JP3833009B2 - Facsimile apparatus and recording control method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus and a recording control method, and more particularly to a facsimile apparatus and a recording control method capable of transmitting and recording both a monochrome facsimile image and a color facsimile image, for example.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, T. of ITU-T. There has been an apparatus capable of performing binary monochrome facsimile transmission based on a 30 standard facsimile transmission procedure and color facsimile transmission using an original procedure.
[0003]
In recent years, color facsimile transmission procedures have been standardized in the ITU-T standard.
[0004]
Along with this, an apparatus capable of monochrome and color facsimile transmission based on a standardized facsimile transmission procedure has also been proposed.
[0005]
On the other hand, inkjet printers that can be used as recording units in facsimile machines have monochrome cartridges dedicated to monochrome recording, color cartridges with yellow, magenta, cyan, and black inks that are capable of monochrome and color recording, and photographic images. In some cases, the user can select one of a plurality of types of cartridges, such as a photographic recording color cartridge that contains ink of a special composition so that it can be recorded.
[0006]
Many facsimile apparatuses having a recording unit that can perform monochrome facsimile transmission and that allows a user to select monochrome and color cartridges as described above have already been proposed. In such an apparatus, when a monochrome facsimile reception image is recorded, in order to determine whether or not the image has been normally recorded, for example, as proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-94981, black ink is used. It is desirable to detect the remaining amount. If it is detected as a result of the remaining amount of black ink that the black ink has run out, the subsequent monochrome facsimile received image is not automatically recorded, and the received image is stored in the image memory of the facsimile apparatus. Devices for storing (memory interception reception) have also been proposed.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a facsimile apparatus having a recording unit capable of monochrome and color facsimile transmission and allowing the user to select monochrome and color cartridges as described above, for example, with a color cartridge mounted, If a monochrome facsimile image is received and the image is automatically recorded, the remaining amount of black ink is detected. If a color facsimile image is received and the image is automatically recorded, multiple colors necessary for color recording are detected. There was nothing to detect the remaining amount of ink.
[0008]
In addition, by detecting the remaining amount of monochrome or color ink, for example, if a color facsimile image is received without the yellow ink necessary for recording a color image, so-called memory substitution reception is performed. If a black and white facsimile image was received, there was no device that used black ink for automatic recording.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional example. For example, the present invention has a recording unit that allows a user to select a desired cartridge from a monochrome cartridge, a color cartridge, and a photographic recording color cartridge. In a facsimile apparatus capable of receiving a facsimile image of the type, a facsimile capable of performing an appropriate ink remaining amount detection or performing appropriate reception facsimile image recording control according to the type of the received facsimile image and the type of the mounted cartridge. An object is to provide an apparatus and a recording control method.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a facsimile apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration.
[0011]
That is, monochrome and color facsimile images can be received and recorded, and at least a first cartridge including a first ink tank containing color ink and an ink jet recording head for color recording, and a high-quality color image. A recording unit is provided that selects and installs one of the second cartridges including a second ink tank containing ink suitable for recording and the inkjet recording head, and performs recording using the mounted cartridge. A first discrimination unit for discriminating whether the received facsimile image is a color image or a monochrome image, a second discrimination unit for discriminating the type of the mounted cartridge, and the reception The received facsimile image is color-coded by the storage means for storing the facsimile image and the first discrimination means. If it is determined that the received image is an image and the second determining means determines that the first cartridge is mounted, the received facsimile image is controlled to be automatically recorded by the recording unit. If it is determined that the second cartridge is mounted, control means for controlling the received facsimile image to be stored in the storage means, and the received facsimile image stored in the storage means is stored in the second cartridge. And an instruction unit for instructing the recording unit to perform recording.
[0013]
Here, the first ink tank includes a plurality of ink tanks that respectively accommodate black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink, and the second ink tank is included in the first ink tank. The ink contains a plurality of ink tanks each containing black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink, which have different densities and are suitable for high-quality color image recording. A third cartridge including the ink jet recording head and an ink tank containing black ink may be further selectively mounted.
[0014]
In the case of such a configuration, it is preferable to include detection means for detecting the presence or absence of remaining ink in the mounted cartridge.
[0015]
Then, when it is determined that the first cartridge is attached to the recording unit according to the determination result of the second determination unit, the presence or absence of remaining ink is detected according to the determination result of the first determination unit. It is preferable to further include detection control means for controlling the detection means so as to select the ink to be detected and to detect the presence or absence of remaining ink.
[0016]
Further, the control means may control to store the received facsimile image in the storage means according to the detection result of the detection means.
[0017]
Further, when it is determined that the monochrome image is received by the first determination unit, the second determination unit determines that the second cartridge is mounted, and controls to store the received facsimile image in the storage unit. If the first determination unit determines that the color image is received, and the second determination unit determines that the third cartridge is mounted, the received facsimile image is stored in the storage unit. The first determination unit may determine whether a monochrome image is received, the second determination unit may determine that the first cartridge is mounted, and the detection unit may not have black ink remaining. Is detected, the received facsimile image is recorded using process black according to the conditions set in the apparatus in advance. It may be controlled so as to store the 憶 means.
[0019]
Further, instruction means for instructing the recording unit to record the received facsimile image stored in the storage means, and holding means for holding information for identifying whether each page of the received facsimile image is a monochrome image or a color image It is preferable to provide.
[0021]
According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a recording control method for performing reception and recording control of monochrome and color images, the receiving step for receiving the image from a communication line, and whether the received image is a color image or a monochrome image. A first cartridge including a first ink tank containing color ink and an ink jet recording head for color recording, and ink suitable for high-quality color image recording A cartridge currently selected for a recording unit capable of recording using a cartridge selected from a plurality of cartridges including a second cartridge including the second ink tank and the inkjet recording head. When the received image is determined to be a color image in the second determining step for determining and the first determining step If it is determined in the second determination step that the first cartridge is mounted, the recording unit is controlled to automatically record the received image, and the second cartridge is mounted. A control step for controlling the received image to be stored in the image memory, and an instruction for instructing the recording unit to record the received image stored in the image memory using the second cartridge. And a recording control method characterized by comprising the steps of:
[0022]
According to yet another invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a program for executing monochrome and color image reception and recording control, wherein the program includes a code for executing reception processing for receiving the image from a communication line; A code for executing a first determination process for determining whether the received image is a color image or a monochrome image, a first ink tank containing color ink, and an ink jet recording head for color recording Recording is performed using a cartridge selected from a plurality of cartridges including a first cartridge and a second cartridge containing a second ink tank containing ink suitable for high-quality color image recording and the inkjet recording head. A second size for discriminating the currently selected cartridge with respect to the recordable portion. It is determined that the code for executing the process and the received image is a color image in the first determination process and that the first cartridge is mounted in the second determination process. If it is determined that the received image is automatically recorded by the recording unit, and if it is determined that the second cartridge is mounted, a control process is executed to control the received image to be stored in an image memory. And a code for executing an instruction process for instructing the recording unit to record the received image stored in the image memory using the second cartridge.
[0023]
With the above configuration, when receiving and recording an image such as a monochrome and color facsimile image, the present invention determines whether the received image is a color image or a monochrome image, and selects one from a plurality of cartridges. The type of cartridge currently mounted on the recording unit that can be mounted and recorded can be determined and whether the received image is automatically recorded by the recording unit according to the determination result Alternatively, it is controlled whether to store in a storage means such as an image memory.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0025]
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus including a recording unit that performs recording by a recording head according to an ink jet system, which is a typical embodiment of the present invention. This facsimile apparatus can transmit and receive monochrome facsimile data and color facsimile data.
[0026]
A schematic configuration of the facsimile apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, A is a reading unit that optically reads a document, B is a recording unit that performs recording in accordance with an ink jet system, and C is a recording medium such as recording paper P that is loaded on a paper feed cassette. A sheet feeding unit to be supplied to the section B
[0027]
First, the flow of the recording paper P will be described. The conveyance path of the recording paper P is as indicated by an arrow G. That is, the recording paper P stacked on the paper feeding cassette 1 of the paper feeding unit C is picked up by the paper feeding roller 2 and the retard roller 3 and sent to the recording unit B by the paper feeding roller 2. In the recording unit B, recording is performed by ejecting ink onto the recording paper P by the recording head 5, and the recording paper P is transported in accordance with the recording. When the recording is completed, the recording paper P is discharged and stacked on the paper discharge stacker 7 by the paper discharge roller 6.
[0028]
Next, a specific configuration of the sheet feeding unit C will be described.
[0029]
In FIG. 1, a paper feed cassette 1 for stacking and storing a plurality of recording papers P includes an intermediate plate 4 on which recording papers P are stacked. The middle plate 4 is urged upward from the back surface by a middle plate spring 10 disposed to face the feeding roller 2. Further, the intermediate plate 4 has a structure that can be easily added when the recording paper P is reduced or lost by a cam or the like when the paper supply is in a standby state.
[0030]
On the other hand, when the recording signal is detected and the paper feeding operation is started, the downward pressing of the intermediate plate 4 by the cam or the like is released, and the recording paper P is picked up by the paper feeding roller 2. The retard roller 3 is located at a position facing the paper feed roller 2 and changes the position of the recording paper P in conjunction with the middle plate 4. When a paper feeding operation is performed, the recording paper P that is urged by the intermediate plate 4 and picked up by the paper feeding roller 2 is separated and fed by the cooperative action with the paper feeding roller 2 at the J portion. To send. The separated and fed recording paper P is conveyed to the recording unit B while being nipped so as to be sufficiently wound around the feeding roller 2.
[0031]
Further, a mechanism for discharging the recording paper P recorded by the recording unit B will be described.
[0032]
The recording paper P discharged by the paper discharge roller 6 is discharged and stacked on the paper discharge stacker 7. The paper discharge stacker 7 is provided with a paper discharge auxiliary tray 9 with the hinge K as the center of rotation. When the recording paper P to be used is long, the paper discharge stacker 7 is rotated to move the paper discharge stacker in the recording paper discharge direction. Can be made longer. Further, the paper discharge stacker 7 has a structure that also serves as a cover of the paper feed cassette 1. The paper discharge stacker 7 and the paper discharge auxiliary tray 9 are provided with a plurality of ribs (not shown), and the recorded recording paper P slides on the plurality of ribs and is sequentially stacked.
[0033]
Further, the flow of the image original S will be described.
[0034]
The document transport path is as shown by arrow F in FIG. In FIG. 1, an image original S is stacked on an original stacking tray 41 with its image surface facing down. The image original S stacked on the original stacking tray 41 is positioned by a slider 42 that can move in the width direction. When the image original S is stacked on the original stacking tray 41, the original is pressed from above by the preliminary transport spring 44 by the preliminary transport pressing piece 43, and is preliminarily transported by cooperating with the separation roller 46.
[0035]
Next, the preliminarily conveyed image original S is separated and conveyed one by one from the lower side by the cooperative action of the separation piece 45 and the separation roller 46 pressed by the ADF spring 47 from above. Further, the separation roller 46 also serves to convey the separated image original S to the reading position. The image drawn on the image original S separated and conveyed to the reading position by the separation roller 46 in this way is read by the photoelectric conversion sensor 48. The CS roller 49 is urged along the reading line of the photoelectric conversion sensor 48 by the CS pressing spring 50 from above, and the separated and conveyed image original S is brought into close contact with the reading line. Further, the CS roller 49 determines the reading speed of the image original S in the sub-scanning direction (image original transport direction) and also serves to discharge the image original S that has been read. Finally, the discharged image original S is discharged and stacked on the original discharge tray 51. The document discharge tray 51 is structured to be detachable from the apparatus main body.
[0036]
FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the recording unit B. As shown in FIG. 2, the recording head 5 is a cartridge-type recording head that has an ink tank and can be replaced with a new one when the ink has run out. In addition to the cartridge having such a configuration, a cartridge having a configuration in which only the ink tank can be removed and replaced with a new ink tank when the ink runs out may be used.
[0037]
Here, the principle of ink ejection from the recording head will be described. The recording head generally has a fine liquid discharge port (orifice), a liquid path, an energy action part provided in a part of the liquid path, and energy generation that generates liquid droplet formation energy that acts on the liquid in the action part. Department.
[0038]
This energy generator uses an electromechanical transducer such as a piezo element, irradiates an electromagnetic wave such as a laser, absorbs it into the liquid, generates heat, and discharges and flies by the action of the generated heat. And the like, or the liquid heated by an electrothermal converter to discharge the liquid. Among them, a recording head using a method of ejecting liquid by thermal energy can arrange liquid ejection ports (orifices) for ejecting recording droplets to form flying droplets with high density. Therefore, it is possible to record at a high resolution.
[0039]
In addition, a recording head using an electrothermal transducer as an energy generating unit is easy to downsize as a whole, and the recent progress in technology and improvement in reliability in the semiconductor field is remarkable in IC technology and micro processing technology. Advantages can be fully utilized, and lengthening and planarization (two-dimensional) is easy, so it is easy to make multi-nozzles and high-density mounting, and mass production is possible, and manufacturing costs Can also be made cheaper.
[0040]
A recording head manufactured through a semiconductor manufacturing process using an electrothermal transducer in the energy generation unit in this manner generally has a liquid path corresponding to each ink discharge port, and a liquid that fills the liquid path for each liquid path. Electrothermal converters are provided as means for forming liquid droplets by ejecting liquid from the corresponding ink discharge ports by applying thermal energy to each liquid path, and each liquid path communicates with each liquid path The liquid is supplied from the common liquid chamber.
[0041]
Next, the configuration of the recording unit B will be described with reference to FIG.
[0042]
In FIG. 2, the carriage 15 reciprocates in a direction (main scanning direction, arrow H direction) orthogonal to the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction, arrow G direction) of the recording paper P while holding the recording head 5 with high accuracy. . The carriage 15 is slidably held by the guide rod 16 and the abutting portion 15a. The carriage 15 is reciprocated by a pulley 17 and a timing belt 18 that are driven by a carriage motor 30 (not shown). At this time, a recording signal and electric power supplied to the recording head 5 are supplied to the electric power of the apparatus main body by a flexible cable 19. It is supplied from the circuit. The recording head 5 and the flexible cable 19 are connected by press contact with each other.
[0043]
A cap 20 is provided at the home position of the carriage 15 of the recording unit B, and functions as an ink receiving unit. The cap 20 moves up and down as necessary. When the cap 20 is raised, the cap 20 is in close contact with the recording head 5 and covers the nozzle portion to prevent ink evaporation and dust adhesion.
[0044]
In this apparatus, in order to position the recording head 5 and the cap 20 so as to be relatively opposed to each other, a carriage home sensor 21 provided in the apparatus main body and a light shielding plate 15b provided in the carriage 15 are provided. It is used. The carriage home sensor 21 uses a transmissive photo interrupter. When the carriage 15 moves to the standby position, the light irradiated from a part of the carriage home sensor 21 is blocked by the light shielding plate 15b. Is used to detect that the recording head 5 and the cap 20 are in a relatively opposed position.
[0045]
The recording paper P is fed upward from the lower side in the drawing, bent in the horizontal direction by the feeding roller 2 and the paper guide 22, and conveyed in the direction of arrow G (sub-scanning direction). The feeding roller 2 and the paper discharge roller 6 are each driven by a recording motor (not shown), and transport the recording paper P in the sub-scanning direction with high accuracy in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the carriage 15 as necessary. Further, a spur 23 that is made of a material having high water repellency in the sub-scanning direction and is in contact with the recording paper P only by its blade-shaped circumferential portion is provided. The spurs 23 are disposed at a plurality of locations at a position facing the paper discharge roller 6 and spaced apart by a predetermined length in the main scanning direction by a bearing member 23a. The recording paper P is guided and conveyed without affecting the recording medium.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 3, the photo sensor 8 is disposed between the cap 20 and the end of the recording paper P at a position facing the nozzle row 5 c of the recording head 5, and is ejected from the nozzles of the recording head 5. It is a transmissive photointerrupter that directly optically detects drops, and can determine from the output whether the recording head 5 is out of ink.
[0047]
The photosensor 8 used here uses an infrared LED as a light emitting element, a lens is integrally formed on the LED light emitting surface, and light can be projected substantially in parallel toward the light receiving element. A phototransistor is used as the light receiving element, and a 0.7 mm × 0.7 mm hole is formed on the optical axis by a molding member on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element, and a detection range is provided in the entire area between the light receiving element and the light emitting element. The height direction is 0.7 mm, and the width direction is 0.7 mm. The optical axis connecting the light emitting element and the light receiving element is arranged in parallel to the nozzle row 5c of the recording head 5, and the distance between the light receiving element and the light receiving element is wider than the nozzle row 5c of the recording head 5, and the optical axis and the recording head When the positions of the five nozzle rows 5c coincide with each other, all the ink droplets ejected from each nozzle of the recording head 5 can pass through the detection range between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. When the ink droplet passes through the detection range, the ink droplet blocks light from the light emitting side, reduces the amount of light to the light receiving side, and a change in the output of the phototransistor that is a light receiving element is obtained.
[0048]
In order to position the nozzle array of the recording head 5 and the photosensor 8 so as to be relatively opposed to each other, the carriage home sensor 21 provided in the apparatus main body is used similarly to the positioning with the cap 20.
[0049]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the distance (L) that moves from the position of the nozzle row 5c of the recording head 5 at the home position (HP) to the optical axis of the photosensor 8 is equal to the distance of the motor that drives the carriage 15. It is set as a constant in the control program that converts the number of steps and executes the recording operation in advance. In this way, by moving the carriage by a certain amount after detecting the home position, the position of the ink row of the recording head 5 and the optical axis of the photosensor 8 can be accurately positioned relatively. Then, the recording head 5 is moved to the vicinity of the photo sensor 8 before or after the start of the recording operation for one page, and the ink is ejected across the optical axis from the infrared LED 81 as a light emitting element as shown in FIG. The remaining amount of ink is detected. Here, if the ejected ink crosses the optical axis and blocks the light reaching the phototransistor 82 that is the light receiving element of the photosensor 8, it is determined that the ink is normally ejected.
[0050]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG.
[0051]
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 24 denotes a control unit for controlling the entire apparatus. The control unit 24 is a CPU 25, a ROM 26 storing a control program executed by the CPU 25 and various data, and the CPU 25 executes various processes. It has a RAM 27 and the like for use as a work area and for temporarily storing various data.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 5, the recording head 5 is connected to the control unit 24 via the flexible cable 19, and the flexible cable 19 includes a control signal line and an image signal line from the control unit 24 to the recording head 5. The output of the photosensor 8 is digitized by the A / D conversion circuit 28 and can be analyzed by the CPU 25. The carriage motor 30 is a motor that can be rotated by the number of pulse steps by the motor drive circuit 32. Further, the control unit 24 controls the carriage motor 30 via the motor drive circuit 33, the transport motor 31 via the motor drive circuit 32, and the reading motor 52 via the motor drive circuit 53, and outputs from the carriage home sensor 21. You are typing.
[0053]
Furthermore, the control unit 24 is an image data input device such as a reading sensor 48, a printer interface 54 that receives recording commands and recording data from an external computer 56, and a line control circuit 55 that receives data received from a public telephone line 57. Are connected and can operate as facsimile transmission / reception and copying, and as a printer of an external computer. Furthermore, the control unit 24 is connected to an operation panel 58 on which the apparatus user performs various operations and instructions. The operation panel 58 is provided with an LCD 59 for displaying messages.
[0054]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the photosensor 8.
[0055]
In FIG. 6, reference numeral 81 denotes an infrared LED as a light emitting element, 82 denotes a phototransistor as a light receiving element for receiving the infrared light, 83 denotes an output of the phototransistor 82 and compares it with a predetermined reference voltage (Vref). A comparator 84 is a pulse width counting unit that counts the duration (pulse width) of the pulse output from the comparator 83. The pulse width counting unit 84 uses the pulse width of the input clock (reference clock) as the reference pulse width, counts the number of cycles of the reference clock output from the comparator 83, and counts the count. The value is output to the internal register of the pulse width counting unit 33.
[0056]
When no ink is ejected from the recording head 5, there is nothing to block infrared light from the infrared LED 81 that is a light emitting element, so that the comparator 83 has a high (H) from the phototransistor 82 that is a light receiving element. ) Level signal is input. On the other hand, when ink is ejected from the recording head 5, the ejected ink blocks the infrared light from the infrared LED 81, so that the output level from the phototransistor 82 gradually decreases. When the output level falls below the reference voltage (Vref) input to the comparator 83, the output from the comparator 83 to the pulse width counting unit 33 is inverted. Thereafter, when the ejection of ink from the recording head 5 is completed, the output from the phototransistor 8 again becomes a high (H) level, and when the reference voltage (Vref) input to the comparator 83 is exceeded, the comparator 83. To the pulse width counter 33 is inverted again.
[0057]
In this way, the pulse width counting unit 33 is input with a pulse whose pulse width is the time during which the photosensor 8 detects the ejected ink. As described above, the pulse width is measured using the reference clock and stored in the internal register of the pulse width counting unit 33. This count value is read by the CPU 25 of the control unit 24 after the ink discharge is completed, and is used for determining the presence or absence of ink.
[0058]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a nozzle configuration of a recording head used in the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. In this facsimile apparatus, as shown in FIG. 7A, a monochrome recording head dedicated to black ink having 128 nozzles arranged in a line as shown in FIG. 7B and capable of recording at a resolution of 360 dpi. Color that can be printed at a resolution of 360 dpi with 64 nozzles for discharging black ink (K) and 24 nozzles for discharging each color ink of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) Two types of recording heads can be used. In this color recording head, these nozzles are arranged in a line. Further, since the color of ink corresponding to the nozzle is determined, the color of the ink to be ejected can be selected by selecting the nozzle to which the heat pulse is applied. By using these two types of recording heads properly, two types of recording, high speed monochrome recording and full color recording, can be performed.
[0059]
In the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment, these two types of recording heads, an ink tank that contains black ink dedicated to monochrome recording, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) for general color recording. ), An ink tank containing black (K) ink, and an ink tank containing ink of a special composition so that photographic images can be recorded more clearly. The cartridge can be selectively mounted on the carriage for use.
[0060]
These three types of cartridges are: (1) a monochrome cartridge containing a monochrome recording head and an ink tank for storing black ink, and (2) an ink tank and color recording for storing yellow, magenta, cyan, and black inks, respectively. A color cartridge incorporating a head; and (3) a photographic recording color cartridge incorporating an ink tank containing ink of a special composition for photographic images and a color recording head. Each of these cartridges may be a cartridge in which the recording head and the ink tank are integrated as described above, or may be a cartridge in which the recording head and the ink tank are separated.
[0061]
The color cartridge uses a normal CMYK ink set capable of general color recording, but the photographic recording color cartridge uses a photographic recording ink set having a composition whose density is lighter than that of the normal CMYK ink. . Therefore, when a color cartridge for photographic recording (sometimes called a light-colored cartridge because light-colored ink is used), the heat pulse applied to the recording head is controlled more finely, with higher definition than normal CMYK inks. Full-color recording with high tone expression is possible.
[0062]
On the other hand, the control unit 24 of the facsimile apparatus detects what kind of cartridge is mounted via a signal line in the flexible cable 19. Specifically, when any of these cartridges is mounted on the carriage 15, the connection pattern between the contact provided on the cartridge and the contact provided in the carriage becomes different according to the type of the cartridge. Thus, the CPU 25 can know the type of the mounted cartridge from the connection pattern.
[0063]
Next, facsimile reception processing executed by the facsimile apparatus having the above configuration will be described.
[0064]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of facsimile reception processing. This drawing particularly describes a portion for executing processing for managing attributes for distinguishing between monochrome facsimile reception and color facsimile reception.
[0065]
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a record for managing images in reception units in this facsimile apparatus and a record for managing pages constituting individual images (hereinafter referred to as image management records). This image management record is secured in a predetermined area of the RAM 27.
[0066]
The outline of the facsimile reception process will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0067]
When reception of the facsimile is started, first, in step S101, one area (pix m) of the image management record (pix m (m = 1, M)) shown in FIG. 9 is secured, and a list of image management records is obtained. Add to
[0068]
Next, in step S102, the value of the attribute field (pix attr.) Of the image management table (pix m) for which the area has been secured in step S101 is an attribute indicating that the received image is a facsimile reception image composed only of monochrome pages. Initialize as follows. In step S103, one area of the page management record (page n (n = 1, N)) shown in FIG. 9 is secured.
[0069]
Here, if the page management record is the first page (page 1) of one receiving unit (pix m) in the list, as shown in 901 of FIG. 9, a pointer for addressing the page is set. It is set in the field (page 1 pointer) of the area (pix m) secured in step S101. On the other hand, if the page management record is for the second and subsequent pages, as shown in 902 to 904 in FIG. 9, the page management record of the reserved area (pix m) Add a pointer that addresses the page to the list.
[0070]
In step S104, it is determined whether the page to be received is a monochrome image or a color image. If it is a monochrome image, the process proceeds to step S105, and if it is a color image, the process proceeds to step S107.
[0071]
In step S105, an attribute value indicating a monochrome page is set in the field (page attr.) Of the area (page n) secured in step S103. In step S106, a monochrome page facsimile image is received, and the process proceeds to step S110.
[0072]
On the other hand, in step S107, an attribute value indicating a color page is set in the field (page attr.) Of the area (page n) secured in step S103. In step S108, the field (pix attr.) Of (pix m) secured in step S101 is rewritten with an attribute value indicating that at least one page is a facsimile received image including a color page. In step S109, a color page facsimile image is received, and the process proceeds to step S110.
[0073]
In step S110, it is checked whether or not the next page is received according to the facsimile transmission procedure. If there is reception of the next page, the process returns to step S103. If there is no reception of the next page, the facsimile reception process is terminated.
[0074]
Next, processing for automatically recording a facsimile received image will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0075]
First, in step S201, it is checked whether the facsimile received image exists in the list of image management records shown in FIG. If it is determined that there is a received image, the list is selected, and the process proceeds to step S202. If not, the process returns to step S201.
[0076]
In step S202, it is checked whether or not there is a management record for the first page whose page is confirmed in the list of image management records selected in step S201. If there is a first page whose page has been determined, the process proceeds to step S203; otherwise, the process returns to step S201.
[0077]
In step S203, whether or not an attribute value indicating that at least one page is a facsimile received image including a color page is set in the attribute field (pix attr.) Of the list of image management records selected in step S201. Check out. Here, if the attribute value indicates that it is composed only of monochrome pages, the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if it indicates that at least one page is a facsimile received image including a color page, the process proceeds to step S204. Proceed to step S212.
[0078]
Next, in step S204, it is checked via the flexible cable 19 whether the type of cartridge mounted is a monochrome cartridge dedicated to monochrome recording, or a color cartridge capable of color recording or a light color cartridge. If the mounted recording head is a monochrome cartridge dedicated to monochrome recording, the process proceeds to step S211. If the mounted recording head is capable of color recording, the process proceeds to step S205.
[0079]
In step S205, it is checked whether the mounted cartridge is a color cartridge for general color recording or a light color cartridge for photo recording. If it is determined that a normal color cartridge is installed, the process proceeds to step S206. If it is determined that a light color cartridge more expensive than the normal color cartridge is installed, the process proceeds to step S206. Proceed to S210.
[0080]
Then, in step S210, an attribute value indicating that the image has been subjected to memory substitution is set in the field (pix attr.) Of the image management record shown in FIG. As a result, the list selected in step S201 is excluded from the target of automatic recording, and the use of expensive ink in the recording of a facsimile image that requires a lower resolution than a general printer image is suppressed. . Thereafter, the process returns to step S201.
[0081]
In step S206, the process checks whether or not black (K) ink has been detected in the automatic recording process for the received facsimile image immediately before this process is executed. If black (K) ink remains, the process proceeds to step S207, and recording of each page corresponding to the list selected in step S201 is executed in the automatic recording mode. Details of this recording process will be described later. On the other hand, if black (K) ink does not remain, it is determined that recording is impossible, and the process proceeds to step S210 to execute memory substitution reception.
[0082]
Next, in step S208, it is checked whether or not the recording of each page corresponding to the selection list performed in step S207 has been completed normally. Here, if it is determined that the recording has been completed normally, the process proceeds to step S109, and the list corresponding to the facsimile received image whose recording has been completed normally is deleted from the image management record shown in FIG. The storage area is released. Thereafter, the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the recording has ended normally, the process proceeds to step S210, and memory substitution reception is executed.
[0083]
In step S211, the process checks whether or not black (K) ink has been detected in the automatic recording process of the received facsimile image immediately before this process is executed. If the black (K) ink remains, the process proceeds to step S207. If the black (K) ink does not remain, it is determined that the recording is impossible, and the process proceeds to step S210. Perform reception.
[0084]
If it is determined that at least one page includes a color page in the received image and the process proceeds to step S212, first, whether the type of the mounted cartridge is a monochrome cartridge dedicated to monochrome recording via the flexible cable 19. Find out. If it is determined that the cartridge is a monochrome cartridge, the color facsimile received image cannot be recorded, and the process proceeds to step S210.
[0085]
On the other hand, if it is determined that a cartridge capable of color recording is mounted, the process proceeds to step S213, and the mounted cartridge is a color cartridge that performs normal color recording, or a light color cartridge. Find out if it is. If it is determined that a normal color cartridge is installed, the process proceeds to step S214. On the other hand, if it is determined that a lighter color cartridge that is more expensive than a normal color cartridge is installed, the process proceeds to step S210, and the selected list is excluded from the targets of automatic recording and memory substitution is received. Execute. This suppresses the use of expensive ink.
[0086]
In step S214, it is checked whether or not any of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) ink has been detected in the automatic recording process of the color facsimile received image immediately before this process. . If it is determined that all the CMY inks are present, the process proceeds to step S215. If it is determined that there is no ink of any color among the CMY inks, it is determined that recording is impossible and the process is performed. Advances to step S210 to execute memory substitution reception.
[0087]
In step S215, it is further checked whether or not black (K) ink is detected in the automatic recording process of the facsimile reception image immediately before this process. If it is determined that the black (K) ink remains, the process proceeds to step S207. If it is determined that there is no black (K) ink, the process proceeds to step S216.
[0088]
In step S216, it is checked whether or not a process black process that causes black to be developed instead of black (K) ink using CMY ink is permitted by the user. Here, if the process black process is permitted, the process proceeds to step S207. If the process black is not permitted, it is determined that recording is impossible, and the process proceeds to step S210 to receive the memory proxy. Execute.
[0089]
Next, details of the recording process in step S207 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0090]
First, in step S301, the process waits for the first page of the list selected in step S201 to be confirmed. If the page is confirmed, the page is selected and the process proceeds to step S302, where the selected mode is selected. Record the page. Details of the page recording process will be described later.
[0091]
Next, in step S303, it is checked whether or not the page recording performed in step S302 has been completed normally. If it is determined that the process ended normally, the process proceeds to step S304. If it is determined that the process ended abnormally, the process proceeds to step S308.
[0092]
In step S304, it is checked whether or not the recording process for the reception unit corresponding to the selected list has been activated in the automatic recording mode. If it is started in the automatic recording mode, the process advances to step S305 to delete the page management record corresponding to the page for which normal recording has been completed from the image management record shown in FIG. To do. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if the automatic recording mode is not activated, the process proceeds to step S306.
[0093]
In step S306, it is checked whether there is a next page in the received image corresponding to the list selected in step S201. If it is determined that there is a next page, the process returns to step S301. If it is determined that there is no next page, the process proceeds to step S307.
[0094]
In step S307, notification of normal termination is sent (specifically, notification is sent to step S208), and the recording process is terminated. In step S308, notification of abnormal termination (specifically, notification in step S208) is made, and the recording process is terminated.
[0095]
Next, the details of the page recording process in step S302 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0096]
First, in step S401, it is checked whether the page recording process is activated in the automatic recording mode. If the process is activated in the automatic recording mode, the process proceeds to step S402. If the process is not activated in the automatic recording mode, a color image is recorded in monochrome or expensive ink is used. It is determined that the user is permitted to output a higher definition image, and the process proceeds to step 407.
[0097]
Next, in step S402, it is checked whether or not an attribute value indicating a color page is set in the page management record field (page attr.) Of the list selected in step S301. If the attribute value indicates a monochrome page, the process proceeds to step S403. If the attribute value indicates a color page, the process proceeds to step S405.
[0098]
In step S403, it is checked whether the mounted cartridge is a monochrome cartridge via the flexible cable 19. If the cartridge is a monochrome cartridge, the process proceeds to step S407. If the cartridge is any other type of cartridge, the process proceeds to step S404.
[0099]
In step S404, it is checked whether the mounted cartridge is a normal color cartridge or a light color cartridge. If the cartridge is a normal color cartridge, the process proceeds to step S407. If it is determined that a light color cartridge more expensive than the normal color cartridge is installed, the process proceeds to step S414. The facsimile image corresponding to the list selected in step S301 is excluded from the targets for automatic recording. This suppresses recording using expensive ink in recording a facsimile image that requires only a lower resolution than a general printer image. And it notifies that recording cannot be normally performed. This notification is determined in step S303.
[0100]
On the other hand, in step S405, it is checked whether the mounted cartridge is a monochrome cartridge via the flexible cable 19. If the cartridge is a monochrome cartridge, a color page image cannot be recorded, so the process proceeds to step S414. If the cartridge is a color recordable cartridge, the process proceeds to step S406.
[0101]
In step S406, it is checked whether the mounted cartridge is a normal color cartridge or a light color cartridge. If it is determined that a normal color cartridge is mounted, the process proceeds to step S407, and if it is determined that a lighter color cartridge than the normal color cartridge is mounted, the process proceeds to step S414. Then, the facsimile image corresponding to the list selected in step S301 is excluded from the target of automatic recording. This suppresses facsimile image recording using expensive ink. And it notifies that recording cannot be normally performed. This notification is determined in step S303.
[0102]
In step S407, the facsimile image information of the recording page is decoded for each line or each specific block, and an image drawing process is performed. While this drawing process is being executed, in step S408, it is checked whether an abnormality has occurred in the recording system. If an abnormality is detected, the process proceeds to step S414. If no abnormality is detected, the process proceeds to step S409. move on. In step S409, it is checked whether or not recording for one page has been completed. If it is determined that recording has not been completed, the process returns to step S407 to continue the drawing process. If it is determined that recording has been completed, the process proceeds to step S410.
[0103]
In step S410, it is determined again whether or not the page recording process is activated in the automatic recording mode. If the page recording process is activated in the automatic recording mode, the process proceeds to step S411 to execute the remaining ink amount detection process. If not, the process is skipped and the process proceeds to step S413.
[0104]
In step S411, ink remaining amount detection processing is performed according to whether the recorded page is monochrome recording or color recording. Details of this process will be described later.
[0105]
In step S412, it is checked whether or not it is determined that ink is present by the remaining ink amount detection process. If it is determined that ink is present, the process proceeds to step S413. If it is determined that ink is not present, the process proceeds to step S414.
[0106]
In step S413, notification of normal termination is sent (specifically, notification is sent to step S303), and the page recording process is terminated. In step S414, notification of abnormal termination (specifically, notification in step S303) is made, and the page recording process is terminated.
[0107]
Next, details of the remaining ink amount detection process in step S411 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0108]
First, in step S501, it is determined via the flexible cable 19 whether the mounted cartridge is a monochrome cartridge or a colorable cartridge (color cartridge or light color cartridge). If the cartridge is a monochrome cartridge, the process proceeds to step S502. If the cartridge is a color recordable cartridge, the process proceeds to step S506.
[0109]
In step S502, the recording head (see FIG. 7B) built in the monochrome cartridge is moved to the position of the photosensor 8, the infrared LED 81 is caused to emit, and the black (K) ink is ejected. The remaining amount of black (K) ink is detected. As described above, this discharge operation is performed so as to cross the optical axis from the light emitting element to the light receiving element of the photosensor 8.
[0110]
Next, in step S503, the presence or absence of black (K) ink is determined based on the count value of the pulse width counting unit 84 after the ejection processing in step S502. If it is determined that black (K) ink is present, the process proceeds to step S504. If it is determined that black (K) ink is not present, the process proceeds to step S505.
[0111]
In step S504, the ink is notified (notified to step S412), while in step S505, the ink is not notified (notified to step S412), and then the ink remaining amount detecting process is terminated.
[0112]
In step S506, it is determined whether the page that has been subjected to the page recording process is monochrome recording or color recording. If it is determined that the recording is monochrome recording, the process proceeds to step S507. If the recording is color recording, the process proceeds to step S509.
[0113]
Next, in step S507, the recording head (see FIG. 7A) built in the color recordable cartridge (color cartridge or light color cartridge) is moved to the position of the photosensor 8, and the infrared LED 81 is caused to emit light. (K) A heat pulse is applied only to the nozzle that ejects ink to perform an ink ejection operation to detect the remaining amount of black (K) ink.
[0114]
Next, in step S508, after the ejection processing in step S507, the presence / absence of black (K) ink is determined based on the count value of the pulse width counting unit 84. If it is determined that black (K) ink is present, the process proceeds to step S504. If it is determined that black (K) ink is not present, the process proceeds to step S505.
[0115]
In step S509, the process moves the recording head (see FIG. 7A) built in the color recordable cartridge (color cartridge or light color cartridge) to the position of the photosensor 8 to cause the infrared LED 81 to emit light. Only a nozzle corresponding to cyan (C) ink is given a heat pulse to perform ink ejection operation to detect the remaining amount of cyan (C) ink.
[0116]
Next, in step S510, after the ejection operation in step S509, the presence or absence of cyan (C) ink is determined based on the count value of the pulse width counting unit 84. If it is determined that cyan (C) ink is present, the process proceeds to step S511. If it is determined that cyan (C) ink is not present, the process proceeds to step S505.
[0117]
In step S511, the remaining amount of magenta (M) ink is detected in the same manner as in step S509. In step S512, the presence or absence of magenta (M) ink is determined in the same manner as in step S510 after the ejection operation in step S511. If it is determined that magenta (M) ink is present, the process proceeds to step S513. If it is determined that magenta (M) ink is not present, the process proceeds to step S505.
[0118]
In step S513, the remaining amount of yellow (Y) ink is detected in the same manner as in step S509. In step S514, after the ejection operation in step S513, the presence or absence of yellow (Y) ink is determined in the same manner as in step S510. If it is determined that yellow (Y) ink is present, the process proceeds to step S515. If it is determined that yellow (Y) ink is not present, the process proceeds to step S505.
[0119]
In step S515, the remaining amount of black (K) ink is detected in the same manner as in step S507. In step S516, the presence or absence of black (K) ink is determined after the ejection operation in step S515, as in step S508. If it is determined that black (K) ink is present, the process proceeds to step S504. If it is determined that black (K) ink is not present, the process proceeds to step S517.
[0120]
In step S517, it is checked whether or not the process black processing for expressing black using CMY ink instead of black (K) ink is permitted by the user. If the process black process is permitted, the process proceeds to step S504. If not, the process proceeds to step S505.
[0121]
Finally, a memory inquiry recording process in which the user manually selects and records images stored in the memory will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
[0122]
First, in step S601, the user operates the operation panel 58 to select one of a plurality of images stored in the memory. In step S602, the recording process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is performed so that each page of the image selected in step S601 is recorded in the manual recording mode.
[0123]
By specifying the manual mode in this way, the page erasing process in step S305, the recording suppression process by combining the page type (color image page or monochrome image page) and the cartridge type in steps S402 to S406, The remaining ink amount detection process in steps S411 to S412 is skipped. In other words, the recorded page is not erased, and a color image is converted into a monochrome image and recorded in accordance with a user instruction, or a higher-definition color facsimile image is recorded using an expensive light color cartridge. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress unnecessary ink remaining amount detection processing for an image that is not erased to suppress ink consumption.
[0124]
Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, in recording the received facsimile image, the type of the mounted cartridge and the type of the received facsimile image are determined, and the image is automatically recorded according to the determination result, or the image is stored in the memory. Since the image can be stored and controlled to be recorded by a manual instruction, for example, there is no possibility that expensive ink is used to record a low-resolution facsimile image.
[0125]
Further, when a received facsimile image is recorded, when a color recordable cartridge is mounted, the execution of the remaining ink amount detection process is controlled according to the type of the recorded image. For example, when a monochrome image is recorded, Since ink remaining amount detection for black ink is performed and ink remaining amount detection is performed for all inks only when a color image is recorded, useless ink consumption for the ink remaining amount detection process is suppressed.
[0126]
As a result, the running cost related to ink consumption can be suppressed.
[0127]
In the above-described embodiment, the attribute value indicating that the image management record field (pix attr.) Is a facsimile reception image composed only of monochrome pages and at least one page is a facsimile reception image including a color page. In addition to setting an attribute value indicating the presence, an attribute value indicating a monochrome page and an attribute value indicating a color page are set in the page management record field (page attr.). Among these, the field (pix attr.) Of the image management record is prepared in order to easily identify the attributes of individual pages constituting the received image to be processed in step S103. .
[0128]
However, in the field (pix attr.) Of the image management record, there are an attribute value indicating that the received facsimile image is composed only of monochrome pages, and an attribute indicating that at least one page is a received facsimile image including color pages. The facsimile reception processing (step S102 and step S108) for setting a value may be deleted, and in step S203, all the attributes of individual pages constituting the received image to be processed may be checked. The same effect can be obtained.
[0129]
In the embodiment described above, the facsimile apparatus having a configuration in which one of a monochrome cartridge, a color cartridge, and a photographic recording color cartridge (light color cartridge) can be selected and mounted has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the facsimile apparatus is configured to selectively mount either a monochrome cartridge or a color cartridge, if it is configured to skip all processing steps for checking the light color cartridge in the above-described processing, The object of the present invention can be achieved.
[0130]
Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the facsimile apparatus using the ink jet recording unit has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an electrophotographic laser beam color printer is used for the recording unit, and the printer includes, for example, a toner cartridge for monochrome recording, a color toner cartridge for general color recording, and an ultrafine color toner cartridge for high-definition recording. Can be achieved by applying the present invention.
[0131]
The above embodiment includes means (for example, an electrothermal converter, a laser beam, etc.) that generates thermal energy as energy used for performing ink discharge, particularly in the ink jet recording system, and the ink is generated by the thermal energy. By using a system that causes a change in the state of recording, it is possible to achieve higher recording density and higher definition.
[0132]
As its typical configuration and principle, for example, those performed using the basic principle disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740,796 are preferable. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it is arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path holding the liquid (ink). By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recording information and applying a rapid temperature rise exceeding the film boiling to the electrothermal transducer, the thermal energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and the recording head This is effective because film boiling occurs on the heat acting surface of the liquid, and as a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding to the drive signal on a one-to-one basis can be formed. By the growth and contraction of the bubbles, liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one droplet. When the drive signal is pulse-shaped, the bubble growth and contraction is performed immediately and appropriately, and thus it is possible to achieve the discharge of liquid (ink) with particularly excellent responsiveness.
[0133]
As this pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further excellent recording can be performed by employing the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 of the invention relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface.
[0134]
As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination configuration (straight liquid flow path or right-angle liquid flow path) of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal transducer as disclosed in each of the above-mentioned specifications, the heat acting surface The configurations using US Pat. No. 4,558,333 and US Pat. No. 4,459,600, which disclose a configuration in which is disposed in a bending region, are also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-123670, which discloses a configuration in which a common slot is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal transducer, or an opening that absorbs a pressure wave of thermal energy is discharged to a plurality of electrothermal transducers. A configuration based on Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-138461 disclosing a configuration corresponding to each part may be adopted.
[0135]
Furthermore, as a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus, the length is satisfied by a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above specification. Either a configuration or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally may be used.
[0136]
In addition to the cartridge-type recording head in which the ink tank is integrally provided in the recording head itself described in the above embodiment, it can be electrically connected to the apparatus body by being attached to the apparatus body. A replaceable chip type recording head that can supply ink from the apparatus main body may be used.
[0137]
In addition, it is preferable to add recovery means for the recording head, preliminary means, etc. to the configuration of the recording apparatus described above, since the recording operation can be further stabilized. Specific examples thereof include a capping unit for the recording head, a cleaning unit, a pressure or suction unit, an electrothermal converter, a heating element different from this, or a preheating unit using a combination thereof. In addition, it is effective to provide a preliminary ejection mode for performing ejection different from recording in order to perform stable recording.
[0138]
In the embodiment described above, the description is made on the assumption that the ink is a liquid. However, even if the ink is solidified at room temperature or lower, it may be softened or liquefied at room temperature. Alternatively, the ink jet method generally controls the temperature of the ink so that the viscosity of the ink is within a stable discharge range by adjusting the temperature within a range of 30 ° C. or higher and 70 ° C. or lower. It is sufficient if the ink sometimes forms a liquid.
[0139]
In addition, it is solidified in a stand-by state in order to actively prevent temperature rise by heat energy as energy for changing the state of ink from the solid state to the liquid state, or to prevent ink evaporation. Ink that is liquefied by heating may be used. In any case, by applying heat energy according to the application of thermal energy according to the recording signal, the ink is liquefied and liquid ink is ejected, or when it reaches the recording medium, it already starts to solidify. The present invention can also be applied to the case of using ink having the property of being liquefied for the first time. In such a case, the ink is held as a liquid or solid in a porous sheet recess or through-hole as described in JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60-71260, It is good also as a form which opposes with respect to an electrothermal converter. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-described inks is to execute the above-described film boiling method.
[0140]
In addition, the recording apparatus according to the present invention may take the form of a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, as well as an image output terminal of an information processing device such as a computer that is provided integrally or separately. May be.
[0141]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system (for example, a copier, a facsimile machine, etc.) consisting of a single device even when applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, interface device, reader, printer, etc.) You may apply.
[0142]
Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0143]
Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0144]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that the most appropriate recording control can be performed on the type of received image and the mounted cartridge at that time.
[0145]
For example, a first cartridge containing magenta, cyan, yellow, and black ink for color recording, and magenta, cyan, yellow, and black ink for high-quality image recording having different densities from these color inks. When the selection is made according to whether the second cartridge or the third cartridge containing black ink dedicated to monochrome recording is installed, the received image is automatically recorded or the image is selected depending on which cartridge is installed. It is possible to control whether it is stored in the memory. Thereby, for example, when the second cartridge is mounted and a monochrome image is received, the image can be stored in the image memory without performing automatic recording. If there is an instruction, the received image stored in the image memory is recorded using the second cartridge.
[0146]
By such control, it is possible to suppress unjustified consumption of unbalanced ink for recording the received image.
[0147]
Also, the remaining ink detection of these cartridges can be controlled to detect the remaining ink only for the black ink when, for example, the first cartridge is mounted and a monochrome image is stored. As a result, the remaining ink detection for other inks that do not use ink can be suppressed, unnecessary ink consumption can be suppressed, and the running cost of the apparatus can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus including a recording unit that performs recording by a recording head according to an ink jet system that is a representative embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a three-dimensional perspective view showing a detailed configuration of a recording unit B of the apparatus shown in FIG.
3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration around a photosensor 8 of a recording unit B. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state where ink blocks an optical axis of an infrared LED 81 which is a light emitting element of the photosensor 8;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the photosensor 8. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating nozzle configurations of a color recording head and a monochrome recording head.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of facsimile reception processing.
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of an image management record.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an automatic recording process of a facsimile received image.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of a recording process.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of a page recording process.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating details of ink remaining amount detection processing.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a memory inquiry recording process;
[Explanation of symbols]
A Reading unit
B Recording part
C Feeder
1 Paper cassette
5 Recording head
8 Photosensor
15 Carriage
20 cap
21 Carriage home sensor
24 Control unit
25 CPU
26 ROM
27 RAM
58 Operation panel
59 LCD
81 Light Emitting Element (Infrared LED)
82 Light receiving element (phototransistor)
83 Comparator
84 Pulse width counter

Claims (12)

Monochrome and color facsimile images can be received and recorded, and at least a first cartridge including a first ink tank containing color ink and an ink jet recording head for color recording and high-quality color image recording. Facsimile equipped with a recording unit that selects and installs one of the second cartridges including a second ink tank containing suitable ink and the inkjet recording head, and performs recording using the mounted cartridge A device,
First determination means for determining whether the received facsimile image is a color image or a monochrome image;
Second discriminating means for discriminating the type of the mounted cartridge;
Storage means for storing the received facsimile image;
If it is determined that the received facsimile image is a color image by the first determining means, and the second determining means determines that the first cartridge is mounted, the received facsimile image is Control means for controlling to automatically record by the recording section, and controlling to store the received facsimile image in the storage means if it is determined that the second cartridge is mounted ;
A facsimile apparatus comprising: instruction means for instructing the recording unit to record the received facsimile image stored in the storage means by using the second cartridge . The first ink tank includes a plurality of ink tanks that respectively contain black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink.
The second ink tank has a density different from that of the ink contained in the first ink tank, and contains a plurality of black inks, cyan inks, magenta inks, and yellow inks suitable for high-quality color image recording. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an ink tank.   3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a third cartridge including an inkjet recording head for monochrome recording and an ink tank for storing black ink is further selectively attached to the recording unit.   4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit includes a detecting unit that detects the presence or absence of remaining ink in the mounted cartridge.   When it is determined that the first cartridge is mounted according to the determination result of the second determination unit, the presence or absence of the remaining ink is detected according to the determination result of the first determination unit. 5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising detection control means for controlling the detection means to select and detect the presence or absence of the remaining ink.   5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit further controls to store the received facsimile image in the storage unit in accordance with a detection result of the detection unit.   When it is determined that the monochrome image is received by the first determination unit, the control unit stores the received facsimile image in the storage unit when the second determination unit determines that the second cartridge is mounted. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the facsimile apparatus is controlled to store.   When it is determined that the color image is received by the first determination unit, and the second determination unit further determines that the third cartridge is mounted, the control unit displays the received facsimile image. 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the facsimile apparatus is controlled so as to be stored in the storage means.   The control unit determines that the monochrome image is received by the first determination unit, determines that the first cartridge is attached to the recording unit by the second determination unit, and detects the detection unit by the detection unit. When it is detected that no black ink remains, the control means controls to record the received facsimile image using process black or store it in the storage means in accordance with conditions preset in the apparatus. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:   2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising holding means for holding information for identifying whether each page of the received facsimile image is a monochrome image or a color image. A recording control method for receiving and recording monochrome and color images,
A receiving step of receiving the image from a communication line;
A first determination step of determining whether the received image is a color image or a monochrome image;
A first cartridge containing a first ink tank containing color ink and an inkjet recording head for color recording; a second ink tank containing ink suitable for high-quality color image recording; and the inkjet recording head A second discriminating step of discriminating a currently selected cartridge with respect to a recording unit capable of recording using a cartridge selected from a plurality of cartridges including a second cartridge including
If it is determined in the first determination step that the received image is a color image, and it is determined in the second determination step that the first cartridge is mounted, the received image is A control step of controlling to automatically record by the recording unit, and controlling to store the received image in an image memory if it is determined that the second cartridge is mounted ;
And a commanding step for instructing the recording unit to record the received image stored in the image memory using the second cartridge . A computer-readable medium storing a program for executing reception and recording control of monochrome and color images,
The program is
A code for executing a reception process for receiving the image from a communication line;
A code for executing a first determination process for determining whether the received image is a color image or a monochrome image;
A first cartridge containing a first ink tank containing color ink and an inkjet recording head for color recording; a second ink tank containing ink suitable for high-quality color image recording; and the inkjet recording head A code for executing a second determination process for determining a currently selected cartridge for a recording unit capable of performing recording using a cartridge selected from a plurality of cartridges including a second cartridge including
If it is determined in the first determination process that the received image is a color image, and it is determined in the second determination process that the first cartridge is mounted, the received image is A code for performing control processing for controlling to automatically record by the recording unit, and controlling to store the received image in an image memory if it is determined that the second cartridge is mounted ;
A computer-readable medium comprising: a code for executing an instruction process for instructing the recording unit to record the received image stored in the image memory using the second cartridge .

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