JP3359160B2 - Information processing apparatus and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a host computer for controlling a recording apparatus such as an ink-jet recording apparatus which supplies ink from an ink tank to a recording head and performs recording by causing ink droplets to fly from nozzles of the recording head. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer and an information processing method in the apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The function of detecting the remaining amount of ink in an ink jet recording apparatus has the effect of preventing printing defects due to printing without ink. This is to detect the amount of ink in the ink tank and display the remaining amount, or issue a warning or stop the printing operation when the remaining amount is low.

Various methods have been proposed or implemented for detecting the remaining amount of ink in an ink tank.

First, there is a method in which some kind of sensor is provided in the ink sensor and the remaining amount of ink is directly measured. For this purpose, two electrodes in contact with the ink are provided in the ink tank, and a method of detecting a change in the resistance value between the electrodes according to the remaining amount of the ink, and a method of irradiating the ink in the ink tank with light. Since light is absorbed when there is ink and light is transmitted when there is no ink, there is a method of detecting this with a photodetector and detecting the presence or absence of ink. These systems are hereinafter referred to as “sensor system”.

As another method, the number of ink droplets ejected from a recording dot is counted, and the number of ink droplets that can be ejected from one ink tank, that is, the number of recording dots, is estimated by comparing the number of ink droplets that can be ejected from one ink tank. There is a method to estimate the amount indirectly. This method is hereinafter referred to as “dot counting method”.

[0006]

The host computer that controls the above-described recording apparatus cannot grasp the state of the ink remaining amount of the recording apparatus, and visually informs the user of the state. I could not report.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve such a problem, an object of the present invention is to analyze an ink color used in a printing apparatus and obtain remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the analyzed ink color of the ink cartridge from the printing apparatus. An information processing apparatus and an information processing method for displaying, on a display unit, a message for allowing a user to select replacement of an ink cartridge of an ink color to be used or continuation of processing in an information processing apparatus in response to acquisition of remaining amount information It is to provide.

[0008]

[0009]

[0010]

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus for controlling a recording apparatus, wherein an ink color used in the recording apparatus is controlled.
Analyzing means for analyzing from the original image ; determining means for determining a no-ink flag of the used color analyzed by the analyzing means; and If it is determined that the ink cartridge is not replaced, a message prompting replacement of the ink cartridge is displayed, and if it is determined that the ink cartridge is replaced, a message indicating whether or not to execute cleaning is displayed. And display control means for controlling the

An information processing method according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is an information processing method for an information processing apparatus for controlling a printing apparatus, the analysis method for analyzing an ink color used in the printing apparatus from an original image. A step of determining an ink absence flag of a use color analyzed in the analysis step; and a case where it is determined that there is no ink in the ink cartridge of the use color by the ink absence flag of the use color determined in the determination step. A display control step of controlling the display so as to display a message prompting replacement of the ink cartridge, and to display a message indicating whether or not to execute cleaning when it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced. And characterized in that:

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

According to the above arrangement, the host computer can grasp the state of the ink remaining amount of the recording apparatus, and
The user can be visually notified of the state, and the user can select the subsequent processing on the display means.

[0026]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a recording apparatus according to the present invention;

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a printer for recording an image; 110, a host computer for generating recording image data (recording information) and receiving instructions from a user; these are interfaces capable of two-way communication; It is connected. This interface is wired,
Any type of radio using radio waves or infrared rays may be used.

The printer 101 of this embodiment uses an ink jet recording system. In the printer device 101, reference numeral 102 denotes a controller (CPU) for controlling the entire printer device; an operation panel 103 including a power on / off switch, an online switch for controlling an interface, a lamp for displaying status, and the like; A print head 104 for ejecting ink onto a recording material to record an image, a carriage motor 105 for operating a carriage equipped with the print head in a direction perpendicular to the print head, and feeding and discharging the recording material; A paper feed motor 106 for transporting the recording material, a memory 107 for temporarily storing data sent from the host computer, and storing image data (recording information) immediately before printing for each band size, and the presence or absence of an ink cartridge. Ink sensor 10 for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge If, it consists internal fonts 109 like the higher letters and pictograms and the like frequently used is recorded. The ink jet recording apparatus of this embodiment is a printer capable of performing color recording, and the print head 104 has a print head of four colors of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow mounted on a carriage. In this embodiment, the host computer
The recording information (bit image information) input from the data 110 is input to a recording device for each band size, and the recording device records the recording information on a recording medium for each band size.
Further, a page in which the recording device records the record information for each page.
In the case of a digital printer, the recording information may be input to the recording apparatus from the host computer in page units. When the recording apparatus has a bitmap development function (recording information generation processing), the host computer transmits a character code.
PDL (Page Decr.)
A printer language, such as option language, may be input to the printing apparatus in band size or per page.

In the host computer 110, a CPU (not shown) uses an application software 113 for drawing, creating a table, creating a document, and the like, and an OS system 111, using a bitmap corresponding to the printer resolution requested by the printer driver 114. The data (recording information) is developed in a RAM (not shown). At this time, a character image composed of vector information is developed into predetermined bitmap data (recording information) using the font rasterizer 112.
Further, the CPU (not shown) generates print information which can be printed by the printer device 101 using the printer driver 114, and transmits the print information expanded to the predetermined bitmap data to the printer device after adding a printer control code. I do. Further, the printer driver 114 can indicate the processing status of data and the status of the printer to the user at any time by using the status window 115.

The programs shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 14 are stored in the printer driver 114 and are executed by a CPU (not shown).

FIGS. 2 and 3 show flowcharts of the processing in this embodiment.

First, when the program starts, reception of printer status information is started in step S101 in FIG. When an instruction to start the recording information generation process is received in step S102, an ink cartridge presence / absence flag of the printer is determined in step S103. If the ink cartridge presence flag is 0, that is, if the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the ink-out flag of the printer is determined. If the ink absence flag is 0, that is, if there is ink in the ink cartridge, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, an ink remaining amount flag is determined. When the ink remaining amount flag is 0, that is, when the ink remaining amount is sufficient, the process proceeds to step S106. Step S1
In step 06, recording information generation processing for converting an image into data to be recorded by the printer is performed for each band size, and in step S107, the recording information is output to the printer for each band size.

Although the recording information is bitmap data, if the printer 101 has a function of developing a bitmap, the recording information is composed of character codes and control codes, for example, PDL. Printer language such as

If the ink cartridge presence / absence flag is 1 in step S103, that is, if no ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the flow advances to step S110 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Message 1 is displayed in step S111. Message 1 is displayed on a status window screen as shown in FIG. The status window screen of FIG. 15 includes a display indicating that the ink cartridge is not mounted, the color of the ink that is not mounted, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the user mounts the ink cartridge and presses the execution button in accordance with the message in the status window shown in FIG. 15, the process proceeds to step S112 in FIG.
It is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. When the stop button of the status window of FIG. 15 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S112 of FIG. 2, it is determined that the forced release has been instructed in step S113, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. It is in a standby state until the start of the recording information generation processing is again instructed.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. Message 4 is displayed on a status window screen as shown in FIG. In the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head is to be cleaned by the printer and an execution and stop button are displayed. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped.
The standby state is established until the start of the recording information generation processing is again instructed. Here, when it is determined in step S302 in FIG. 3 that the forced cancellation has been instructed, the process may return to step S111 in FIG. 2 so as to display the message in the status window in FIG. 15 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0 is received in step S305, the ink cartridge presence / absence flag of the corresponding color is reset, and step S3 is performed.
07, the recording information generation processing is restarted, and step S1 in FIG.
Go to 04. The flag reset in step S306 in FIG. 3 may be reset by self-detection in the printer body.

If the ink-out flag is 1 in step S104 of FIG. 2, that is, if there is no ink in the ink cartridge, the flow advances to step S114 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Message 2 is displayed in step S115. Message 2 is displayed on a status window screen as shown in FIG. The status window screen of FIG. 16 includes a display indicating that there is no ink in the ink cartridge, a corresponding ink color, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer.
According to the message in the status window of FIG.
When the ink cartridge is replaced and the execute button is pressed, it is determined in step S116 in FIG. 2 that the ink cartridge has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. FIG.
When the user presses the stop button in the status window, it is determined that the ink cartridge has not been replaced in step S116 of FIG. 2 and that the forced release has been instructed in step S117.
All the recording information generation processing is stopped,
At 102, the apparatus enters a standby state until the start of the recording information generation processing is instructed again.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. Message 4 is displayed on a status window screen as shown in FIG. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head of the printer is to be cleaned and an execution and stop button are displayed. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped.
The standby state is established until the start of the recording information generation processing is again instructed. Here, if it is determined in step S302 in FIG. 3 that the forced cancellation has been instructed, the process may return to step S115 in FIG. 2 so as to display the message in the status window in FIG. 16 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0 is received in step S305, the ink absence flag of the corresponding color is reset, and the recording information generation process is restarted in step S307, and the process proceeds to step S105 in FIG.
The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

If the ink remaining amount flag is 1 in step S105 of FIG. 2, that is, if the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is very small, the flow advances to step S118 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Message 3 is displayed in step S119. Message 3 is displayed on a status window screen as shown in FIG. The status window screen shown in FIG. 17 includes a message indicating that the ink in the ink cartridge is very small and may not be able to be printed depending on the image, a display of a corresponding ink color, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When a new ink cartridge is replaced according to the message in the status window in FIG. 17 and the execution button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S in FIG.
At 120, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced,
The process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. When the stop button in the status window of FIG. 17 is pressed, step S120 of FIG.
In step S121, the ink cartridge is not replaced.
In step S12, it is determined that forced cancellation has been instructed.
In step 2, the recording information generation process is restarted, and the process proceeds to step S106. Even when the ink level is very low, several images can be recorded and printed on an image with a low recording dot density, such as a general document mainly composed of characters. In this case, the recording information generation process is not forcibly stopped.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. Message 4 is displayed on a status window screen as shown in FIG. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head of the printer is to be cleaned and an execution and stop button are displayed. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped.
Then, the apparatus enters a standby state until an instruction to start the recording information generation processing is issued again. Here, if it is determined in step S302 in FIG. 3 that the forced cancellation has been instructed, the process may return to step S119 in FIG. 2 in order to display the message in the status window in FIG. 17 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304.
Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0, is received in step S305, the ink remaining amount flag of the corresponding color is reset, and the recording information generation process is restarted in step S307, and the process proceeds to step S106 in FIG. The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

Until it is determined in step S108 of FIG. 2 that all image data (recording information) has been output, the above-described determination processing of each flag state in steps S103, S104, and S105 is repeated. Step S10
If it is determined in step 8 that all the image data (recording information) has been output, the process proceeds to step S109. If the end of the program is not instructed in step S109, the process waits for the next recording information generation processing start instruction in step S102. Can be recognized on the host computer as to whether the printer has an ink cartridge, no ink, and the remaining amount of ink.Therefore, when the printer is separated from the host computer or when the printer is shared over a network, etc. The response becomes easy.

(Embodiment 2) FIGS. 3 and 4 show flowcharts of processing in this embodiment.

First, when the program starts, reception of printer status information is started in step S401 in FIG. When an instruction to start the recording information generation process is received in step S402, the ink colors used in step S403 are analyzed from the original image. Generally, the printer driver is OS
It instructs the system to convert and develop the recording information created by the application software into an image corresponding to the resolution of the printer. In this case, the resolution of the printer is 3
In the case of high resolution such as 60 dpi, the load of image development processing and analysis of colors used is large. Therefore, when analyzing the color used in the original image, the entire image must be once expanded and analyzed in low resolution at 72 dpi or the like. Thus, the development of the image and the analysis of the used colors can be performed at high speed, and the used memory capacity can be reduced.

Next, in step S404, an ink cartridge presence / absence flag for the color to be used is determined. If the ink cartridge presence / absence flag of the used color is 0, that is, if the ink cartridge of the used color is installed in the printer, the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, the ink absence flag of the used color is determined. If the ink absence flag of the used color is 0, that is, if there is ink in the ink cartridge of the used color, the process proceeds to step S406. In step S406, an ink remaining amount flag of the used color is determined. If the ink remaining amount flag of the used color is 0, that is, if the ink remaining amount of the used color is sufficient, the process proceeds to step S407. Step S40
In step 7, a conversion process for converting the image into recording information for recording and printing by the printer is performed, and in step S408, the recording information is output to the printer for each band size, for example.

If it is determined in step S404 that the ink cartridge presence / absence flag of the color to be used is 1, that is, if the ink cartridge of the color to be used is not mounted, the flow advances to step S411 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Next, message 1 is displayed in step S412. Message 1 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 15 described in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 15 includes a display indicating that the ink cartridge is not mounted, the color of the ink that is not mounted, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the user mounts the ink cartridge and presses the execution button in accordance with the message in the status window of FIG. 15, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced in step S413 of FIG. 4, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG. When the stop button in the status window of FIG. 15 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S413 of FIG. 4, it is determined that the forced release has been instructed in step S414, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped, and in step S402. It is in a standby state until the start of the recording information generation processing is again instructed.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. Message 4 is Example 1
Are displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. In the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head is to be cleaned by the printer and an execution and stop button are displayed. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the cancel button is pressed, it is determined that the forced cancellation has been instructed in step S302 in FIG.
In step S402, a standby state is set until the start of the recording information generation process is instructed again. Here, step S in FIG.
If it is determined in 302 that forced cancellation has been instructed,
The process may return to step S412 in FIG. 4 in order to display the message in the status window in FIG. 15 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0, is received in step S305, the ink cartridge presence / absence flag of the corresponding color is reset. Step S3 in FIG.
The flag reset of 06 may be reset by self-detection in the printer body.

In step S405 in FIG. 4, if the ink absence flag of the used color is 1, that is, if there is no ink in the ink cartridge of the used color, the flow advances to step S415 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Message 2 is displayed in step S416. Message 2 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 16 described in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 16 includes a display indicating that there is no ink in the ink cartridge, a corresponding ink color, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the ink cartridge is replaced according to the message in the status window of FIG. 16 and the execution button is pressed, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced in step S417 of FIG. 4, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG. When the stop button in the status window of FIG. 16 is pressed, step S4 of FIG.
In step S4, the ink cartridge is not replaced.
At 18, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. In step S402, a standby state is set until the start of the recording information generation processing is again instructed.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head of the printer is to be cleaned and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined in step S302 that the forcible release has been instructed, and the recording information generation processing is all stopped. . Here, step S30 in FIG.
If it is determined in step 2 that forced cancellation has been instructed,
The process may return to step S416 in FIG. 4 in order to display the status window message again.
When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG.
At 304, a cleaning execution command is output to the printer. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. Upon receiving the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0 in step S305,
The ink absence flag of the corresponding color is reset, and step S3
07, the recording information generation processing is restarted, and step S4 in FIG.
Proceed to 06. The flag reset in step S306 may be reset by self-detection by the printer body.

If the ink remaining amount flag of the used color is 1 in step S406, that is, if the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge of the used color is very small, the process proceeds to step S419.
Pause the recording information generation process. Next, step S4
At 20, a message 3 is displayed. The message 3 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 17 described in the first embodiment. In the status window screen of FIG. 17, the ink cartridge is running out of ink,
The message includes a message that may not be able to be printed depending on the image and a corresponding ink color, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. Replace the ink cartridge with a new one according to the message in the status window of FIG.
When the execution button is pressed, it is determined in step S421 in FIG. 4 that the ink cartridge has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. When the cancel button in the status window of FIG. 17 is pressed, it is determined that the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S421 of FIG. 4, that the forcible release has been instructed in step S422, and the recording information generation processing is restarted in step S423. Proceed to S407. Even when the ink level is very low, several images can be recorded and printed on images with low recording dot density, such as general text-based documents, so it is up to the user whether to replace with a new ink cartridge or continue. In this case, the recording information generation process is not stopped.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head of the printer is to be cleaned and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forced release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. State. Here, when it is determined in step S302 in FIG. 3 that the forced cancellation has been instructed, the process may return to step S420 in FIG. 4 in order to display the message in the status window in FIG. 17 again. When the execution button of the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG.
In step S304, a cleaning execution command is output to the printer. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0, is received in step S305, the ink remaining amount flag of the corresponding color is reset, and the recording information generation process is restarted in step S307, and the process proceeds to step S407 in FIG. The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

Until it is determined in step S409 in FIG. 4 that all the image data (recording information) has been output, the determination processing of each flag state in steps S404, S405, and S406 is repeated. Step S40
If all the image data (recording information) is output in step S9, the process proceeds to step S410, and if the end of the program is not instructed in step S410, the process waits for a next recording information generation process start instruction in step S410.

Also in this embodiment, since the status of the ink cartridge presence / absence of ink, the absence of ink, and the remaining ink amount of the printer can be recognized on the host computer, when the printer device and the host computer are separated from each other, the printer device is connected to a network or the like. It becomes easy to deal with when sharing.

According to the present embodiment, the status of the ink cartridge presence flag, the ink absence flag, and the ink remaining amount flag is detected only for the ink color used for the recorded image, so that the recording time can be improved by shortening the detection time. Further, it is possible to prevent the image recording operation from being stopped carelessly due to the status information of the ink color not used.

(Embodiment 3) FIGS. 3, 5, 6, and 7 show flowcharts of processing in this embodiment.

First, when the program starts, reception of printer status information is started in step S501 in FIG. When an instruction to start the recording information generation processing is received in step S502, the color mode to be used is determined in step S503. The selection of the color mode can be instructed from the menu screens of the printer body and the printer driver. The selection instruction on the printer body can be executed from the operation panel. In this case, the printer body has color mode status information, and the color mode flag 0 is the monochrome print mode and the color mode flag = 1 is the color print mode.

Next, the process proceeds to step S504, and if it is determined that the current color mode is the monochrome print mode, the process proceeds to step S505. In step S505, only the black ink cartridge presence / absence flag is determined. If the black ink cartridge presence / absence flag is 0, that is, if a black ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the process proceeds to step S506. In step S506, only the black ink absence flag is determined. If the black ink absence flag is 0, that is, if there is ink in the black ink cartridge, the process proceeds to step S701 in FIG. In step S701, only the black ink remaining amount flag is determined. If the black ink remaining amount flag is 0, that is, if the black ink remaining amount is sufficient, the process proceeds to step S702. In step S702, recording information generation processing for converting an image into data for recording and printing by the printer is performed for each band size, and in step S703, the recording information is output to the printer for each band size.

If the black ink cartridge presence / absence flag is 1 at step S505 in FIG.
Proceeding to 507, the recording information generation processing is temporarily stopped. Message 1 is displayed in step S508. Message 1
Is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 15 described in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 15 includes a display indicating that the ink cartridge is not mounted, the color of the ink that is not mounted, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the user mounts the ink cartridge and presses the execute button in accordance with the message in the status window of FIG. 15, it is determined in step S509 that the ink cartridge has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG. When the stop button in the status window of FIG. 15 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S509, it is determined in step S510 that the forcible release has been instructed, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped.
At 502, the apparatus is in a standby state until an instruction to start the recording information generation processing is issued again.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. In the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head is to be cleaned by the printer and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. State. Here, if it is determined in step S302 in FIG. 3 that the forced cancellation has been instructed, the process may return to step S508 in FIG. 5 in order to display the message in the status window in FIG. 15 again. When the execution button of the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG.
In step S304, a cleaning execution command is output to the printer. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0 is received in step S305, the black ink cartridge absence flag is reset, and the recording information generation process is restarted in step S307, and the process proceeds to step S506 in FIG. The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

If the black ink absence flag is 1 in step S506 in FIG. 5, that is, if there is no ink in the black ink cartridge, the flow advances to step S511 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Message 2 is displayed in step S511. Message 2 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 16 described in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 16 includes a display indicating that there is no ink in the ink cartridge, a corresponding ink color, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the ink cartridge is replaced according to the message in the status window of FIG. 16 and the execution button is pressed, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced in step S513 of FIG. 5, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG. When the cancel button in the status window shown in FIG. 16 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S513, it is determined in step S514 that the forcible release has been instructed, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. The processing is in a standby state until the processing start is instructed again.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. In the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head is to be cleaned by the printer and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forced cancellation has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. . Here, step S30 in FIG.
If it is determined in step 2 that forced cancellation has been instructed,
May be returned to step S512 of FIG. 5 in order to display the status window message again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0 is received in step S305, the black ink absence flag is reset, and the recording information generation process is restarted in step S307, and the process proceeds to step S701 in FIG. The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

If the black ink remaining amount flag is 1 at step S701 in FIG.
Proceed to 6 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Next, message 3 is displayed in step S707. The message 3 is displayed on a status window screen as shown in FIG. 17 in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 17 displays a message text and a corresponding ink color that may not be able to be printed halfway depending on the image because the ink in the ink cartridge is very small.
It consists of an execute button and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. If the user replaces the ink cartridge with a new one according to the message in the status window of FIG. 17 and presses the execute button, it is determined in step S708 that the ink cartridge has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG. When the cancel button in the status window of FIG. 17 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S708, it is determined in step S709 that the forcible release has been instructed, and the recording information generation process is restarted in step S710, and the process proceeds to step S702. . Even when the remaining ink level is very small, an image with a low recording dot density, such as a general document mainly composed of characters, can be recorded and printed on several sheets, so it is possible for the user to replace it with a new ink cartridge or to continue as it is. In this case, the recording information generation processing is not stopped.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. In the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head is to be cleaned by the printer and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forced cancellation has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. In step S502, a standby state is set until the recording information generation processing start instruction is issued again. . Here, step S30 in FIG.
If it is determined in step 2 that the forced release has been instructed,
7 may be returned to step S707 in FIG. 7 in order to display the message of the status window again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0 is received in step S305, the black ink remaining amount flag is reset, and the recording information generation process is restarted in step S307 in FIG. 3 and the process proceeds to step S702 in FIG. The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

Until it is determined in step S704 in FIG. 7 that all image data (recording information) has been output, steps S505, S506, and S50 in FIG.
7 is repeated. If all the image data (recording information) is output in step S701 in FIG. 7, the process proceeds to step S705.
Then, the apparatus enters a standby state for the next recording information generation processing start instruction.

If it is determined in step S504 in FIG. 5 that the current color mode is the color print mode, the flow advances to step S601 in FIG. In step S601, an ink cartridge presence / absence flag for each color is determined. If the ink cartridge presence / absence flag is 0, that is, if the ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the process proceeds to step S602. In step S602, the ink absence flag of each color is determined. If the ink absence flag is 0, that is, if there is ink in the ink cartridge, the process proceeds to step S711 in FIG. In step S711, the remaining ink flags of the respective colors are determined. If the ink remaining amount flag is 0, that is, if the ink remaining amount is sufficient, the process proceeds to step S712. In step S712, image data (recording information) processing for converting the image into data for recording and printing by the printer is performed, and in step S713, the image data (recording information) is output to the printer.

If the ink cartridge presence flag is 1 in step S601 in FIG. 6, that is, if there is a color for which no ink cartridge is mounted, the flow advances to step S603 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Next, message 1 is displayed in step S604. Message 1 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 15 described in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 15 shows that the ink cartridge is not installed,
And a display of an ink color not mounted, an execution button and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the user mounts the ink cartridge and presses the execute button in accordance with the message in the status window of FIG. 15, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced in step S605 of FIG. 6, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG. When the stop button in the status window of FIG. 15 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S605 of FIG. 6, it is determined that the forced release has been instructed in step S606, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped.
In step S502, a standby state is set until the start of the recording information generation processing is again instructed.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. In the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head is to be cleaned by the printer and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the cancel button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 in FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. In step S502 in FIG. State. Here, when it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3,
In order to display the message in the status window of FIG. 15 again, the process may return to step S604 of FIG. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0, is received in step S305, the ink cartridge absence flag of the corresponding color is reset, and the recording information generation process is restarted in step S307, and the process proceeds to step S602 in FIG. Step S30 in FIG.
In the flag reset of No. 6, self-detection reset may be performed by the printer body.

If the ink absence flag is 1 in step S602 in FIG. 6, that is, if there is no ink in the ink cartridge, the flow advances to step S607 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Message 2 is displayed in step S608. Message 2 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 16 described in the first embodiment. FIG.
The status window screen of FIG. 7 includes a display indicating that there is no ink in the ink cartridge and a corresponding ink color, an execution button and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the ink cartridge is replaced according to the message in the status window of FIG. 16 and the execute button is pressed, it is determined in step S609 that the ink cartridge has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG.
Proceed to. When the stop button in the status window in FIG. 16 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S609, it is determined that the forced release has been instructed in step S610, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. In step S502 in FIG. It is in a standby state until the start of the recording information generation processing is again instructed.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the printer is to perform cleaning of the recording head and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the cancel button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 in FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. In step S502 in FIG. State. Here, when it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3,
In order to display the message in the status window of FIG. 16 again, the process may return to step S608 of FIG. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0, is received in step S305, the ink absence flag of the corresponding color is reset, and the recording information generation process is restarted in step S307, and the process proceeds to step S711 in FIG. The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

If the ink remaining amount flag is 1 in step S711 in FIG. 7, that is, if the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is very small, the flow advances to step S716 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Next, message 3 is displayed in step S717. The message 3 is displayed on a status window screen as shown in FIG. 17 in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 17 includes a message text and a corresponding ink color that may not be able to be printed in the middle depending on the image because the ink in the ink cartridge is very small, and includes an execution button and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the user replaces the ink cartridge with a new one in accordance with the message in the status window of FIG. 17 and presses the execution button, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced in step S718 of FIG. 7, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG. When the cancel button in the status window of FIG. 17 is pressed, it is determined that the ink cartridge has not been replaced in step S718 of FIG. Proceed to S712. Even when the remaining amount of ink is very small, several images can be recorded and printed in an image with low recording dot density, such as a general document mainly composed of characters, so it is up to the user whether to replace the cartridge with a new one or to continue. In this case, the recording information generation process is not stopped.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the printer is to perform cleaning of the recording head and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the cancel button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 in FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. In step S502 in FIG. State. Here, when it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3,
In order to display the message in the status window of FIG. 17 again, the process may return to step S717 of FIG. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0, is received in step S305, the ink remaining amount flag of the corresponding color is reset. The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

Until it is determined in step S714 in FIG. 7 that all image data (recording information) has been output,
Step S601, step S602, and the determination process of each flag state in step S711 of FIG. 7 are repeated.
If all the image data (recording information) is output in step S714, the process proceeds to step S715, and if the end of the program is not instructed in step S715, step S50 in FIG.
In step 2, the apparatus enters a standby state for the next recording information generation processing start instruction.

Also in this embodiment, since the status of the ink cartridge presence / absence, no ink and the remaining amount of ink of the printer can be recognized on the host computer, when the printer device and the host computer are separated from each other, the printer device is connected to a network or the like. It becomes easy to deal with when sharing.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the status of the ink cartridge presence flag, the absence of ink flag, and the remaining ink flag is detected in accordance with the designated color mode. It is possible to improve the recording speed by shortening the time, and it is possible to prevent the image recording operation from being stopped carelessly due to the status information of the ink color not used. Also, since there is no need to determine the ink color used for the recorded image,
The processing load of image data (recording information) can be reduced.

(Embodiment 4) FIGS. 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9 show flowcharts of processing in this embodiment.

First, when the program starts, reception of printer status information is started in step S501 in FIG. When an instruction to start the recording information generation processing is received in step S502, the color mode to be used is determined in step S503. The selection of the color mode can be instructed from the menu screens of the printer body and the printer driver. The selection instruction on the printer body can be executed from the operation panel. In this case, the printer body has color mode status information, and the color mode flag 0 is the monochrome print mode and the color mode flag = 1 is the color print mode.

Next, the flow advances to step S504, and if it is determined that the current color mode is the monochrome print mode, the flow advances to step S505. In step S505, only the black ink cartridge presence / absence flag is determined. If the black ink cartridge presence / absence flag is 0, that is, if a black ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the process proceeds to step S506. In step S506, only the black ink absence flag is determined. If the black ink absence flag is 0, that is, if there is ink in the black ink cartridge, the process proceeds to step S801 in FIG. In step S801, only the black ink remaining amount flag is determined. If the black ink remaining amount flag is 0, that is, if the black ink remaining amount is sufficient, the process proceeds to step S802. In step S802, image data (recording information) processing for converting the image into data for recording and printing by the printer is performed, and in step S803, the image data (recording information) is output to the printer.

If the black ink cartridge presence / absence flag is 1 in step S505 in FIG. 5, that is, if the black ink cartridge is not mounted, step S505 is executed.
Proceeding to 507, the recording information generation processing is temporarily stopped. Message 1 is displayed in step S508. Message 1
Is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 15 described in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 15 includes a display indicating that the ink cartridge is not mounted, the color of the ink that is not mounted, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the user mounts the ink cartridge in accordance with the message in the status window of FIG. 15 and presses the execution button, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced in step S509 of FIG.
Proceed to 1. When the cancel button in the status window of FIG. 15 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S509 of FIG.
In step S502, the process enters a standby state until the start of the recording information generation process is instructed again.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. In the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head is to be cleaned by the printer and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forced cancellation has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. . Here, step S30 in FIG.
If it is determined in step 2 that forced cancellation has been instructed,
May be returned to step S508 in FIG. 5 in order to display the message in the status window again.
When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG.
At 304, a cleaning execution command is output to the printer. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. Upon receiving the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0 in step S305,
The black ink cartridge absence flag is reset, the recording information generation processing is restarted in step S307 in FIG. 3, and the process proceeds to step S506 in FIG. The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

If the ink absence flag of the used color is 1 in step S506 in FIG. 5, that is, if there is no ink in the black ink cartridge, the flow advances to step S511 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Message 2 is displayed in step S511. Message 2 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 16 described in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 16 includes a display indicating that there is no ink in the ink cartridge, a corresponding ink color, an execution button, and a stop button.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the user replaces the ink cartridge in accordance with the message in the status window shown in FIG.
At 513, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced,
The process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. When the cancel button in the status window of FIG. 16 is pressed, step S513 of FIG.
In step S514, the ink cartridge is not replaced.
, It is determined that the forcible release has been instructed, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. In step S502, a standby state is set until the start of the recording information generation processing is instructed again.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the printer is to perform cleaning of the recording head and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. State. Here, when it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3,
The process may return to step S512 in FIG. 5 in order to display the message in the status window in FIG. 16 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0, is received in step S305, the black ink absence flag is reset, the recording information generation process is restarted in step S307, and the process proceeds to step S801 in FIG. The flag reset in step S306 in FIG. 3 may be detected and reset by the printer body.

If the black ink remaining amount flag is 1 at step S801 in FIG.
Proceed to 6 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Next, the message 33 is displayed in step S807. The message 33 is displayed on a status window screen as shown in FIG. The status window screen of FIG. 18 displays a message and a corresponding ink color, which may not be able to be printed in the middle depending on the image, and an execution button, an alternative color use selection button, and a stop button. Consists of Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When a new ink cartridge is replaced according to the message in the status window in FIG. 18 and the execution button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG.
At 08, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. When the cancel button in the status window of FIG. 18 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S808 of FIG. 8, it is determined that the substitute color is not used in step S809, and it is further determined in step S810 that the forcible release has been instructed. Step S811
Then, the recording information generation process is restarted, and the process proceeds to step S802. Even when the ink level is very low, several images can be recorded and printed on images with low recording dot density, such as general text-based documents, so it is up to the user whether to replace with a new ink cartridge or continue. In this case, the recording information generation process is not stopped.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head of the printer is to be cleaned and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. State. Here, when it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3,
In order to display the message in the status window of FIG. 18 again, the process may return to step S807 of FIG. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0, is received in step S305, the black ink remaining amount flag is reset, and the recording information generation process is restarted in step S307, and the process proceeds to step S802 in FIG. The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

When the substitute color button is pressed in accordance with the message in the window shown in FIG. 18, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S808 in FIG. 5 is displayed. The message 5 is displayed on a window screen as shown in FIG. In the window screen of FIG. 20, cyan, magenta, yellow,
4 color alternative color selection buttons for gray by color mixing and execution,
A stop button and an instruction message are displayed. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. Gray, which is a mixture of three colors, is a mode in which cyan, magenta, and yellow are printed at a predetermined ratio, thereby printing in a color tone close to black which is originally desired to be printed.

The alternative colors are not limited to the above four choices, and other colors such as red, green, and blue may be added to the selection items.

When the cancel button is pressed on the window screen of FIG. 20, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S905 of FIG. 9, and the process proceeds to step S802 of FIG. Here, when the stop button is pressed on the window screen of FIG. 20, the process may return to step S807 to display the message of the previous status window.

When an alternative color is selected on the window screen of FIG. 20 and the execute button is pressed, an alternative color is designated in step S902 of FIG. 9, and the flow advances to step S903 of FIG. In step S903, the presence / absence of ink cartridge of the alternative color, absence of ink, and remaining ink amount are detected. If all the alternative color flags are 0, that is, if the ink color used in the alternative color is in a printable state, the image data (recording information) processing is switched to the alternative color processing in step S907, and the recording information generation processing is performed in step S906. Resume and proceed to step S802 in FIG. When the processing is switched to the alternative color processing, the image data (recording information) processing unit in step S803 replaces the monochrome (black) data information with the alternative color information, and outputs the image data (recording information) replaced with the alternative color in step S803. I do.

If it is determined in step S903 in FIG. 9 that at least one of the flags of the presence / absence of the ink cartridge of the alternative color, the absence of ink, and the remaining amount of ink is 1 and printing cannot be performed, a message 6 is displayed in step S904. I do.

The message 6 is displayed on a status window screen as shown in FIG. The status window screen of FIG. 21 displays a message indicating that printing cannot be performed in the designated alternative color, and an execute button and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer.

When the cancel button is pressed, step S9 in FIG.
In step 05, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed, and the process proceeds to step S802 in FIG. When the execution button is pressed, the process returns to step S901 in FIG. 9, and message 5 is displayed again.
When the stop button in the status window in FIG. 21 is pressed, the process may return to step S807 in FIG. 8 in order to display the message in the status window in FIG. 18 again.

When the alternative color is selected, the detection of the ink cartridge presence / absence, the absence of ink, and the remaining ink amount flag is performed only for the ink color used as the alternative color until the output of image data (recording information) is completed.

Until it is determined in step S804 in FIG. 8 that all image data (recording information) has been output, the above-described steps S505 and S506 in FIG. 5 and the flag state determination processing in step S801 in FIG. 8 are repeated. . If the alternative color has been selected, step S5 in FIG.
The detection of each flag of the ink cartridge presence / absence of No. 05, the absence of ink of Step S506, and the remaining ink amount of Step S801 of FIG.

If all the image data (recording information) has been output in step S804, the flow advances to step S805. If the end of the program has not been instructed in step S805, the process waits for the next recording information generation processing start instruction in step S502 in FIG. Becomes

If it is determined in step S504 in FIG. 5 that the current color mode is the color print mode, the flow advances to step S601 in FIG. In step S601, an ink cartridge presence / absence flag for each color is determined. If the ink cartridge presence / absence flag is 0, that is, if the ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the process proceeds to step S602. In step S602, the ink absence flag of each color is determined. If the ink absence flag is 0, that is, if there is ink in the ink cartridge, the process proceeds to step S812 in FIG. In step S812, the remaining ink amount flags for each color are determined. If the ink remaining amount flag is 0, that is, if the ink remaining amount is sufficient, the process proceeds to step S813. In step S813, image data (recording information) processing for converting the image into data for recording and printing by the printer is performed, and in step S814, the image data (recording information) is output to the printer.

If the ink cartridge presence / absence flag is 1 in step S601 in FIG. 6, that is, if there is a color for which no ink cartridge is mounted, the flow advances to step S603 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Next, message 1 is displayed in step S604. Message 1 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 15 described in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 15 shows that the ink cartridge is not installed,
And a display of an ink color not mounted, an execution button and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the user mounts the ink cartridge and presses the execute button in accordance with the message in the status window of FIG. 15, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced in step S605 of FIG. 6, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG. When the stop button in the status window of FIG. 15 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S605 of FIG. 6, it is determined that the forced release has been instructed in step S606, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped.
In step S502, a standby state is set until the start of the recording information generation processing is again instructed.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. In the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head is to be cleaned by the printer and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. State. Here, step S in FIG.
If it is determined in 302 that the forced cancellation has been instructed, the process may return to step S604 in FIG. 6 to display the message in the status window in FIG. 15 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0, is received in step S305, the ink cartridge absence flag of the corresponding color is reset, and the recording information generation process is restarted in step S307, and the process proceeds to step S602 in FIG. Step S30 in FIG.
In the flag reset of No. 6, self-detection reset may be performed by the printer body.

If the ink-out flag is 1 in step S602 in FIG. 6, that is, if there is no ink in the ink cartridge, the flow advances to step S607 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Message 2 is displayed in step S608. Message 2 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 16 described in the first embodiment. FIG.
The status window screen of FIG. 7 includes a display indicating that there is no ink in the ink cartridge and a corresponding ink color, an execution button and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the ink cartridge is replaced according to the message in the status window of FIG. 16 and the execute button is pressed, it is determined in step S609 that the ink cartridge has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG.
Proceed to. When the stop button in the status window in FIG. 16 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S609, it is determined that the forced release has been instructed in step S610, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. In step S502 in FIG. It is in a standby state until the start of the recording information generation processing is again instructed.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the printer is to perform cleaning of the recording head and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. State. Here, when it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3,
In order to display the message in the status window of FIG. 16 again, the process may return to step S608 of FIG. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0, is received in step S305, the ink absence flag of the corresponding color is reset, and the recording information generation process is restarted in step S307, and the process proceeds to step S711 in FIG. The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

If the ink remaining amount flag is 1 in step S812 in FIG. 8, that is, if the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is very small, the flow advances to step S817 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Next, message 3 is displayed in step S818. The message 3 is displayed on a status window screen as shown in FIG. 17 in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 17 includes a message text and a corresponding ink color that may not be able to be printed in the middle depending on the image because the ink in the ink cartridge is very small, and includes an execution button and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When a new ink cartridge is replaced according to the message in the status window of FIG. 17 and the execute button is pressed, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced in step S819 of FIG. 8, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG. If the user presses the stop button in the status window of FIG. 17, it is determined that the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S819 of FIG. Proceed to S813. Even when the remaining amount of ink is very small, several images can be recorded and printed in an image with low recording dot density, such as a general document mainly composed of characters, so it is up to the user whether to replace the cartridge with a new one or to continue. In this case, the recording information generation process is not stopped.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the printer is to perform cleaning of the recording head and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. State. Here, when it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3,
In order to display the message in the status window of FIG. 17 again, the process may return to step S818 of FIG. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. When the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0 is received in step S305, the ink remaining amount flag of the corresponding color is reset, and the recording information generation process is restarted in step 307, and the process proceeds to step S813 in FIG. The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

[0100] Until it is determined in step S815 in FIG. 8 that all the image data (recording information) has been output, the above-described FIG.
Step S601, step S602, and the determination processing of each flag state in step S812 in FIG. 8 are repeated.
If all the image data (recording information) is output in step S815, the process proceeds to step S816, and if the end of the program is not instructed in step S816, step S50 in FIG.
In step 2, the apparatus enters a standby state for the next recording information generation processing start instruction.

Also in this embodiment, since the status of the ink cartridge of the printer, the absence of ink, and the remaining amount of ink can be recognized on the host computer, when the printer device and the host computer are separated from each other, the printer device can be connected to a network or the like. It becomes easy to deal with when sharing.

According to this embodiment, the status of the ink cartridge presence flag, the absence of ink flag, and the remaining ink flag is detected according to the designated color mode. It is possible to improve the recording speed by shortening the time, and it is possible to prevent the image recording operation from being stopped carelessly due to the status information of the ink color not used. Further, since it is not necessary to determine the ink color used for the recorded image, the processing load of the image data (recording information) can be reduced. In addition, when the remaining amount of black ink becomes very small in the monochrome print mode, an alternative color can be selected, so that recording can be performed without replacing the ink cartridge when an image output is required immediately. It is possible.

(Embodiment 5) FIGS. 3, 10, and 11 show flowcharts of processing in this embodiment.

First, when the program starts, reception of printer status information is started in step S1001 in FIG. Upon receiving an instruction to start the recording information generation processing in step S1002, the process advances to step S1003. In step S1003, an ink cartridge presence / absence flag is determined. If the ink cartridge presence / absence flag is 0, that is, if the ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the process proceeds to step S1004. In step S1004, an out-of-ink flag is determined. When the ink-out flag is 0, that is, when there is ink in the ink cartridge, FIG.
The process proceeds to step S1101 of FIG. In step S1101, an ink remaining amount flag is determined. Ink remaining amount flag is 0
That is, if the remaining amount of ink is sufficient, step S
Proceed to 1105. In step S1105, image data (recording information) processing for converting the image into data for recording and printing by the printer is performed, and in step S1106, the image data (recording information) is output to the printer.

If the ink cartridge presence / absence flag is 1 in step S1003 of FIG. 10, that is, if the ink cartridge is not mounted, the process proceeds to step S1005,
Pause the recording information generation process. Step S1006
To display message 1. Message 1 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 15 described in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 15 includes a display indicating that the ink cartridge is not mounted, the color of the ink that is not mounted, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the user mounts the ink cartridge according to the message in the status window of FIG. 15 and presses the execution button, it is determined in step S1007 of FIG. 10 that the ink cartridge has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG. When the stop button of the status window in FIG. 15 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S1007 in FIG. 10, it is determined that the forced release is instructed in step S1008, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped.
In step S1002, the process enters a standby state until the start of the recording information generation process is instructed again.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. In the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head is to be cleaned by the printer and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. State. Here, if it is determined in step S302 in FIG. 3 that the forcible release has been instructed, the process may return to step S1006 in FIG. 10 to display the message in the status window in FIG. 15 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. In step S305, the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0.
Is received, the ink cartridge absence flag of the corresponding color is reset, the recording information generation processing is restarted in step S307 in FIG. 3, and the process proceeds to step S1004 in FIG.
The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

If the ink absence flag is 1 in step S1004 of FIG. 10, that is, if there is no ink in the ink cartridge, the flow advances to step S1009 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Message 2 is displayed in step S1010. Message 2 corresponds to FIG. 16 described in the first embodiment.
It is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG.
The status window screen of FIG. 16 includes a display indicating that there is no ink in the ink cartridge, a corresponding ink color, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the ink cartridge is replaced according to the message in the status window in FIG. 16 and the execution button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1011 in FIG.
It is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. When the stop button in the status window of FIG. 16 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S1011 of FIG.
, It is determined that the forcible release has been instructed, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. In step S1002, a standby state is set until the start of the recording information generation processing is instructed again.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the printer is to perform cleaning of the recording head and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. State. Here, if it is determined in step S302 in FIG. 3 that the forcible release has been instructed, the process may return to step S1010 in FIG. 10 to display the message in the status window in FIG. 16 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. In step S305, the cleaning end status, that is, the cleaning execution flag =
When 0 is received, the ink absence flag of the corresponding color is reset, the recording information generation process is restarted in step S307, and the process proceeds to step S1101 in FIG. Step S3 in FIG.
The flag reset of 06 may be detected and reset by the printer body.

If the ink remaining amount flag is 1 in step S1101 of FIG. 11, that is, if the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is very small, the flow advances to step S1102 to read the count value (Count) of the number of recordable dots.
As the initial value of the number of printable dots, the assumed number of dots from when the ink remaining amount flag inside the printer becomes 1 until printing becomes impossible is set in advance to the internal count value of the printer. The count value is automatically counted and subtracted in the printer by the number of dots recorded after the ink remaining amount flag in the printer becomes 1. Next, step S1103
Then, the number of dots (D) of the recorded image is counted. Next, the process proceeds to step S1104, and if D ≦ Count, the process of image data (recording information) is continued in step S1105.

When D> Count, the ink runs out during the image recording, so that the flow advances to step S1109 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Next, step S11
The message 3 'is displayed at 10. The message 3 'is displayed on a status window screen as shown in FIG. The status window screen of FIG. 17 has a small amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge, and the image being executed includes a message indicating that the image cannot be printed halfway and the corresponding ink color, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When a new ink cartridge is replaced according to the message in the status window shown in FIG.
In step S1111, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. FIG.
Pressing the stop button in the status window of FIG.
It is determined in step S1111 that the ink cartridge has not been replaced, and it is determined in step S1112 that forced cancellation has been instructed. In step S1113, the recording information generation process is restarted, and the flow advances to step S1105. In this case, the recording information generation processing is not stopped.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the printer is to perform cleaning of the recording head and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. State. Here, when it is determined in step S302 in FIG. 3 that the forced cancellation has been instructed, the process may return to step S1110 in FIG. 11 in order to display the message in the status window in FIG. 17 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. In step S305, the cleaning end status, that is, the cleaning execution flag =
When 0 is received, the ink remaining amount flag of the corresponding color is reset, and the recording information generation processing is restarted in step 307, and FIG.
The process proceeds to step S1105 of FIG. Step S30 in FIG.
In the flag reset of No. 6, self-detection reset may be performed by the printer body.

Until it is determined in step S1107 in FIG. 11 that all image data (recording information) has been output, steps S1003 and S1004 in FIG.
The determination process of each flag state of step S1101 of 1 is repeated. If all the image data (recording information) is output in step S1107, the process proceeds to step S1108. If the end of the program is not instructed in step S1108, a standby state for the next recording information generation processing start instruction is entered in step S1002 in FIG.

Also in the present embodiment, since the status of the ink cartridge of the printer, the absence of ink, and the remaining amount of ink can be recognized on the host computer, when the printer device and the host computer are separated from each other, the printer device is connected to a network or the like. It becomes easy to deal with when sharing.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the remaining amount of ink is very small, the assumed number of recordable dots is compared with the number of dots of the recorded image to determine whether or not the recording information generation processing is possible. Reliable image recording becomes possible.

(Embodiment 6) FIGS. 3, 10, and 12 show flowcharts of processing in this embodiment.

First, when the program starts, reception of printer status information is started in step S1001 in FIG. Upon receiving an instruction to start the recording information generation processing in step S1002, the process advances to step S1003. In step S1003, an ink cartridge presence / absence flag is determined. If the ink cartridge presence / absence flag is 0, that is, if the ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the process proceeds to step S1004. In step S1004, an out-of-ink flag is determined. When the ink-out flag is 0, that is, when there is ink in the ink cartridge, FIG.
It proceeds to step S1201 of Step 2. In step S1201, an ink remaining amount flag is determined. Ink remaining amount flag is 0
That is, if the remaining amount of ink is sufficient, step S
Proceed to 1205. In step S1205, recording information generation processing for converting an image into data for recording and printing by the printer is performed for each band size, and in step S1206, the recording information is output to the printer for each band size.

If the ink cartridge presence / absence flag is 1 in step S1003 of FIG. 10, that is, if the ink cartridge is not mounted, the process proceeds to step S1005.
Pause the recording information generation process. Step S1006
To display message 1. Message 1 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 15 described in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 15 includes a display indicating that the ink cartridge is not mounted, the color of the ink that is not mounted, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the user mounts the ink cartridge according to the message in the status window of FIG. 15 and presses the execution button, it is determined in step S1007 of FIG. 10 that the ink cartridge has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG. When the stop button of the status window in FIG. 15 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S1007 in FIG. 10, it is determined that the forced release is instructed in step S1008, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped.
In step S1002, the process enters a standby state until the start of the recording information generation process is instructed again.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. In the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head is to be cleaned by the printer and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. State. Here, if it is determined in step S302 in FIG. 3 that the forcible release has been instructed, the process may return to step S1006 in FIG. 10 to display the status window message in FIG. 15 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. In step S305, the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0.
Is received, the ink cartridge absence flag of the corresponding color is reset, the recording information generation processing is restarted in step S307 in FIG. 3, and the process proceeds to step S1004 in FIG.
The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

If the ink-out flag is 1 in step S1004 in FIG. 10, that is, if there is no ink in the ink cartridge, the flow advances to step S1009 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Message 2 is displayed in step S1010. Message 2 corresponds to FIG. 16 described in the first embodiment.
It is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG.
The status window screen of FIG. 16 includes a display indicating that there is no ink in the ink cartridge, a corresponding ink color, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the ink cartridge is replaced according to the message in the status window in FIG. 16 and the execution button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1011 in FIG.
It is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. When the stop button in the status window of FIG. 16 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S1011 of FIG.
, It is determined that the forcible release has been instructed, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. In step S1002, a standby state is set until the start of the recording information generation processing is instructed again.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the printer is to perform cleaning of the recording head and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. State. Here, when it is determined in step S302 in FIG. 3 that the forcible release has been instructed, the process may return to step S1010 in FIG. 10 to display the message in the status window in FIG. 16 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. In step S305, the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0.
Is received, the out-of-ink flag of the corresponding color is reset, the recording information generation process is restarted in step S307, and the process proceeds to step S1101 in FIG. Step S3 in FIG.
The flag reset of 06 may be detected and reset by the printer body.

If the ink remaining amount flag is 1 in step S1201 in FIG. 12, that is, if the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is very small, the flow advances to step S1202 to read the count value (Count) of the number of recordable dots.
As the initial value of the number of printable dots, the assumed number of dots from when the ink remaining amount flag in the printer becomes 1 until printing becomes impossible is set in advance in the internal count value of the printer. Next, the process proceeds to step S1203, where the number of dots (D) of the recorded image is counted. Next, the process proceeds to step S1104, and if D ≦ Count, the process of image data (recording information) is continued in step S1205.

If D> Count, ink runs out during image recording, so the flow advances to step S1210 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Next, step S12
At step 11, message 3 'is displayed. The message 3 'is displayed on a status window screen as shown in FIG. The status window screen of FIG. 17 has a message indicating that the ink in the ink cartridge is very low and the image being executed cannot be printed on the way, a display of a message and a corresponding ink color, an execution button, and a stop button.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When a new ink cartridge is replaced according to the message in the status window of FIG. 17 and the execute button is pressed, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced in step S1212 of FIG. 12, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG. When the cancel button in the status window of FIG. 17 is pressed, it is determined that the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S1212 of FIG. The process proceeds to S1205. In this case, the recording information generation processing is not stopped.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the printer is to perform cleaning of the recording head and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. State. Here, if it is determined in step S302 in FIG. 3 that the forcible release has been instructed, the process may return to step S1211 in FIG. 12 to display the message in the status window in FIG. 17 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. In step S305, the cleaning completion status, that is, the cleaning execution flag = 0.
Is received, the ink remaining amount flag of the corresponding color is reset, and the recording information generation process is restarted in step 307, and FIG.
It proceeds to step S1205 of No. 2. Step S30 in FIG.
In the flag reset of No. 6, self-detection reset may be performed by the printer body.

Until it is determined in step S1207 in FIG. 12 that all image data (recording information) has been output, steps S1003, S1004 in FIG.
The determination process of each flag state of Step S1201 of Step 2 is repeated. If all the image data (recording information) is output in step S1207, the process advances to step S1208 to change the status of the printer regarding the number of printable dots. Next, the process proceeds to step S1209, and if the end of the program is not instructed, the process enters a standby state for the next recording information generation process start instruction in step S1002 in FIG.

Also in the present embodiment, the presence or absence of the ink cartridge, the absence of ink, and the remaining amount of ink of the printer can be recognized on the host computer. It becomes easy to deal with when sharing.

Further, according to this embodiment, as in the previous embodiment, when the remaining amount of ink is very small, the assumed number of recordable dots is compared with the number of dots of the print image, and the print information generation process is performed. Since it is determined whether or not the image can be recorded, reliable image recording can be performed. Furthermore, since a new recordable dot number is calculated from the dot number recorded after the image recording is completed and is written into the status of the printer again, the present invention is also effective for a device in which the number of recorded dots cannot be counted inside the printer.

(Embodiment 7) FIGS. 3, 13 and 14 show flowcharts of processing in this embodiment.

First, when the program starts, an ink remaining amount display flag is reset in step S1301 of FIG. Next, reception of printer status information is started in step S1302. Upon receiving an instruction to start the recording information generation processing in step S1303, step S130
Proceed to 4. In step S1304, an ink cartridge presence / absence flag is determined. If the ink cartridge presence flag is 0, that is, if the ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the process advances to step S1305. Step S
At 1305, an ink absence flag is determined. If the ink absence flag is 0, that is, if there is ink in the ink cartridge, the process proceeds to step S1401 in FIG. In step S1401, an ink remaining amount flag is determined. If the ink remaining amount flag is 0, that is, if the ink remaining amount is sufficient, the process proceeds to step S1402. In step S1202, recording information generation processing for converting an image into data for recording and printing by the printer is performed for each band size, and in step S1203, the recording information is output to the printer for each band size.

If the ink cartridge presence / absence flag is 1 in step S1304 of FIG. 13, that is, if the ink cartridge is not mounted, the flow advances to step S1306.
Pause the recording information generation process. Step S1307
To display message 1. Message 1 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 15 described in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 15 includes a display indicating that the ink cartridge is not mounted, the color of the ink that is not mounted, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the user mounts the ink cartridge according to the message in the status window of FIG. 15 and presses the execution button, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced in step S1308 of FIG. 13, and the process proceeds to step S301 of FIG. When the stop button in the status window of FIG. 15 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S1308 of FIG. 13, it is determined in step S1309 that the forced release has been instructed, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped.
In step S1303, the apparatus enters a standby state until the start of the recording information generation processing is instructed again.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. In the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the recording head is to be cleaned by the printer and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 in FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped, and the process waits in step S1303 in FIG. State. Here, if it is determined in step S302 of FIG. 3 that the forcible release has been instructed, the process may return to step S1307 of FIG. 13 to display the message in the status window of FIG. 15 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. In step S305, the cleaning end status, that is, the cleaning execution flag =
When 0 is received, the ink cartridge absence flag of the corresponding color is reset, the recording information generation processing is restarted in step S307 in FIG. 3, and the process proceeds to step S1305 in FIG. The flag reset at step S306 in FIG. 3 may be performed by the printer body for self-detection reset.

If the ink-out flag is 1 in step S1305 of FIG. 13, that is, if there is no ink in the ink cartridge, the flow advances to step S1310 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Message 2 is displayed in step S1311. Message 2 corresponds to FIG. 16 described in the first embodiment.
It is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG.
The status window screen of FIG. 16 includes a display indicating that there is no ink in the ink cartridge, a corresponding ink color, an execution button, and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the ink cartridge is replaced according to the message in the status window in FIG. 16 and the execution button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1312 in FIG.
It is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. When the stop button of the status window in FIG. 16 is pressed, the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S1312 in FIG.
, It is determined that the forcible release has been instructed, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped. In step S1303, a standby state is set until the start of the recording information generation processing is instructed again.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the printer is to perform cleaning of the recording head and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped, and the process waits until the recording information generation processing start is again instructed in step S1302 of FIG. State. Here, if it is determined in step S302 in FIG. 3 that the forcible release has been instructed, the process may return to step S1311 in FIG. 13 to display the message in the status window in FIG. 16 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. In step S305, the cleaning end status, that is, the cleaning execution flag =
When 0 is received, the ink absence flag of the corresponding color is reset, the recording information generation processing is restarted in step S307, and the process proceeds to step S1401 in FIG. Step S3 in FIG.
The flag reset of 06 may be detected and reset by the printer body.

If the ink remaining amount flag is 1 in step S1201 in FIG. 14, that is, if the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is very small, the flow proceeds to step S1407, the ink remaining amount display flag is changed to 1, and the flow proceeds to step S1402.

Until it is determined in step S1304 that all the image data (recording information) has been output, the determination processing of each flag state in steps S1304, S1305 in FIG. 13 and step S1401 in FIG. 14 is repeated. If all the image data (recording information) is output in step S1404, the process advances to step S1405 to determine the remaining ink amount display flag. If the ink remaining amount display flag is 0, that is, if there is sufficient ink in the ink cartridge, the process advances to step S1302. If the end of the program is not instructed in step S1302, step S130 in FIG.
At 3, the apparatus enters a standby state for the next recording information generation processing start instruction.

If the ink remaining amount display flag is 1 in step S1405, that is, if the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is very small, the flow advances to step S1408 to temporarily stop the recording information generation processing. Next, step S1409
To display message 3. The message 3 is displayed on a status window screen as shown in FIG. 17 in the first embodiment. The status window screen of FIG. 17 includes a message text and a corresponding ink color that may not be able to be printed in the middle depending on the image because the ink in the ink cartridge is very small, and includes an execution button and a stop button. Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the user replaces the ink cartridge with a new one in accordance with the message in the status window of FIG. 17 and presses the execution button, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced in step S1410 of FIG.
Go to 301. When the cancel button in the status window of FIG. 17 is pressed, it is determined that the ink cartridge is not replaced in step S1410 of FIG. The process proceeds to S1406.

When the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. 3, message 4 is displayed. The message 4 is displayed on the status window screen as shown in FIG. 19 described in the first embodiment. On the status window screen of FIG. 19, a message indicating that the printer is to perform cleaning of the recording head and an execution and stop button are displayed.
Each button is selected and executed by input means such as a mouse and a keyboard of the host computer. When the stop button is pressed, it is determined that the forcible release has been instructed in step S302 of FIG. 3, and all the recording information generation processing is stopped, and the process waits until the recording information generation processing start is again instructed in step S1302 of FIG. State. Here, if it is determined in step S302 in FIG. 3 that the forced cancellation has been instructed, the process may return to step S1409 in FIG. 14 in order to display the message in the status window in FIG. 17 again. When the execution button in the status window in FIG. 19 is pressed, an execution instruction is received in step S303 in FIG. 3, and a cleaning execution command is output to the printer in step S304. Upon receiving the cleaning execution command, the printer starts the cleaning operation and sets the cleaning execution flag to 1. The printer sets the cleaning execution flag to 0 immediately after completing the cleaning operation. In step S305, the cleaning end status, that is, the cleaning execution flag =
When 0 is received, the ink remaining amount display flag of the corresponding color is reset, and the recording information generation processing is restarted in step 307, and the process proceeds to step S1406 in FIG. Step S in FIG.
The flag reset at 306 may be reset by self-detection by the printer body.

Also in this embodiment, since the status of the ink cartridge of the printer, the absence of ink, and the remaining amount of ink can be recognized on the host computer, when the printer device and the host computer are separated from each other, the printer device is connected to a network or the like. It becomes easy to deal with when sharing.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the recording operation is stopped when the remaining amount of ink is very small, and the message display is performed after the image recording is completed.

According to the first embodiment, the printer 1
01 ink cartridge presence / absence, ink absence / ink remaining status (ink-related status of the printer 101)
CPU information (status information) is detected by a CPU (not shown) using the printer driver 114 of the host computer 110, and a corresponding message (status window) is displayed on a display such as a CRT of the host computer. Can be. Therefore, the user interface (operability) can be improved when the printer device 101 and the host computer 110 are located at a remote place or when the printer device 101 is shared by a network or the like. it can.

According to the second embodiment, the use colors of the recording information to be recorded are analyzed, and the status of the ink presence / absence flag, the absence of ink, and the remaining ink amount flag of only the ink color to be used is detected. The corresponding message can be displayed as in the first embodiment.

Therefore, when the recording information to be recorded by the recording apparatus uses only black, only the status information of black is detected, and the status information of other colors is ignored. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the processing efficiency (for example, the efficiency of the recording information generation processing) from being lowered by unnecessary interrupt processing. Further, it is possible to prevent an inadvertent stop of the printing operation due to the status of the unused ink color.

According to the third embodiment, the designated color
According to the mode (monochrome print mode, color print mode), the status of the ink presence flag, the ink absence flag, and the ink remaining amount flag is detected, and the corresponding message is displayed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Can be displayed. For example, in the monochrome print mode, only the status of black ink is detected, and in the color print mode, the status of all color inks is detected by a CPU (not shown). The color
The mode selection / switching designation may be performed on the host computer or on the operation panel of the printer. When switching is performed on the operation panel of the printer device, the CPU (not shown) detects the status information of the color mode using the printer driver.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the processing (for example, the recording information generation processing) from being stopped by unnecessary interrupt processing for detecting status information. Here, the inadvertent stop of the recording information generation processing means, for example, the stop of the recording information generation processing or the use of an unused ink cartridge according to the status information of the cyan ink not used in the monochrome mode. This is the stop of the recording information generation process due to the exchange command.

Further, according to the fourth embodiment, for example, in the case of the monochrome mode, when the remaining amount of the ink is very small, a message enabling the alternative color printing can be displayed. For example, when the remaining amount of black ink is very small, it is possible to perform recording by substituting cyan ink with alternative color printing designation.

Therefore, when the printing of the recording information is required immediately, the recording can be surely performed without replacing the ink cartridge.

Further, according to the fifth embodiment, the number of dots (D) of the recorded information is counted (for example, counted in a page unit or a band size unit), and the number of dots that can be recorded by the recording apparatus in advance is calculated. Compared with (Count), if recording is possible, recording can be continued.

According to the sixth embodiment, the CPU (not shown) can update the number of recordable dots of the recording apparatus via the printer driver.

According to the seventh embodiment, a message indicating that the remaining amount of the ink is very small can be displayed after the recording information is output.

(Configuration of Remaining Ink Detecting Function) Next, an example of the remaining ink detecting function applicable to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

In a recording apparatus using an ink-jet method, it is possible to satisfactorily supply ink corresponding to the amount of ink ejected from a recording head at the time of recording. No ink supply system is required.

For this reason, a configuration is known in which a negative pressure generating mechanism is provided in the ink supply system so that the pressure at the discharge port is lower than the atmospheric pressure. The negative pressure here is a back pressure in the ink supply direction to the ejection port, and particularly means a pressure state in which the ejection port is lower than the atmospheric pressure as described above.

As a negative pressure generating mechanism provided in the ink supply system, one form of an ink container as an ink container is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-87242. In this conventional example, a foam material is arranged almost entirely in the ink container,
The configuration of an ink jet recording cartridge having a plurality of ink ejection orifices is shown. With this cartridge configuration, it is possible to generate a negative pressure due to the capillary force of the foam for storing the ink in a porous medium such as a polyurethane foam, which is a foam material, and to retain the ink (prevent ink leakage from the ink container). It is.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-40043 proposes a technique for increasing the ink use efficiency and increasing the ink filling amount in a structure in which a foam material is disposed as a negative pressure generating member in the ink storing means. I have. According to the present application, by using an ink storage container in which a negative pressure generating member storage section and an ink storage section for storing ink are separated, almost all of the ink can be used except for the ink that adheres to the wall surface in the ink storage section. In addition, stable ink supply performance is maintained and the capacity of the ink storage container is increased.

The structure for detecting the remaining amount of ink described below is a method of detecting ink with high accuracy and a desired remaining amount of ink in an ink jet recording apparatus using an ink tank containing a negative pressure generating member such as an absorber or a foam material. This realizes a remaining amount detection function, and detects a remaining amount of ink based on a change in light reflectance at a boundary portion between the wall surface and the ink absorber through a part of the wall surface of the ink tank.

FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view of a color ink jet recording apparatus configured to be able to eject a plurality of different color inks. A plurality of inks of different colors are stored in corresponding ink tanks and mounted on a carriage. Accordingly, the inks stored in the ink tanks (not shown) are four colors of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow which are usually used in a color printer.

In FIG. 25, reference numeral 8 denotes a chassis to which various components are attached. Reference numeral 9 denotes a paper feed roller provided in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus and for conveying a recording paper (not shown). Reference numeral 10 denotes a paper feed roller provided in parallel with the paper feed roller 9 to feed the recording paper. Is a pinch roller for pressing the sheet. Reference numeral 2 denotes a guide shaft which is provided in parallel with the paper feed roller 9 and reference numeral 11 denotes a scale portion of a magnetic linear encoder which is provided in parallel with the guide shaft 2.

A carriage 1 moves along the guide shaft 2. Reference numeral 12 denotes a head cover for fixing an ink jet head (not shown) to the carriage 1, and 13 denotes a flexible substrate, which sends a recording data signal from the apparatus control unit to the ink jet head mounted on the carriage 1, An output signal from a sensor (not shown) of the provided magnetic linear encoder can be sent to the device control unit.

3 is provided in parallel with the guide shaft 2,
A support shaft that maintains the posture of the carriage 1 that is provided rotatably about the guide shaft 2,
Reference numeral 14 denotes a carriage motor for scanning the carriage 1 along the guide shaft 2, and reference numeral 15 denotes a timing belt for transmitting the driving force of the carriage motor 14 to the carriage 1. Reference numeral 16 denotes a transmission type photo interrupter provided in the scanning area of the carriage 1 for setting a reference position in the scanning of the carriage 1.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a suction cap used for preventing ejection failure of the ink jet head or recovering the same, and reference numeral 18 designates drying of the ejection port (hereinafter also referred to as a nozzle) of the ink jet head while the ink jet head is on standby. It is a protective cap to prevent. Reference numeral 5 denotes a paper position switching lever provided on the carriage 1 for switching the clearance between the recording paper and the ink jet head according to the thickness of the recording paper. Reference numeral 6 denotes a paper position switching lever provided near the home position of the carriage 1. A reflection type photo interrupter 19 as an ink sensor is provided to prevent clogging of a nozzle portion of the inkjet head.
This is a preliminary ejection hole for receiving ink droplets when performing preliminary ejection prior to printing.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the carriage 1 and FIG.
22 is a diagram showing a state where the ink tank is mounted in FIG. 22, and FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a state where the carriage shown in FIG. 22 is viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG.

The positional relationship between the carriage 1 and the photo-interrupter 6 and the principle of detection by the photo-interrupter 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 22, 23 and 24.

In FIG. 22, FIG. 23 and FIG.
Reference numeral b denotes a hole provided at the bottom of the carriage 1 for transmitting light from the photo interrupter 6.

In FIG. 23, reference numeral 21 denotes a print head for performing printing by discharging ink from a nozzle 22 at the tip of the print head. 7 is an ink tank mounted on the carriage 1, 7a is an absorber as a negative pressure generating member provided in the ink tank, 7b is a boundary portion between the absorber in the ink tank and the outer wall of the ink tank, 7c Is an ink storage section (hereinafter, also referred to as a raw ink storage section) for storing the ink in the ink tank as it is without mixing with other members (hereinafter, also referred to as a raw ink storage section), and 7d represents a raw ink in the ink tank. This is the boundary between the ink and the outer wall of the ink tank. The raw ink storage section stores the ink in a substantially sealed state, and has a threshold wall 7.
The ink is supplied from the lower part of g, that is, the gap 7f at the bottom of the ink tank, to the room in which the ink absorber 7a is stored.
The material of the ink tank 7 is transparent to the detection light of the photo interrupter 6, such as transparent plastic. Reference numeral 28 denotes an atmosphere communication port for performing gas-liquid exchange accompanying consumption of ink. The supply of ink to the print head is performed via a supply port.

In the ink tank 7, an air introduction groove 7h is formed in a part of a threshold wall 7g which is a partition wall between the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion accommodating the ink absorber 7a and the raw ink accommodating portion. A negative pressure generating member adjusting chamber 7i is formed. The air introduction groove 7h has a gap 7 between an intermediate portion of the threshold wall 7g and an end of the threshold wall 7g, that is, the bottom of the ink cartridge.
Up to f, it is formed on the negative pressure generating member housing portion side. A negative pressure generating member adjusting chamber 7 having a hollow shape is provided between the air absorbing groove 7h and the ink absorber 7a in contact with the vicinity of the air introducing groove 7h.
i is formed.

When the ink in the ink absorber 7a is consumed, the interface between the air and the liquid (gas-liquid interface) in the ink absorber 7a is lowered, the air is introduced into the raw ink storage unit, and the ink is transferred to the ink absorber 7a. Supplied. So-called gas-liquid exchange is performed.

The negative pressure in the ink absorber 7a is adjusted by the meniscus position at the gas-liquid interface, so that ink can be supplied without leaking from the recording head.

The head 21 and the ink tank 7 are integrally mounted on the carriage 1, and are scanned in the vertical direction in the drawing by sliding the shafts 2 and 3.

FIG. 26 is a plan view of a substrate on which the photo interrupter 6 is mounted, 6c indicates a light emitting unit, and 6d indicates a light receiving unit. In FIG. 22, reference numeral 6a denotes an optical path (hereinafter, also referred to as a return optical path) in which the light 6b emitted from the light emitting unit 6c is reflected and returned, and the light receiving unit 6 shown in FIG.
d. This optical path may be a reflection surface in the plane of FIG. 22 as shown in FIG. 22, or a reflection plane perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 22. However, when the attitude of the carriage 1 is largely changed by the operation of the above-described paper position switching lever 5, the influence of the attitude difference is less when the reflection surface is in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 22. Also, in FIG. 22, this optical path is drawn as a simple straight line so as not to complicate the drawing, but is actually a light beam having a certain spread.

The photo-interrupter 6 is installed so as to irradiate detection light on the absorber 7a in the ink tank 7 slightly near the raw ink storage portion 7c. This position affects the remaining number of printable sheets at the time of detection as described later. Regarding the position of the photo-interrupter 6 in the height direction, it is desirable to arrange the photo-interrupter 6 such that the boundary 7b between the wall surface of the ink tank 7 and the absorber 7a comes near the focal position of the photo-interrupter 6. If the detection light deviates from the focus position of the photo interrupter 6, the spread of the detection light increases, and the S / N of the detection is lowered due to the light reflected and scattered at the edge of the hole 1b of the carriage 1 or the like. .

As described above, the photo interrupter 6 is formed by integrating the LED, which is the light emitting element 6c of the light source, and the light receiving element 6d. This LED is an infrared light having a transmittance to any of the four color inks.
d also has sufficient sensitivity to the wavelength of the LED.

The photo interrupter 6 is installed separately from the carriage 1 and irradiates infrared light to the bottom surface of the absorber 7c through a hole 1b opened in the carriage 1 and the wall 7b of the transparent ink tank 7 to reflect the light. The detected light is detected by the light receiving element 6d. By disposing the photo-interrupter 6 as the detection system separately from the carriage in this way, a power supply line and a signal line from the main body of the recording apparatus to the carriage, which is a movable portion, become unnecessary, and the configuration is simplified. And cost reduction can be achieved.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the photointerrupter 6 of the photointerrupter 6 on the lower surface of the absorber 7a where light is radiated when the ink tank 7 has sufficient ink, and FIG. It is an enlarged view at the time. FIG. 30 is a graph showing a change in the output of the light receiving unit 6d of the photo interrupter 6 according to the remaining ink amount.

Next, the principle of detecting the remaining amount of ink will be described.

In general, Fresnel's formula indicating the amplitude reflectance of light at the interface between the media 1 and 2 having different refractive indices is as follows:

[0175]

[Outside 1] Becomes

Here, n1: the refractive index of the medium 1 n2: the refractive index of the medium 2 θ1: the angle between the light rays in the medium 1 and the normal line θ2: the angle between the light rays in the medium 2 and the normal line Has a relationship of n1 · sin θ1 = n2 · sin θ2.)

The light from the light emitting section 6c of the photointerrupter 6 can be regarded as cos θ = 1 if it is incident on the ink tank 7 at an angle close to the vertical, and the energy reflectance is replaced with the energy reflectance. Squaring to describe in

[0178]

[Outside 2] Becomes

First, when there is sufficient ink in the ink tank 7, as shown in FIG.
The gap a is filled with ink. Since the ink tank 7 and the absorber 7a are plastic and have a refractive index of about 1.5 and ink has a refractive index of about 1.4, the reflectance on the inner wall of the ink tank 7 and the surface of the absorber 7a is about 0.1 from the above formula. There is only%.

Next, as the ink is consumed, the ink tank 7 as shown in FIG.
Air enters into the gap between the wall of the device and the absorber 7a. The reflectivity on the inner wall of the tank and the surface of the absorber when the ink has run out is about 4%. That is, when the ink runs out, the amount of reflected light increases about 40 times. (However, in practice, the output difference may not be detected due to the influence of light other than the light reflected from the boundary 7c, such as the light reflected from the outer bottom surface of the ink tank 7, or electric noise.) Even if detection is performed at the boundary portion 7d between the ink tank 7 and the raw ink storage portion 7c by the interrupter 6, a difference in reflectance occurs. However, as compared with that case, there is the following difference in the number of reflection elements. .

[0181]

[Table 1]

As described above, when the detection is performed by the absorber, the number of the reflection elements is three times as large, and the amount of reflected light itself is increased by that amount, and the detection which is strong against the above-described noise can be performed.

As shown in FIG. 29, air that has entered between the absorber 7a and the ink tank 7 often exists as many fine bubbles while passing through the absorber 7a. The reflected light amount further increases due to the scattering effect.

As described above, these reflectances are represented by cos θ =
The value is 1 in the case of 1. However, in other cases, there is a considerable difference in reflectance with and without ink. In either case, a large output difference occurs in the light receiving portion 6d of the photointerrupter 6 in accordance with the reflectance difference, so that the presence or absence of ink in the ink tank 7 can be detected based on the output difference.

Actually, the area where the photo interrupter 6 irradiates light is not a point even at its focal position.
It has a certain size, and the output of the photointerrupter 6 changes continuously as the ink gradually escapes from that area.

In FIG. 30, the abscissa represents the remaining number of printable sheets from the time when the ink is exhausted to the time when the ink is not discharged, and the ordinate represents the output of the photo interrupter 6. Based on the output change curve, when a predetermined threshold level is exceeded (in FIG. 30, the remaining amount capable of printing about 15 remaining sheets is set as the threshold),
It is determined that the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 7 is low. Then, by turning on a warning display LED or the like on the display panel of the ink jet printing apparatus main body, it is possible to inform the user that the remaining amount of ink is low.

The remaining number of sheets when displaying that the remaining ink amount is low can be increased or decreased by changing the threshold level. However, as can be seen from FIG. 30, it is difficult to display the output before the number when the output rises (about 30 remaining in FIG. 30). In response to this, the number of printable sheets when the output rises can be changed by changing the position where the photo interrupter 6 performs detection. In this way, a warning can be issued with a desired remaining number.

Alternatively, in order to ensure that no printing failure occurs, the printing operation may be stopped instead of or simultaneously with the warning. In this case, there is an effect that a stronger warning is given by temporarily stopping.

As described in detail above, the reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting section 6c is detected by the light receiving section 6d for the ink tank 7 in which the absorber 7a is disposed as a negative pressure generating member, and the output level thereof is determined. Accordingly, it is possible to detect that the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 7 has become smaller than a predetermined amount.

At this time, the absorber 7a functions as a negative pressure control member for controlling the negative pressure of the ink supplied from the ink tank 7, and a reflection control member for controlling the amount of light reflected by the light emitting section 6c. , It is possible to accurately detect a decrease in the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank in which the absorber 7a is disposed.

The ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. 25 is a so-called color ink jet recording apparatus which can discharge inks corresponding to a plurality of colors. As shown in FIG. 33, four ink tanks 7 are mounted on the carriage side by side corresponding to four colors. Therefore, by moving the carriage 1, the ink tanks of each color are sequentially made to face the photointerrupter 6, and the remaining ink amount of each ink tank is detected. Since it is necessary to individually track output changes in each color, a memory means corresponding to the output change is provided. In this case, it is desirable that the indication that the amount of remaining ink is low is displayed separately for each of the four colors. However, only one color is simply reduced because the display panel of the ink jet recording apparatus becomes complicated. May be displayed.

According to the configuration described above, the remaining amount of ink in each of the four color ink tanks can be accurately detected by one detection system for the ink tank containing the ink absorber of the color ink jet recording apparatus.

In the example described above, detection is performed from the bottom of the ink tank 7. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the detection is performed from the bottom surface of the ink tank 7, and the detection may be performed from the side surface or the upper surface.

However, for the following reason, the ink tank 7
It is more desirable to perform detection from the bottom surface.

The density distribution of the absorber 7a is usually not uniform, and the ink is spotted as the ink runs out. Therefore, even if there is still ink in the surroundings, only the place where the photo interrupter 6 happens to detect the ink is exhausted first, or vice versa. The number of sheets varies, and in the worst case, the ink may run out without warning.

However, since the bottom of the ink tank 7 is apt to accumulate ink by the action of gravity, the absorber 7a
The effect of the density distribution is reduced. Therefore, by performing detection from the bottom surface of the ink tank 7, it is possible to detect the remaining amount of ink with high accuracy.

FIG. 31 shows two photo-interrupters as shown in FIG. 31 in order to deal with the non-uniformity of the density of the absorber 7a and to detect the remaining amount of ink with higher accuracy. , The average value of the measured values is used to detect that the remaining ink amount has decreased.

In FIG. 31, the same components as those in FIG. 28 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Reference numeral 6 'denotes a photo interrupter arranged as a second ink sensor, which is the same as the photo interrupter 6. (Here, the photointerrupter 6 is also referred to as a first photointerrupter for convenience of explanation.) In the configuration shown in FIG. 31, the average value of the outputs of the first photointerrupter 6 and the second photointerrupter 6 ′ Is used to detect that the amount of remaining ink has decreased. This average value may be a simple average or a weighted average. Since the second photo-interrupter 6 'is closer to the supply port 24 than the first photo-interrupter 6, an output change occurs after the remaining number of printable sheets becomes smaller. Therefore, which weight is to be determined more depends on the remaining number of sheets to be detected.

By providing the sensors for detecting the remaining amount of ink at a plurality of points and using the average value of the measured values at the plurality of detection points, even if the density of the absorber 7a is not uniform, the influence is not affected. Thus, the remaining amount can be detected with high accuracy.

Similarly, as means for reducing the variation in the detected value due to the influence of the non-uniformity of the density of the absorber 7a, the photo-interrupter 6 and the carriage 1 can be relatively moved, and a plurality of detection points of the ink tank 7 can be detected. A method of detecting the remaining amount of ink using the average value of the measured values of the above is also conceivable. In this case, the photointerrupter 6 may be configured to be movable, or the photointerrupter 6 may be configured to measure a plurality of points while moving the carriage 1 in a fixed state.

In the above-described configuration for detecting the remaining amount of ink,
The warning and the printing operation are stopped when the output of the photo interrupter 6 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the warning and the printing operation are performed when the output of the sensor exceeds the threshold value. Instead of stopping, a display corresponding to the output of the photo interrupter 6, that is, a display that changes proportionally or monotonically with the output of the photo interrupter 6 may be performed.

As is apparent from FIG. 30, when the remaining ink amount in the ink tank 7 decreases, the photo interrupter 6
Output changes continuously. Therefore, by displaying the remaining amount corresponding to the output change, it is possible to continuously perform display substantially corresponding to the remaining number of printable sheets.
By doing so, more detailed ink remaining amount information can be given to the user.

FIG. 32 shows an example in which the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 7 is displayed on the display panel. The display in the display panel may be such that the level of the digital meter changes in accordance with the remaining number of printable sheets as shown in FIG. 32, or alternatively, the remaining number of printable sheets may be displayed by a number.
Further, as the display panel, generally used display devices such as those using liquid crystal may be used. Further, the present invention is not limited to the visible display means, but may be a method of guiding the remaining printable number by voice or a method of changing the length and the number of times of the buzzer sound according to the remaining printable number.

With the above configuration, the photo interrupter 6
, The user can be notified of detailed ink remaining amount information, and the user can perform maintenance such as replacement of the ink tank at an appropriate time.

In the example shown in FIG. 23, the ink tank 7 has both the absorber 7a and the raw ink storage 7c. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The present invention is also applied to an ink tank having a configuration in which the absorber 7a is arranged over the entire area of the tank 7.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 27, after the ink flows from the absorber 7a through the supply port 24 and the flow path 30 in the print head 21 sequentially, a heating means (hereinafter also referred to as a heater) provided in the nozzle 22 as a discharging means. The heat energy is applied by 31), and the ink is foamed by the sudden application of the heat energy, and is discharged from the discharge port at the tip of the nozzle 22. Printing is performed by the ink thus ejected adhering to a medium such as paper.

When the ink tank 7 is not provided, the reflected light from the photo-interrupter 6 disappears, so that the output is much lower than the output level when the ink is sufficient. Thus, the presence / absence of the ink tank 7 can be detected from the detection level difference between when the ink tank 7 is mounted and when the ink tank 7 is not mounted, using the photo interrupter 6.

In particular, in a color ink jet recording apparatus as shown in FIG. 25, the presence or absence of an ink tank for each color can be individually detected, and recording is performed even when no ink tank is mounted. Can be solved. In addition, the presence or absence of an ink tank can be detected without providing a special configuration for detecting the presence or absence of an ink tank, and the ink remaining amount of the ink tank and the presence or absence of the ink tank can be detected with a simple configuration without increasing the cost. can do.

As described above, there is provided means for detecting a change in light reflectance at the boundary between the ink tank and the wall through a part of the wall of the ink tank. By detecting the remaining amount of ink from the difference in reflectance at the time, an ink remaining amount detection function that detects that a desired amount of ink has been reached with high accuracy is realized even in an ink tank having a built-in absorber. be able to.

[0210]

As described above, according to the present invention, the ink color used in the printing apparatus is analyzed, and the remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the analyzed ink color of the ink cartridge is acquired from the printing apparatus. In addition, according to the acquisition of the remaining amount information, there is an effect that a message for prompting the user to replace the ink cartridge of the ink color to be used or to continue processing in the information processing apparatus can be displayed on the display means.

As described above, according to the present invention, an information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of notifying a user of a state of a recording apparatus (a state in which it is determined that there is no ink and a cartridge should be replaced) are provided. It has the effect of being able to do so.

[0212]

[0213]

[0214]

[0215]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a printer control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing control contents in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing control contents when replacing an ink cartridge in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control contents in a case where a used color of a recorded image is determined and control is performed in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing control contents when a color mode is determined and control is performed in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing control contents in the color mode when the color mode is determined and control is performed in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control contents for detecting the remaining amount of ink when the color mode is determined and control is performed in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control contents for detecting a color mode in another embodiment of the present invention and detecting a remaining amount of ink when performing control.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing control contents when an alternative color is used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing control contents according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a case where control is performed according to the number of dots of a recorded image according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a case where control is performed according to the number of dots of a print image according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing control contents according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing control contents for displaying the remaining ink amount display after the end of output of image data (recording information) in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a message 1 in a status window displaying that there is no ink cartridge.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a message 2 in a status window displaying that there is no ink.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing messages 3 and 3 'in the status window showing the remaining ink amount warning.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a message 33 in a status window in which an ink remaining amount warning and an alternative color can be used.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a message 4 in a status window indicating execution of cleaning.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a message 5 in a status window for selecting an alternative color.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a message 6 in a status window for notifying that a color designated as a substitute color cannot be used.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the carriage.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the carriage showing a tank mounted state.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of the carriage viewed from the bottom side.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the entire apparatus of an ink jet printer.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ink sensor applicable to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a carriage and an ink sensor.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating the principle of detecting the remaining amount of ink.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating the principle of detecting the remaining amount of ink.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an output of a photo interrupter.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink sensor.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a display of a detection result of the remaining amount of ink.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a carriage on which a plurality of ink tanks are mounted.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Printer Device 102 Controller 103 Operation Panel 104 Print Head 105 Carriage Motor 106 Paper Feed Motor 107 Memory 108 Ink Sensor 109 Built-in Font 110 Host Computer 111 OS System 112 Font Rasterizer 113 Application Software 114 Printer Driver 115 Status Window

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masafumi Kamata 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Kazuhiko Morimura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon (56) References JP-A-2-227258 (JP, A) JP-A-6-210939 (JP, A) JP-A-6-226990 (JP, A) JP-A-2-283465 (JP, A) A) JP-A-6-278292 (JP, A) JP-A-3-2040 (JP, A) JP-A 1-195049 (JP, A) JP-A-3-59689 (JP, A) JP-A-6 −115090 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/175 B41J 2/21 B41J 29/46 G06F 3/12

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising: analyzing means for analyzing an ink color used in the printing apparatus from an original image; and determining an ink absence flag of the used color analyzed by the analyzing means. When it is determined that there is no ink in the ink cartridge of the use color by the ink absence flag of the use color determined by the determination means and the ink cartridge, the ink cartridge is displayed in order to display a message prompting replacement of the ink cartridge. An information processing apparatus, comprising: display control means for controlling a display so as to display a message indicating whether or not to execute cleaning when it is determined that the cleaning has been performed. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus generates recording information to be recorded by the recording apparatus and outputs the recording information to the recording apparatus. 3. An information processing method in an information processing apparatus for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising: an analyzing step of analyzing an ink color used in the printing apparatus from an original image; and no ink of a used color analyzed in the analyzing step. A determination step of determining a flag, and when it is determined that there is no ink in the ink cartridge of the use color by the ink absence flag of the use color determined in the determination step, a message prompting replacement of the ink cartridge is displayed. And a display control step of controlling the display so as to display a message indicating whether or not to execute the cleaning when it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced.