JP4192412B2 - Recording device and controller - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for performing maintenance management in a recording apparatus that visually records an image on a recording medium.
[0002]
[Technical background]
Typical apparatuses for visually recording an image on a recording medium include a printing machine and a copying machine. This type of apparatus uses a recording medium for forming an image on the apparatus and recording it visually. A typical recording medium is paper.
[0003]
This type of recording apparatus includes an image forming mechanism that forms an image on a sheet, and a sheet feeding mechanism that supplies the sheet to the image forming mechanism and discharges the sheet. The paper feeding mechanism includes a paper holding unit such as a paper feeding tray and a paper cassette for holding paper, and a paper feeding roller that takes in the held paper and sends it to the image forming mechanism.
[0004]
By the way, in this type of recording apparatus, a paper feed error may occur during use. In this case, the problem is often solved by removing the paper that has failed to be fed and feeding it again. However, if the recording apparatus is used to some extent, a paper feed error is more likely to occur. As the cause, it is conceivable that when the paper is conveyed, a portion that contacts the paper, particularly a paper feed roller, is worn and frictional force is reduced, and dirt is attached. As adhesion of dirt, there is adhesion of paper powder. For example, the coating material on the paper surface may rub and adhere to any of the paper feed mechanisms, particularly the paper feed rollers. In addition, paper fibers may be scraped off and adhered.
[0005]
When the paper feed roller is worn, it is necessary to deal with it by repairing parts. On the other hand, when dirt adheres, it can be dealt with by a simple cleaning process of removing dirt. In the latter case, the sheet feeding mechanism can feed a cleaning sheet to remove dirt from the sheet feeding roller, or a roller for cleaning can be prepared in advance, thereby cleaning the sheet. it can.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when performing image recording on a plurality of images in succession, if there is a paper feed error, the recovery operation is troublesome, so that a paper feed error may be avoided as much as possible. Ideal. In particular, when expensive paper is used, paper is wasted due to a paper feed error. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to cope in advance so as not to cause a paper feed error. However, it is not always easy for the user to know in advance whether the paper feed mechanism is likely to cause a paper feed error.
[0007]
On the other hand, there is a technique described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-50213 regarding a paper feeding error due to wear of parts. This means that the number of refeeds is recorded and the number of refeeds is output to indicate the necessity of component replacement.
[0008]
On the other hand, it has been assumed that the cleaning process by the user is performed by a user operation. In other words, whether or not to clean is left to the user's judgment. In addition, unlike the case of component replacement described above, it is required to deal with a paper feeding error before it occurs, instead of dealing with it frequently. However, it is not easy for the user to determine whether the above-described cleaning is necessary.
[0009]
Also in the image forming mechanism, for example, maintenance of a print head or the like may be required. For example, depending on the type of paper, dirt may adhere to the print head. In such a case, it is preferable to perform the head cleaning process as early as possible so as not to cause clogging of the head. However, it is not always easy for the user to understand the necessity.
[0010]
In addition, it is preferable to notify the user of what kind of maintenance should be performed, assuming that maintenance is necessary.
[0011]
However, at present, the recording device only outputs the above-described parts replacement, and the user has not been notified so that necessary maintenance can be performed before trouble occurs. .
[0012]
An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus capable of performing necessary maintenance before a trouble occurs, and a controller used therefor.
[0013]
  According to a first aspect of the invention,
  PaperA mechanism for forming an image on the top and a controller for controlling the image formation are provided.Recording device,
  The mechanism for forming the image isPaperHas a mechanism to supply and discharge
  The controller is
  Used for recording the imagePaperMeans for obtaining information indicating the type of
  Used for recording the imagePaperAcquired aboutPaperBased on the type information,For each paper type, obtain a continuous number indicating the amount of use when the same type of paper is used continuously, and a cumulative number used for each paper type.A means to calculate the cumulative amount of usage;
  For each type of paper, the continuous setting number indicating the usage amount when the same type of paper is used continuously, and the cumulative set number used for each type of paper are used as the maintenance start conditions.Means for storing;
  It is determined that the maintenance start condition is satisfied when either the continuous number of sheets exceeds the set number of continuous sheets or the cumulative number of sheets exceeds the cumulative set number of sheets.Means for determining whether the maintenance start condition is satisfied;
  SaidWhen it is determined that the maintenance start condition is satisfied,There is provided a recording apparatus characterized by comprising means for performing a maintenance process.
[0014]
  According to the second aspect of the present invention,
  PaperA controller that performs control related to image formation in a recording apparatus that performs image formation on the top,
  Used for recording the imagePaperMeans for obtaining information indicating the type of
  Used for recording the imagePaperAcquired aboutPaperBased on the type information,For each paper type, obtain a continuous number indicating the amount of use when the same type of paper is used continuously, and a cumulative number used for each paper type.A means to calculate the cumulative amount of usage;
  For each type of paper, the continuous setting number indicating the usage amount when the same type of paper is used continuously, and the cumulative set number used for each type of paper are used as the maintenance start conditions.Means for storing;
  It is determined that the maintenance start condition is satisfied when either the continuous number of sheets exceeds the set number of continuous sheets or the cumulative number of sheets exceeds the cumulative set number of sheets.Means for determining whether the maintenance start condition is satisfied;
  SaidWhen it is determined that the maintenance start condition is satisfied,There is provided a controller comprising means for performing a maintenance process.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a case where an image is recorded on a sheet as a recording medium by a printing apparatus, in particular, an ink jet printer will be described as an example of the recording apparatus. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. The recording device may be a copier. Further, the printing apparatus may be a laser beam printer or the like.
[0016]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, data for maintenance management, in particular, the number of sheets used (recording medium usage) is recorded in the printer controller of the printer, and the number of sheets used (usage) is used as a maintenance start condition. Based on this, it is determined whether or not maintenance is necessary, and if necessary, the user is notified of the necessity of maintenance processing and has a function of executing maintenance processing. Further, various settings for maintenance management and notification to the user are performed by the computer to which the printer is connected.
[0017]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, that is, a printer, and a printing system having the same. The printing system shown in FIG. 1 includes a computer system 400 and a printer 100.
[0018]
The computer 400 includes a computer main body 410, an input device 420, and a display device 430. Then, the printer 100 is connected to this, and the printing system is configured as a whole.
[0019]
The computer main body 410 has a central processing unit (CPU) 411 that executes various applications and printer drivers, a read-only memory (ROM) 412 that stores programs necessary for the operation of the CPU 411, and a random that stores data, programs, and the like. An access memory (RAM) 413, an interface 414 for connecting to peripheral devices such as a printer, a communication control device 415 for communicating via an external network, etc., and a hard disk device 416 for storing programs, data, and the like And have. As the input device 420, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like is used. As the display device 430, a liquid crystal display device, a CRT, or the like is used.
[0020]
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the printer 100 includes a printing mechanism 110 that records an image on a sheet, and a printer controller 130 that controls image recording in the printing mechanism 110. In the printer 100, the ink cartridge 200 is attached to the printing mechanism 110. The printer controller 130 is connected to the computer 400. The connection may be either a local connection or a connection via a LAN.
[0021]
The printing mechanism 110 includes a print head 111 for ejecting ink to record an image on paper, an ink supply mechanism 112 for supplying ink from the ink cartridge 200 to the print head 111, and an ink ejection operation for the print head 111. A print head driving circuit 113 to be performed, a print head moving mechanism 114 that moves the print head 111, a paper feed mechanism 115 that takes in and conveys paper, an ink system maintenance mechanism 116, a paper system maintenance mechanism 117, and paper information A reader 118.
[0022]
The ink supply mechanism 112, the print head drive circuit 113, the print head moving mechanism 114, and the paper transport mechanism 115 transport the paper under the control of the printer controller 130 and develop the given print data by the print head 111. The image is visibly recorded on the paper.
[0023]
In the present embodiment, the ink maintenance mechanism 116 is a mechanism for cleaning the print head 111, specifically, a mechanism for sucking out ink from the nozzles of the print head 111. Thereby, clogging can be prevented or clogged. In this embodiment, the operation is performed according to an instruction from the printer controller 130. The operation may be performed based on an instruction from a printer driver executed on the computer 400.
[0024]
In the present embodiment, the paper system maintenance mechanism 117 is provided adjacent to the paper feed roller 151 accommodated in the case 140, as shown in FIG. That is, the paper maintenance mechanism 117 is in contact with the paper feed roller 151 of the paper feed mechanism 115 to remove paper dust and the like adhering to the surface of the paper feed roller 151, and the cleaning roller 117a. And a support arm driving mechanism (not shown). The support arm driving mechanism displaces the support arm 117 b according to the support from the printer controller 130, and presses the cleaning roller 117 a against the paper feed roller 151. On the other hand, the support arm drive mechanism always maintains the support arm 117b in a retracted state where it does not come into contact with the paper feed roller 151.
[0025]
In order to clean the paper feed mechanism, there is a method in which a cleaning sheet is passed in the same way as paper to remove dirt. It can be used in combination with or instead of the paper-based maintenance mechanism 117a described above.
[0026]
The paper information reading device 118 is a device for reading paper information attached to a paper or a paper packing material. Which device is used depends on the format in which the paper information is recorded. For example, when paper information is recorded as a barcode, a barcode reader is used as the paper information reading device 118. In addition to this, for example, when the paper information is magnetically recorded, the magnetic recording / reading device is also recorded, and when the information is recorded by an electronic storage device such as an IC memory, for example, a memory card, A semiconductor memory reader can be used.
[0027]
When the paper information is recorded in the form of a barcode on the paper packing material, the paper information reading device 118 can be provided at a part of the paper feed port 142 of the case 140 as shown in FIG. 3, for example. . The same can be provided for magnetic recording. In the case of a memory card, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the printer controller 130 can be dealt with by providing a card slot 137.
[0028]
In the present embodiment, the paper information reading device 118 is provided as a component of the printing mechanism 110. However, it is not limited to this. In terms of its function, it may be considered as an element of the controller 130 substantially. That is, it may be a component of the controller 130 as in the reader / writer described later.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 2, the printer controller 130 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 131, a read-only memory (ROM) 132 that stores programs executed by the CPU 131, and a random access memory that stores programs, data, and the like. (RAM) 133, EEPROM 134 which is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, an interface 135 for connection with a computer or the like, and a monitor / operation panel 136 for receiving display and operation in a printer. In the present embodiment, the printer controller 130 is locally connected to the computer 400 via the interface 135.
[0030]
The EEPROM 134 records data necessary for the printing operation of the printer, such as ink usage (remaining amount). Further, in the present embodiment, data such as the type of paper as a recording medium, the number of sheets set as a maintenance required number thereof, and the actual number of sheets used are stored. FIG. 9 shows an example of these data. That is, usage limit information 341 indicating the usable amount of ink, usage status information 342 indicating the amount of ink used, maintenance setting information 343 set as a condition for determining the start of maintenance, paper usage status information 344, currently set Current paper information 345 and the like, which are information about the current paper, are recorded.
[0031]
As the maintenance setting information 343, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, for each paper type, a set number of paper types 3431 and a set number indicating the amount of usage that requires maintenance start when printing the same type of paper continuously. (Continuous) 3432 and a set number (cumulative) 3433 indicating the amount of use that requires the start of maintenance for that type of paper are stored in advance. Here, three types of paper, that is, plain paper, high-quality matte paper, and high-quality glossy paper are assumed as the paper type (paper type) 3431, and the set number of sheets is stored. Of course, the paper types are not limited to these. It is also possible to add more. Also, the set number is appropriately set by the printer.
[0032]
In this embodiment, the ink system maintenance and the paper system maintenance are managed with the same set number of sheets. Therefore, one type of maintenance setting information 343 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, ink-based maintenance and paper-based maintenance can be managed with each set number of sheets. In this case, maintenance setting information 343 is provided for each ink system and paper system.
[0033]
As the paper usage status information 344, as information indicating the cumulative amount of recording medium used, for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, a paper type 3441 and corresponding paper of the same type are continuously displayed. A continuous number 3442 indicating the number of printed sheets and a cumulative number 3443 indicating the cumulative number used so far are recorded. Here, the paper type 3441 corresponds to the paper type 3431 of the maintenance setting information 343 described above. The continuous number of sheets is cumulatively updated while printing is continuously performed, and is reset when the continuation is interrupted. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11A, since the sheet 1 is currently used, the other sheets 2 and 3 are reset because the continuation is interrupted, and the continuous number of sheets becomes zero. ing. On the other hand, the cumulative number 3443 is updated until the next cleaning is performed regardless of continuous interruption or the like. And when cleaning is performed, it is reset.
[0034]
In the example of FIG. 11A, the total is obtained and recorded for each paper type. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 11B, for the continuous sheet number 3442, a value only for the currently used paper type is stored, and the cumulative number is a converted cumulative number converted to a set number of a specific paper type. The number 3444 may be stored. In this case, the converted cumulative number 3444 is obtained by multiplying the plain paper 1, the high-quality matte paper 2 and the high-quality glossy paper 0.66 by the respective coefficients and using the plain paper as a reference. Therefore, in this case, regardless of which paper is used, the total converted cumulative number 3444 is used for determining whether maintenance is necessary together with the continuous number of sheets used at that time.
[0035]
As described above, when the ink-based maintenance and the paper-based maintenance are managed with their own set number of sheets, the paper usage status information 344 is similarly provided for each of the ink-based and the paper-based.
[0036]
As the current paper information 345, information about the paper currently set in the paper feed tray of the printer is recorded. This information includes, for example, information indicating the paper model number, size, paper type, thickness, number of sheets, unit price, and the like. It should be noted that all of this information does not have to be recorded as current sheet information 345. In the present invention, it is necessary to record at least a paper type representing the paper type. These pieces of information are recorded by being read by the paper information reading unit 118 or by being input via an input device. In any case, when new information is input, the current information is updated. For example, if the paper type is set in the paper feed tray 153, the paper information is read by the paper information reading device 118, and the contents of the current paper information 345 are updated. Of course, when the same type of paper is set, the recorded content for the set paper type is not changed.
[0037]
In the ROM 32, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a program 321 for performing a paper information capturing process, and image data sent from the computer 400 are processed and sent to the printing mechanism 110 for printing. A program 322 for performing operation control, a program 323 for performing processing for managing the number of sheets used, a program 324 for performing maintenance necessity determination processing, a program 325 for controlling processing when the apparatus itself performs maintenance, and the like are stored. In the present embodiment, the paper information import processing program 321 performs processing using information read by the paper information reading device 118.
[0038]
In the present embodiment, by executing each of the above programs, the printer controller 130 uses the hardware resources to obtain a cumulative usage amount for each type of recording medium used for image recording. , For each type of recording medium, information for determining the usage amount of the recording medium as a maintenance start condition, and means for storing the total of the obtained usage amounts, and the usage amount of the recording medium currently used And a means for determining whether or not the accumulated usage amount satisfies a maintenance start condition, and performs a maintenance process when the condition is satisfied Means.
[0039]
FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the printer of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer of this embodiment has a structure in which a printing mechanism 110 and a printer controller 130 are housed in a case 140. The paper feed mechanism 150 includes a paper feed tray 153, a paper feed roller 151 shown in FIG. 4, and a paper discharge tray 158. The paper feed tray 153 is provided with a fixed side plate 155 and a movable side plate 154 that can move according to the size of the paper. Behind the case 140, a paper feed port 142 for taking in paper from the paper feed tray 153 is provided. On the other hand, in front of the case 140, a paper discharge port 147 after printing is provided. A paper discharge tray 158 protrudes from the discharge port 147.
[0040]
A part of the case 140 is provided with a monitor / operation panel 136 for notifying the user of the printer status and receiving operations. The monitor operation panel 136 includes a monitor unit 136a and an operation unit having operation buttons 136b and 136c. The operation button 136b is an operation unit for instructing the operation of the ink maintenance mechanism 116. On the other hand, the operation button 136c is an operation unit for instructing paper supply / discharge. The latter also functions as a button for instructing the supply and discharge of the cleaning sheet when cleaning with the cleaning sheet.
[0041]
A paper information reading device 118 is provided above the paper feed opening of the case 140. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a barcode reader is arranged. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. The paper information reading device 118 reads a barcode 557 attached to a part on the opening side of a paper packaging material 550 that accommodates a bundle of paper (cut paper) 501.
[0042]
The paper packaging material 550 is of a size that accommodates a certain number of sheets, for example, 100 sheets. FIG. 5 shows an example of the paper packing material 550. FIG. 5 shows a state where one end is opened.
[0043]
The paper wrapping member 550 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a material having rigidity, for example, cardboard, cardboard, hard paper, or the like, in order to wrap a plurality of paper sheets 501 in a stacked state. The paper packaging member 550 is formed with a separation line 553 that divides the lid side 551 and the main body side 552 in order to take out a plurality of sheets 501 inside. The separation line 553 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the paper packaging member 550. The separation line 553 is formed by perforations so that it can be easily divided into the lid side 551 and the main body side 552.
[0044]
On one surface 554 of the main body side 552, a paper insertion arrow 556 indicating the direction when the paper 501 is inserted into the paper feed tray 153 of the printer, and a paper information recording unit 557 related to the paper 501 placed in the packaging member 550 are printed. Has been. One surface 554 of the main body side 552 is a surface parallel to the surface of the sheet 501 housed inside. The paper insertion arrow 556 is directed from the main body side 552 to the lid side 551. Further, the paper information recording unit 557 is printed at the left end position in the direction indicated by the arrow 556 and at a position adjacent to the separation line 553. That is, when the packaging material is opened, it is printed in the vicinity of the portion that becomes the opening.
[0045]
As the paper information recording unit 557, as shown in FIG. 6, there are a paper type, size, paper type, thickness, number of sheets, unit price, and the like. These are indicated by bar codes together with characters, symbols and the like representing their contents. The reason why the characters are written together with the barcode is to allow the user to grasp the paper information visually. Each information is arranged in the direction of the paper insertion arrow, in other words, in the paper insertion direction.
[0046]
These pieces of paper information are stored in the paper information recording unit 557 relative to the paper information reading device 118 by inserting the paper packaging material 550 into the paper feed port 142 when the paper packaging material 550 is set in the paper feed tray 153. It moves and is read by the paper information recording unit 557. The read paper information is recorded in the current paper information 345 of the EEPROM 134 of the printer controller 130.
[0047]
The example shown in FIG. 5 shows an example of a packing material having a structure in which one end side in the longitudinal direction of the sheet is opened. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the paper can be used either vertically or horizontally. In this case, paper insertion arrows 556a and 556b, paper information recording units 557a and 557b, and separation lines 553a and 553b are provided in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. In this case, the paper information recording units 557a and 557b may be added with information indicating whether the paper is horizontally or vertically placed.
[0048]
Next, a paper information capturing process will be described. An example of the procedure is shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, when the paper information reading device 118 reads the paper information, it makes an interrupt request to the CPU 131. The CPU 131 determines whether the interrupt request is a request from the paper information reading device 118 (step 1110), and if not, exits from this process. On the other hand, if it is a reading request, the CPU 131 takes in the paper information read by the paper information reading device 118 (step 1120). It is checked whether the paper type included in the fetched paper information is known with reference to the maintenance setting information 343 stored in the EEPROM 134 (step 1130). If it is known, the paper information is stored in the current paper information 345 of the EEPROM 134, and the previous information is updated (step 1150). On the other hand, if the paper type does not exist in the maintenance setting information 343, that is, if the paper type is not known, and if the paper type information is not included, a message requesting additional input of information indicating the paper type Are displayed on the monitor 136a of the monitor / operation panel 136 and sent to the connected computer 400 (step 1140). When the paper type information is input after waiting for input, the information indicating the paper type and other information relating to the already obtained paper are stored in the current paper information 345, and the information up to that time is updated (step S1). 1150). Here, for example, the information on the sheet to be added cannot be automatically read, but the information recorded in the packing material is input and used, or the type of paper that does not match the type of the prepared paper is selected. You can use it.
[0049]
Note that even if the types of paper are different, those that can be viewed with the same setting of the maintenance start condition may be handled as the same type of paper. In this way, it is possible to deal with a wide variety of sheets with a small amount of data.
[0050]
Next, an update process is performed on the paper usage status information 344 (step 1160). This is done when the paper type changes. If the type of paper changes, for example, if the paper 1 has been used before and the paper 2 is newly used, the continuous number of paper 1 is reset. In the present embodiment, the reason for resetting the continuous number of sheets for each sheet is that, when the sheet is changed, a new sheet of the first works like a cleaning sheet and has been used until then. This is based on the phenomenon of removing paper dust from the paper. However, if the same paper is continuously used in this state, paper dust of new paper will be attached, and the above-described problem will occur. If the cleaning effect cannot be expected due to the relationship between the paper before the change and the paper after the change, the continuous number of the previous paper is set as the initial value of the continuous number of the new paper, so that It can cope with the occurrence of adverse effects.
[0051]
Further, even when different types of paper are used, if there is a change between papers of the same type in terms of the maintenance start condition as described above, the same paper is handled. Accordingly, there is no reset for the continuous number.
[0052]
The accumulated number is stored even after the sheet is changed, and is added to the stored accumulated number when the sheet is set again later. The reason for this is that even if the above-described cleaning effect can be expected, it is not perfect, so that maintenance is performed when a specified number of sheets is reached for any one of the sheets. As a result, when the sheet is changed before reaching the continuous number 3432, it is possible to prevent the cleaning from being performed.
[0053]
The cumulative number of sheets may be set to the initial value of the cumulative number of sheets of the next sheet every time the sheet changes. In this case, no matter which paper is used, maintenance is performed when the cumulative number reaches a certain value.
[0054]
Here, an example of manual input of paper information will be described. This manual input is realized in the computer 400 by a printer driver. FIG. 13 shows an example of the property window of the connected printer used at that time. In the property window 4300, a plurality of tabs are prepared. In FIG. 13, the basic setting tab directly related to the present embodiment is selected. Here, a paper type selection unit 4320, an ink selection unit 4330, a mode setting unit 4340 for setting a print finish state, an ink remaining amount display unit 4350 for indicating the remaining amount of ink, and a setting state display for indicating the current setting state. Parts 4360 and the like are arranged.
[0055]
The paper type selection unit 4320 includes a paper display unit 4321 indicating the selected paper and a menu button 4322 for opening a pull-down menu. The user selects a sheet that matches the sheet to be used. Information indicating the type of paper selected here is sent to the printer controller 130 and stored in the current paper information 345.
[0056]
On the other hand, when the property window 4300 is opened, the initial display on the paper display unit 4321 is performed when the printer driver obtains and displays the paper type written in the current paper information of the EEPROM 134. Accordingly, when plain paper is set as the paper type in the current paper information of the EEPROM 134 at the time of factory shipment, the first display is plain paper.
[0057]
When a new paper is set in the printer and the paper information reading device 118 reads the paper information, it is written in the current paper information of the EEPROM 134. When the property window 4300 is opened, the paper type information is captured and displayed by the printer driver.
[0058]
Thus, the process for capturing paper information is completed. Note that information other than the paper type information can be updated to provide the user with information on the remaining amount of paper, the size of the paper, and the like.
[0059]
Next, operations during printing and maintenance of the printing system of the present embodiment and the recording apparatus used therefor will be described. Here, by executing the printing operation control program 322, the sheet use number management processing program 323, the maintenance necessity determination processing program 324, and the maintenance processing control program 325, for example, the printing process and the processing shown in FIG. Realize maintenance-related processing.
[0060]
First, as a premise, when data to be printed is generated by the application program in the computer 400 and printing is instructed, a print setting screen is displayed, and a print range, the number of copies, etc. are accepted and a print instruction is accepted. . The printer driver receives a print instruction, converts data created by the application into print data, and transmits the print data from the computer 400 to the printer 100. At this time, information such as the paper type setting is also sent. In the printer 100, the printer controller 130 receives print data and temporarily stores it in the RAM 133.
[0061]
Next, the CPU 131 checks the paper information attached to the print data by using the paper usage number management processing program 323, and determines the currently set paper type and print data recorded in the current paper information stored in the EEPROM 134. It is checked whether or not the set paper type matches (step 2010). This is to check that the paper itself may not have been changed even though the paper has been changed to a different type at the time of printing instruction. In this case, if they match, the process proceeds to the next step. If they do not match, a request is sent to the computer 400 to display a message requesting that the paper be replaced with a specified type of paper. Upon receiving this, the computer 400 displays a warning window on the display screen of the display device 430 and displays a message requesting that the paper be replaced with a designated type of paper. When a predetermined paper is set and the paper type information attached to the print data matches the paper type attached to the set paper, the process proceeds to the next step.
[0062]
Next, the CPU 131 executes a paper feeding operation and a recording operation based on the printing operation control program 322 (steps 2020 and 2030). That is, the paper is drawn from the paper feed tray by the paper feed roller and conveyed, and the print head is driven to execute printing. Thereby, printing on one sheet is completed.
[0063]
Next, the CPU 131 performs processing for managing the number of used sheets based on the sheet used number management processing program 323 (steps 2040, 2051, 2052, and 2053). First, the CPU 131 refers to the current paper information 345 stored in the EEPROM 134 and checks the type of paper currently set (step 2040). Then, for the corresponding sheet, the value indicating the number of each sheet is read from the corresponding continuous sheet number 3442 and the cumulative number 3443 from the sheet usage status information, and 1 is added to each value, and each sum is added to the corresponding original number. The continuous number 3442 and the cumulative number 3443 are written to update the number (steps 2051/2052/2053).
[0064]
Next, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the maintenance is necessary by checking whether the number of used sheets has reached the set number (maintenance start condition) for the used paper by the maintenance necessity determination processing program 324 (step 2060). ). That is, the continuous sheet number of sheets currently used is obtained from the sheet use status information 344 (see FIG. 11) as the corresponding sheet type, for example, the value of the continuous sheet number 3442 of the sheet 1 and the value of the cumulative number 3443. . On the other hand, the set number of sheets set for the corresponding sheet type from the set number (continuous) 3432 of the maintenance setting information 343 (see FIG. 10) and the set number of sheets set for the corresponding sheet type from the set number (total) 3433. And get. When the continuous number of sheets and the corresponding set number of sheets are compared, and the cumulative number of sheets and the corresponding set number of sheets are respectively compared, and at least one of the continuous number of sheets and the cumulative number of sheets is larger than the corresponding set number of sheets Determines that maintenance is necessary. For example, in the case of the set number of sheets shown in FIG. 10, for plain paper, when the total number of sheets exceeds 100 when used continuously for printing, that is, without changing to other sheets in the middle. It is judged that maintenance is necessary. In the case of high-quality matte paper, when it exceeds 50 sheets, and in the case of high-quality glossy paper, it is determined that maintenance is necessary when it exceeds 200 sheets. On the other hand, even if the continuous number of plain papers in use does not exceed the set value, if the cumulative number exceeds the set value, it is determined that maintenance is necessary. For example, when the number of plain papers exceeds 200, when the number of high quality matte papers exceeds 100, or when the number of high quality glossy papers exceeds 300, maintenance is performed. It is judged necessary.
[0065]
If it is determined that the maintenance start condition is satisfied, that is, if it is determined that the maintenance is necessary, the CPU 131 executes the maintenance process based on the maintenance process program 325 (step 2070). . In the present embodiment, the maintenance start condition is common to the ink system and the paper system. Therefore, the CPU 131 causes the ink-based maintenance and the paper-based maintenance described above to be executed. Both can be done in parallel. Of course, you may make it perform both in order.
[0066]
After the maintenance is completed, the CPU 131 performs a reset process for the paper usage status information 344 based on the paper usage count management processing program 323. Unlike the case of paper replacement, the reset in this case resets the number of continuous sheets 3442 and the cumulative number 3443 of all sheets. That is, “0” is set. As a result, the printer can be used until the maintenance start condition is satisfied next time.
[0067]
Next, when the maintenance is not necessary and when the maintenance is finished, it is checked whether the printing is finished. When the maintenance is finished, the process is finished. If not completed, the process returns to step 2020 and the above-described processing is repeated until the printing is completed (step 2080).
[0068]
As described above, when printing is being executed, it is determined in the printer whether maintenance is necessary, and when necessary, maintenance is performed. Therefore, the user can realize maintenance without making a determination about the necessity of maintenance, which has been difficult to make a determination, and without performing a special operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent a paper feed error and to prevent the print head from being clogged.
[0069]
In the above-described embodiment, maintenance is automatically started as the maintenance process. However, the maintenance process is not limited thereto. For example, the user may be informed that maintenance is necessary, and may be executed after waiting for a confirmation instruction from the user. This display is performed on the display unit 136a (see FIG. 3) of the monitor / display panel 136, or together with, or instead, maintenance processing is performed by instructing display on the display device 430 of the computer 400. Can do. FIG. 18 shows an example of a message displayed on the display device 430 of the computer 400. This can be similarly performed on the display unit 136a of the monitor / operation panel 136.
[0070]
Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the user only needs to be informed by the display unit 136a of the monitor / operation panel 136 or the display device 430 of the computer 400 that the maintenance is necessary. You may make it perform. Even when maintenance is not automatically performed, according to the present invention, the user is notified from the printer about the necessity of maintenance that has been difficult to determine, and accordingly, necessary maintenance is performed accordingly. It becomes possible to do. As a result, it is possible to prevent occurrence of a paper feed error and prevent clogging printing in advance.
[0071]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the way of inputting paper information, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering around difference.
[0072]
FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 show the configuration of a recording apparatus and a printing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment is characterized in that paper information is input by the data carrier 600.
[0073]
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in this embodiment, a data carrier 600 is used instead of the barcode of the paper information recording unit 557 in the above-described embodiment. That is, paper information is input using a data carrier 600 mounted on the paper packaging material side and a reader / writer 137 that transmits and receives data to and from the data carrier. In the present embodiment, the data carrier 600 stores the paper model number, size, paper type, thickness, number of sheets, unit price, and the like. The number of sheets is set to be rewritable. Therefore, by updating the number of sheets by subtracting the number of sheets used, even if the sheets packed in the sheet packing material are used in a plurality of recording devices, the remaining number of sheets of data can be obtained.
[0074]
As shown in FIG. 17, the data carrier 600 is attached to a paper packing material 550. The attachment position is a position where the sheet packing material 550 can be brought close to the antenna 137a mounted in the vicinity of the sheet feeding port when the sheet packaging material 550 is mounted on the sheet feeding tray 153 and mounted on the sheet feeding port 142. Therefore, it may be inside the packing material 550. Further, it may be embedded in the packing material 550.
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 16, the data carrier 600 includes a transmission / reception unit 610 that performs transmission / reception processing including processing such as data modulation and demodulation, a storage unit 630 that stores data, data processing for transmission / reception, and It has a control unit 620 for performing processing for storing data, an antenna 650 for data transmission / reception, and a power supply unit 640 that extracts power from the received power of the antenna and generates power to be used internally. Data such as the number of sheets described above is stored in the storage unit 630 in a nonvolatile state.
[0076]
The printer controller 130 is provided with a reader / writer 137 as shown in FIG. An antenna 137 a is connected to the reader / writer 137. As shown in FIG. 17, the antenna 137 a is provided in the paper feed port 142 of the printer case 140. When the antenna 650 of the data carrier 600 is close to the antenna 137a, for example, approaches a distance within several tens of millimeters, data can be transmitted and received, and data is transmitted and received. Data stored in the storage unit 630 of the data carrier 600 is read by the reader / writer 137 and stored in the EEPROM 134. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0077]
Note that the maintenance setting information corresponding to the printer can be stored in the storage unit 630 of the data carrier 600. In this case, the CPU 131 reads the maintenance setting information via the reader / writer 137 and sets it as a new paper type in the maintenance setting information 343 of the EEPROM 134. The CPU 131 also sets an area so that the usage status information of a new paper type can be recorded in the paper usage status information. In this way, even when a new paper product is produced, there is an effect that appropriate maintenance corresponding to the new product can be performed.
[0078]
Also, data for color conversion and data for error diffusion can be stored. In this case, those data are transferred to the computer 400 via the printer controller 130. By doing so, color conversion processing and error diffusion processing suitable for the paper can be performed.
[0079]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, data for maintenance management is recorded in a printer controller of a printer, and various settings for maintenance management and determination of necessity of maintenance, etc. are performed by a computer connected to the printer. Applies when the driver does it.
[0080]
Specifically, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, all or part of the processing shown in FIG. As a part of the processing, for example, the processing of steps 2040 to 2060 is performed in the flow shown in FIG. Note that the hardware configuration of the system and the configuration of the printer are basically the same as those in the first and second embodiments.
[0081]
In the first to third embodiments, data for maintenance management is stored in the printer controller. Therefore, even when a printer is shared and used by a plurality of computers, appropriate maintenance management can be performed for the printer.
[0082]
In each of the above embodiments, an example in which a sheet information reading device is provided has been described. The present invention is not limited to this. When a computer 400 issues a print instruction without a paper information reading device, for example, paper settings are received using a property window 4300 as shown in FIG. 13, and the received information is used to manage the number of sheets used. It can be configured to determine whether or not maintenance is necessary.
[0083]
In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which a paper-based maintenance mechanism is provided has been described, but this may be omitted. In this case, a message prompting the user to perform paper-based maintenance, that is, a message indicating that cleaning should be performed using a cleaning sheet is displayed as shown in FIG. 19, for example. In such a case, the user places the cleaning sheet on the paper feed tray, presses the operation button 136c, supplies the cleaning sheet to the paper feed mechanism 150, and discharges it. As a result, the site where the cleaning sheet comes into contact, particularly the contamination of the paper feed roller 151, is removed.
[0084]
Ink maintenance is automatically performed. Of course, the ink system may be started manually.
[0085]
In the above description, the printer controller of the printer records the number of sheets for each type of paper used for recording and the set number of maintenance sheets. By doing so, there is an advantage that, when used by being connected to a plurality of computers, it is possible to record a paper usage history regardless of which printer has processed a print request. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it memorize | store in the memory | storage device of a computer under management of a printer driver. In this case, since one computer may use a plurality of printers, a paper use history is recorded corresponding to the printer.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, necessary maintenance can be performed before trouble occurs.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an external configuration of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
4A is an example of a paper-based maintenance mechanism that can be used in the present invention, and is an explanatory view showing a state during non-maintenance, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory view showing a state during maintenance.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a paper packing material used in the recording apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a partial plan view showing an example of a paper information recording unit used in a paper packing material.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another example of a paper packing material that can be used in the recording apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a program stored in the memory of the printer controller of the recording apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a storage structure of data for maintenance management among printing related information of the recording apparatus stored in the memory of the printer controller of the recording apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of maintenance setting information stored in the memory of the printer controller of the recording apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of sheet usage status information stored in the memory of the printer controller of the recording apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram showing another example.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when capturing paper information in the recording apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a property window for setting a paper type on a computer.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of print control and maintenance management by a printer controller.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a recording apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a data carrier that can be used in the embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of FIG. 15;
FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing a message display example when cleaning is started by a manual operation in the present invention.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing a display example of guidance explanation when cleaning is performed with a cleaning sheet in the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100: Printer
110: Printing mechanism
115: Paper feeding mechanism
116: Ink system maintenance mechanism
117: Paper-based maintenance mechanism
117a ... Cleaning roller
117b ... support arm
118: Paper information reading device
130: Printer controller
131 ... Central processing unit (CPU)
132 ... Read only memory (ROM)
133: Random access memory (RAM)
134 ... Rewritable non-volatile memory (EEPROM)
135 ... Interface
136 ... Monitor / operation panel
137 ... Reader / Writer
140 ... Case
142: paper feed slot
147 ... paper discharge port
151: Paper feed roller
153: Paper feed tray
158 ... Output tray
200: Ink cartridge
400: Computer
410 ... computer main body
411 ... Central processing unit (CPU)
416. Hard disk device
420 ... Input device
430 ... Display device
501 ... paper
550: Paper packaging material
557 ... Paper information recording section
600 ... Data carrier
610 ... Transmission / reception unit
620 ... Control unit
630 ... Storage unit
640 ... Power supply unit
650 ... Antenna

Claims (16)

A recording apparatus comprising a mechanism for forming an image on a sheet and a controller for controlling the formation of the image,
The mechanism for forming the image has a mechanism for supplying and discharging the paper,
The controller is
Means for obtaining information indicating the type of paper used for recording the image;
For the paper used for recording the image, based on the acquired information indicating the paper type, for each paper type, a continuous number indicating the usage amount when the same type of paper is continuously used, and the paper For each type, a means for calculating the total amount of usage, and a total amount used,
The continuous number of sheets and the cumulative number of sheets obtained by the means for obtaining the total amount of use are stored, and for each paper type, a continuous set number of sheets indicating the use amount when the same type of paper is continuously used; Means for storing, as the maintenance start condition, a cumulative set number of sheets used for each type of paper;
The cumulative number of sheets of any type among the continuous number of sheets exceeding the continuous set number of sheets stored in the storage means for the sheet and the cumulative number of sheets determined for each type of the sheet determining number of sheets, when it exceeds the set number of the total stored in said means for storing for the paper, either has occurred, it is determined that the maintenance start condition is satisfied, whether maintenance start condition is satisfied Means to
And a means for performing maintenance processing when it is determined that the maintenance start condition is satisfied. The recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The controller further includes a display unit for displaying a status of the recording apparatus,
The recording apparatus characterized in that the means for performing the maintenance process displays on the display section that the recording apparatus requires maintenance. The recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The means for performing the maintenance process displays, as an indication that the recording apparatus needs maintenance, a message prompting the mechanism for supplying and discharging the recording medium to supply and discharge the cleaning sheet. A recording apparatus that displays on the display unit. The recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The controller further includes an operation unit that receives an operation on the recording apparatus,
The mechanism for forming the image has a mechanism for receiving an instruction and performing maintenance on a part of the mechanism,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance processing unit, when receiving an instruction from the operation unit, instructs the mechanism that performs the maintenance to perform maintenance as the maintenance processing. A recording apparatus comprising a mechanism for forming an image on a sheet and a controller for controlling the formation of the image,
The mechanism for forming the image is:
A mechanism for supplying and discharging the paper;
A paper-based maintenance mechanism for receiving a command and cleaning the mechanism for supplying and discharging the paper;
The controller is
Means for obtaining information indicating the type of paper used for image recording;
Means for obtaining a cumulative amount of use for each paper type based on the information indicating the obtained paper type for the paper used for image recording;
Means for storing a set number of cumulative usage for each paper type as a maintenance start condition;
Means for determining whether the cumulative amount of use satisfies a maintenance start condition;
When it is determined that the maintenance start condition is satisfied, it has a means for performing a maintenance process for instructing to perform maintenance on the paper-based maintenance mechanism,
Based on the information indicating the acquired paper type, the means for obtaining the cumulative amount of usage is a continuous number indicating the usage amount when the same type of paper is continuously used for each paper type; For each paper type, find the total number of sheets used,
The means for storing stores the continuous number of sheets and the total number of sheets obtained by the means for obtaining the total amount of use, and indicates the amount of use when the same type of paper is continuously used for each paper type. The set number of sheets and the total number of sheets used for each paper type are stored as the maintenance start conditions,
The means for determining whether or not the maintenance start condition is satisfied, the continuous number exceeds the set number of continuous sheets stored in the storing means for the paper, and the cumulative total obtained for each paper type The maintenance start condition is satisfied when the cumulative number of sheets of any kind out of the number of sheets exceeds the cumulative set number of sheets stored in the storage means for the sheet. A recording apparatus characterized by determining that the recording has been performed. A recording apparatus comprising a mechanism for forming an image on a sheet and a controller for controlling the formation of the image,
The mechanism for forming the image is:
A mechanism for supplying and discharging the paper;
A paper-based maintenance mechanism for receiving a command and cleaning the mechanism for supplying and discharging the paper;
The controller is
A display unit for displaying a status of the recording device, an operation unit for receiving an operation on the recording device, and
Means for obtaining information indicating the type of paper used for image recording;
Means for obtaining a cumulative amount of use for each paper type based on the information indicating the obtained paper type for the paper used for image recording;
Means for storing a set number of cumulative usage for each paper type as a maintenance start condition;
Means for determining whether the cumulative amount of use satisfies a maintenance start condition;
When it is determined that the maintenance start condition is satisfied, a message indicating that the recording apparatus needs maintenance is displayed on the display unit, and when an instruction is received from the operation unit, maintenance is performed on the paper-based maintenance mechanism. Means for performing an instructing maintenance process,
Based on the information indicating the acquired paper type, the means for obtaining the cumulative amount of usage is a continuous number indicating the usage amount when the same type of paper is continuously used for each paper type; For each paper type, find the total number of sheets used,
The means for storing stores the continuous number of sheets and the total number of sheets obtained by the means for obtaining the total amount of use, and indicates the amount of use when the same type of paper is continuously used for each paper type. The set number of sheets and the total number of sheets used for each paper type are stored as the maintenance start conditions,
The means for determining whether or not the maintenance start condition is satisfied, the continuous number exceeds the set number of continuous sheets stored in the storing means for the paper, and the cumulative total obtained for each paper type The maintenance start condition is satisfied when the cumulative number of sheets of any kind out of the number of sheets exceeds the cumulative set number of sheets stored in the storage means for the sheet. A recording apparatus characterized by determining that the recording has been performed. A recording apparatus comprising a mechanism for forming an image on a sheet and a controller for controlling the formation of the image,
The mechanism for forming the image is:
A print head for ejecting ink;
Receiving an instruction, and having an ink-based maintenance mechanism for cleaning the print head,
The controller is
Means for obtaining information indicating the type of paper used for image recording;
Means for obtaining a cumulative amount of use for each paper type based on the information indicating the obtained paper type for the paper used for image recording;
Means for storing a set number of cumulative usage for each paper type as a maintenance start condition;
Means for determining whether the cumulative amount of use satisfies a maintenance start condition;
Means for performing maintenance processing for instructing the ink maintenance mechanism to perform maintenance when it is determined that the maintenance start condition is satisfied ;
Have
Based on the information indicating the acquired paper type, the means for obtaining the cumulative amount of usage is a continuous number indicating the usage amount when the same type of paper is continuously used for each paper type; For each paper type, find the total number of sheets used,
The means for storing stores the continuous number of sheets and the total number of sheets obtained by the means for obtaining the total amount of use, and indicates the amount of use when the same type of paper is continuously used for each paper type. The set number of sheets and the total number of sheets used for each paper type are stored as the maintenance start conditions,
The means for determining whether or not the maintenance start condition is satisfied, the continuous number exceeds the set number of continuous sheets stored in the storing means for the paper, and the cumulative total obtained for each paper type The maintenance start condition is satisfied when the cumulative number of sheets of any kind out of the number of sheets exceeds the cumulative set number of sheets stored in the storage means for the sheet. A recording apparatus characterized by determining that the recording has been performed. A recording apparatus comprising a mechanism for forming an image on a sheet and a controller for controlling the formation of the image,
The mechanism for forming the image is:
A mechanism for supplying and discharging the paper;
A print head for ejecting ink;
In response to the instruction, a paper-based maintenance mechanism for cleaning the mechanism for supplying and discharging the paper;
An ink maintenance mechanism for receiving the instruction and cleaning the print head,
The controller is
Means for obtaining information indicating the type of paper used for image recording;
Means for obtaining a cumulative amount of use for each paper type based on the information indicating the obtained paper type for the paper used for image recording;
Means for storing a set number of cumulative usage for each paper type as a maintenance start condition;
Means for determining whether the cumulative amount of use satisfies a maintenance start condition;
A maintenance process for instructing the ink system maintenance mechanism and / or the paper system maintenance mechanism to perform maintenance when it is determined that the maintenance start condition is satisfied;
Based on the information indicating the acquired paper type, the means for obtaining the cumulative amount of usage is a continuous number indicating the usage amount when the same type of paper is continuously used for each paper type; For each paper type, find the total number of sheets used,
The means for storing stores the continuous number of sheets and the total number of sheets obtained by the means for obtaining the total amount of use, and indicates the amount of use when the same type of paper is continuously used for each paper type. The set number of sheets and the total number of sheets used for each paper type are stored as the maintenance start conditions,
The means for determining whether or not the maintenance start condition is satisfied, the continuous number exceeds the set number of continuous sheets stored in the storing means for the paper, and the cumulative total obtained for each paper type The maintenance start condition is satisfied when the cumulative number of sheets of any kind out of the number of sheets exceeds the cumulative set number of sheets stored in the storage means for the sheet. A recording apparatus characterized by determining that the recording has been performed. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
For the continuation number stored in said means for storing, and reset when the type of paper to be used is changed, the the continuation number and the total number of sheets is stored in the means for storing, to reset when maintenance is performed record apparatus further comprising a means. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The recording apparatus characterized in that the means for acquiring information indicating the type of paper used for recording the image includes means for reading paper information from a paper information recording unit attached to a packing material for packing the paper. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The recording apparatus, wherein the means for acquiring information indicating the type of paper used for recording the image has means for reading paper information from a data carrier attached to a packing material for packing the paper. A controller that performs control related to image formation in a recording apparatus that forms an image on paper;
Means for obtaining information indicating the type of paper used for recording the image;
For the paper used for recording the image, based on the acquired information indicating the paper type, for each paper type, a continuous number indicating the usage amount when the same type of paper is continuously used, and the paper For each type, a means for calculating the total amount of usage, and a total amount used,
The continuous number of sheets and the cumulative number of sheets obtained by the means for obtaining the total amount of use are stored, and for each paper type, a continuous set number of sheets indicating the use amount when the same type of paper is continuously used; Means for storing, as the maintenance start condition, a cumulative set number of sheets used for each type of paper;
The cumulative number of sheets of any type among the continuous number of sheets exceeding the continuous set number of sheets stored in the storage means for the sheet and the cumulative number of sheets determined for each type of the sheet determining number of sheets, when it exceeds the set number of the total stored in said means for storing for the paper, either has occurred, it is determined that the maintenance start condition is satisfied, whether maintenance start condition is satisfied Means to
And a controller for performing a maintenance process when it is determined that the maintenance start condition is satisfied. The controller of claim 12 ,
In addition to displaying the status of the recording device, the recording apparatus further includes a display unit for receiving operations
The controller for performing the maintenance process causes the display unit to display that the recording apparatus needs maintenance. The controller according to any one of claims 12 and 13 ,
For the continuation number stored in said means for storing, and reset when the type of paper to be used is changed, the the continuation number and the total number of sheets is stored in the means for storing, to reset when maintenance is performed The controller further comprising means. The controller according to any one of claims 12 , 13 and 14 ,
The controller characterized in that the means for acquiring information indicating the type of paper used for image recording has means for reading paper information from a paper information recording unit attached to a packing material for packing paper. The controller according to any one of claims 12 , 13 and 14 ,
The controller characterized in that the means for acquiring information indicating the type of paper used for image recording has means for reading paper information from a data carrier attached to a packing material for packing paper.

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