer unit 90 of the present embodiment includes a platen 2 on which paper P is placed, a carriage 3 that can reciprocate in a scanning direction (left and right in the figure) parallel to the platen 2, The inkjet head 4 mounted on the carriage 3, the transport mechanism 5 for transporting the paper P in the transport direction (vertical direction in the figure) perpendicular to the scan direction, and one side of the platen 2 (right side in FIG. 1) with respect to the scan direction. Arranged maintenance unit 6, cartridge holder 7 on which four ink cartridges 9 each capable of accommodating four colors of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black are detachably mounted, and adjacent to cartridge holder 7 The buffer tank 8 is mainly provided. Four buffer tanks 8 are provided corresponding to the four ink cartridges 9 attached to the cartridge holder 7, and store the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 9. 1, the lower side in the figure is the front side, and the upper side in the figure is the back side. Moreover, the left-right direction in FIG. 1 is called the width direction.

  On the upper surface of the platen 2, paper P supplied from a paper feeding mechanism (not shown) is placed. Above the platen 2, two guide rails 11 a and 11 b extending in parallel with the width direction serving as the scanning direction are provided. The two guide rails 11a and 11b extend to a position away from the platen 2 to one side (right side in FIG. 1) in the scanning direction, and the carriage 3 extends along the two guide rails 11a and 11b. The platen 2 is configured to be movable from an image recording area facing the paper P to a maintenance area facing the maintenance unit 6 disposed on one side of the platen 2.

  An endless belt 14 wound between two pulleys 12 and 13 is connected to the carriage 3. When the endless belt 14 is driven by the carriage drive motor 15, the carriage 3 moves in the scanning direction as the endless belt 14 travels.

  The inkjet head 4 is attached to the lower part of the carriage 3 so that the lower surface thereof is parallel to the upper surface of the platen 2. The ink jet head 4 is connected to the buffer tank 8 by a flexible tube 75 (see FIG. 2). Magenta, cyan, yellow, and black inks stored in the four buffer tanks 8 are respectively supplied to the inkjet head 4 through the tubes 75. When the ink in the buffer tank 8 decreases, ink is supplied from the four ink cartridges 9 mounted on the cartridge holder 7 to the corresponding buffer tank 8 due to a water head difference. A plurality of discharge ports 16 are open on the lower surface of the inkjet head 4. Then, four colors of ink can be ejected from the plurality of ejection ports 16 onto the paper P placed on the platen 2, and an image can be recorded on the paper P.

  The transport mechanism 5 has two transport rollers 17a and 17b arranged so as to sandwich the platen 2 in the transport direction, and the paper P placed on the platen 2 is transported in the transport direction by these two transport rollers 17a and 17b. It is conveyed downstream (downward in FIG. 1).

  The maintenance unit 6 performs various maintenance operations related to the recovery and maintenance of the ink ejection performance of the inkjet head 4. The maintenance unit 6 receives the ink ejected from the inkjet head 4, and stands on the platen 2 side of the cap 20. And a wiper 18 for wiping off ink adhering to the lower surface of the inkjet head 4 having a plurality of ejection openings 16 open.

  The cartridge holder 7 is on one side (right side in FIG. 1) of the platen 2 with respect to the scanning direction, that is, on the same side as the side on which the maintenance unit 6 is disposed, and downstream of the maintenance unit 6 in the transport direction (see FIG. 1 on the lower side). An opening 40 a is formed at a location facing the cartridge holder 7 on the front side (lower side in FIG. 1) of the housing 40. A cover 41 that can cover the opening 40 a is attached to the housing 40. The cover 41 can take a covering position that covers the opening 40a and an open position that opens the opening 40a. By moving the cover 41 from the covering position to the open position, the ink cartridge 9 attached to the cartridge holder 7 can be replaced.

  The cartridge holder 7 is provided with a cartridge remaining amount sensor 21 for detecting whether or not the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 9 has become a second predetermined amount M2 or less which will be described later. In the present embodiment, the cartridge remaining amount sensor 21 detects whether the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge 9 is zero, that is, whether it is empty. As a modified example, the cartridge remaining amount sensor 21 may detect whether or not the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge 9 is a little empty. As the cartridge remaining amount sensor 21, for example, an optical sensor or the like is used.

  The buffer tank 8 is disposed between the maintenance unit 6 and the cartridge holder 7. As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 7a is formed at the lower end of the back side of the cartridge holder 7, and a connecting portion 81 of the buffer tank 8 extends into the cartridge holder 7 through the opening 7a. The connection portion 81 of the buffer tank 8 is connected to the supply portion 91 of the ink cartridge 9 attached to the cartridge holder 7. Thereby, ink can be supplied from the supply unit 91 of the ink cartridge 9 to the buffer tank 8.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom surface 8 a of the buffer tank 8 is positioned below the bottom surface 9 a of the ink cartridge 9 attached to the cartridge holder 7. Accordingly, when the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge 9 becomes empty, the ink remains in a portion of the buffer tank 8 positioned below the bottom surface of the ink cartridge 9. The remaining amount of ink in the buffer tank 8 when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 9 becomes empty is referred to as an ink capacity R2. The ink outlet from the buffer tank 8 to the tube 75 is located below the bottom surface 9 a of the ink cartridge 9. Therefore, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, an image can be recorded with the ink stored in the buffer tank 8 even after the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 9 becomes empty.

[Configuration of Control Unit 30]
Next, the control unit 30 that controls the operation of the multifunction machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) 34, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 35 and the like. The ROM 32 stores a control program for controlling the multifunction machine 1, various settings, initial values, and the like. The RAM 33 is used as a work area from which various control programs are read or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The EEPROM 34 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory. These cooperate to control the operation of each part of the multifunction machine 1.

  The RAM 33 can store a recording job related to image recording on the paper P. Here, the recording job assumed in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the following two cases of recording jobs are assumed. The first is a recording job for performing partial image recording, which is continuous image recording on a plurality of sheets P (case 1). That is, in the example shown in FIG. 4A, images (usually different images) are sequentially recorded on six sheets of paper P. In the example of FIG. 4A, image recording on six sheets of paper P is part of image recording.

  The second is a recording job in which a plurality of image recordings are performed in units of copies so that the same image is recorded on the paper P corresponding to the recording order in each unit (case 2). That is, in the example shown in FIG. 4B, the same image is recorded on the first sheet, the fourth sheet, and the seventh sheet P. The same image is recorded on the second, fifth, and eighth sheets P. Further, the same image is recorded on the third, sixth, and ninth sheets P. In the example of FIG. 4B, image recording on the first to third sheets P, image recording on the fourth to sixth sheets P, and seventh to ninth sheets. The image recording on P is a partial image recording. That is, in the example of FIG. 4B, one recording job includes three copies of image recording. The RAM 33 stores one or a plurality of such recording jobs.

  In the present embodiment, the image data relating to the recording job stored in the RAM 33 is image data generated from a read signal output from the scanner unit 80 by the control unit 30.

  The EEPROM 34 stores the total remaining amount R1 of the remaining ink amount in the ink cartridge 9 and the remaining ink amount in the buffer tank 8. The total remaining amount R1 is calculated by sequentially decreasing the discharged ink amount from the initial ink amount (residual amount calculating process). Ink discharged from the inkjet head 4 is subjected to maintenance operations such as flushing and purging, in addition to ink discharged from the inkjet head 4 based on image data when an image is formed on the paper P. The ink discharged from the inkjet head 4 at this time is also included. The total remaining amount R1 is calculated every time recording on one sheet of paper P, one flushing or purging is performed, and is overwritten in the EEPROM 34 as the current total remaining amount R1. When the ink cartridge 9 is replaced, the total remaining amount R1 is rewritten to a value obtained by adding the amount of ink stored in the new ink cartridge 9 to the value stored at that time.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the total remaining amount R1 has reached the first predetermined amount M1. The first predetermined amount M1 is smaller than the ink capacity R2 of the buffer tank 8 at the time when the ink cartridge 9 becomes empty. The first predetermined amount M1 is an amount corresponding to so-called near empty. When the ink remaining amount in the buffer tank 8 becomes smaller than the first predetermined amount M1, there is a possibility that air flows into the ink flow path to the inkjet head 4. Therefore, when it is determined that the total remaining amount R1 has reached the first predetermined amount M1, processing for stopping image recording is executed.

  Here, a method for calculating the amount of ink ejected from the inkjet head 4 based on the image data will be described. The image data is a collection of dot data indicating the amount of ink required when forming each dot on the paper P. Such dot data is prepared for each color of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black. Specifically, in the image data, density values expressed in 256 gradations are set for a plurality of dots formed on the paper P, respectively. For example, when the density value is 0 to 50, the necessary ink amount is 1 pl, when the density value is 51 to 100, the necessary ink amount is 2 pl, and when the density value is 101 to 200, it is necessary. The ink amount is 3 pl, and when the density value is 201 to 255, the necessary ink amount is 4 pl. Therefore, by adding the necessary ink amount corresponding to the density value set for each dot included in the image data, the amount of ink ejected when recording an image is calculated based on the image data. be able to. With this method, it is also possible to calculate the amount of ink used U1 used for recording some images on a plurality of sheets P to be described later.

  Note that there is an error in the total remaining amount R1 calculated as described above, which may not match the actual ink amount. Therefore, in this embodiment, the detection result of the cartridge remaining amount sensor 21 is reflected in the total remaining amount R1. That is, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 9 is detected by the cartridge remaining amount sensor 21, a portion where the total remaining amount R 1 is positioned below the bottom surface 9 a of the ink cartridge 9 in the buffer tank 8. Is rewritten to the ink capacity R2 that can be accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a scanner unit 80, a printer unit 90, a cartridge remaining amount sensor 21, a touch panel 37, an operation button 38, and a communication interface 19 are electrically connected to the control unit 30. The touch panel 37 is a user interface having an input function and a display function. The communication interface 19 is connected to an external management terminal 61 via the Internet 60. Therefore, the MFP 1 can transmit and receive data to and from the external management terminal 61 via the Internet 60.

  The MFP 1 of this embodiment can use MPS (Managed Print Service). MPS is an outsourcing service related to various types of management of devices having printing functions such as printers, copiers, and multifunction machines. MPS manages the entire printing environment with various devices, provides services that respond to changes in needs and office environments over the entire contract period to meet the printing needs of customers, and provides an optimal output environment. is there. One of the services provided by MPS is automatic ordering of consumables. In other words, in the multifunction device 1, the replacement ink cartridge 9 is automatically ordered by the MPS. At this time, order information is transmitted from the multi-function device 1 to the management terminal 61 of the store of the ink cartridge 9 via the Internet 60.

  Here, an example of the procedure of the management process of the ink cartridge 9 performed by the control unit 30 of the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. This management process is executed while the MFP 1 is connected to the Internet 60.

  First, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to order a replacement ink cartridge 9 (S1). In the present embodiment, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 9 is equal to or less than the third predetermined amount M3, it is determined that the replacement ink cartridge 9 needs to be ordered. The third predetermined amount M3 is larger than the second predetermined amount M2 (empty). The third predetermined amount M3 is, for example, half of the total capacity of the ink cartridge 9. The control unit 30 stores a correlation between the total remaining amount R1 (the total of the remaining ink amount in the ink cartridge 9 and the remaining ink amount in the buffer tank 8) and the remaining ink amount of the ink cartridge 9 alone. Has been. Therefore, the determination of whether or not the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 9 is equal to or less than the third predetermined amount M3 can be made based on the total remaining amount R1 stored in the EEPROM 34. Alternatively, it may be determined that it is necessary to order the next replacement ink cartridge 9 at the timing when the replacement operation of the ink cartridge 9 is performed.

  The determination in S1 is repeated until it is determined that an order for the replacement ink cartridge 9 is necessary. If it is determined in S1 that the replacement ink cartridge 9 needs to be ordered (S1: YES), it is determined whether or not an ordered flag to be described later is set (S2). If it is determined that the order completion flag is set (S2: YES), the processing of S3 and S4 described later is omitted and the process proceeds to S5. On the other hand, if it is determined that the order completion flag is not set (S2: NO), it is determined whether a later-described shipment flag is set (S3).

  If it is determined that the shipped flag is set in S3 (S3: YES), the processing of S4 to S6 described later is omitted and the process proceeds to S7. On the other hand, if it is determined that the shipped flag is not set (S3: NO), the order information of the replacement ink cartridge 9 is transmitted to the management terminal 61 via the Internet 60, and the ordered flag is set. (S4: Order processing).

  The order information includes information about the printer such as the type of the multifunction device 1, information about the ink cartridge 9 such as the color of the necessary ink cartridge 9, and information about the orderer such as the address of the orderer. The user of the store where the management terminal 61 is installed performs the shipping operation of the ink cartridge 9 based on the order information of the ink cartridge 9 received by the management terminal 61. When the shipping operation is completed, the shipping information is transmitted from the management terminal 61 to the multifunction device 1 via the Internet 60. The shipping information includes information about the ink cartridge 9 such as the color of the shipped ink cartridge 9 and information such as the delivery date.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the shipping information of the ink cartridge 9 related to the ordering information transmitted in S4 has been received (S5: shipping determination process). The determination in S5 is repeated until it is determined that the shipping information has been received. If it is determined that the shipping information has been received (S5: YES), the order completion flag is lowered and the shipping flag is set (S6).

  Further, it is determined whether or not the ink cartridge 9 has been replaced (S7). The determination in S7 is repeated until it is determined that the ink cartridge 9 has been replaced. If it is determined in S7 that the ink cartridge 9 has been replaced (S7: YES), the shipped flag is cleared (S8). Thereafter, the process returns to S1.

  Next, an example of a procedure when image recording is performed by the multifunction machine 1 will be described. In the present embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 6, an image data acquisition process related to image recording is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the image data acquisition process, first, all pages of a plurality of documents are read by the scanner unit 80, and raster format image data generated from a read signal output from the scanner unit 80. Is stored in the RAM 33 (S9). The image data stored in S9 is image data related to partial image recording on a plurality of sheets P. Next, based on the image data stored in the RAM 33 in S9, the ink usage amount U1 consumed by the printer unit 90 by the partial image recording is calculated (S10: usage amount calculation processing). As described above, the usage amount U1 can be calculated by adding the necessary ink amounts corresponding to the density values set for each dot of the image data.

  If the image data is not generated from the read signal output from the scanner unit 80 but is image data supplied from an external terminal or a USB memory and the format is a raster format, the usage amount U1 is: It can be calculated by adding the necessary ink amount corresponding to the density value set for each dot of the image data. When the image data is in the vector format, the same processing can be performed by converting the image data into the raster format.

  Next, an example of a procedure for executing image recording related to one recording job will be described with reference to FIG. That is, when the recording job consists of partial image recording (case 1: FIG. 4A), partial image recording related to the image data generated by the document reading process in S9 of FIG. 6 is performed. If the recording job consists of a plurality of image recordings (Case 2: FIG. 4B), a part of image recording related to the image data generated by the document reading process in S9 of FIG. 6 is repeated. Repeat several times.

  First, based on the detection signal from the cartridge remaining amount sensor 21, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 9 is empty (whether or not it is equal to or less than a second predetermined amount M2) (S11: remaining amount). Quantity judgment processing). If it is determined that the remaining amount of ink is not empty (S11: NO), the processes of S12 and S13 described later are omitted, and the process proceeds to S14. On the other hand, when it is determined that the ink remaining amount is empty (S11: YES), it is determined whether or not the shipment completion flag of the ink cartridge 9 is set in the management process of the ink cartridge 9 shown in FIG. S12).

  If it is determined in S12 that the shipped flag of the ink cartridge 9 is not set, the process of S13 described later is omitted. If it is determined that the shipped flag for the ink cartridge 9 is set (S12: YES), a replacement promotion screen 51 for the ink cartridge 9 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the touch panel 37 (S13: Notification). processing). In the example of FIG. 9, a message “Ink cartridge is empty / ink cartridge can be replaced” is displayed on the exchange promotion screen 51.

  Subsequently, a part of the image recording calculated in S10 of FIG. 6 from the total remaining amount R1 of the remaining ink amount in the ink cartridge 9 and the remaining ink amount in the buffer tank 8 stored in the EEPROM 34 at the present time. It is determined whether or not a value obtained by subtracting the used amount U1 of ink to be used (total remaining amount R1−used amount U1) is less than the first predetermined amount M1 (S14: comparison process). The first predetermined amount M1 is smaller than the ink capacity R2 of the buffer tank 8 at the time when the ink cartridge 9 becomes empty.

  In S14, when it is determined that the total remaining amount R1-usage U1 is not less than the first predetermined amount M1 (S14: NO), a part of image recording related to the image data stored in the RAM 33 is performed (S15). ). Thereafter, it is determined whether there is unprocessed data (S16). That is, when a recording job includes a plurality of image recordings, it is determined whether there are unprocessed copies. If it is determined that there is unprocessed data (S16: YES), the process returns to S11. If it is determined that there is no data yet to be processed (S16: NO), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S14 that the total remaining amount R1-usage U1 is less than the first predetermined amount M1 (S14: YES), an interruption confirmation screen 52 as shown in FIG. (S17: Interruption necessity selection request process). In the example of FIG. 10, a message 52a for confirming interruption of image recording to the user, a first area 52b for accepting an instruction to continue image recording from the user, and an instruction for interrupting image recording. And a second region 52c for receiving from the user. The control unit 30 can receive an instruction from the user via the touch panel 37 when the user touches either the first area 52 b or the second area 52 c of the interruption confirmation screen 52.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the instruction from the user received via the interruption confirmation screen 52 displayed on the touch panel 37 in S17 is an instruction to continue image recording (S18). If the instruction from the user is not an instruction to continue image recording but an instruction to interrupt image recording (S18: NO), the image recording is interrupted (S19: first interruption process). That is, the image recording is interrupted in S19 before the start of the first partial image recording or after the end of the partial image recording and before the start of another partial image recording.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the ink cartridge 9 has been replaced (S20). The determination in S20 is repeated until it is determined that the ink cartridge 9 has been replaced. If it is determined that the ink cartridge 9 has been replaced (S20: YES), the process returns to S11.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S18 that the instruction from the user is an instruction to continue image recording (S18: YES), a part of image recording related to the image data stored in the RAM 33 is started. To do. Therefore, first, it is determined whether the total remaining amount R1 is less than the first predetermined amount M1, that is, whether the buffer tank 8 is near empty (S25). When the total remaining amount R1 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined amount M1 (S25: NO), in S26, one page of image recording is performed (in the case of double-sided printing, image recording on both front and back sides of one sheet P). The total remaining amount R1 stored in the EEPROM 34 is updated. Next, in S27, it is determined whether or not a part of image recording on a plurality of sheets P is completed. If a part of the image recording is completed (S27: YES), the process proceeds to S16. If some image recording has not been completed (S27: NO), in S25, it is determined again whether the updated total remaining amount R1 is less than the first predetermined amount M1. When it is determined that the total remaining amount R1 is less than the first predetermined amount M1 (S25: YES), the image recording is interrupted (S31: second interruption process). That is, the interruption of the image recording in S31 is any one of the breaks in image recording on one sheet P, that is, before the start of image recording on one sheet P, or a part of image recording. This is performed after the image recording on one sheet P is completed and before the image recording on another sheet P is started.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the ink cartridge 9 has been replaced (S32). The determination in S32 is repeated until it is determined that the ink cartridge 9 has been replaced. If it is determined that the ink cartridge 9 has been replaced (S32: YES), the process returns to S25, and the image recording interrupted in S31 is resumed.

  As described above, in the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment, the amount of ink consumed by the printer unit 90 due to partial image recording on a plurality of sheets P based on the image data stored in the RAM 33. A usage amount calculation process for calculating a certain usage amount U1 is performed. Further, a remaining amount calculation process for calculating the total remaining amount R1 of the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge 9 and the ink remaining amount in the buffer tank 8 is performed. And before the start of the first partial image recording related to the recording job, or after the end of any partial image recording related to the recording job and before the start of another partial image recording The total remaining amount R1—the usage amount U1 is less than the first predetermined amount M1 (the near empty of the buffer tank 8 = the first predetermined amount M1 <the ink capacity R2 of the buffer tank 8 when the ink cartridge 9 becomes empty). A comparison process is performed to determine whether or not there is. When it is determined in the comparison process that the total remaining amount R1-usage U1 is less than the first predetermined amount M1, the image recording is interrupted on the condition that the user selects to interrupt printing. Therefore, before the start of the first partial image recording, or after the end of the partial image recording and before the start of another partial image recording, the total remaining amount R1−the usage amount U1 is the first. When it is less than one predetermined amount M1, the first interruption process for interrupting the image recording can be executed. That is, it is possible to avoid interruption of image recording in the middle of partial image recording. Therefore, the same image is not recorded repeatedly due to the recording interruption. In addition, since the remaining amount of ink in the buffer tank 8 does not become less than the first predetermined amount M1, it is possible to suppress the buffer tank 8 from becoming empty.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when it is determined in the comparison process that the total remaining amount R1-usage U1 is less than the first predetermined amount M1, the user is notified of a selection request for whether or not to interrupt image recording. A confirmation screen 52 is displayed on the touch panel 37. Then, when an instruction to interrupt image recording is received from the user via the interruption confirmation screen 52, the first interruption process is executed. Therefore, the user can select whether or not to interrupt image recording.

  In addition, in this embodiment, when an instruction to continue image recording is received from the user via the interruption confirmation screen 52 displayed on the touch panel 37, the first one of some image recordings is received. A point in time before the start of image recording on the paper P, or after the end of image recording on any one of the sheets of paper P and before the start of image recording on another sheet Then, the second interruption process for interrupting the image recording is executed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid interruption of image recording in the middle of the page.

  In the present embodiment, the remaining amount determination process for determining whether the ink cartridge 9 is empty based on the detection signal from the cartridge remaining amount sensor 21 and the ink cartridge 9 is empty in the remaining amount determination process. When it is determined that there is, a notification process of displaying on the touch panel 37 an exchange promotion screen 51 that notifies that effect is executed. Therefore, since it is possible to notify the user that the ink cartridge 9 is empty, it is difficult to interrupt the image recording, and even if the interruption occurs, the interruption can be finished in a short time. Therefore, the recording job can be ended early.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the exchange promotion screen 51 is displayed on the touch panel 37 before starting another partial image recording every time a partial image recording is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to replace the ink cartridge 9.

  In this embodiment, the ordering process for transmitting the ordering information for the replacement ink cartridge 9 to the external management terminal 61 via the Internet 60 and the shipping information for the ink cartridge 9 related to the ordering information are sent to the external management terminal 61. After executing the ordering process, a receiving process for determining whether or not the shipping information of the replacement ink cartridge 9 ordered by the ordering process has been received is executed. Then, the exchange promotion screen 51 for notifying that the ink cartridge 9 is empty is displayed on the touch panel 37 when it is determined that the shipping information of the replacement ink cartridge 9 is received in the ordering process. Therefore, it is possible to avoid being prompted to replace the ink cartridge 9 when there is a high possibility that the user does not have the replacement ink cartridge 9 at hand.

  In the present embodiment, all pages of a plurality of documents are read by the scanner unit 80, and image data generated from the read signal output from the scanner unit 80 is stored in the RAM 33. Based on the image data stored in the RAM 33, the ink usage amount U <b> 1 consumed by the printer unit 90 due to partial image recording on a plurality of sheets P is calculated. Accordingly, the usage amount U1 can be calculated based on the image data obtained by reading the document with the scanner unit 80.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various design changes can be made as long as they are described in the claims. Is.

  In the above-described embodiment, the ink use amount U1 when performing image recording in the image data acquisition process shown in FIG. 6 is calculated in advance by reading the document with a scanner, and then the image recording process shown in FIG. 7 is executed. Although the case (for example, when copying a document) has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, image recording according to a recording job (case 2: FIG. 4B) in which a plurality of sets of image recording is performed so that the same image is recorded on the paper P corresponding to the recording order in each unit. In the case of performing the above, the amount of ink actually consumed at that time may be used as the usage amount U1.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8 of a modified example, after performing the same processing as S11 to S13 of FIG. 7 (S41), the amount of ink used U1 in a part of image recording is read by a scanner with a document. It is determined whether or not the calculation has been completed (S42). When it is determined that the usage amount U1 has been calculated (S42: YES), the process proceeds to S46, and the same processing as S14 to S32 in FIG. 7 is executed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the usage amount U1 has not been calculated (S42: NO), the recording of one page related to the first partial image recording is performed on the image data included in the recording job stored in the RAM 33. The ink usage amount is calculated (S43). This calculation procedure is the same as the method for calculating the amount of ink ejected from the inkjet head 4 based on the image data used when calculating the total remaining amount R1. Next, it is determined whether or not the ink usage amount of all pages related to the first partial image recording has been calculated (S44). If there are still pages for which the ink usage has not been calculated (S44: NO), the process of S43 is performed.

  If it is determined that the ink usage amount of all pages related to the first partial image recording is calculated (S44: YES), the sum of the ink usage amounts calculated for all pages, that is, a part of the image. The ink usage amount U1 for recording is calculated (S45: usage amount calculation processing). Thereafter, the same processing as S14 to S32 in FIG. 7 is executed (S46). That is, in the process of S14 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the total remaining amount R1—the usage amount U1 is less than the first predetermined amount M1, using the usage amount U1 calculated in S45. This modification is effective when the image data of the recording job is in the vector format. In the above-described modification, the calculation of the ink usage amount may be performed based on the second and subsequent partial image recordings instead of the first.

  As another modification of the above-described embodiment, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 9 becomes empty during image recording related to one recording job at the start of the image recording process. If it is understood, a preparation promotion screen including a message to prepare a replacement ink cartridge 9 may be displayed on the touch panel at the start of the image recording process. That is, a process of calculating the amount of ink used U3 consumed by the printer unit 90 by image recording related to one recording job is further executed. Then, before S11 in FIG. 7, when the total remaining amount R1-usage U3 ≦ R2, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 9 becomes empty during image recording related to one recording job. The preparation promotion screen is displayed on the touch panel 37.

  In the above-described embodiment, a value obtained by subtracting the amount of ink used U1 used in image recording from the total remaining amount R1 of the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge 9 and the ink remaining amount in the buffer tank 8 is obtained. When it is less than the first predetermined amount M1 (in the case of “YES” in S14 of FIG. 7), the interruption confirmation screen 52 (FIG. 10) is displayed on the touch panel 37 (interruption necessity selection request process). Then, when an instruction to interrupt the image recording is received from the user on the interruption confirmation screen 52, the image recording is interrupted (first interruption process). However, in the interruption necessity selection request process and the first interruption process, the usage amount U1 is larger than the total remaining amount R1 (that is, the first predetermined amount M1 is an amount corresponding to the empty of the buffer tank 8). May also be executed. Further, when the amount obtained by subtracting the usage amount U1 from the total remaining amount R1 is less than the first predetermined amount M1 (in the case of “YES” in S14 of FIG. 7), the first interruption process is performed without performing S17 and S18. May be.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the determination as to whether or not the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 9 is empty (S11 in FIG. 7) is performed before the start of the first partial image recording relating to the recording job, or A case has been described in which the recording is performed after the end of any one of the image recordings related to the recording job and before the start of another partial image recording. However, the determination of whether or not the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 9 is empty may be made in the middle of partial image recording. In this case, the exchange prompting screen may be displayed in the middle of partial image recording.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first predetermined amount M1 is an amount corresponding to the near empty of the buffer tank 8, but the first predetermined amount M1 may be an amount corresponding to the empty of the buffer tank 8, or the near empty. Alternatively, the amount may not correspond to empty.

  A sensor may be used instead of the dot count to determine the remaining amount of the buffer tank 8. Further, the remaining amount of the ink cartridge 9 may be determined by dot count without using the sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the ink cartridge 9.

  In the embodiment described above, the second interruption process is performed when image recording on one sheet P (image recording on both front and back surfaces on one sheet P in the case of duplex printing) is completed without performing S25. May be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where image data related to image recording is acquired by reading a document with the scanner unit 80 is described, but the method of acquiring image data is not limited to this. The image data may be acquired from an electronic device such as a PC or a digital camera that is communicably connected to the multifunction device 1 or a removable memory such as a USB memory connected to the multifunction device 1.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the MFP 1 can use the MPS and the replacement ink cartridge 9 is automatically ordered has been described. However, the present invention is applied to the MFP 1 that does not use the MPS. You can also In such a case, for example, before the start of the image recording process, a cartridge presence / absence confirmation screen 53 as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, on the cartridge presence / absence confirmation screen 53, a message 53 a for confirming whether or not there is a replacement ink cartridge 9, “Is there a replacement ink cartridge?”, And an ink cartridge 9 A first area 53b for receiving an instruction to the effect that there is no ink cartridge 9 and a second area 53c for receiving an instruction to the effect that there is no ink cartridge 9 from the user. Therefore, the presence or absence of the replacement ink cartridge 9 can be determined from the instruction content input by the user. When the first area 53b is touched by the user on the cartridge presence / absence confirmation screen 53, the same determination as in the case where the shipped flag of the ink cartridge 9 is set is performed in the processing of S12 and S21 in FIG. Further, when the user touches the second area 53c on the cartridge presence / absence confirmation screen 53, the same determination as in the case where the shipment completion flag of the ink cartridge 9 is not set is performed in the processing of S12 and S21 in FIG. . Further, S13 may be performed after S11 without performing S12. Further, all of S11, S12, and S13 may not be performed.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the replacement promotion screen 51 and the interruption confirmation screen 52 are displayed on the touch panel 37 has been described. However, the notification screen to the user may be a monitor of a PC connected to the multifunction device 1 or the like. It may be displayed on an external display device.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the multi-function device 1 is described, but the present invention can also be applied to a single printer. Further, the image recording method is not limited to the ink jet method using the ink stored in the ink cartridge, and may be the laser method using the toner mainly used in the toner cartridge.

1 MFP (image recording device)
7 Cartridge holder (cartridge mounting part)
8 Buffer tank 9 Ink cartridge 19 Communication interface 21 Cartridge remaining amount sensor (remaining amount sensor)
30 control unit 33 RAM (storage unit)
37 Touch panel (reception part, notification means)
90 Printer section (recording section)

Claims (9)

A cartridge mounting portion capable of detachably mounting a color material cartridge capable of containing a color material; and
A buffer tank that is connected to the color material cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting portion and stores the color material supplied from the color material cartridge;
A recording unit that records an image on a recording medium by using a color material supplied from the buffer tank;
A storage unit capable of storing a recording job related to image recording on a recording medium;
An image recording apparatus comprising a control unit,
The control unit may be a part of image recording in which the recording job is continuous image recording on a plurality of recording media, or a unit that causes each unit to record the same image on a recording medium corresponding to a recording order. In the case where the recording unit is to perform image recording of a plurality of copies in units,
Regarding the recording job stored in the storage unit, a usage amount calculation process for calculating a usage amount of a color material consumed in the recording unit due to the partial image recording on a plurality of recording media;
A remaining amount calculation process for calculating a total remaining amount of the color material remaining amount of the color material cartridge and the color material remaining amount of the buffer tank;
The amount obtained by subtracting the used amount calculated in the used amount calculating process from the total remaining amount calculated in the remaining amount calculating process is larger than a first predetermined amount indicating that the remaining amount of the buffer tank is small. A comparison process for determining whether or not
Before the start of the first partial image recording related to the recording job, or after the end of any one of the partial image recordings related to the recording job and before the start of another partial image recording When it is determined that the amount obtained by subtracting the usage amount from the total remaining amount is smaller than the first predetermined amount in the comparison process, a first interruption process for interrupting image recording at the time point ,
An image recording apparatus configured to execute the above. A reception unit for receiving input from the user;
The controller is
In the comparison process, when it is determined that the amount obtained by subtracting the usage amount from the total remaining amount is smaller than the first predetermined amount, the user is notified of a selection request as to whether or not to interrupt image recording at that time. Further executing the interruption necessity selection request processing to be notified by means,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first interruption process is executed when the reception unit receives an instruction to interrupt image recording from a user. The controller is
After executing the interruption necessity selection request process, when the accepting unit accepts an instruction not to interrupt image recording from the user, the first recording medium of the partial image recording is performed. Before the start of image recording, or after the end of image recording on any one of the partial image recordings and before the start of image recording on another sheet, The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, further configured to execute a second interruption process for interrupting image recording. A remaining amount sensor capable of detecting whether the color material remaining amount in the color material cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting unit is equal to or less than a second predetermined amount;
The controller is
A remaining amount determination process for determining whether or not the remaining amount of color material in the color material cartridge is equal to or less than the second predetermined amount based on a detection signal from the remaining amount sensor;
When it is determined that the remaining amount of color material in the color material cartridge is equal to or less than the second predetermined amount in the remaining amount determination process, a notification process for notifying the user of the fact by the notification unit is further executed. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1.   5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit executes the notification process before the start of another partial image recording every time the partial image recording is performed. A communication interface capable of communicating with an external terminal via a network;
The controller is
Order processing for transmitting replacement color material cartridge order information to the external terminal;
A receiving process for receiving shipping information of the replacement color material cartridge ordered in the ordering process from the external terminal;
A shipping determination process for determining whether or not the receiving process has received shipping information of the replacement color material cartridge ordered by the ordering process after the ordering process has been executed;
The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the notification process is executed when it is determined in the shipping determination process that the shipping information of the replacement color material cartridge is received. A reception unit for receiving input from the user;
The controller is
Based on the information received by the reception unit, it is possible to further execute a cartridge presence / absence determination process for determining the presence / absence of a replacement color material cartridge,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the notification process is executed when it is determined that the replacement color material cartridge is present in the cartridge presence / absence determination process. A reading unit that reads an image formed on the document and outputs a reading signal;
The controller is
A reading process for receiving the reading signal output from the reading unit and generating image data from the reading signal;
A storage process for storing the image data generated by the reading process in the storage unit as image data corresponding to the recording job;
8. The usage amount calculation process according to claim 1, wherein the usage amount is calculated based on image data corresponding to the recording job stored in the storage process. 9. Image recording device. The recording job causes the recording unit to perform image recording of a plurality of copies in units of copies,
The controller is
In the usage amount calculation process, the usage amount of the color material consumed by the recording unit when performing image recording of any one of the plurality of image recordings is calculated on the one or more recording media. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the usage amount of the color material consumed by the recording unit is recorded by the image recording of the unit.

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