JP4051859B2 - Ink remaining amount management device and ink remaining amount management method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ink remaining amount management apparatus and an ink remaining amount management method for managing an ink remaining amount of an ink cartridge of an ink jet printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an inkjet printer that is used while replacing an ink cartridge filled with ink, in order to accurately detect the replacement time of the ink cartridge, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is detected and stored by some means, It needs to be managed accurately.
[0003]
As one of such remaining ink amount management means, an EEPROM-equipped ink cartridge equipped with an EEPROM that records ink remaining amount data every time ink is consumed has been used.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the average access speed of the currently used EEPROM is about 4 words / ms.
[0005]
Therefore, for example, in the case of an ink cartridge filled with six color inks, each time ink is consumed, the remaining ink data value of 2 words per ink color is stored for six colors, and an overhead time of 48 ms is required for each printing. This causes a problem that the printing throughput is reduced.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to manage the remaining amount of ink in a configuration capable of accurately managing the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge while avoiding a decrease in print throughput. An apparatus and an ink remaining amount management method are provided.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the ink remaining amount management apparatus of the present invention, a power monitoring circuit that monitors the power supply of a printer that uses an ink cartridge filled with ink to detect power off, and the ink remaining amount that is mounted on the ink cartridge. A first memory in which data is recorded and ink remaining amount data is updated and recorded when the power is turned off or before the ink cartridge is replaced; and a second memory provided in the printer having a higher access speed than the first memory. The remaining ink data is read from the first memory when the power is turned on or the replacement of the ink cartridge is completed, and the remaining ink data is updated and stored every time ink is consumed. The second memory used when the remaining amount data is used for update recording to the first memory when the power is turned off or before the ink cartridge is replaced. In the second memory, a cartridge writable flag that permits the update recording of the remaining ink amount data to the first memory is set or reset and stored, and is stored in the first memory. The ink remaining amount data to be recorded is in percentage format, the ink remaining amount data stored in the second memory is in fractional format, and the ink remaining amount data recorded in the first memory is in the second format. Data format conversion is performed when the remaining ink amount data stored in the second memory is updated and recorded in the first memory, and the third memory is stored in the third memory. When the ink remaining amount data stored in the second memory is updated and recorded in the first memory, the ink remaining amount stored in the second memory is further provided in the printer. When the data is recorded in the third memory in a fractional format, and the remaining ink data recorded in the first memory is to be read into the second memory, the first memory The ink remaining amount data converted from the ink remaining amount data recorded in the above to the fractional format is compared with the fractional ink remaining amount data recorded in the third memory. When the error is less than a predetermined value, the remaining ink amount data recorded in the third memory is read into the second memory, and when the error between the two data is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the first memory is read. The ink remaining amount data obtained by converting the recorded ink remaining amount data into a fractional format is read into the second memory. With this configuration, ink cartridges are avoided while avoiding a decrease in print throughput. It is possible to accurately manage the ink remaining amount.
[0008]
The cartridge writable flag is set after reading the remaining ink amount data from the first memory to the second memory when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge replacement is completed. It is assumed that the reset is performed until the reading of the ink remaining amount data from the first memory to the second memory is completed.
[0009]
The update recording of the remaining ink amount data in the first memory when the power is off may be performed by an interrupt process when the power monitoring circuit transmits the power off detection to the CPU. The interrupt process is particularly preferably a nonmaskable interrupt (NMI) process.
[0012]
In addition, an ink consumption counter that is incremented by a value corresponding to the ink consumption is provided in the second memory, and the remaining ink data is stored in the second memory according to the count value of the ink consumption counter. It is recommended to update and store in memory.
[0013]
According to the ink remaining amount management method of the present invention, when the printer using the ink cartridge filled with ink is turned on or when the ink cartridge replacement is completed, the ink remaining amount data mounted on the ink cartridge is recorded. The ink remaining amount data is read from the first memory into the second memory provided in the printer, which has a higher access speed than the first memory, and the second memory is read each time ink is consumed. Remaining ink remaining data for updating and storing the remaining ink data in the second memory by reading and storing the remaining ink data in the second memory when the power is turned off or before replacing the ink cartridge. In the management method, the second memory includes a cartridge that permits update recording of the remaining ink amount data to the first memory. The remaining ink data stored in the first memory is set as a percentage, and the remaining ink data stored in the second memory is in a fractional format. When the ink remaining amount data recorded in the first memory is read into the second memory, or the ink remaining amount data stored in the second memory is updated and recorded in the first memory. Data format conversion is performed, and when the remaining ink amount data stored in the second memory is updated and recorded in the first memory, the data is stored in the second memory. The remaining ink amount data is recorded in the third memory provided in the printer in the fractional format, and the remaining ink amount data recorded in the first memory is read into the second memory. When trying to be rare, ink remaining amount data obtained by converting the remaining ink amount data recorded in the first memory into a fractional format, and remaining ink amount data in the fractional format recorded in the third memory As a result of the comparison, if the error between the two data is less than the predetermined value, the remaining ink amount data recorded in the third memory is read into the second memory, and the error between the two data is predetermined. If the value is equal to or greater than the value, the remaining ink data converted from the remaining ink data recorded in the first memory into a fractional format is read into the second memory. It is possible to accurately manage the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge while avoiding the decrease.
[0014]
After the ink remaining amount data is read from the first memory to the second memory when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge replacement is completed, the ink remaining amount data recorded in the first memory is updated and recorded. The ink remaining amount recorded in the first memory after the ink cartridge replacement start operation until the reading of the ink remaining amount data from the first memory to the second memory is completed. It is advisable to prohibit data update recording.
[0015]
The update recording of the ink remaining amount data in the first memory when the power is turned off may be performed by an interrupt process. The interrupt process is particularly preferably a non-maskable interrupt (non-prohibited interrupt) process.
[0016]
The ink remaining amount data may include a plurality of ink remaining amount data updated independently.
[0017]
The first and third memories may be nonvolatile memories, and the second memory may be a volatile memory. In particular, the first and third memories may be EEPROM, and the second memory may be DRAM.
[0018]
The computer program recording medium according to the present invention is characterized in that a computer program for executing the ink remaining amount management method according to the present invention in the computer system is recorded.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First, a schematic configuration of an ink jet printer in which the ink remaining amount management apparatus and the ink remaining amount management method according to the present invention is used will be described.
[0020]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ink jet printer.
[0021]
The ink jet printer shown in FIG. 7 discharges ink onto a paper feed motor (hereinafter also referred to as PF motor) 1 that feeds paper, a paper feed motor driver 2 that drives the paper feed motor 1, and printing paper 50. The head 9 is fixed, the carriage 3 is driven in a direction parallel to the printing paper 50 and perpendicular to the paper feeding direction, a carriage motor (hereinafter also referred to as a CR motor) 4 for driving the carriage 3, and a carriage motor. 4, a DC motor 6 that delivers a direct current command value to the CR motor driver 5, a pump motor 7 that controls the suction of ink to prevent clogging of the head 9, and a pump motor 7 Motor driver 8 for driving the head, head driver 10 for driving and controlling the head 9, and linear type fixed to the carriage 3 A encoder 11, a code plate 12 for a linear encoder 11 having slits formed at predetermined intervals, a rotary encoder 13 for the PF motor 1, and a paper detection sensor 15 for detecting the end position of the paper being printed. A CPU 16 that controls the entire printer, a timer IC 17 that periodically generates an interrupt signal to the CPU 16, and an interface unit (hereinafter also referred to as IF) 19 that transmits and receives data to and from the host computer 18. The ASIC 20 for controlling the print resolution, the drive waveform of the head 9 and the like based on the print information sent from the host computer 18 through the IF 19, and the PROM 21 and RAM 22 used as work areas and program storage areas of the ASIC 20 and the CPU 16. And the EEPROM 23 and the plastic paper 50 supporting the printing paper 50 25, a transport roller 27 that is driven by the PF motor 1 to transport the printing paper 50, a pulley 30 that is attached to the rotating shaft of the CR motor 4, and a timing belt 31 that is driven by the pulley 30. Yes.
[0022]
The DC unit 6 drives and controls the paper feed motor driver 2 and the CR motor driver 5 based on the control command sent from the CPU 16 and the outputs of the encoders 11 and 13. Further, both the paper feed motor 1 and the CR motor 4 are constituted by DC motors.
[0023]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration around the carriage 3 of the ink jet printer.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 8, the carriage 3 is connected to the carriage motor 4 via a pulley 30 by a timing belt 31 and is driven by a guide member 32 so as to move in parallel with the platen 25. A recording head 9 having a nozzle row for ejecting black ink and a nozzle row for ejecting color ink is provided on the surface of the carriage 3 facing the printing paper, and each nozzle is supplied with ink from the ink cartridge 34 for printing. Characters and images are printed by ejecting ink droplets on paper.
[0025]
Further, in the non-printing area of the carriage 3, a capping device 35 for sealing the nozzle openings of the recording head 9 at the time of non-printing and a pump unit 36 having the pump motor 7 shown in FIG. 7 are provided. . When the carriage 3 moves from the printing area to the non-printing area, the carriage 3 comes into contact with a lever (not shown), the capping device 35 moves upward, and the head 9 is sealed.
[0026]
When the nozzle opening row of the head 9 is clogged or when the ink is forcibly ejected from the head 9 by replacing the cartridge 34 or the like, the pump unit 36 is operated with the head 9 sealed. The ink is sucked out from the nozzle opening row by the negative pressure from the pump unit 36. As a result, dust and paper dust adhering to the vicinity of the nozzle opening row are washed, and air bubbles in the head 9 are discharged to the cap 37 together with ink.
[0027]
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing portions related to paper feeding and paper detection.
The position of the paper detection sensor 15 shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, the printing paper 50 inserted into the paper feed insertion slot 61 of the printer 60 is sent into the printer 60 by a paper feed roller 64 driven by a paper feed motor 63. The leading edge of the printing paper 50 fed into the printer 60 is detected by, for example, the optical paper detection sensor 15. The paper 50 whose leading edge is detected by the paper detection sensor 15 is fed by the paper feed roller 65 and the driven roller 66 driven by the PF motor 1.
[0028]
Subsequently, printing is performed by dropping ink from a recording head (not shown) fixed to the carriage 3 that moves along the carriage guide member 32. When the paper is fed to a predetermined position, the end of the currently printed printing paper 50 is detected by the paper detection sensor 15. The printed paper 50 that has been printed is discharged from the paper discharge port 62 to the outside by the paper discharge roller 68 and the driven roller 69 driven by the gear 67C via the gears 67A and 67B driven by the PF motor 1. A rotary encoder 13 is connected to the rotation shaft of the paper feed roller 65.
[0029]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ink remaining amount management apparatus and an ink remaining amount management method according to the present invention used in the ink jet printer will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0030]
The ink remaining amount management apparatus and the ink remaining amount management method according to the present invention store ink remaining amount data in a DRAM having a high access speed every time ink is consumed, and the ink remaining amount data is stored in the DRAM only when the power is turned off. It is characterized in that it is read from and written into the EEPROM of the ink cartridge.
[0031]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of an ink remaining amount management apparatus according to the present invention.
[0032]
The ink remaining amount management apparatus according to the present invention monitors a power source of a printer that uses an ink cartridge 34 filled with ink and detects power off, and is mounted on the ink cartridge 34 to store ink remaining amount data. Is recorded, and the remaining ink data is updated and recorded when the power is turned off or before the ink cartridge is replaced, and the remaining ink data is read from the EEPROM 39 when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge is replaced and the ink is consumed. The ink remaining data is updated and stored, and the stored ink remaining data includes a DRAM 28 used for update recording to the EEPROM 39 when the power is turned off or before the ink cartridge is replaced, and a CPU 16 that performs various arithmetic processes. .
[0033]
In the example shown in FIG. 1, a PROM 21 and a mask ROM (MROM) 29 are provided, but these can be used as necessary to record various operation programs. The ink cartridge 34 is used by being attached to a carriage of a printer, and the carriage is provided with a recording head 9.
[0034]
In this example, it is assumed that ink remaining data for six color inks is recorded in the EEPROM 39. Accordingly, the remaining amount data of the six color inks is also stored in the DRAM 28. The colors of the six color inks are black (black) K, yellow (yellow) Y, magenta (red) M, cyan (blue) C, light cyan (light blue) LC, and light magenta (light red) LM. It is. In addition, a cartridge writable flag for permitting update recording of the remaining ink amount data in the EEPROM 39 is set, reset, and stored in the DRAM 28. Reference numerals 39R and 28R in FIG. 1 indicate the contents of recorded data in the EEPROM 39 and the DRAM 28, respectively. Instead of the DRAM 28, a RAM other than the DRAM may be used.
[0035]
In the remaining ink management apparatus and remaining ink management method according to the present invention, the remaining ink data is updated and stored in the DRAM 28, which is a volatile memory having a high access speed, every time ink in the ink cartridge 34 is consumed. When the power is turned off or before the ink cartridge is replaced, the ink remaining amount data is read from the DRAM 28 and updated and recorded in the EEPROM 39 which is a nonvolatile memory. As a memory for updating and storing the ink remaining amount data every time the ink of the ink cartridge 34 is consumed, a DRAM which is a volatile memory having a high access speed is used. Thus, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge can be accurately managed while avoiding a decrease in printing throughput.
[0036]
When the ink remaining amount management apparatus and the ink remaining amount managing method according to the present invention are implemented, the ink remaining amount data recorded in the EEPROM 39 is read into the DRAM 28 when the power is turned on and the ink cartridge is replaced, and the ink is consumed. Each time, the ink remaining amount data is updated and stored in the DRAM 28.
[0037]
However, if such ink remaining amount management is performed, if an operation of turning off the power is performed immediately after the ink cartridge is replaced and before the ink remaining amount data is read from the EEPROM 39 of the ink cartridge 34 to the DRAM 28, the data is stored in the DRAM 28. The remaining ink amount data of the ink cartridge before the replacement is written in the EEPROM 39 of the replaced ink cartridge 34, and the remaining ink amount data becomes inaccurate.
[0038]
Therefore, in order to avoid this inconvenience, in the ink remaining amount management apparatus and the ink remaining amount management method according to the present invention, after the ink cartridge replacement start operation, the ink remaining amount data is read from the EEPROM 39 of the ink cartridge 34 into the DRAM 28. During this period, control for prohibiting writing to the EEPROM 39 is performed. By this write prohibition control, it is possible to prevent inaccurate ink remaining amount data from being written to the EEPROM 39, and the ink remaining amount data of the replaced ink cartridge 34 is accurately reproduced at the next power-on. It becomes possible.
[0039]
Hereinafter, the operation of the remaining ink amount management apparatus according to the present invention, that is, the procedure of the remaining ink amount management method according to the present invention will be described in more detail.
[0040]
2 to 4 are flowcharts showing the operation of the remaining ink amount management apparatus according to the present invention, that is, the procedure of the remaining ink amount management method according to the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an operation procedure when the power is turned on, FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an operation procedure when the ink cartridge is replaced, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an operation procedure when the power is turned off.
[0041]
The operation procedure when the power is turned on is as follows.
As shown in FIG. 2, when a power-on operation is performed, ink remaining amount data recorded in the EEPROM 39 of the ink cartridge 34 is read into the DRAM 28 (step S21). When the reading of the ink remaining amount data to the DRAM 28 is completed, a cartridge writable flag for permitting the update recording of the ink remaining amount data to the EEPROM 39 is set in the DRAM 28 (step S22), and the operation procedure when the power is turned on is set. Complete.
[0042]
The operation procedure when replacing the ink cartridge is as follows.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the ink cartridge replacement start operation is performed, the ink remaining amount data stored in the DRAM 28 is written in the EEPROM 39 of the ink cartridge 34 before the replacement (step S31). When the writing of the ink remaining amount data to the EEPROM 39 is completed, the cartridge writable flag set in the DRAM 28 is reset, and the ink remaining amount data stored in the DRAM 28 is prohibited from being written to the EEPROM 39 (step S32).
[0043]
Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the ink cartridge has been replaced (step S33), the ink remaining amount data recorded in the EEPROM 39 of the ink cartridge 34 after replacement is read into the DRAM 28 (step S34), and the cartridge writable flag is displayed. Is set in the DRAM 28 (step S35), and the operation procedure for replacing the ink cartridge is completed.
[0044]
The operation procedure when the power is off is as follows.
When the power is turned off, a power off interrupt process is performed by a nonmaskable interrupt (NMI) process. Here, the NMI process is a process for causing the CPU 16 to generate the highest priority interrupt. The power off interrupt processing by the NMI processing is performed by transmitting a power off notification signal for notifying that the power monitoring IC 38 has detected power off to the CPU 16 via the NMI terminal P. A signal output from the power monitoring IC 38 to the NMI terminal P is an H (High) level signal when the power is on, but switches to an L (Low) level signal when the power is off. That is, when the L level signal is transmitted as the power off notification signal from the power monitoring IC 38 to the CPU 16 via the NMI terminal P, the power off interrupt processing by the NMI processing is performed.
[0045]
When the power-off interrupt processing by the NMI processing is performed, the printer power-off processing is executed. At this time, if the cartridge writable flag is set in the DRAM 28 (step S41), the remaining ink amount stored in the DRAM 28 Data is written in the EEPROM 39 of the ink cartridge 34 (step S42). On the other hand, if the cartridge writable flag is not set in the DRAM 28, the operation is terminated without writing the remaining ink amount data stored in the DRAM 28 into the EEPROM 39 of the ink cartridge 34.
[0046]
The above is the main operation of the remaining ink management device according to the present invention, that is, the procedure of the remaining ink management method according to the present invention.
[0047]
In the ink remaining amount management apparatus and the ink remaining amount management method according to the present invention, in accordance with the above operation procedure, after the operation procedure at power-on or ink cartridge replacement is completed, the ink in the ink cartridge 34 is consumed. The ink remaining amount data is updated and stored in the DRAM 28.
[0048]
A specific example of the update and management of the remaining ink amount data is performed as follows. In this example, the ink remaining amount is managed by expressing the ink consumption amounts of the six color inks K, Y, M, C, LC, and LM as percentages or fractions of 0 to 100%, respectively. That is, the consumption amount is 0% when not in use, and the consumption amount is 100% when empty.
[0049]
Starting from 0% ink consumption, each time ink is consumed by printing, head cleaning, or the like, the ink consumption is updated according to the consumption at that time and stored in the DRAM 28. Since the amount of ink consumed during a predetermined operation such as head cleaning is constant for each operation, the ink consumption is automatically updated according to the type of operation and stored in the DRAM 28.
[0050]
On the other hand, the amount of ink consumed by printing is automatically calculated based on the contents of the print data. Specifically, an ink consumption counter is provided in the DRAM 28, for example, increments by one count for every 100 ng (nanogram) of ink consumption, and when a predetermined a count is reached, the ink end (ink consumption 100) is reached. %). That is,
Ink consumption (%) = (Count value of ink consumption counter) / a
And Therefore, when the count value of the ink consumption counter reaches the a count, the ink consumption is 100%, and the ink end is reached. When the ink end is detected, a display or notification for instructing replacement of the ink cartridge is performed, and the user replaces the ink cartridge in response thereto.
[0051]
Here, in the DRAM 28 in the present embodiment, the ink remaining amount data (ink consumption data) is stored as 32-bit data in a fractional format of (count value of the ink consumption counter) / a. On the other hand, in the EEPROM 39 of the ink cartridge 34, it is recorded as 1-byte data in a percentage format of ink consumption (%).
[0052]
One is fractional format data, and the other is percentage format data, and each time the power is turned on / off, the remaining ink data is converted between the format and the EEPROM 39 and the DRAM 28. As the power is repeatedly turned on / off, an error may occur between the two data. For example, if the data expressed as 1/3 in the fractional format is converted into the data in the percentage format, it becomes 33.3%, but if this is converted again into the data in the fractional format, the data does not return to 1/3, but the 33 / In some cases, it becomes 100. While such data format conversion is repeated, the error between the two data may gradually increase.
[0053]
As a countermeasure against such an error, the following configuration can be considered. First, separately from the EEPROM 39 of the ink cartridge 34, a second EEPROM is provided on the ink remaining amount management device side in advance. As the second EEPROM, for example, the EEPROM 23 in FIG. 7 may be used, or another EEPROM may be used.
[0054]
When the power is turned off, the fractional data in the DRAM 28 is converted into percentage data and written and recorded in the EEPROM 39 of the ink cartridge 34. At this time, the fractional data of the DRAM 28 is recorded in the second EEPROM in the same format.
[0055]
When the power is turned on again, the percentage data in the EEPROM 39 of the ink cartridge 34 is read out, converted into fractional data, and read into the DRAM 28. At this time, the data is converted into the fractional data. The read data is not immediately read into the DRAM 28 but is compared with the fractional data recorded in the second EEPROM.
[0056]
As a result of comparing the data, if the error is sufficiently small, for example, if the error is less than 1%, it can be considered that the error is caused by the conversion of the data format, so it is recorded in the second EEPROM. The fractional data that has been stored is handled as more accurate data and is read into the DRAM.
[0057]
On the other hand, as a result of comparing the data, if the error is large, for example, if the error is 1% or more, the error is not caused by the conversion of the data format. For example, the processing at the time of cartridge replacement is normally performed. It could be the result of not having it. Therefore, in such a case, the data recorded in the EEPROM 39 of the ink cartridge 34 is handled as data with higher reliability and is read into the DRAM 28. With the configuration as described above, more accurate management of the ink remaining amount data becomes possible.
[0058]
Note that the CPU 16 performs calculation of ink consumption, update of remaining ink data, data format conversion, data comparison, and the like. The operation program for that purpose can be recorded in, for example, the PROM 21, the MROM 29, or the like.
[0059]
As described above, in the ink remaining amount management apparatus and the ink remaining amount management method according to the present invention, the remaining amount of ink data is transferred to the DRAM 28 which is a volatile memory having a high access speed each time ink in the ink cartridge 34 is consumed. Since the ink remaining amount data is read from the DRAM 28 and written to the EEPROM 39, which is a non-volatile memory, only when the power is turned off, the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge can be accurately determined while avoiding a decrease in printing throughput. It becomes possible to manage.
[0060]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a recording medium on which a computer program for executing the ink remaining amount management method according to the present invention is recorded and a computer system in which the recording medium is used, and FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the shown computer system.
A computer system 70 shown in FIG. 5 includes a computer main body 71 housed in a mini tower type housing, a display device 72 such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a plasma display, and a liquid crystal display device, and a recording device. It comprises a printer 73 as an output device, a keyboard 74a and a mouse 74b as input devices, a flexible disk drive device 76, and a CD-ROM drive device 77. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer system 70. In a housing in which the computer main body 71 is housed, an internal memory 75 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive unit 78, and the like. An external memory is further provided. A recording medium on which a computer program for executing the ink remaining amount management method according to the present invention is recorded is used in the computer system 70. As the recording medium, for example, a flexible disk 81 and a CD-ROM (Read Only Memory) 82 are used. In addition, an MO (Magneto Optical) disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), other optical recording disks, and a card memory. Alternatively, a magnetic tape or the like may be used.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
According to the ink remaining amount management apparatus of the present invention, a power monitoring circuit that monitors the power supply of a printer that uses an ink cartridge filled with ink to detect power off, and the ink remaining amount that is mounted on the ink cartridge. A first memory in which data is recorded and ink remaining amount data is updated and recorded when the power is turned off or before the ink cartridge is replaced; and a second memory provided in the printer having a higher access speed than the first memory. The remaining ink data is read from the first memory when the power is turned on or the replacement of the ink cartridge is completed, and the remaining ink data is updated and stored every time ink is consumed. The second memory used when the remaining amount data is used for update recording to the first memory when the power is turned off or before the ink cartridge is replaced. In the second memory, a cartridge writable flag that permits the update recording of the remaining ink amount data to the first memory is set or reset and stored, and is stored in the first memory. The ink remaining amount data to be recorded is in percentage format, the ink remaining amount data stored in the second memory is in fractional format, and the ink remaining amount data recorded in the first memory is in the second format. Data format conversion is performed when the remaining ink amount data stored in the second memory is updated and recorded in the first memory, and the third memory is stored in the third memory. When the ink remaining amount data stored in the second memory is updated and recorded in the first memory, the ink remaining amount stored in the second memory is further provided in the printer. When the data is recorded in the third memory in the fractional format and the remaining ink amount data recorded in the first memory is to be read into the second memory, the first memory The ink remaining amount data converted from the ink remaining amount data recorded in the above to the fractional format is compared with the fractional ink residual amount data recorded in the third memory. When the error is less than a predetermined value, the remaining ink amount data recorded in the third memory is read into the second memory, and when the error between the two data is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the first memory is read. Since the remaining ink amount data obtained by converting the remaining ink amount data recorded into the fractional format is read into the second memory, the overhead time generated each time printing is greatly reduced, and the print throughput is reduced. It is possible to accurately manage the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge while avoiding a drop in ink.
[0062]
According to the ink remaining amount management method of the present invention, when the printer using the ink cartridge filled with ink is turned on or when the ink cartridge replacement is completed, the ink remaining amount data mounted on the ink cartridge is recorded. The ink remaining amount data is read from the first memory into the second memory provided in the printer, which has a higher access speed than the first memory, and the second memory is read each time ink is consumed. Remaining ink remaining data for updating and storing the remaining ink data in the second memory by reading and storing the remaining ink data in the second memory when the power is turned off or before replacing the ink cartridge. In the management method, the second memory includes a cartridge that permits update recording of the remaining ink amount data to the first memory. The remaining ink data stored in the first memory is set as a percentage, and the remaining ink data stored in the second memory is in a fractional format. When the ink remaining amount data recorded in the first memory is read into the second memory, or the ink remaining amount data stored in the second memory is updated and recorded in the first memory. Data format conversion is performed, and when the remaining ink amount data stored in the second memory is updated and recorded in the first memory, the data is stored in the second memory. The remaining ink amount data is recorded in the third memory provided in the printer in the fractional format, and the remaining ink amount data recorded in the first memory is read into the second memory. When trying to be rare, ink remaining amount data obtained by converting the remaining ink amount data recorded in the first memory into a fraction format, and remaining ink amount data in the fraction format recorded in the third memory As a result of the comparison, if the error between the two data is less than the predetermined value, the remaining ink amount data recorded in the third memory is read into the second memory, and the error between the two data is predetermined. If the value is greater than or equal to the value, the remaining ink data converted from the remaining ink data recorded in the first memory into a fractional format is read into the second memory, so that the overhead generated each time printing is performed. The time is greatly shortened, and the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge can be accurately managed while avoiding a decrease in printing throughput.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an ink remaining amount management apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the power is turned on in the remaining ink management apparatus and remaining ink management method according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when replacing an ink cartridge in the remaining ink management apparatus and remaining ink management method according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the power is turned off in the remaining ink management apparatus and remaining ink management method according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a recording medium on which a computer program for executing a motor control method according to the present invention is recorded and a computer system using the recording medium.
6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer system shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink jet printer.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration around the carriage 3 of the inkjet printer.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing portions related to paper feed and paper detection.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Paper feed motor (PF motor)
2 Paper feed driver
3 Carriage
4 Carriage motor (CR motor)
5 Carriage motor driver (CR motor driver)
6 DC unit
7 Pump motor
8 Pump motor driver
9 Recording head
10 Head driver
11 Linear encoder
12 Code plate
13 Encoder (Rotary encoder)
15 Paper detection sensor
16 CPU
17 Timer IC
18 Host computer
19 Interface section
20 ASIC
21 PROM
22 RAM
23 EEPROM
25 platen
28 DRAM
29 MROM
30 pulley
31 Timing belt
32 Guide member for carriage motor
34 Ink cartridge
35 Capping device
36 Pump unit
37 cap
38 Power supply monitoring IC
39 EEPROM
50 chart paper

Claims (10)

A power monitoring circuit that monitors the power of a printer that uses an ink cartridge filled with ink to detect power off; and
A first memory mounted on the ink cartridge to record ink remaining amount data and updated and recorded when the power is turned off or before replacing the ink cartridge;
A second memory provided in the printer that has a higher access speed than the first memory and that is provided in the printer, and ink remaining amount data is read from the first memory when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge replacement is completed, Each time ink is consumed, ink remaining amount data is updated and stored, and the stored ink remaining amount data is used for update recording to the first memory when the power is turned off or before the ink cartridge is replaced. Memory and
With
In the second memory, a cartridge writable flag that allows update recording of the remaining ink amount data to the first memory is set or reset and stored.
The remaining ink data recorded in the first memory is in percentage format, the remaining ink data stored in the second memory is in fractional format, and the remaining ink data recorded in the first memory is When the amount data is read into the second memory, or when the ink remaining amount data stored in the second memory is updated and recorded in the first memory, the data format is converted. ,
A third memory is further provided in the printer;
When the remaining ink amount data stored in the second memory is updated and recorded in the first memory, the remaining ink amount data stored in the second memory remains in the fraction format. Recorded in the memory of 3,
Ink obtained by converting the remaining ink data recorded in the first memory into a fractional format when the remaining ink data recorded in the first memory is to be read into the second memory. Comparing the remaining amount data with the fraction remaining amount data recorded in the third memory,
As a result of the comparison, if the error between the two data is less than the predetermined value, the remaining ink amount data recorded in the third memory is read into the second memory, and if the error between the two data is greater than the predetermined value An ink remaining amount management apparatus, wherein ink remaining amount data obtained by converting ink remaining amount data recorded in the first memory into a fractional format is read into the second memory.   The cartridge writable flag is set after reading the remaining ink amount data from the first memory to the second memory when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge replacement is completed. 2. The ink remaining amount management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink remaining amount is reset until reading of ink remaining amount data from one memory to the second memory is completed.   The update recording of the remaining ink amount data in the first memory when the power is turned off is performed by an interrupt process when the power monitoring circuit detects that the power is turned off. Ink remaining amount management device. An ink consumption counter that counts up by a value corresponding to the ink consumption is provided in the second memory;
4. The ink remaining amount management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein ink remaining amount data is updated and stored in the second memory in accordance with a count value of the ink consumption counter.   The ink remaining amount management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink remaining amount data includes a plurality of ink remaining amount data updated independently. When the printer that uses the ink cartridge filled with ink is turned on or when the replacement of the ink cartridge is completed, the ink remaining amount data is loaded from the first memory mounted on the ink cartridge and recorded with the ink remaining amount data. The access speed is higher than that of the first memory and is read into the second memory provided in the printer, and the ink remaining amount data in the second memory is updated and stored every time ink is consumed. An ink remaining amount management method that reads ink remaining amount data in the second memory before replacing the ink cartridge, and updates and records the ink remaining amount data in the first memory,
In the second memory, a cartridge writable flag that allows update recording of the remaining ink amount data to the first memory is set or reset and stored.
The remaining ink data recorded in the first memory is in percentage format, the remaining ink data stored in the second memory is in fractional format, and the remaining ink data recorded in the first memory is When the amount data is read into the second memory, or when the ink remaining amount data stored in the second memory is updated and recorded in the first memory, the data format is converted. ,
When the remaining ink amount data stored in the second memory is updated and recorded in the first memory, the remaining ink amount data stored in the second memory remains in the fractional format, Recorded in a third memory provided in the printer,
Ink obtained by converting the remaining ink data recorded in the first memory into a fractional format when the remaining ink data recorded in the first memory is to be read into the second memory. Comparing the remaining amount data with the fraction remaining amount data recorded in the third memory,
As a result of the comparison, if the error between the two data is less than the predetermined value, the remaining ink amount data recorded in the third memory is read into the second memory, and if the error between the two data is greater than the predetermined value An ink remaining amount management method, wherein ink remaining amount data obtained by converting ink remaining amount data recorded in the first memory into a fractional format is read into the second memory.   After the ink remaining amount data is read from the first memory to the second memory when the power is turned on or when the ink cartridge replacement is completed, the ink remaining amount data recorded in the first memory is updated and recorded. The ink remaining amount recorded in the first memory after the ink cartridge replacement start operation until the reading of the ink remaining amount data from the first memory to the second memory is completed. The ink remaining amount management method according to claim 6, wherein update recording of data is prohibited.   8. The ink remaining amount management method according to claim 6, wherein the update recording of the ink remaining amount data in the first memory when the power is turned off is performed by an interrupt process.   9. The ink remaining amount management method according to claim 6, wherein the ink remaining amount data includes a plurality of ink remaining amount data updated independently.   10. A computer program recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for executing the ink remaining amount management method according to claim 6 in a computer system.

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