JP5899760B2 - Inkjet recording device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus.

  Conventionally, a technique related to an ink jet recording apparatus has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses an ink jet printer that detects the size of ink dots on a print medium and adjusts the amount of ink droplets ejected from the ink jet nozzles based on the detected size of ink dots on the print medium. It is disclosed. In this ink jet printer, the amount of ink droplets is adjusted when the ink cartridge filled with ink is replaced.

JP 2007-30180 A

  By the way, image recording by the ink jet recording apparatus is affected by ink components used for recording. Therefore, it is recommended that the image recording by the ink jet recording apparatus is performed by using a cartridge provided by the manufacturer that manufactures the ink jet recording apparatus and mounting the ink in the ink jet recording apparatus. The Such a cartridge is called a genuine product. However, a cartridge provided by a third party other than the manufacturer of the ink jet recording apparatus may be mounted. In some cases, after the ink contained in the genuine cartridge is used up, another ink provided by a third party is refilled in the cartridge and reused. If a non-genuine product cartridge that is not a genuine product cartridge is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus, it may not be possible to properly record an image.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus that can perform suitable image recording even when a mounted cartridge is changed from a genuine product to a non-genuine product.

One aspect of the present invention made in view of the above-described conventional problems is an ink jet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink supplied from a cartridge in which ink is contained, and for mounting the cartridge. In accordance with the information stored in the storage element, the recording head in which the nozzles for ejecting ink are formed, and the storage element included in the cartridge, the cartridge mounted in the mounting section is either a genuine product or a non-genuine product A first determination unit for determining whether the cartridge is a non-genuine product, and an adjustment pattern for confirming a recording state of an image recorded by the inkjet recording apparatus. Recording is controlled, and when the first determination unit determines that the cartridge is a genuine product, recording of the adjustment pattern is not controlled. A Department, a storage unit for storing a capacity of the liquid feed passage for supplying the ink, the ink supplied from the cartridge mounted to the mounting portion is discharged to the recording head from the attached cartridge to the mounting portion A counter unit that manages the discharged amount, and when the first determination unit determines that the cartridge is a non-genuine product, the ink stored in the cartridge determined to be a non-genuine product is stored in the counter unit. A second determination unit that determines whether the managed discharge amount is equal to or greater than the amount corresponding to the volume of the liquid supply path stored in the storage unit, and the recording control unit includes the second determination unit when said discharge amount managed by the counter unit is determined to be equal to or more than the amount corresponding to the volume of liquid feed stored in the storage unit at, for controlling the recording of the adjustment pattern, the ink jet recording apparatus A.

According to this, when a non-genuine cartridge is attached, the adjustment pattern can be recorded. The user who confirms the recorded adjustment pattern can determine whether or not a suitable image is recorded. If it is determined that a suitable image is not recorded, the user can take measures against this. When a genuine cartridge is installed, the adjustment pattern is not recorded. The ink jet recording apparatus is adjusted (set) so that a suitable image is recorded with ink recommended by the manufacturer of the ink jet recording apparatus. For this reason, when the cartridge is a genuine product, it is not necessary to record the adjustment pattern at the timing when the cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion. The adjustment pattern can be recorded at the timing when the ink contained in the non-genuine cartridge is ejected. Here, the cartridge containing the recommended ink provided by the manufacturer who manufactures the ink jet recording apparatus is included in the genuine product. On the other hand, a cartridge that contains ink other than the above-described ink provided by a person other than the manufacturer of the ink jet recording apparatus is a non-genuine product. A cartridge (refilled cartridge) in which ink contained in a genuine cartridge is used up and then refilled with another ink is also a non-genuine product.

  In addition, when it is determined that the cartridge is a non-genuine product by the time measuring unit that measures the passage of time and the first determination unit, the cartridge that is determined to be a non-genuine product is mounted on the mounting unit. A third determination unit that determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the timing, and the discharge amount managed by the counter unit in the second determination unit corresponds to the volume of the liquid supply path stored in the storage unit When it is determined that the amount is less than the amount and the third determination unit determines that a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the product is a non-genuine product from the amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply path stored in the storage unit. A purge processing unit that discharges, from the nozzles formed on the recording head, an amount of ink equal to or greater than a remaining amount obtained by subtracting the ejection amount managed by the counter unit for the ink stored in the cartridge. Part is said When the ink over the remaining from nozzles formed in the recording head is discharged by chromatography di processing unit, controls the recording of the adjustment pattern may be so. According to this, it is possible to forcibly eject ink in which genuine ink and non-genuine ink are mixed with time. It is possible to prevent recording of an image with an ink in which two types of ink are mixed, and to prevent a decrease in image state (including a decrease in recording quality) due to such ink.

Another aspect of the present invention is an ink jet recording apparatus that discharges ink supplied from a cartridge containing ink and records an image on a recording medium, and includes a mounting portion for mounting the cartridge, and an ink. First determination for determining whether the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion is a genuine product or a non-genuine product according to the information stored in the recording head on which the ejection nozzle is formed and the storage element included in the cartridge. And the first determination unit control the recording of the adjustment pattern for confirming the recording state of the image recorded by the ink jet recording apparatus when the cartridge is determined to be non-genuine. If the cartridge is determined to be genuine by the one-determining unit does not control the recording of the adjustment pattern, mounting and recording control unit, the mounting portion A storage unit that stores a capacity of a liquid supply path for supplying ink from the cartridge to the recording head, and a storage unit that stores the cartridge when the first determination unit determines that the cartridge is a non-genuine product. And a purge processing unit that ejects an amount of ink corresponding to the volume of the liquid feeding path from the nozzles formed on the recording head, and the recording control unit is applied to the recording head by the purge processing unit. In the ink jet recording apparatus, the recording of the adjustment pattern is controlled when an amount of ink equal to or larger than the volume of the liquid feeding path stored in the storage unit is ejected from the formed nozzle . According to this, when a non-genuine cartridge is attached, the adjustment pattern can be recorded. The user who confirms the recorded adjustment pattern can determine whether or not a suitable image is recorded. If it is determined that a suitable image is not recorded, the user can take measures against this. When a genuine cartridge is installed, the adjustment pattern is not recorded. The entire liquid supply path can be filled with ink accommodated in a cartridge determined to be a non-genuine product. It is possible to prevent recording of an image with an ink in which two types of ink are mixed, and to prevent a decrease in image state (including a decrease in recording quality) due to such ink. The adjustment pattern can be recorded with the ink stored in the cartridge determined to be a non-genuine product.

Still another aspect of the present invention is an ink jet recording apparatus that discharges ink supplied from a cartridge containing ink and records an image on a recording medium, a mounting unit for mounting the cartridge, and an ink First, it is determined whether the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion is a genuine product or a non-genuine product according to the information stored in the recording head in which the nozzles for discharging the ink are formed and the storage element included in the cartridge When the determination unit and the first determination unit determine that the cartridge is a non-genuine product, the recording of the adjustment pattern for confirming the recording state of the image recorded by the inkjet recording apparatus is controlled, If the cartridge is determined to be genuine by the first determination unit does not control the recording of the adjustment pattern, the recording control unit, the mounting portion A storage unit that stores a capacity of a liquid supply path for supplying ink from the attached cartridge to the recording head, and a counter that manages an ejection amount of the ink supplied from the cartridge attached to the attachment unit If the cartridge is determined to be non-genuine by the first determination unit, a cartridge determined to be non-genuine is mounted in the mounting unit. A third determination unit that determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the determined timing, and when the third determination unit determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the capacity of the liquid supply path stored in the storage unit From the corresponding amount, the ink stored in the cartridge determined to be a non-genuine product was formed on the recording head with more ink than the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the discharge amount managed by the counter unit. A purge processing unit that ejects from the nozzle, and the recording control unit records the adjustment pattern when the purge processing unit ejects more ink than the remaining amount from the nozzles formed on the recording head. An inkjet recording apparatus to be controlled . According to this, when a non-genuine cartridge is attached, the adjustment pattern can be recorded. The user who confirms the recorded adjustment pattern can determine whether or not a suitable image is recorded. If it is determined that a suitable image is not recorded, the user can take measures against this. When a genuine cartridge is installed, the adjustment pattern is not recorded. Over time, it is possible to forcibly eject ink in which genuine ink and non-genuine ink are mixed. It is possible to prevent recording of an image with an ink in which two types of ink are mixed, and to prevent a decrease in image state (including a decrease in recording quality) due to such ink.

Still another aspect of the present invention is an ink jet recording apparatus that discharges ink supplied from a cartridge containing ink and records an image on a recording medium, a mounting unit for mounting the cartridge, and an ink First, it is determined whether the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion is a genuine product or a non-genuine product according to the information stored in the recording head in which the nozzles for discharging the ink are formed and the storage element included in the cartridge When the determination unit and the first determination unit determine that the cartridge is a non-genuine product, the recording of the adjustment pattern for confirming the recording state of the image recorded by the inkjet recording apparatus is controlled, If the cartridge is determined to be genuine by the first determination unit does not control the recording of the adjustment pattern, the recording control unit, the mounting portion A storage unit that stores a capacity of a liquid supply path for supplying ink from the attached cartridge to the recording head, and a counter that manages an ejection amount of the ink supplied from the cartridge attached to the attachment unit An acquisition unit for acquiring the amount of ink ejected when image recording is executed according to a print job input to the inkjet recording apparatus, and the cartridge is a non-genuine product in the first determination unit If it is determined that the cartridge is determined to be a non-genuine product from the amount of ink acquired by the acquisition unit and the amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply path stored in the storage unit, A comparison unit that compares the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the ejection amount managed by the counter unit with respect to the obtained ink, and the amount of ink acquired by the acquisition unit in the comparison unit is the remaining amount And a purge processing unit that discharges more ink than the remaining amount from the nozzles formed on the recording head, and the recording control unit is formed on the recording head by the purge processing unit. The ink jet recording apparatus controls the recording of the adjustment pattern when more ink than the remaining amount is ejected from the nozzle . According to this, when a non-genuine cartridge is attached, the adjustment pattern can be recorded. The user who confirms the recorded adjustment pattern can determine whether or not a suitable image is recorded. If it is determined that a suitable image is not recorded, the user can take measures against this. When a genuine cartridge is installed, the adjustment pattern is not recorded. Prevents the occurrence of a situation in which the status of recorded images (including recording quality) changes due to a change from genuine ink to non-genuine ink during the recording of an image by an input print job can do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an ink jet recording apparatus that can perform suitable image recording even when a mounted cartridge is changed from a genuine product to a non-genuine product.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine. It is a figure showing an example of exchange history information. It is a flowchart of a main routine process. It is a flowchart of the subroutine process of a 1st form. It is a flowchart of the subroutine process of a 2nd form. It is a flowchart of the subroutine processing of a 3rd form. It is a flowchart of the subroutine process of a 4th form. It is a flowchart of an adjustment pattern recording process. It is a figure which shows an example of the adjustment pattern for recording position alignment. It is an example of the adjustment pattern for recording quality, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the case where recording quality is favorable, and the case where recording quality is bad.

  Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the configurations described below, and various configurations can be employed in the same technical idea. For example, some of the configurations shown below may be omitted or replaced with other configurations. Moreover, you may make it include another structure.

<Multifunction device>
The multifunction device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The multifunction device 1 has, for example, a print function, a scanner function, and a copy function. The multifunction device 1 functions as a printer by the print function. As will be described later, the multifunction machine 1 includes an ink jet recording type recording unit 18. Therefore, the multifunction device 1 has a side surface as an ink jet recording apparatus. Due to the scanner function and the copy function, the multi-function device 1 functions as a scanner device and a copy machine, respectively.

  The multifunction machine 1 includes a CPU 10, a program ROM 12, a RAM 14, a flash ROM 16, a recording unit 18, a scanner unit 20, an operation unit 22, a display unit 24, a timing unit 26, a mounting detection unit 28, An IC reading unit 30 and a connection interface (connection I / F) 32 are provided. The CPU 10 executes arithmetic processing and controls the multifunction device 1. The program ROM 12 stores various computer programs for processing executed by the multi-function device 1 in addition to computer programs for processing to be described later (see FIGS. 3 to 8). The computer program for subroutine processing (see FIGS. 4 to 7) of each form described later includes the capacity of the liquid feeding path 87 for supplying ink from the cartridge 85 mounted on the mounting unit 83 to the recording head 81. It is remembered. The capacity of the liquid feeding path 87 will be described later. The RAM 14 is a storage area when the CPU 10 executes a computer program. The RAM 14 stores data (information) used for various processes.

  The flash ROM 16 is configured by a non-volatile memory, and stores data (information) managed by the multifunction device 1. The flash ROM 16 stores exchange history information in a table format as shown in FIG. 2, for example. In the replacement history information, for each ink color in the recording unit 18, it has been replaced with a non-genuine cartridge 85, it has been replaced with a refilled cartridge 85, the replacement installation date and time, and the ink after replacement. Discharge amount (use amount) is registered and managed. The management table will be described later. When the CPU 10 executes various computer programs stored in the program ROM 12 on the RAM 14, various functional units are realized, and various functions are executed in the multifunction device 1.

  The recording unit 18 is an ink jet recording type printing mechanism. The recording unit 18 includes recording heads 81C, 81M, 81Y, 81K and mounting units 83C, 83M, 83Y, 83K. The recording head 81C is a recording head for discharging cyan ink. The recording head 81M is a recording head for discharging magenta ink. The recording head 81Y is a recording head for discharging yellow ink. The recording head 81K is a recording head for discharging black ink. A cartridge 85C containing cyan ink is mounted on the mounting portion 83C. A cartridge 85M containing magenta ink is attached to the attachment portion 83M. A cartridge 85Y containing yellow ink is mounted on the mounting portion 83Y. A cartridge 85K containing black ink is mounted on the mounting portion 83K. The cyan, magenta, and yellow inks are, for example, dye inks. The black ink is, for example, a pigment ink.

  When the cartridges 85C, 85M, 85Y, and 85K are mounted on the mounting portions 83C, 83M, 83Y, and 83K, the recording heads 81 for the respective colors that form the recording unit 18 respectively supply the ink supply liquid supply paths. At 87, the cartridge is connected to the corresponding color cartridge 85. In such a state, the cyan ink stored in the cartridge 85C flows through the liquid supply path 87C and is supplied to the recording head 81C. The magenta ink stored in the cartridge 85M flows through the liquid supply path 87M and is supplied to the recording head 81M. The yellow ink stored in the cartridge 85Y flows through the liquid feeding path 87Y and is supplied to the recording head 81Y. The black ink stored in the cartridge 85K flows through the liquid supply path 87K and is supplied to the recording head 81K. In the recording heads 81C, 81M, 81Y, and 81K, the supplied ink of each color is received or generated by the multi-function device 1 and discharged in response to the print job input to the multi-function device 1.

  With respect to the structure of the recording unit 18, the recording head 81 and the mounting unit 83 are integrated or separated. The recording head 81 is attached to a carriage (not shown) that reciprocates in the scanning direction when an image is recorded. When the recording head 81 and the mounting portion 83 are integrated, the mounting portion 83 is provided on a carriage to which the recording head 81 is attached. Accordingly, the cartridge 85 is attached to the mounting portion 83 provided on the carriage and moves together with the carriage. The liquid feeding path 87 connects the recording head 81 and the cartridge 85 which are integrated on the carriage. When the recording head 81 and the mounting portion 83 are separated from each other, the mounting portion 83 is provided at a different location not on the carriage to which the recording head 81 is attached. Unlike the case where the cartridge 85 is integrated, the cartridge 85 does not move together with the carriage and exists in a fixed place. The liquid feeding path 87 includes, for example, a tube having a predetermined length, and connects the separate recording head 81 and the cartridge 85. When the recording head 81 and the cartridge 85 are separate bodies, the liquid feeding path 87 is sufficiently long as compared with the case where they are integrated. Accordingly, the amount of ink that flows out of the cartridge 85 and does not reach the recording head 81 and exists in the liquid feeding path 87 is larger when the ink is separate.

  Each of the cartridges 85C, 85M, 85Y, and 85K includes an IC chip. Various information is stored in the IC chip. Each information such as serial ID, vendor ID, product ID, cartridge type, date of manufacture, ink yield, usage history, etc. is stored in the IC chip. The serial ID and the product ID are information unique to the cartridge 85, and are a serial number or the like that can identify the cartridge 85. The vendor ID is information that can specify the manufacturer of the cartridge 85. The cartridge type is information that can specify the type of the cartridge 85 and / or the ink color accommodated therein. The date of manufacture is the date on which the cartridge 85 was manufactured. The ink yield is the capacity of ink stored in the cartridge 85 (for example, 100 cc). The usage history is the serial number of the multifunction machine 1 to which the cartridge 85 has been mounted so far.

  In the present embodiment, the recording heads 81C, 81M, 81Y, and 81K are referred to as the recording head 81 when they are not distinguished or collectively referred to. Similarly, the mounting portions 83C, 83M, 83Y, and 83K are simply referred to as mounting portions 83. The cartridges 85C, 85M, 85Y, and 85K are simply referred to as the cartridge 85. The liquid feeding paths 87C, 87M, 87Y, and 87K are simply referred to as a liquid feeding path 87.

  The scanner unit 20 reads a document set on the multifunction machine 1. The operation unit 22 includes a plurality of keys. The user operates the operation unit 22 and inputs a predetermined instruction to the multifunction device 1. The display unit 24 displays predetermined information. The timer unit 26 has a clock function and measures the current time. The timer unit 26 also has a calendar function. According to the time measuring unit 26, the date and time are measured. The attachment detection unit 28 is a sensor for detecting the attachment of the cartridge 85 to the attachment unit 83. Although the illustration is simplified in FIG. 1, the attachment detection unit 28 is provided for each of the attachment units 83C, 83M, 83Y, and 83K. Therefore, the multifunction device 1 can detect whether or not each of the cartridges 85C, 85M, 85Y, and 85K is mounted. The IC reading unit 30 reads data (information) from the IC chip of the cartridge 85, writes (stores) data (information) to the IC chip, and erases data (information) stored in the IC chip. Run. Although the illustration is simplified in FIG. 1, the IC reading section 30 is provided corresponding to each of the cartridges 85C, 85M, 85Y, and 85K mounted on the mounting sections 83C, 83M, 83Y, and 83K.

  The connection I / F 32 is a communication interface for connecting the multifunction device 1 and the external device 5 so that data communication is possible. For example, when the connection between the multifunction device 1 and the external device 5 is performed by a LAN, the connection I / F 32 is configured by a network interface. When the connection is performed by USB connection, the connection I / F 32 is configured by a USB port. The multi-function device 1 may be configured to include both a network interface and a USB port as the connection I / F 32.

<Main routine processing>
The main routine process will be described with reference to FIG. The main routine process is started when the multifunction device 1 is powered on. The CPU 10 that has started the main routine processing determines whether any of the cartridges 85C, 85M, 85Y, and 85K has been replaced (S100). For example, when the CPU 10 changes from a state in which a signal from the mounting detection unit 28 is not output to an output state, or the signal output from the mounting detection unit 28 indicates a signal indicating that the device is not mounted. If it is changed, it is determined that the cartridge 85 has been replaced. When the cartridge 85 has not been replaced (S100: No), the CPU 10 shifts the process to S114. When any one of the cartridges 85C, 85M, 85Y, and 85K has been replaced (S100: Yes), the CPU 10 selects the replaced cartridge 85 as a processing target for the processing after S104 (S102). For example, when the signal output from the mounting detection unit 28 provided for the mounting unit 83K changes to the state described above, the CPU 10 selects the cartridge 85K as a processing target. When the signals output from all of the mounting detectors 28 provided for the mounting units 83C, 83M, 83Y, and 83K change to the state described above, the CPU 10 determines that the cartridges 85C, 85M, 85Y, 85K is selected as a processing target.

  Next, the CPU 10 specifies the type of the cartridge 85 to be processed (S104). At this time, the CPU 10 causes the IC reading unit 30 to read each piece of information stored in the IC chips included in all the cartridges 85 to be processed. The IC reading unit 30 reads each information from the IC chips of all the cartridges 85 to be processed. The CPU 10 specifies the type of the cartridge 85 to be processed for each of the cartridges 85 to be processed from the combination of one or more pieces of information read out. For example, on the condition of the read vendor ID, it is specified whether the cartridge 85 to be processed is a genuine product or a non-genuine product. Further, for example, it is specified whether or not the cartridge 85 to be processed has been refilled on condition of the ink yield amount, the ink remaining amount, and the usage history. In addition, the color of the ink stored in the cartridge 85 is specified on the condition of the cartridge type.

  After executing S104, the CPU 10 determines whether the cartridge 85 to be processed is a genuine product according to the type of the cartridge 85 specified in S104 (S106). The determination in S106 is executed for all cartridges 85 to be processed. When all the cartridges 85 to be processed are genuine products (S106: Yes), the CPU 10 shifts the process to S110. When any one of the cartridges 85 to be processed is not a genuine product but a non-genuine product (S106: No), the CPU 10 replaces the cartridge 85 that has been determined to be a non-genuine product. In the information, the non-genuine and the installation date and time are registered in association with the color specified in S104 (S108). As the mounting date and time, the time (including date) measured by the time measuring unit 26 when S100 is affirmed is registered. For example, the time when S100 is affirmed (S100: Yes) is 15:00 on September 16, 2011, and the cartridges 85C and 85Y are identified in S106 by the type of the cartridge 85 specified in S104. Assume that it is determined to be a non-genuine product. The CPU 10 registers the non-genuine product and the mounting date “2011/09/16 15:00” in the replacement history information stored in the flash ROM 16 in association with the ink colors cyan and yellow (see FIG. 2). Thereafter, the CPU 10 shifts the processing to S110.

  In S110, the CPU 10 determines whether the cartridge 85 to be processed has been refilled according to the type of the cartridge 85 specified in S104. The determination in S110 is executed for all cartridges 85 to be processed. If all the cartridges 85 to be processed are not refilled (S110: No), the CPU 10 shifts the process to S114. When any of the cartridges 85 to be processed is a refilled cartridge 85 (S110: Yes), the CPU 10 stores the replacement history information on the cartridge 85 determined to be the refilled one. The refill and the installation date and time are registered in association with the color specified in S104 (S112). For example, the time when S100 is affirmed (S100: Yes) is 15:00 on September 16, 2011, and the cartridges 85M and 85K are the types of the cartridge 85 specified in S104. Assume that it is determined that the refill has been performed. The CPU 10 registers the refill and the mounting date and time “2011/09/16 15:00” in the replacement history information stored in the flash ROM 16 in association with the ink color magenta and black (see FIG. 2). Thereafter, the CPU 10 shifts the processing to S114. If the cartridge 85 to be processed is non-genuine and has been refilled, the mounting date and time has already been registered in S108 executed earlier. In such a case, in S112, the mounting date and time is overwritten or registered, or the registration of the mounting date and time is omitted.

  In S114, the CPU 10 determines whether non-genuine or refill is registered in the replacement history information (S114). When non-genuine or refill is not registered in the exchange history information (S114: No), the CPU 10 returns the process to S100 without executing the subroutine process of S116, and repeatedly executes the above-described processes. In this case, the adjustment pattern recording process (S202 in FIG. 4, S302 in FIG. 5, S404 in FIG. 6, 508 in FIG. 7, and details in FIG. 8) executed in a subroutine process described later is not executed. When non-genuine or refill is registered in association with any ink color (S114: Yes), the CPU 10 executes a subroutine process (S116). Subroutine processing will be described later.

  As is clear from the above description, in the main routine process, the refilled cartridge 85 is handled in the same manner as a non-genuine product. Regarding the refilled cartridge 85, the case in which the ink is accommodated is provided by the manufacturer of the multifunction device 1. However, in order to refill the ink, it is necessary to perform a predetermined process (procedure) on the case, and the ink stored by the refill is provided by the manufacturer of the multifunction device 1 (recommended). Not what you want. Considering such points, the refilled cartridge 85 can be regarded as a non-genuine product substantially. After executing the subroutine process in S116, the CPU 10 returns the process to S100 and repeats the above-described processes. The main routine process is repeated until the multifunction device 1 is powered off.

  By the way, the multifunction device 1 accepts an input of a print instruction while the main routine process described above is being executed. The print instruction is input from the external device 5 such as a personal computer connected to the multi function device 1 via the connection I / F 32, for example. In addition, the print instruction is also input by an operation via the operation unit 22 for starting copying. When a print instruction is input from the external device 5, the CPU 10 controls the recording unit 18 to perform recording according to a print job including image data received by the connection I / F 32. When the print instruction is the start of copying, the CPU 10 reads the original set on the multifunction device 1 by the scanner unit 20 and performs recording according to a print job including image data corresponding to the read original. Control is performed so as to be executed by the recording unit 18. When recording according to a print job including image data is executed by the recording unit 18, ink of each color is ejected from the nozzles formed in the recording heads 81C, 81M, 81Y, and 81K. The CPU 10 registers the ejection amount of each color of ink ejected from the nozzles formed in the recording heads 81C, 81M, 81Y, 81K in the replacement history information stored in the flash ROM 16 in association with the ink color. In addition to the example described above, the print instruction is input upon reception of facsimile data if the multi-function device 1 is connected to a public telephone network or the like and is capable of facsimile communication. Further, when the multifunction device 1 includes a media slot for mounting a predetermined memory card, a print instruction may be input using data stored in the mounted memory card as a recording target. The recording of an image with the data stored in the memory card as a recording target is also called a media print.

  In the multifunction device 1, maintenance processing for preventing clogging of nozzles formed in the recording heads 81C, 81M, 81Y, and 81K is periodically executed. As the maintenance process, flushing or the like is exemplified in addition to purge described later (see S300 in FIG. 5, S402 in FIG. 6, and S506 in FIG. 7). In the maintenance process, ink of each color is ejected from the nozzles formed in the recording heads 81C, 81M, 81Y, and 81K, as in the case of recording an image accompanying a print instruction. In the replacement history information stored in the flash ROM 16, the ejection amount of each color of ink ejected in the maintenance process is also registered in association with the ink color.

<Subroutine processing>
Four forms of subroutine processing executed in S116 of the main routine processing shown in FIG. 3 will be described. In the multi function device 1, any one of the subroutine processes is employed.

<First form>
The subroutine processing of the first form will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 10 that has started this subroutine processing relates to the discharge amount managed in the replacement history information (see FIG. 2) in association with the ink color of the ink stored in the cartridge 85 to be processed, and the liquid supply path for that ink color. The magnitude relation with the amount corresponding to the capacity of 87 is judged (S200). Here, the capacity of the liquid feeding path 87 is stored in the computer program of this subroutine processing as described above. The capacity of the liquid feeding path 87 is, for example, about 4 cc when the recording head 81 and the mounting portion 83 are separate bodies. In S200, a comparison is made with the discharge amount on the basis of an amount obtained by adding a certain amount (α) (cc) to the capacity of the liquid supply passage 87 (capacity of the liquid supply passage 87 + constant amount (α) ≦ discharge). Amount). That is, in S200, the ink supplied from the pre-replacement cartridge 85 and remaining in the liquid supply path 87 is all ejected from the nozzles formed in the recording head 81, and the entire liquid supply path 87 is entirely non-genuine cartridge. It is determined whether the ink is filled with the ink stored in 85 or the refilled ink.

  The fixed amount (α) to be added is appropriately set in consideration of various conditions. For example, while the ink supplied from the cartridge 85 (the ink contained in the non-genuine cartridge 85 or the refilled ink) is newly flowing through the liquid supply path 87, the ink is supplied from the cartridge 85 before replacement. The amount may be mixed with the ink supplied and remaining in the liquid feeding path 87. The amount of ink mixed as described above is such that the ink supplied from the cartridge 85 before replacement and remaining in the liquid supply path 87 advances from the boundary between both inks to the side of ink supplied from the cartridge 85 after replacement. This corresponds to the amount of the mixed part. The capacity of the liquid supply path 87 includes the capacity of the flow path for supplying the ink in the recording head 81 before the ink supplied to the recording head 81 is ejected from the nozzles formed in the recording head 81. You may make it.

  The discharge amount associated with the ink color of the ink stored in the cartridge 85 to be processed is less than the amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply path 87 (the capacity of the liquid supply path 87 + the fixed amount (α)). In the case (S200: No), the CPU 10 ends this subroutine processing without executing S202, and returns the processing to S100 in FIG. When the discharge amount is equal to or greater than the amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply path 87 (S200: Yes), the CPU 10 executes an adjustment pattern recording process (S202). The adjustment pattern recording process will be described later. After executing the adjustment pattern recording process, the CPU 10 ends the subroutine process and returns the process to S100 in FIG.

<Second form>
The second form of subroutine processing will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 10 which has started this subroutine process controls so that ink of an amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply path 87 is purged (S300). The amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply path 87, that is, the capacity of the liquid supply path 87 and the constant amount (α) are the same as in the case of S200 of the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted. The steps executed in S300 will be specifically described. First, a moving mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1) for moving the carriage to which the recording head 81 is attached in the scanning direction is driven, and the carriage moves to a suction position that is a position for purging. At this position, the ink discharge surfaces of the recording heads 81C, 81M, 81Y, and 81K are capped with a predetermined member (not shown in FIG. 1), and negative pressure is applied with a pump (not shown in FIG. 1). Suction. As a result, ink of each color is ejected from the nozzles formed in the recording heads 81C, 81M, 81Y, 81K. After executing S300, the CPU 10 executes an adjustment pattern recording process (S302). The adjustment pattern recording process will be described later. After executing the adjustment pattern recording process, the CPU 10 ends the subroutine process and returns the process to S100 in FIG.

<Third form>
The third form of subroutine processing will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 10 that has started this subroutine process manages the current date and time measured by the time measuring unit 26 in association with the ink color of the ink stored in the cartridge 85 to be processed, using the replacement history information (see FIG. 2). It is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the attached date and time (S400). Assume that a plurality of different mounting dates are registered in the replacement history information. In this case, the CPU 10 sets the oldest mounting date and time as a determination target in S400. When the predetermined time has not elapsed since the mounting date and time (S400: No), the CPU 10 ends this subroutine processing without executing the processing after S402, and returns the processing to S100 in FIG.

  When the predetermined time has elapsed from the mounting date and time (S400: Yes), the CPU 10 determines the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the discharge amount from the amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply path 87 (capacity of the liquid supply path 87 + a constant amount). Control is performed so that ink of (α) -discharge amount) or more is purged (S402). The amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply path 87, that is, the capacity of the liquid supply path 87 and the constant amount (α) are the same as in the case of S200 of the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted. The ejection amount to be subtracted is the ejection amount associated with the ink color in which at least one of non-genuine and refill is registered in the replacement history information (see FIG. 2) stored in the flash ROM 16. In the replacement history information, when there are a plurality of ink colors in which at least one of non-genuine and refill is registered, the smallest ejection amount is selected. This is because the mixed-color ink in which the old and new inks are mixed is purged so that the ink supplied from the cartridge 85 after replacement is filled up to the nozzle portion formed in the recording head 81. The specific process for purging is the same as in the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  After executing S402, the CPU 10 executes an adjustment pattern recording process (S404). The adjustment pattern recording process will be described later. After executing the adjustment pattern recording process, the CPU 10 ends the subroutine process and returns the process to S100 in FIG.

<Fourth form>
The fourth form of subroutine processing will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 10 that has started this subroutine processing determines whether a print instruction has been input to the multifunction device 1 (S500). As described above, the print instruction is input to the multifunction device 1 during the execution of the main routine process. When the print instruction is not input (S500: No), the CPU 10 ends this subroutine processing without executing the processing after S502, and returns the processing to S100 in FIG. When the print instruction is input (S500: Yes), the CPU 10 discharges when the image is recorded in accordance with the print job including the image data input (including reception or generation) according to the input of the print instruction ( The amount of consumed ink (hereinafter referred to as “predicted amount”) is acquired (S502). Regarding the acquired predicted amount, the predicted amount of ink of ink color in which at least one of non-genuine and refill is registered is acquired in the replacement history information (see FIG. 2) stored in the flash ROM 16. The predicted amount can be calculated and obtained using, for example, a technique that has already been proposed. For example, the CPU 10 analyzes image data and the like included in the print job, specifies the number of pixels and the like, and calculates a predicted amount for the ink color ink described above.

  Next, the CPU 10 determines the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the discharge amount from the predicted amount acquired in S502 and the amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply passage 87 (capacity of the liquid supply passage 87 + constant amount (α) −discharge amount). And compare. The amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply path 87, that is, the capacity of the liquid supply path 87 and the constant amount (α) are the same as in the case of S200 of the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted. The subtracted discharge amount is the discharge amount associated with the ink color of the ink corresponding to the predicted amount in the replacement history information. In the replacement history information, when there are a plurality of ink colors in which at least one of non-genuine and refill is registered and a plurality of predicted amounts are acquired in S502, each of the acquired predicted amounts and the ink corresponding to the predicted amount are stored. S502 is executed for each ejection amount associated with the ink color. If any of the predicted amounts acquired in S502 is less than the corresponding remaining amount (S504: No), the CPU 10 ends this subroutine processing without executing the processing from S506 onward, and the processing is as shown in FIG. Return to S100.

  When at least one of the predicted amounts acquired in S502 is greater than the remaining amount (S504: Yes), the CPU 10 performs control so that ink exceeding the remaining amount is purged (S506). In the replacement history information, when there are a plurality of ink colors in which at least one of non-genuine and refill is registered, the largest remaining amount is selected. For the same reason as in the third embodiment. The specific process for purging is the same as in the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. After executing S506, the CPU 10 executes an adjustment pattern recording process (S508). The adjustment pattern recording process will be described later. After executing the adjustment pattern recording process, the CPU 10 ends the subroutine process and returns the process to S100 in FIG.

<Adjustment pattern recording process>
The adjustment pattern recording process (see S202 in FIG. 4, S302 in FIG. 5, S404 in FIG. 6, and S508 in FIG. 7) executed in the first to fourth subroutine processes will be described with reference to FIG. To do. The CPU 10 that has started the adjustment pattern recording process controls the display unit 24 to display a confirmation screen (S600). The confirmation screen includes a message regarding inquiring whether or not to record an adjustment pattern for adjusting the recording state with respect to image recording in the recording unit 18. The user confirms the confirmation screen, operates the operation unit 22, and inputs an instruction to the multifunction device 1 as to whether or not to record the adjustment pattern. In response to the display of the confirmation screen in S600, the CPU 10 determines whether an adjustment instruction indicating that an adjustment pattern is to be recorded has been input (S602). When an instruction indicating that the adjustment pattern is not recorded is input and no adjustment instruction is input (S602: No), the CPU 10 ends the adjustment pattern recording process without performing the processes after S604, and performs the process. Returning to S100 in FIG. 3 (first to fourth subroutine processes). When an adjustment instruction is input (S602: Yes), the CPU 10 controls the recording unit 18 to record an adjustment pattern as shown in FIG. 9 and / or FIG. 10 (S604). In the recording unit 18, an adjustment pattern as shown in FIG. 9 and / or FIG. 10 is recorded.

  The adjustment pattern shown in FIG. 9 is an adjustment pattern for adjusting the recording position based on the reciprocating movement of the carriage to which the recording head 81 is attached in the scanning direction. Although the illustration is simplified in FIG. 9, the adjustment pattern for recording position deviation is actually a set of image groups (cyan as shown in FIG. 9) for each of the recording heads 81C, 81M, 81Y, 81K. , Magenta, yellow, and black images “1” to “9”). The user who has confirmed the adjustment pattern including the image groups for the respective colors as shown in FIG. 9 recorded on the recording medium selects the image in which the vertical stripe is the most difficult to visually recognize among the images “1” to “9”. Select one for each color. Thereafter, the user operates the operation unit 22 and inputs a number corresponding to the selected image to the multifunction device 1 for each color. The CPU 10 stores a recording setting value based on the input number in the program ROM 12 or the flash ROM 16. The recording of the image in the recording unit 18 based on the print instruction is executed according to each recording setting value input and stored in the multi function device 1.

  The adjustment pattern shown in FIG. 10 is an adjustment pattern for confirming the recording quality. FIG. 10 illustrates an adjustment pattern that is determined to have good recording quality and an adjustment pattern that is determined to be poor. The adjustment pattern shown in FIG. 10 actually includes one image (each image of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) as shown in FIG. 10 for each of the recording heads 81C, 81M, 81Y, and 81K. The user confirms the adjustment pattern including the images for all the colors as shown in FIG. 10 recorded on the recording medium, and whether any of the images is in the “image quality: good” state shown in FIG. to decide. When the image of any color is in the “image quality: bad” state shown in FIG. 10, the user operates the operation unit 22 to instruct the multifunction device 1 to clean the recording head 81. Can be entered. The cleaning of the recording head 81 corresponds to the above-described process of purging ink (see S300 in FIG. 5, S402 in FIG. 6, and S506 in FIG. 7). The amount of ink purged at this time is set as appropriate. For example, it is the same as any of the above. In the ink jet recording type recording unit 18, ink may be clogged in the nozzle formed in the recording head 81. Ink is not suitably discharged from the nozzle where clogging has occurred. As a result, a state occurs in which the intervals between the small blocks forming the image are not constant, such as “recording quality: poor” in FIG.

  After executing S604, the CPU 10 initializes the replacement history information (see FIG. 2) stored in the flash ROM 16. As a result, information related to the ink color is cleared in the replacement history information. Thereafter, the CPU 10 ends the adjustment pattern recording process, and returns the process to S100 in FIG. 3 (the first to fourth subroutine processes).

<Effect of this embodiment>
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) In the main routine process shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge 85 that has been replaced and mounted in the mounting portion 83 is not a genuine product (see S106: No) and / or has been refilled (S110). : Refer to Yes), and the fact that the cartridge 85 is non-genuine or refilled is registered in the replacement history information in association with the ink color (see S108 and S112). In addition, when non-genuine or refill is registered in the exchange history information (S114: Yes), the adjustment pattern recording process (S202 in FIG. 4, FIG. 4) in the subroutine process (S116, see FIGS. 4 to 7 for details). 5), S302 in FIG. 6, S404 in FIG. 6, S508 in FIG. 7 (see FIG. 8 for details), and the adjustment pattern is recorded (see S604). Therefore, when the cartridge 85 is a non-genuine product or a refill that can be regarded as equivalent to the non-genuine product, the user can check the recording state of the image to be recorded with the recorded adjustment pattern. When the user determines that a suitable image is not recorded, the user can take measures against this. Even when the mounted cartridge 85 is changed from a genuine product to a non-genuine product (including refills), it is possible to record a suitable image.

  (2) In the multifunction device 1, in the recording of the image according to the print job input by the print instruction, the ejection amount of each color ink ejected from the nozzles formed in the recording heads 81C, 81M, 81Y, 81K The replacement history information is registered in association with the ink color. In the case where non-genuine or refill is registered in the replacement history information (see S114: Yes), in the subroutine processing of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the discharge amount and the liquid supply path managed by the replacement history information Whether or not the adjustment pattern recording process (see S202) is performed is determined (see S200) according to the relationship between the volume corresponding to the volume of 87 (the capacity of the liquid supply path 87 + a fixed amount (α)). . At this time, when the discharge amount associated with the ink color of the ink stored in the cartridge 85 to be processed is equal to or larger than the amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply path 87 (S200: Yes), the adjustment pattern recording process Is executed (see S202). Therefore, the adjustment pattern can be recorded at the timing when the ink stored in the non-genuine product (including refill) cartridge 85 is ejected. By recording the adjustment pattern, the user can confirm whether or not a suitable image is recorded with ink that is not recommended.

  (3) When non-genuine or refill is registered in the replacement history information (see S114: Yes), the subroutine processing of the second form shown in FIG. The amount of ink (capacity of the liquid feed path 87 + a fixed amount (α)) was purged (see S300), and the adjustment pattern recording process was executed (see S302). Accordingly, the recording of the image with the ink in which the two types of ink are mixed is executed at the timing when the recording of the image with the ink not recommended, which is provided by a person other than the manufacturer of the multifunction device 1, becomes possible. Can be prevented. By recording the adjustment pattern, the user can confirm whether or not a suitable image is recorded with ink that is not recommended. By S300, the entire liquid supply path 87 can be filled with ink stored in the non-genuine cartridge 85 or refilled ink. It is possible to prevent the adjustment pattern recording process from being performed with the ink supplied from the cartridge 85 before replacement and remaining in the liquid feeding path 87.

  (4) When non-genuine or refill is registered in the replacement history information (see S114: Yes), the non-genuine product (including refill) cartridge 85 is mounted in the subroutine processing of the third form shown in FIG. The remaining amount obtained by subtracting the discharge amount from the amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply passage 87 (the capacity of the liquid supply passage 87 + the constant amount (α) −the discharge amount), ) It is determined whether or not the above-described ink purge (see S402) and the adjustment pattern recording process (see S404) are executed (see S400). Accordingly, as time passes, ink in which genuine ink and non-genuine ink are mixed can be forcibly ejected. It is possible to prevent an image from being recorded with an ink in which two kinds of inks are mixed, and to prevent the image state from being deteriorated due to such an ink.

  (5) When non-genuine or refill is registered in the replacement history information (see S114: Yes), in the fourth form subroutine processing shown in FIG. (See S500). When a print instruction is input (S500: Yes), the estimated amount of ink ejected when an image is recorded in accordance with a print job including image data input (including reception or generation) according to the print instruction According to the comparison between the obtained amount and the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the discharge amount from the amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply path 87 (the capacity of the liquid supply path 87 + the constant amount (α) −the discharge amount). Purging ink more than the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the discharge amount from the amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid passage 87 (capacity of the liquid supply passage 87 + a constant amount (α) −discharge amount) (see S506), and an adjustment pattern recording process ( Whether or not to execute (see S508) is determined (see S504). In S504, the genuine product is recorded during the recording of the image according to the input print job according to the comparison condition (predicted amount> capacity of liquid supply path 87 + constant amount (α) −discharge amount). It can be determined whether the ink changes from non-genuine ink. Therefore, in the middle of image recording according to the input print job, the ink used for image recording that is ejected from the nozzles formed in the recording head 81 is changed from genuine ink to non-genuine products (including refills). ), And the state of the recorded image is prevented from being changed.

<Modification>
This embodiment can also be performed as follows.

  (1) About the subroutine process performed by S116 of the main routine process shown in FIG. 3, it is good also as a process which combined the 1st form and the 3rd form. Specific processing in the subroutine processing of such a modification will be described. The CPU 10 that has started this subroutine process executes the same determination as in S200 of FIG. If S200 is negative (see S200: No), the CPU 10 shifts the processing to S400 in FIG. 6, and thereafter, the CPU 10 executes the third form of subroutine processing in the same manner as described above. When S200 is affirmed (see S200: Yes), the CPU 10 shifts the process to S404 in FIG. 6 (S202 in FIG. 4) or S402, and executes the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  In addition, after the start of this subroutine processing, S400 in FIG. 6 is executed prior to S200 in FIG. 4 and if the determination is affirmative (see S400: Yes), the processing after S402 is executed in the same manner as described above. It may be. When S400 is negative (see S400: No), the CPU 10 may shift the process to S200 of FIG. In this case, when S200 is affirmed (see S200: Yes), the CPU 10 shifts the process to S404 (S202 in FIG. 4) or S402, and executes the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above. If S200 is negative (see S200: No), the CPU 10 ends the subroutine processing. The same effect as described above can be obtained by the subroutine processing of the modified example.

  (2) In the adjustment pattern recording process shown in FIG. 8, S600 and S602 may be omitted. In this case, the adjustment pattern is always recorded in the adjustment pattern recording process. Also by this, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  (3) The amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply path 87 (capacity of the liquid supply path 87 + a fixed amount (α)) may be the capacity of the liquid supply path 87. In this case, the constant amount (α) is 0 (cc).

1 MFP, 5 External device 10 CPU, 12 Program ROM, 14 RAM
16 flash ROM, 18 recording unit, 22 operation unit, 24 display unit, 26 timing unit, 28 wearing detection unit, 30 IC reading unit, 32 connection interface (connection I / F)
81, 81C, 81M, 81Y, 81K Recording head 83, 83C, 83M, 83Y, 83K Mounting portion 85, 85C, 85M, 85Y, 85K Cartridge 87, 87C, 87M, 87Y, 87K

Claims (5)

An ink jet recording apparatus that ejects ink supplied from a cartridge containing ink and records an image on a recording medium,
A mounting part for mounting the cartridge;
A recording head on which nozzles for discharging ink are formed;
A first determination unit that determines whether the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit is a genuine product or a non-genuine product according to information stored in a storage element included in the cartridge;
When the first determination unit determines that the cartridge is a non-genuine product, the first determination unit controls recording of an adjustment pattern for confirming a recording state of an image recorded by the inkjet recording apparatus. When it is determined that the cartridge is genuine, the recording control unit does not control the recording of the adjustment pattern ;
A storage unit for storing a capacity of a liquid supply path for supplying ink from the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit to the recording head;
A counter unit for managing the discharge amount of ink supplied from the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit;
When the first determination unit determines that the cartridge is a non-genuine product, the discharge amount managed by the counter unit for the ink stored in the cartridge determined to be a non-genuine product is the storage unit. A second determination unit for determining whether the amount is equal to or greater than the amount corresponding to the volume of the liquid delivery path stored in
When the second control unit determines that the discharge amount managed by the counter unit is equal to or greater than the amount corresponding to the volume of the liquid supply path stored in the storage unit, the recording control unit performs the adjustment. An ink jet recording apparatus that controls pattern recording . A timekeeping section that measures the passage of time;
When the first determination unit determines that the cartridge is a non-genuine product, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the timing when the cartridge determined to be a non-genuine product is mounted on the mounting unit. A third decision unit;
The second determination unit determines that the discharge amount managed by the counter unit is less than the amount corresponding to the volume of the liquid supply path stored in the storage unit, and the third determination unit determines a predetermined time. When it is determined that the ink has passed, the discharge amount managed by the counter unit for the ink stored in the cartridge determined to be a non-genuine product from the amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid feeding path stored in the storage unit A purge processing unit that discharges more ink than the remaining amount from the nozzles formed in the recording head,
The recording control unit, when the ink of more than the remaining amount from the nozzles formed in the recording head by the purge unit is discharged, and controls the recording of the adjustment pattern, the ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1 . An ink jet recording apparatus that ejects ink supplied from a cartridge containing ink and records an image on a recording medium,
A mounting part for mounting the cartridge;
A recording head on which nozzles for discharging ink are formed;
A first determination unit that determines whether the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit is a genuine product or a non-genuine product according to information stored in a storage element included in the cartridge;
When the first determination unit determines that the cartridge is a non-genuine product, the first determination unit controls recording of an adjustment pattern for confirming a recording state of an image recorded by the inkjet recording apparatus. When it is determined that the cartridge is genuine, the recording control unit does not control the recording of the adjustment pattern;
A storage unit for storing a capacity of a liquid supply path for supplying ink from the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit to the recording head;
When the first determination unit determines that the cartridge is a non-genuine product, an amount of ink equal to or greater than the volume of the liquid feeding path stored in the storage unit is supplied from the nozzle formed in the recording head. A purge processing unit for discharging,
The recording control unit records the adjustment pattern when ink of an amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid feeding path stored in the storage unit is ejected from the nozzle formed in the recording head by the purge processing unit. to control, Lee ink jet recording apparatus. An ink jet recording apparatus that ejects ink supplied from a cartridge containing ink and records an image on a recording medium,
A mounting part for mounting the cartridge;
A recording head on which nozzles for discharging ink are formed;
A first determination unit that determines whether the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit is a genuine product or a non-genuine product according to information stored in a storage element included in the cartridge;
When the first determination unit determines that the cartridge is a non-genuine product, the first determination unit controls recording of an adjustment pattern for confirming a recording state of an image recorded by the inkjet recording apparatus. When it is determined that the cartridge is genuine, the recording control unit does not control the recording of the adjustment pattern;
A storage unit for storing a capacity of a liquid supply path for supplying ink from the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit to the recording head;
A counter unit for managing the discharge amount of ink supplied from the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit;
A timekeeping section that measures the passage of time;
When the first determination unit determines that the cartridge is a non-genuine product, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the timing when the cartridge determined to be a non-genuine product is mounted on the mounting unit. A third decision unit;
When the third determination unit determines that a predetermined time has elapsed, the ink contained in the cartridge determined to be a non-genuine product from the amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid supply path stored in the storage unit A purge processing unit that discharges more ink than the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the discharge amount managed by the counter unit from the nozzles formed in the recording head,
The recording control unit, when the ink of more than the remaining amount from the nozzles formed in the recording head by the purge unit is discharged, and controls the recording of the adjustment pattern, Lee inkjet recording apparatus. An ink jet recording apparatus that ejects ink supplied from a cartridge containing ink and records an image on a recording medium,
A mounting part for mounting the cartridge;
A recording head on which nozzles for discharging ink are formed;
A first determination unit that determines whether the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit is a genuine product or a non-genuine product according to information stored in a storage element included in the cartridge;
When the first determination unit determines that the cartridge is a non-genuine product, the first determination unit controls recording of an adjustment pattern for confirming a recording state of an image recorded by the inkjet recording apparatus. When it is determined that the cartridge is genuine, the recording control unit does not control the recording of the adjustment pattern;
A storage unit for storing a capacity of a liquid supply path for supplying ink from the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit to the recording head;
A counter unit for managing the discharge amount of ink supplied from the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit;
An acquisition unit that acquires an amount of ink ejected when image recording according to a print job input to the inkjet recording apparatus is executed;
When the first determination unit determines that the cartridge is a non-genuine product, from the amount of ink acquired by the acquisition unit and the amount corresponding to the capacity of the liquid feeding path stored in the storage unit A comparison unit that compares the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the ejection amount managed by the counter unit with respect to the ink contained in the cartridge determined to be a non-genuine product;
When the amount of ink acquired by the acquisition unit is greater than the remaining amount in the comparison unit, a purge processing unit that discharges more ink than the remaining amount from nozzles formed in the recording head; With
The recording control unit, when the ink of more than the remaining amount from the nozzles formed in the recording head by the purge unit is discharged, and controls the recording of the adjustment pattern, Lee inkjet recording apparatus.

Images