JP6641950B2 - Printing equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing device.

  Some user-replaceable ink cartridges (an example of an ink storage unit) used in an inkjet printer include a storage device provided for managing the amount of ink consumed by the cartridge. . In a method of filling an ink tank (an example of an ink container) provided in a printing apparatus with ink, there is a method in which a memory unit including a storage device is mounted on the printing apparatus to manage the amount of ink consumption. This storage device stores information such as the color of the ink and the amount of ink consumed.

  Patent Literature 1 discloses a method of writing information on the total ink consumption on the main body side managed by the printing apparatus main body side to a memory unit every time the total ink consumption on the main body side exceeds a first threshold value (WTH1). It has been disclosed. In Patent Document 1, the writing is performed until the total ink consumption on the main body side exceeds a second threshold value (WTH2). When the total consumption amount exceeds WTH2, the memory unit is set to an invalid state. A technique that does not perform writing is also disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a method of storing an identification number and a capacity of a set memory card in a storage unit of a printing apparatus. In Patent Literature 2, a storage unit of a printing apparatus stocks liquid stock amount information such that a liquid stock amount is added based on information of a set memory card before or after ink replenishment. Patent Document 3 also discloses a method of adding the ink capacity of a separate memory to the amount of ink that can be used by a printer.

JP 2014-46545 A JP 2008-254395 A JP 2011-73208 A

  In the method of Patent Document 1, since the writing process is performed on the memory unit until the total ink consumption on the main body side exceeds WTH2, the user removes the memory unit before the total ink consumption on the main body side exceeds WTH2. If this happens, the printing operation will stop. Therefore, in order to perform continuous printing, the printing operation is stopped after the total ink consumption on the main body side exceeds WTH2 and the printing operation is stopped by determining that the ink is finished (the total ink consumption on the main body side exceeds the third threshold value WTH3). ), The memory unit is forced to be replaced during a specific period, which is a heavy burden on the user. In addition, since the printing operation is stopped unless such replacement is performed, there is a problem that continuous use for a long time is difficult.

  According to the methods disclosed in Patent Literatures 2 and 3, it is possible to collectively add information from a plurality of memory cards and separate memories to the liquid stock amount on the main body side, and the amount of ink stored on the main body side is lost. Up to continuous printing is possible. However, if an abnormality occurs in the main body of the printing apparatus and the information on the ink amount is lost, the ink for the stock (the charge) may not be used, which is not preferable.

  According to some aspects of the invention, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that appropriately manages information about ink.

  Further, according to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that enables continuous printing with a small user burden, and that can appropriately manage ink even when a failure occurs.

  One embodiment of the present invention is a slot in which a memory unit that stores information on the permitted use amount of ink stored in an ink storage unit is detachable, and an estimated ink amount that is information for estimating the amount of the ink in the ink storage unit. A processing unit for performing information update processing, wherein the processing unit updates the estimated ink amount information with the use permission amount information of the memory unit when the memory unit is mounted in the slot. A printing device that performs a process of writing the estimated ink amount information as backup information in an area different from the area where the use permission amount information is stored in the storage area of the memory unit after the charging processing. Involved.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the backup information of the estimated ink amount information is written in an area of the storage area of the memory unit that has been subjected to the charge processing and is different from an area in which the use permission amount information used for the charge processing is stored. As a result, even in the case where an abnormality occurs in the printing apparatus and the estimated ink amount information is lost, it is possible to perform appropriate recovery using the backup information of the memory unit.

  Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the processing unit, when the memory unit attached to the slot is removed, and it is detected that the second memory unit is attached to the slot, In the storage area of the second memory unit, a process of writing the estimated ink amount information as the backup information may be performed in an area different from an area in which the use permission amount information is stored.

  Thus, even when a memory unit different from the memory unit used for the charging process is mounted, it is possible to appropriately back up the estimated ink amount information using the different memory unit.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the processing unit may further include, when the second memory unit is inserted into the slot after the charging process by the memory unit, the ink consumption represented by the estimated ink amount information. The charging process by the second memory unit is not performed until the amount exceeds a given threshold, and the charging by the second memory unit is performed when the ink consumption exceeds the given threshold. Processing may be performed.

  Thereby, removal of the memory unit after the charging process, reservation of the charging process by the second memory unit (reservation), and automatic switching when the estimated ink consumption amount in the ink storage unit exceeds a given threshold (the 2), it is possible to realize continuous printing operation with a small user burden.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit includes a storage unit that stores a charged flag and a reserved flag, and the processing unit stores the charged flag when the charging process is performed by the memory unit. The reserved flag may be set to on when the second memory unit is installed in the slot before the ink consumption exceeds the given threshold value.

  Thereby, by storing the set state of the charged flag and the reserved flag, and setting each flag at a given timing, it is possible to realize appropriate charging processing and reserve processing.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the processing unit may set the reserved flag to off when performing the charging process by the second memory unit.

  Thereby, by setting the reserved flag at a given timing, it is possible to realize appropriate charging processing and reserved processing.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the processing unit may set the memory unit to an invalid state when the charging process is performed by the memory unit.

  This makes it possible to prevent the memory unit from being reused after the charging process.

  Further, in one aspect of the present invention, when the charging process is performed by the memory unit, the processing unit may perform, on a storage area of the memory unit, an area in which the use permission amount information is stored. The memory unit may be set to the invalid state by writing invalidation data.

  This makes it possible to set the memory unit to an invalid state by using the storage area in which the usage permission amount information is stored.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the storage device further includes a storage unit that stores the estimated ink amount information, wherein the backup information includes the estimated ink amount information when the estimated ink amount information in the storage unit is in an abnormal state. May be information used for recovery.

  This makes it possible to use the backup information as recovery information when the estimated ink amount information in the storage unit of the printing apparatus becomes abnormal.

1 illustrates a system configuration example of a printing apparatus. An example of a storage area of a memory unit. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a printing apparatus. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a configuration example of an ink container (ink tank) and a slider. Configuration example of a slider. Configuration example of a memory unit. Configuration example of the tip of a slider on which a memory unit is mounted. 2 is a configuration example of an ink pack set. 2 is a configuration example of a plurality of slots, a plurality of memory units, and a processing unit. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a charge process and a reserve process. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing according to the embodiment. 9 is another flowchart illustrating the processing of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram for explaining processing according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described. The present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. Further, all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential components of the invention.

1. First, the method according to the present embodiment will be described. 2. Description of the Related Art A printing device that performs a count process (soft count process) for counting an accumulated amount of consumed ink during operation of the printing device to obtain an estimated ink consumption amount of ink in an ink tank is widely known. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 of Patent Document 1, an ink refill container (ink pack 310) in which ink is sealed, and information on the ink sealed in the ink refill container, for example, information such as color and capacity are stored. A printing apparatus in which a memory unit 100 to be provided separately to a user is also widely known.

  In the printing apparatus, managing the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage unit is important in appropriate printing processing, and for that purpose, the ink consumption amount obtained by the counting processing may be used. Specifically, since the amount of ink that can be used is defined by the use permission amount information stored in the memory unit 100, printing is performed until it is determined that the amount of ink specified by the use permission amount information has been consumed. When the operation is performed and it is determined that the amount of ink specified by the use permission amount information has been consumed, the user may be instructed to replenish the ink or the printing operation may be stopped.

  However, when the ink pack 310 and the memory unit 100 are separate units, the timing at which ink is supplied from the ink pack 310 to the ink storage unit (ink tank) of the printing apparatus and the timing at which the memory unit 100 is mounted on the printing apparatus Does not always match. Therefore, there is a possibility that a difference occurs between the amount of ink determined to be usable by the printing apparatus main body and the amount of ink actually stored in the ink tank.

  Patent Literature 1 is a method assuming management for suppressing this shift. Specifically, every time the difference in the ink consumption exceeds WTH1, the memory unit 100 and the printing apparatus main body read and write the total ink consumption information to manage the ink consumption. According to the method of Patent Document 1, (1) refill ink from the ink pack 310 and mount the memory unit 100, and (2) write the total ink consumption to the memory unit, Printing is performed until the total ink consumption is equal to or greater than WTH2. (3) When the total ink consumption is WTH3> the total ink consumption> WTH2, the process returns to (1), and the new ink pack provided by the vendor is returned. In addition to refilling the ink from the ink cartridge 310, a new memory unit 100 included in the ink pack 310 is installed, and the total ink consumption of the main body is rewritten by the total ink consumption of the memory unit of the new memory unit. With such a usage pattern, the user can use the printing apparatus.

  However, it has been found by the applicant's investigation that the actual use form is not as described above. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, the printing apparatus executes a printing operation on condition that a new memory unit 100 in an effective state is mounted. Therefore, if the memory unit 100 is not properly mounted, printing cannot be performed even if the ink in the ink pack 310 is refilled into the ink tank.

  In addition, although it is not a preferable use form, if there is only the memory unit 100 in an effective state, it is assumed that the ink actually refilled is not the ink provided by the printing apparatus vendor (not the ink bundled with the ink pack set 300). However, a temporary printing operation is possible. When the ink provided by the vendor is not used, the memory unit 100 of the ink pack set 300 has a relatively high value, and the ink pack 310 has a relatively low value. As a result, there is a difference between the management systems of the memory unit 100 and the ink pack 310. For example, when a printing apparatus is used in a factory, an administrator and general employees working under the administrator are users of the printing apparatus. Since strict management is not required for the ink pack 310, there is no restriction on the handling of the ink pack 310 by general employees, and the ink tank can be refilled at an appropriate timing. On the other hand, the memory unit 100 is managed by an administrator.

  In such a case, the refilling of the ink stored in the ink pack 310 into the ink tank can be performed at any time as long as the ink does not overflow from the ink tank, whereas the installation of the memory unit 100 is performed by an administrator. It can only be done for a limited time. In recent years, the ink contained in the ink pack 310 has a large capacity of 1 L, but the printing apparatus itself has also become larger. Even if one ink in the ink pack 310 is refilled into the ink tank, For example, only continuous printing for about 12 hours can be performed. Therefore, in the case of the above-described management system, a small number of administrators must mount the memory unit 100 on the printing device at least every 12 hours, which increases the burden on the user of the printing device.

  As described above, in the method of Patent Document 1, when printing is performed continuously, there is a limitation on the replacement timing of the memory unit 100. As a result, the user burden for continuous printing is large, or continuous printing is difficult. There is a problem that.

  To solve such a problem, as described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, when a memory card and a separate memory are mounted, the capacity (ink capacity) stored in the memory card and the separate memory is reduced by the main body. A method of adding to the liquid stock amount on the side is conceivable. In Patent Literature 2 and Patent Literature 3, since the information of the memory card and the separate memory is transferred to the main body, the printing operation can be continued even if the memory card and the separate memory are subsequently removed from the printing apparatus. Furthermore, even when multiple memory cards and separate memories are installed, the capacity of each memory is added and managed by the main unit, so continuous printing can be performed for a relatively long time without installing a new memory. It is possible.

  However, in Patent Literature 2 and Patent Literature 3, it is assumed that the memory card and the separate memory in which the stored capacity is added to the liquid stock amount on the main body side are set to an invalid state. Otherwise, one memory card and separate memory can be used repeatedly, which is irrational. For this reason, the memory card and the separate memory whose capacity has been added to the main unit are not expected to be used after that, and information about the actual ink consumption relative to the capacity stored in the memory card and the separate memory is retained. Can not. As a result, if an abnormality occurs on the main unit and the information on the liquid stock amount managed on the main unit is lost, information on how much capacity has been added and how much of it has been consumed is restored. Can not do it. If the amount of usable ink is 0 after the recovery (repair) of the printing apparatus, it is severe for a user who has consumed only a part of the capacity stored in the memory card or the separate memory. . However, if the liquid stock amount is the sum of the capacities stored in the memory card and the separate memory (or the maximum value that can be added on the main unit side), there is a possibility that excessive compensation may be provided to the user, which is not preferable. . In other words, the methods of Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 have a problem that it is difficult to appropriately deal with a failure.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment is a memory unit that stores information on the permitted amount of ink stored in the ink storage unit 220 (information based on the amount of ink filled in an ink replenishment container described later). 100 includes a removable slot 230 and a processing unit 210 for updating the estimated ink amount information, which is information for estimating the amount of ink in the ink storage unit 220 (estimated ink amount information in the ink storage unit 220). . Then, when the memory unit 100 is inserted into the slot, the processing unit 210 performs a charging process of updating the estimated ink amount information with the use permission amount information of the memory unit. Further, after the charging process, the processing unit 210 performs a process of writing the estimated ink amount information as backup information in an area of the storage area of the memory unit 100 that is different from the area in which the usage permission amount information is stored. FIG. 2 shows an address map of a storage area of the memory unit 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage area has an area for storing backup information (an area specified by ad4) in an area different from an area for storing usage permission amount information (an area specified by ad3).

  Here, the usage permission amount information is information stored in the memory unit 100, and is information indicating an amount of ink (a usage permission amount) that is permitted to be used by a user holding the memory unit 100. . In a narrow sense, the use permission amount information includes an initial filling amount of the ink contained in the ink pack 310 in which the memory unit is bundled, and information on the ink consumption amount already consumed with respect to the initial filling amount. It is stored as The ink consumption is stored as data of the ratio of the consumed amount to the initial filling amount of the ink. When the user purchases the ink pack set 300, 0% of the ink consumption is stored.

  By purchasing the ink pack set 300, the user has purchased the right to use only the ink contained in the ink pack 310, and the printing apparatus uses the printing permission of the printing apparatus based on the permitted use amount information of the memory unit 100. Execute processing such as continuation / stop of operation.

  The estimated ink amount information is information for estimating the amount of ink in the ink storage unit 220, and is stored in the storage unit 212 of the printing apparatus in a nonvolatile manner. In the present embodiment, the estimated ink amount information is represented by an ink consumption amount, where the ink consumption amount is a ratio of the cumulative consumed ink consumption amount to the initial filling amount read from the mounted memory unit 100 ( This is also referred to as total ink consumption information WD on the main body side). As will be described later, the total ink consumption information WD on the main body side is replaced with the ink consumption of the memory unit 100 in the charging process when the memory unit 100 is mounted. The processing unit 210 of the printing apparatus controls the continuation / stop of the operation of the printing apparatus based on the estimated ink amount information.

  That is, the estimated ink amount information is expressed as information indicating the degree of ink consumption relative to the usable ink amount (use permitted amount, initial filling amount). The ink consumption is counted after the memory unit 100 is mounted and the usage permission amount information of the memory unit 100 is charged in the main body, and information indicating what percentage of the initial filling amount corresponds to the count result is obtained. It is assumed that the total ink consumption information WD on the main body side.

  The total ink consumption information WD can be represented by a relative value (0 to 100%), for example, where the amount of ink stored in the ink pack 310 (here, the storage amount of the ink pack 310 is 1 L) is 100%. it can. The processing unit 210 reads the initial filling amount of the ink pack 310 from the memory unit 100, calculates a relative value from the initial filling amount and the consumed ink amount, and sets this as the ink consumption amount. However, in an actual printing apparatus, there is a tolerance in ink consumption efficiency (printing efficiency). That is, even if the printing process is performed using the same print data, the actual ink consumption amount (the amount of ink actually consumed) does not match the ink consumption amount obtained by the counting process, and the printing using a large actual ink consumption amount is performed. There are devices or printing devices that consume less actual ink.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the ink consumption efficiency of the printing apparatus is the lower limit value of the predetermined range (when the printing apparatus consumes the largest amount of the actual ink), use in the usage environment recommended by the printing apparatus vendor is prohibited. Assuming that the ink consumption estimated when the ink contained in the ink pack 310 is consumed is 100%, the ink consumption is represented by a relative value.

  In this way, printing can be performed up to 100% even in a printing apparatus having the lowest ink consumption efficiency, and when the printing apparatus reaches 100%, a process for displaying a message prompting ink replenishment can be performed.

  In this case, when a printing apparatus having a standard ink consumption efficiency is used in a standard environment, an ink consumption amount (a ratio of the ink consumption amount) when the ink amount filled in the ink pack 310 is actually consumed. Is more than 100% and 117%. The printing apparatus vendor stores in advance the total ink consumption information WD (117% in this case) when the entire ink amount filled in the ink pack is consumed by the printing apparatus having the standard ink consumption efficiency in the storage unit of the processing unit 210. The total ink consumption information WD is stored in the storage unit 212 based on this value, the initial filling amount (expressed in weight unit) read from the memory unit, and the accumulated ink consumption amount (expressed in weight unit). Is calculated and stored in the storage unit 212.

  The ink pack is a one-liter ink pack, but there is some variation in the filling amount for each ink pack. For this reason, the variation in the initial filling amount for storing the initial filling amount in the memory unit 100 for each ink pack is not large compared to the variation in the ink consumption efficiency. Accordingly, the total ink consumption information WD may be calculated assuming that the total ink consumption information WD (117%) when the entire amount of ink 1L filled in the ink pack is consumed corresponds to the initial filling amount.

  However, instead of storing the ink consumption amount itself on the main body side as the estimated ink amount information, the main body side may store the initial filling amount and the cumulative ink consumption weight. In this case, the processing unit 210 may appropriately calculate the total ink consumption information WD based on the information.

  The charging process according to the present embodiment refers to the total ink consumption information WD () of the estimated ink amount information on the main body side, based on the ink consumption amount of the usage permission amount information stored in the memory unit 100 installed in the slot 230 at that time. Update processing of the ink consumption) and sets the initial filling amount stored in the memory unit 100 in the storage unit 212 as information for the processing unit 210 of the main body to calculate the total ink consumption information WD. Processing.

  Note that, as in the present embodiment, when the format of the estimated ink amount information on the main body side and the format of the permitted use amount information on the memory unit 100 side match, the updating process simply uses the ink consumption amount of the permitted use amount information. What is necessary is just to replace the ink consumption amount of the estimated ink amount information. However, if the format of the estimated ink amount information and the format of the permitted use amount information do not match, for example, if the memory unit 100 stores the percentage and the main unit stores the consumed ink amount itself, the permitted use amount information A process may be performed to replace the estimated ink amount information based on the result of performing some change processing on. The “replacement” in the present embodiment can be said to be a process including replacement after conversion.

  Further, the storage area of the memory unit 100 may be managed by an address, and the “area different from the area in which the permitted usage amount information is stored” is specified by an address different from the address in which the permitted usage amount information is stored. May be a region to be performed. In FIG. 2, an address is assigned for each byte, and what kind of information is stored using an area of how many bits from each address is shown. In the example of FIG. 2, the ID information of the memory unit 100 is stored using 8 bits of a storage area corresponding to the address ad1 (for example, an area having ad1 as a start address), and 2 bits of a storage area corresponding to the address ad2 is used. Color information representing the color of the ink is stored, use permission information is stored using 8 bits of a storage area corresponding to the address ad3, and backup information is stored using 8 bits of a storage area corresponding to the address ad4. Is done. FIG. 2 is an example of information stored in the memory unit 100, and the memory unit 100 may store other information. The size (the number of bits) of each piece of information stored in the memory unit 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2, and various modifications can be made. For example, when the use permission amount information is represented by an initial filling amount and an ink consumption amount with respect to the initial filling amount, an area for storing the use permission amount information is divided into two regions, and the first region has an initial filling amount. Is stored, and the ink consumption is stored in the second area. Further, when the estimated ink amount information of the printing apparatus is represented by the usable ink amount (initial filling amount) and the ink consumption amount, the area for storing the backup information is divided into two areas, and the first area is used for the first area. The initial filling amount is stored, and the ink consumption amount is stored in the second area.

  In the method of the present embodiment, first, in order to distinguish the memory unit 100 (hereinafter, a second memory unit 100-2, which is a memory unit 100 for a reserve purpose described later), the present memory unit is referred to as a first memory unit 100-1. When the memory unit 100 is mounted, a charge process for updating the estimated ink amount information with the use permission amount information of the memory unit 100 is performed. That is, as in the case of Patent Literature 2 and Patent Literature 3, the use permission amount information (capacity and ink dose in Patent Literature 2 and Patent Literature 3) is transferred to the main body side for the first memory unit. As a result, the memory unit 100 can be removed from the slot 230 after the charging process, so that the printing operation is not stopped even when the memory unit 100 is not mounted.

  Usually, in the memory unit 100 on which the charging process has been performed, since necessary information has been transferred to the printing apparatus main body side, further reading and writing of data is not expected. However, in the present embodiment, the ink estimated amount information is written to the memory unit 100 at an appropriate timing in consideration of the backup at the time of the main body failure. Thus, even if the estimated ink amount information on the main body side is lost due to a failure, the estimated ink amount information corresponding to the actual ink consumption amount of the user can be restored by writing the backup information to the main body side. In addition, since the memory unit 100, which is originally unnecessary, can be used as a memory for backup, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to separately prepare an external storage device dedicated for backup.

  The timing for executing the backup is appropriately set, for example, every time a predetermined amount or more of ink is consumed during a normal printing operation (for example, every time when ink equivalent to 1% is consumed), at the end of a print job, or at the time of performing maintenance. .

  At this time, a method of writing backup information to a storage area for storing usage permission amount information is also conceivable. However, if a value within a proper range (for example, 0% or more and less than WTH% if the usage rate is used) is written in the area, the charged memory unit 100 may be reused. There is.

  For example, if the ink is consumed up to 20% of the initial filling amount after performing the charging process, the estimated ink amount information (ink consumption amount) becomes information of 20%, and the information is stored in the memory unit 100. Written. In the case where this writing is performed on an area for storing use permission amount information (particularly, ink consumption amount), according to the method of Patent Document 1, the memory unit 100 uses only 20% of the initial filling amount. It is determined that the remaining amount (80% of the initial filling amount) can be used by attaching the memory unit 100 to the printing apparatus. In other words, even though all the rights (the right to print for the permitted amount of use) held by the memory unit 100 have been transferred to the printing apparatus main body due to the charging process, the memory unit 100 has the effective right. There is a risk that it can be reused as having. Of course, if an area for writing a flag indicating an invalid state (charged) is provided in another storage area of the memory unit 100 and the flag is determined at the time of use, the value of the use permission amount information is used. It is considered that the reuse of the used memory unit 100 can be prohibited. However, whether or not to refer to such a flag is determined by the specifications of the printing apparatus, and the printing unit according to the present embodiment and another printing apparatus (for example, the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1) use the memory unit 100. It is unclear whether it is possible to reliably prohibit reuse when sharing a URL.

  In this regard, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, since the storage area of the usage permission amount information and the storage area in which the backup information is written are different, the backup information is regarded as the usage permission amount information of the memory unit 100. The possibility of erroneous recognition can be suppressed, and appropriate use of the memory unit 100 becomes possible.

  Note that the printing apparatus includes a storage unit 212 that stores the estimated ink amount information as illustrated in FIG. The backup information is information used for restoring the estimated ink amount information when the estimated ink amount information in the storage unit 212 becomes abnormal. That is, in the process of restoring the estimated ink amount information, a process of writing the backup information stored in the memory unit 100 to an area for storing the estimated ink amount information in the storage area of the storage unit 212 of the printing apparatus is performed. Just do it. Further, as described later, the memory unit 100 is not limited to the one used for the charging process, and it is assumed that the memory unit 100 is replaced as appropriate. The backup information of the unit 100 may be used.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the charging process is performed, the memory unit 100 after the charging process can be removed. Therefore, the above-described writing of the backup information is performed when the memory unit 100 is mounted after the charging process, and is not performed when the memory unit 100 is not mounted. However, the printing apparatus assumed in the present embodiment requires continuous operation for a long time as described above, and for that purpose, when the charged memory unit 100 is removed, the next memory is immediately operated. It is a general usage pattern that the unit 100 is mounted. Even if the charge processing by a plurality of memory units 100 is possible as in Patent Literature 2 or Patent Literature 3, or the reserve processing described later is possible, a new This is because the operation of not installing the memory unit is not particularly meaningful.

  Accordingly, the processing unit 210 detects that the memory unit 100 (first memory unit 100) mounted in the slot 230 has been removed and that the second memory unit 100-2 has been mounted in the slot 230. In this case, a process of writing the estimated ink amount information as backup information in an area of the storage area of the second memory unit 100-2 that is different from the area where the use permission amount information is stored is performed.

  In this way, even when the memory unit 100 is replaced, the backup information can be appropriately stored. That is, the writing of the backup information by the processing unit 210 may be performed on the memory unit 100 installed in the slot 230 at that time. As described above, since the use form in which the printing operation is continued without inserting the memory unit 100 into the slot 230 is not general, backup information is appropriately stored in many periods in this manner. It is possible.

  Note that, after charging the first memory unit 100 (first memory unit 100-1), the first memory unit 100-1 is removed and a different second memory unit 100-2 is mounted. In addition, it is not prevented that the charge processing by the second memory unit 100-2 is performed immediately as in Patent Literature 2 and Patent Literature 3. However, in the present embodiment, when the second memory unit 100-2 is mounted, the second memory unit 100-2 only reserves (reserves) the charging process, and At the timing when it is determined that the amount of ink corresponding to the unit 100-1 has been consumed, the charging process by the second memory unit 100-2 is performed. With this configuration, since two or more memory units 100 are not simultaneously subjected to the charge process, it is not necessary to set the use permission amount information of a large number of memory units 100 as a recovery target when a failure occurs. That is, it is possible to easily cope with a failure together with the backup information.

  Further, in the case of a user who uses a large number of printing apparatuses, it may not be possible to predict in advance which printing apparatus and how much printing will be performed. In that case, there is a request to transfer the usage permission amount information charged for a given printing device to another printing device. In this case, since the charged memory unit 100 cannot be reused by the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3, it is possible to realize exchange of the charged use permission amount information (estimated ink amount information) between the printing apparatus main bodies. I have to. In this regard, according to the method of the present embodiment, the memory unit 100 that is mounted in the slot 230 but is not set to the invalid state before the charging process (in a reserved state described later) is not set. It can be easily removed from 230 and used in other printing devices. That is, according to the method of the present embodiment, the memory unit 100 can be used flexibly.

  Hereinafter, after a configuration example of the printing apparatus and the memory unit 100 is described, a charge process and a reserve process according to the present embodiment will be described.

2. Configuration Example of Printing Apparatus and Memory Unit FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a printing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. The printing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes four ink tanks (also referred to as ink storage units) 221-a to 221-d, four plural slots 230-a to 230-d, and four memory units 100. -A to 100-d, a print execution unit (not shown) including four sliders 240-a to 240-d, a processing unit 210, an operation unit 250, and a print head. In the present embodiment, the number of ink tanks is four. However, the number of ink tanks is not limited to four, and may be two, three, or five or more.

  In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish the individual ink tanks from the four ink tanks 221-a to 221-d, they will be referred to as ink tanks 221 as appropriate. The same applies to the slots 230-a to 230-d, the memory units 100-a to 100-d, and the sliders 240-a to 240-d.

  The four ink tanks 221-a to 221-d are filled with ink contained in ink packs provided by the printing apparatus vendor. For example, the ink tank 221-a is filled with black ink, the ink tank 221-b is filled with yellow ink, the ink tank 221-c is filled with magenta ink, and the ink tank 221-d is filled with cyan ink. These inks are stored in separate ink packs and provided to the user. The user can fill (replenish) the ink in the ink tank 221 corresponding to the ink color from the ink pack of the required ink color.

  In the ink tank 221, the amount of ink in the ink tank is visible to the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, at least a part of the ink tank 221 is visible to the user by exposing the ink tank 221 to the outside, and the ink visible inside the ink tank 221 is configured by a transparent member. Are configured to be visible. The ink tank 221 is provided with a lower limit line (not shown). The lower limit line is a linear mark provided in the horizontal direction on the surface of the ink tank where the ink inside can be viewed. If the ink amount has decreased to the lower limit line (if the ink surface has decreased to the position of the lower limit line), it indicates that all the ink of the ink pack 310 can be filled. By visually recognizing the relationship between the ink amount and the lower limit line, the user can appropriately replenish the ink even during printing. Further, the printing apparatus includes an operation unit 250. The operation unit 250 includes a user interface (UI) such as a display unit and a user operation input reception unit. The display unit is capable of performing a display relating to ink replenishment. Therefore, the user replenishes ink from the ink pack 310 to the ink tank 221 while checking the UI of the printing apparatus and the ink in the ink tank 221. The ink may be replenished by actively checking that the ink level has fallen below the lower limit line, or the ink may be replenished upon receiving a warning from the UI.

  In the flow path between the ink tank 221 and the print head, there is a sensor for detecting the presence / absence of ink. When this sensor detects the absence of ink, the printing device is independent of the value of the total ink consumption information WD of the main body. Always stops working. For this reason, even if the user forgets to refill the ink tank, it is possible to prevent head failure due to idling of the head (ink ejection operation when there is no ink in the head).

  The plurality of slots 230-a to 230-d are for mounting sliders 240-a to 240-d detachable from the printing apparatus 200 in the printing apparatus 200, and are provided in the ink tanks 221-a to 221-d. Provided correspondingly. For example, the four slots 230-a to 230-d are provided corresponding to the respective ink tanks 221-a to 221-d for black, yellow, magenta, and cyan.

  The memory units 100-a to 100-d are provided to the user together with the ink pack, and are removably mounted on the sliders 240-a to 240-d by the user. The sliders 240-a to 240-d to which the memory units 100-a to 100-d are mounted are mounted on the slots 230-a to 230-d, so that the memory unit 100 is mounted on the slot 230. In FIG. 3, since each memory unit 100 is mounted in each corresponding slot 230, it cannot be seen. Each of the memory units 100-a to 100-d has a storage device 110 (not shown).

  When the memory unit 100 is installed in the slot, that is, when the memory unit 100 is installed in the printing device, the processing unit 210 of the printing device can access the storage device 110.

  The storage device 110 includes the storage area described with reference to FIG. The storage device 110 includes communication ID information used by the processing unit to identify a communication partner, ink color information corresponding to the ink color of the enclosed ink pack, and ink filling of the enclosed ink pack. Use permission amount information (the above-described initial filling amount and ink consumption amount) corresponding to the amount is written at the time of factory shipment. The storage device 110 also includes valid / invalid information (which will be described later) indicating whether the memory unit 100 is in a valid state or an invalid state in which the printing apparatus can be used. The memory unit may store information on compatible printing devices. When the memory unit 100 is shipped from the factory, valid information indicating that the memory unit 100 is valid is written in the valid / invalid information. The storage device 110 can be configured by a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM, Electrically Erasable PROM).

  The processing unit 210 includes a CPU 211, a storage unit 212, and a communication processing unit 213, and executes a printing process of the printing apparatus 200 and a communication process with each memory unit 100. Specifically, data reading or writing is controlled with respect to the memory units 100-a to 100-d mounted in the slots 230-a to 230-d. Further, the processing unit 210 performs a process of detecting whether or not the memory units 100-a to 100-d are mounted in the slots 230-a to 230-d.

  Further, the processing unit 210 performs a count process (soft count process) for obtaining an accumulated ink consumption amount for each ink color during execution of printing with respect to the ink weight of one ink pack. That is, at the time of charge processing, total ink consumption information WD (WDa to WDd corresponding to each color) which is a ratio of the accumulated ink consumption of each ink color to the initial filling amount stored in the storage unit 212 from the memory unit 100. And updates the total ink consumption information WD in its own storage unit 212.

  The ink consumption amount counted by the processing unit 210 includes the ink consumption amount used for maintenance of the print head such as cleaning of the print head, in addition to the ink consumption amount for printing. The processing unit 210 appropriately updates the total ink consumption information WD at the timing of performing the maintenance.

  The storage unit 212 stores the initial filling amount corresponding to each ink color, the total ink consumption information WD corresponding to each ink color, the threshold value WTH of the total ink consumption information WD to be automatically switched, and further, when no reserve is made. Threshold WTH ′ of total ink consumption information WD that can be printed only by charging (WTH ′ = WTH + α, α> 0, and a value larger than the permitted use amount is set), a charged flag described later, reserved The flag is stored. The storage unit 212 is configured from a nonvolatile memory.

  The operation unit 250 is an input device for the user to perform various instructions and settings, and includes a display unit for performing various notifications to the user.

  FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a configuration example of the ink tank 221 and the slider 240 according to the present embodiment. The ink tank 221 has an ink supply port 222. The user can fill the ink stored in the ink pack from the ink supply port 222. The ink tank 221 is fixed to the printing apparatus 200, and can be filled with ink in a fixed state. When the slider 240 is mounted in the slot 230, the ink can be filled in the ink tank 221 by opening the ink supply port cover 242 of the slider 240.

  The slider 240 is detachable from the printing apparatus 200 by sliding the upper part of the ink tank 221. When the user mounts the memory unit 100 in the slot 230, the slider 240 is pulled out from the slot 230, the memory unit 100 is mounted on the front end of the slider 240 in the mounting direction, and the slider 240 is again moved along the mounting direction. Insert into slot 230. FIG. 4 shows a state where the memory unit 100 is mounted on the slider 240.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the slider 240 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the memory unit 100 is mounted on the tip of the slider 240 in the mounting direction. Here, “mounted” means that the memory unit 100 is placed at a predetermined location of the slider 240, and does not need to be fixed at the predetermined location.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of the memory unit 100 of the present embodiment. The memory unit 100 includes a storage device 110 (not shown), a reset terminal TRST, a clock terminal TSCK, a data terminal TSDA, a first power supply terminal TVD, a second power supply terminal TVSS, and a mounting detection terminal TCO. These terminals are electrically connected to the main body side terminals CRST, CSCK, CSDA, CVDD, CVSS, and CCO of the printing apparatus 200 provided in the slot 230 when the memory unit 100 is mounted in the slot 230. . Note that the reset terminal TRST, the clock terminal TSCK, the data terminal TSDA, the first power supply terminal TVD, and the second power supply terminal TVSS are also collectively referred to as a “storage device terminal”. Further, the number and arrangement of the terminals are not limited to those shown in FIG. 6, and various numbers and arrangements are possible.

  FIG. 7 shows an example in which the memory unit 100 is mounted on the slider 240 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the memory unit 100 is mounted on the tip of the slider 240 on the mounting direction side.

  FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the ink pack set 300 of the present embodiment. The ink pack set 300 includes an ink pack 310 (also referred to as an ink replenishing container) and the memory unit 100, which are included. For example, the black ink pack set 300 includes an ink pack 310 containing black ink and a memory unit 100 storing black ink color information, and these are included. The ink pack 310 is, for example, a bag (pouch pack) formed of a laminated film filled with ink. The ink pack set 300 is provided by a printing apparatus vendor to a user of the printing apparatus.

  FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration example of the slots 230-a to 230-d, the memory units 100-a to 100-d, and the processing unit 210 of the printing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment.

  Each of the memory units 100-a to 100-d has a reset terminal TRST, a clock terminal TSCK, a data terminal TSDA, a first power supply terminal TVD, and a second power supply terminal TVSS as storage device terminals. These storage device terminals are electrically connected to the storage device 110 included in each memory unit 100.

  Each of the memory units 100-a to 100-d has a mounting detection terminal TCO. In each memory unit 100, the attachment detection terminal TCO is electrically connected to the second power supply terminal TVSS.

  When the memory unit 100-a is mounted in the slot 230-a, the storage device terminals TRST, TSCK, TSDA, TVD, TVSS and the mounting detection terminal TCO are connected to the main body side terminal CRST provided in the slot 230-a. It is electrically connected to CSCK, CSDA, CVDD, CVSS and CCO, respectively. The same applies to the memory units 100-b to 100-d.

  Among the main body-side terminals provided in the slots 230-a to 230-d, the clock terminal CSCK, the data terminal CSDA, the first power supply terminal CVDD, and the second power supply terminal CVSS are a clock terminal SCK and a data terminal of the processing unit, respectively. SDA, the first power supply terminal Vdd, and the second power supply terminal Vss. The processing unit 210 includes a clock signal SCK for the clock terminal CSCK, a first power supply voltage (high-potential-side power supply voltage) VDD for the first power supply terminal CVDD, and a second signal for the second power supply terminal CVSS. The power supply voltage (low-potential-side power supply voltage) VSS is output. Further, the processing unit 210 outputs the data signal SDA to the data terminal CSDA, and receives the data signal SDA from the data terminal CSDA.

  The processing unit 210 outputs reset release signals RSTa to RSTd to reset terminals CRST provided in the slots 230-a to 230-d. The storage device to which the processing unit 210 outputs the reset release signal is the storage device to be accessed by the processing unit 210.

  The processing unit 210 includes a CPU 211, a storage unit 212, and a communication processing unit 213. The processing unit 210 executes communication processing with each memory unit 100 via the communication processing unit 213.

  The processing unit 210 can detect that the memory unit 100 is mounted in the slot 230 by the mounting detection terminal TCO. For example, when mounting is detected for the slot 230-a, the processing unit 210 outputs the first power supply voltage VDD to the first power supply terminal CVDD, and performs mounting based on the voltage level of the mounting detection signal COa. Is detected. Since the main body side mounting detection terminal CCO of the slot 230-a is connected to the first power supply terminal CVDD via the resistance element Ra, the voltage level of the mounting detection signal COa when the memory unit 100 is not mounted. Becomes H level (high potential level, VDD level).

  On the other hand, when the memory unit 100 is mounted, the main body side mounting detection terminal CCO, the mounting detection terminal TCO of the memory unit 100, and the second power supply terminal TVSS are electrically connected. The voltage level becomes L level (low potential level, VSS level). Accordingly, the processing unit 210 can determine that the device is not mounted when the attachment detection signal COa is at the H level, and determine that the device is attached when the attachment detection signal COa is at the L level. In this manner, the processing unit 210 can detect whether or not the memory unit 100 is installed in each of the slots 230-a to 230-d.

  In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 9, the processing unit 210 activates one of the reset release signals RSTa to RSTd (reset release), so that one memory unit 100 can be selected for reading or writing. it can.

3. Charge process and reserve process Next, the charge process and the reserve process will be described. In the present embodiment, when the second memory unit 100-2 is inserted into the slot 230 after the charging process by the memory unit 100 (the first memory unit 100-1), the processing unit 210 The charging process by the second memory unit 100-2 is not performed until the ink consumption amount represented by に よ っ て exceeds the given threshold value (WTH), and when the ink consumption amount exceeds the given threshold value, The charging process is performed by the second memory unit.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of charge processing and reserve processing by two memory units. First, when the first memory unit 100-1 is inserted into the slot 230 in a state where the charging process is not performed, the storage unit 212 of the printing apparatus is used according to the usage permission amount information of the first memory unit 100-1. The charging process for updating the estimated ink amount information stored in the storage device is performed. After the charging process, even if the first memory unit 100-1 is removed, the ink consumption operation of the printing apparatus is not affected.

  While the ink consumption operation of the printing apparatus based on the usage permission amount information of the first memory unit 100-1 is being performed, the processing unit 210 can be configured by installing the second memory unit 100-2 in the slot 230. , The second memory unit 100-2 is reserved. That is, the user of the printing apparatus can realize charging and reserve by appropriately attaching and detaching the memory unit 100 to and from the slot 230.

  That is, when another memory unit (second memory unit 100-2) is mounted after the charging process, the charging process by the second memory unit 100-2 is immediately performed as in Patent Literature 2 or Patent Literature 3. Instead of making a determination, a determination is made based on the ink consumption.

  Here, the charging process is performed even if the second memory unit 100-2 is attached until the ink consumption amount of the main body based on the estimated ink amount information exceeds a given threshold (corresponding to the use permission amount information). Remain without. Therefore, even if the estimated ink amount information on the main body side is in an error state due to a failure of the storage section 212 on the main body side in that state, the estimated amount of ink used on the first memory unit 100-1 is lost. And the second memory unit 100-2 is not affected. That is, the second memory unit 100-2 before the charging process is still usable, and is not affected by the failure.

  The given threshold value WTH is a value indicating the usage permission amount, considering that the user can use the usage permission amount corresponding to the usage permission amount information of the first memory unit 100-1 without shortage. Alternatively, a value having a given margin may be used. For example, if the value corresponding to the usage permission amount is 117%, a value such as 117% to 120% may be used.

  Further, if the total ink consumption information WD exceeds a given threshold value WTH, the processing unit 210 of the printing apparatus automatically executes the charging process of the second memory unit 100-2 regardless of the user's instruction. . This automatically executed charging process starts from the ink consumption operation of the printing apparatus based on the information on the permitted use amount of the first memory unit 100-1 to the printing based on the permitted amount information on the use of the second memory unit 100-2. Since this is an automatic switch to the ink consumption operation of the apparatus, it is also referred to as “automatic switch” in the following specification. As described above, as long as the second memory unit 100-2 is only inserted into the slot 230, the charging process is automatically performed without the involvement of the user, so that the second memory unit 100-2 is not required for the user. There is an advantage that the mounting timing of -2 is not limited.

  The mounting of the second memory unit 100-2 until the total ink consumption information WD of the estimated ink amount information charged by the first memory unit 100-1 exceeds a given threshold WTH is a condition. Is satisfied, it means that the charge processing is reserved (reserved). Therefore, in the following description, the second memory unit installed before the total ink consumption information WD of the estimated ink amount information charged by the first memory unit 100-1 exceeds a given threshold value WTH 100-2 is described as "reserved state", and the processing of the processing unit 210 for setting the second memory unit 100 to the reserved state is described as reserved processing. In the present embodiment, the ink can be continuously used in an amount corresponding to the information on the permitted use amount of the two memory units that have been charged and the memory units in the reserved state. By doing so, it is possible to perform printing continuously for a long time (for example, 24 hours) compared to the use time of one memory unit without replacing the memory unit 100.

  Note that FIG. 3 shows an example of a printing apparatus that has four color ink storage units 220 and a plurality of slots 230 corresponding to each color, and in which the memory unit 100 can be mounted in each slot. However, the first memory unit 100-1 and the second memory unit 100-2 represent the memory unit 100 corresponding to a given one color, and the slot 230 is also one of the given colors. Targets slots. For example, in the method of the present embodiment, the black memory unit 100 is installed in the black slot 230, and after the memory unit 100 is removed, another black memory unit 100 is inserted into the black slot 230. This defines the processing when the camera is mounted.

  A charge process and a reserve process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As described above, the storage unit 212 stores the charged flag and the reserved flag. The charged flag is a flag indicating whether or not the estimated ink amount information on the main body side has been updated (charged) by the use permission amount information of the given memory unit 100, and is turned on by the charging process. The value 1 is stored in the area of the charged flag. Since the reserve processing is performed on the premise that the battery has been charged, the charged flag may be considered to be a reserve waiting flag. The reserved flag indicates whether or not the second memory unit 100-2 is mounted after the charging process by the first memory unit 100-1 and the reservation of the charging process by the second memory unit 100-2 is performed. Is a flag representing. By performing the reserve processing, the reserved flag is turned on, and a value 1 is stored in the storage unit 212. Hereinafter, storing 1 or 0 as the flag state is also referred to as setting a 1 or 0 flag.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating charging and reserve processing using a flag according to the mounting state of the memory unit 100. This process is a process executed by the processing unit 210. The steps can be arbitrarily changed in order or executed in parallel as long as the processing contents do not conflict.

  When this process is started, it is first determined whether or not the memory unit 100 is installed in the slot 230 (Step S101). This is determined based on the state of the terminal COa, as described above. If the memory unit 100 is mounted, the process proceeds to S102, and it is determined whether the memory unit 100 is appropriate (step S102).

  In step S102, it is determined whether the memory unit 100 is in the valid state or the invalid state. The memory unit 100 whose use permission amount information has already been replaced (charged) is set to an invalid state by the processing unit 210 so that it cannot be reused. If the mounted memory unit 100 is in the invalid state, it is determined that the memory unit 100 is not appropriate in step S102, and the process proceeds to S108. In S102, the correspondence between the mounted memory unit 100 and the slot 230 may be determined. For example, when the memory unit 100 corresponding to another color (cyan, magenta, yellow) is installed in the black slot 230, it is determined that the memory unit 100 is not appropriate. If a printing device compatible with the memory unit 100 is stored, the correspondence with the printing device is determined. If the printing device and the printing device stored in the memory unit 100 do not match, or if a printing device compatible with the memory unit 100 is not stored, it is determined that the memory unit 100 is not appropriate.

  That is, the determination process of “whether or not is appropriate” in the present embodiment is a process of determining one or a plurality of conditions including at least determination of “valid state or invalid state”. When performing a plurality of condition determinations, basically, when all conditions are determined to be appropriate, a process for determining that the final result is also appropriate is performed.

  If it is determined that the memory unit 100 is appropriate, the process proceeds to S103, and a determination of a charged flag is performed (step S103). When the state of the charged flag is 0, the charging process is performed by the mounted appropriate memory unit 100 (first memory unit 100-1). Specifically, the estimated ink amount information is updated based on the use permission amount information of the memory unit 100 (step S104). In addition, since the use permission amount information of the memory unit 100 is transferred to the printing apparatus main body side, an invalid state is stored in the memory unit 100 in order to prohibit the reuse of the memory unit 100. (Step S105). Further, since the charging process is completed, the charged flag is set to 1 (step S106).

  Further, when the charged flag is 1 in step S103, it corresponds to a state where a more effective memory unit 100 is mounted in a state where the charging process has already been performed. Therefore, the reserved flag is set to 1 assuming that the reserved memory unit 100 (corresponding to the above-described second memory unit 100-2) has been reserved for the charging process (step S107).

  If the memory unit 100 is not mounted or the mounted memory unit 100 is not appropriate (No in step S101 or S102), the charged flag is determined (step S108).

  If the charged flag is 1, the charging process has been performed, and the printing operation can be continued. As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the charged memory unit 100 is removed, the printing operation is not affected. In addition, although the battery unit has been charged, the memory unit is not mounted, or even if the memory unit is mounted, the memory unit 100 is not an appropriate memory unit 100, so that the second memory unit 100-2 cannot execute the reserve processing. Therefore, the reserve processing is not completed, and the reserved flag is set to 0 (step S109).

  Step S109 may be performed with the reserved flag set to 1 or 0. When the reserved flag is 1, the appropriate memory unit 100 is once mounted after the charging process, and the process of step S107 is performed. Thereafter, the memory unit 100 is removed. (Incorrect memory unit 100 is mounted). In this case, since the memory unit 100 to be reserved has been removed, it is not in the reserved state, and thus the process of step S109 is a process of returning the reserved flag that was 1 to 0. Further, the case where the processing of step S109 is performed with the reserved flag set to 0 means that the reservation processing has not been performed and the valid memory unit 100 has not been mounted after that. Then, the reserved flag that is 0 is maintained at 0. Considering the display of information to the user, the two processes of (1) changing the reserved flag from 1 to 0 and (2) keeping the reserved flag at 0 in S109 may be considered separately. Good. For example, when the reserved flag is 1 and the process of step S109 is performed (in the case of (1)), the user is notified that the reserved (reserved) that has been performed has been released. When the reserved flag is 0 and the process of step S109 is performed (in the case of (2)), information for allowing the user to make a correct reservation, for example, “To make a reservation, an appropriate memory unit must be installed. Please attach it. " At this time, the operation by the user may be facilitated by displaying the information specifying the color together.

  If the charged flag is 0 in the determination in step S108, the printing operation is stopped (step S110). As will be described later with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the charged flag in the present embodiment is a flag which is set to 1 by the charging process, and which is set to 0 when the ink consumption (total ink consumption information WD) is determined. This is a case where the second threshold value WTH ′ (= WTH + α) is larger than the predetermined threshold value WTH.

  The second threshold value WTH 'is a value larger than the ink amount corresponding to the use permission amount. The estimated total ink consumption information WD (for example, 135%) that can use up the initial filling amount of ink for one ink pack in a printing apparatus having the highest ink consumption efficiency is set as a guide. In this way, printing can be continued when the ink remains in the printing apparatus having the highest ink consumption efficiency even when the ink exceeds WTH. Furthermore, after the operation of switching from the reserve to the automatic charge at the WTH continues, when the WTH is exceeded in the unreserved state, it is assumed that the ink remains even at 135%. For this reason, WTH 'may be set to about 170%.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process when the total ink consumption information WD exceeds a given threshold value WTH. This process is a process executed by the processing unit 210. When this process is started, first, the charged flag and the reserved flag are determined (steps S201, S202, S205).

  If the reserved flag is set to 1 and the charged flag is set to 1 (YES in steps S201 and S202), the valid second memory unit 100-2 is mounted and the reserved state is set. This means that the ink consumption amount on the main body side has exceeded the given threshold value WTH. Therefore, the processing unit 210 performs automatic switching by the mounted memory unit 100. In the automatic switching process, first, both the reserved flag and the charged flag are set to 0 (step S203), and then the process returns to S104 in FIG. The reason why the reserved flag is set to 0 in S203 is that the reserved memory unit 100 is to be subjected to charge processing and is no longer in the reserved state (that is, the second memory unit 100-2 becomes the first memory unit 100). -1). Also, the reason why the charged flag is set to 0 is that the ink of the amount charged by the memory unit mounted before the currently mounted memory unit has been used up. In addition, when returning to the process of FIG. 11, preparations are made for performing the charging process (step S104) by the reserved memory unit 100. Further, when the process returns to the process of FIG. 11, the processes of steps S105 and S106 are performed, so that the second memory unit 100-2 (at this point, the first memory (Corresponding to the unit 100-1) is set to the invalid state, and the charged flag is set to 1 again.

  When the reserved flag is set to 0 and the charged flag is set to 1 (NO in step S201, YES in S205), the given threshold value WTH has been exceeded, but the reserve has been performed. There is no automatic switching. Therefore, the consumption of ink further proceeds from a given threshold value WTH corresponding to the use permission amount information WD, and if the total ink consumption amount information WD exceeds the threshold value WTH ', printing cannot be continued any more. A warning is displayed to that effect (step S206).

  Then, it is determined whether the appropriate memory unit 100 is mounted (step S207) and whether the total ink consumption WD does not exceed WTH '(step S208). Step 207 is the same processing as S102. The case of YES in step S208 is a state in which the appropriate memory unit 100 is not mounted, and the amount of ink consumption has become so large that the printing operation cannot be continued. Therefore, both the charged flag and the reserved flag are set to 0 (step S209), and the printing operation is stopped (S210). This is because it is determined that there is no memory unit in step S101 of FIG. 11, the charged flag is determined to be 0 in S108 (the charged flag is determined to be 0 in S108 by the process of S209), and the process proceeds to S110. This is processing corresponding to shifting.

  On the other hand, if the appropriate memory unit 100 is mounted before the total ink consumption WD exceeds WTH ', the charged flag is set to 0 (step S211), and the process returns to the processing in FIG. Step S211 is a preparation for performing the charging operation by the newly mounted memory unit 100 because the charged amount has already been consumed.

  The case where the reserved flag is set to 1 and the charged flag is set to 0 (YES in step S201, NO in S202) is a state that cannot be generated by the flag management in the present embodiment. . The reserve process is a process performed on the premise that the battery has been charged. This is because it is impossible to set the reserve flag to 1 while the battery is uncharged. Therefore, error processing is performed (step S204). Various specific contents of the error processing can be considered. For example, both the charged flag and the reserved flag are set to 0 and the printing operation is stopped.

  If the reserved flag is set to 0 and the charged flag is set to 0 (NO in steps S201 and S205), the printing operation is stopped (step S212, the same process as in step S110). Is). The charged flag is set to 0 as described above when the ink consumption exceeds WTH '(S209) or when the preparation for the charging process is completed (S203 or S211). Therefore, if the charged flag is set to 0, either the printing operation is stopped (step S210), or the charged flag immediately returns to 1 (step S106), and the charged flag is set to 0. It is not assumed that the normal printing operation is continued with the following condition.

  FIG. 13 is a state transition diagram corresponding to the above processing. The four parameters in each state in FIG. 13 indicate, from the left, the mounting state of the memory unit 100, the state of the charged flag, the state of the reserved flag, and whether or not the printing operation is possible. For example, if (none, 0, 0, impossible), the memory unit 100 is not mounted, and both the charged flag and the reserved flag are set to 0, indicating that the printing operation is not possible.

  The state S0 corresponds to a state before the initial filling of the print head (the state after the user has purchased the printing apparatus and before the use of the printing apparatus and the print head is not filled with ink). It is not mounted, the charged flag and the reserved flag are both 0, and the printing operation is not possible. In this case, since neither the charging process nor the printing operation has been started, the total ink consumption information WD (ink consumption) is 0%, and the installation of the appropriate memory unit 100 is awaited.

  When the proper memory unit 100 is mounted in the state S0, the state transits to the state S1 in which the charging process is executed. In the state S1, the memory unit 100 is mounted, and the memory unit 100 is proper. Therefore, the charged flag is set to 1 by the charging process, and the printing operation becomes possible. The reserved flag remains at 0. In order to perform the printing operation, the user must replenish the ink in the ink tank and the sensor must detect the presence of the ink.

  In the state S1, it is assumed that the memory unit 100 is properly mounted. However, the memory unit 100 can be removed after the charging process. Therefore, after executing the charging process in the state S1, the state automatically shifts to the state S2 corresponding to the charged state.

  In the state S2, the mounting state of the memory unit 100 is different and is “ignored”. That is, in the state S2, the memory unit 100 may be mounted or may be removed. In addition, the state S2 itself does not matter whether the memory unit 100 is mounted, but it is monitored whether a proper memory unit 100 is mounted as a condition for the state transition to the state S3.

  Then, when the proper memory unit 100 is mounted in the state S2, the process shifts to the state S3. The state S3 corresponds to the reserved state, and the reserved processing is performed by the mounted proper memory unit 100. Therefore, the memory unit 100 is mounted, and both the charged flag and the reserved flag are set to 1. Printing operation is possible.

  If the memory unit 100 is removed in the state S3, the state returns to the state S2 because the memory unit 100 for the reserve is lost. That is, the state S2 corresponds to a charged and unreserved state.

  Further, when the ink consumption (total ink consumption information WD) managed on the main body side in state S3 exceeds a given threshold value WTH, the charging process (automatic switching) by the memory unit 100 for the purpose of reserve is performed. Do. For that purpose, first, transition to the state S4 is made. In the state S4, both the charged flag and the reserved flag become 0, which corresponds to step S203 in FIG.

  Then, the state S4 automatically transitions to the state S1 and further automatically transitions to the state S2, whereby the reserved memory unit 100 executes the charging process.

  On the other hand, when the total ink consumption information WD exceeds the threshold value WTH in the state S2, the process shifts to the state S5. The state S5 is a state in which the charging process cannot be executed because the appropriate memory unit 100 is not mounted even though the charging process by the new memory unit is necessary. However, since the total ink consumption information WD has not reached WTH ', the printing operation can be continued. If the proper memory unit 100 is mounted in the state S5, the process proceeds to the state S6. The state S6 is a preparation stage for the user's manual charging process. The charged flag is changed from 1 to 0, and the state transits to the state S1. Also in this case, the process automatically shifts to S2 and the charging process is completed.

  That is, the state transition of S3 → S4 → S1 → S2 is automatic switching from reserve, and the state transition of S2 → S5 → S6 → S1 → S2 represents manual switching by the user mounting the memory unit 100. Become.

  Further, in the state S5, when the total ink consumption information WD becomes WTH '(= WTH + [alpha]) without mounting the appropriate memory unit 100, the state transits to the state S7 corresponding to the count excess error. In state S7, both the charged flag and the reserved flag are set to 0 and the printing operation is disabled regardless of the mounting state of the memory unit 100. It should be noted that a transition from other than S5 to S7 is not considered during normal operation, but a state transition from other than S5 to S7 may be allowed in consideration of some abnormality. That is, when the total ink consumption information WD becomes WTH ', the process may proceed to S7 regardless of the current state.

  In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus includes the storage unit 212 that stores the charged flag and the reserved flag, and the processing unit 210 executes the processing by the first memory unit 100-1. When the charging process is performed, the charged flag is set to ON (1 in the above example), and the second memory unit 100-2 is inserted into the slot 230 before the ink consumption exceeds a given threshold value WTH. Is set, the reserved flag is set to ON (value 1). Specifically, it corresponds to steps S106 and S107 in FIG.

  In this way, the charging process is performed when the proper memory unit 100 is mounted in an uncharged state, and the reserved processing is performed when the next proper memory unit 100 is mounted with the charged and ink consumption less than WTH. The processing of the present embodiment of performing the processing can be realized using two flags.

  Further, when performing the charging process by the second memory unit 100-2, the processing unit 210 sets the reserved flag to off (value 0). Specifically, this corresponds to a part of the process of S203 in FIG.

  With this configuration, when the charging process (automatic switching) by the memory unit 100 in the reserved state is performed, the reserved flag can be turned off. At the time of automatic switching, the memory unit 100 that has been in the reserved state is set to the invalid state by the charging process, so that the proper memory unit 100 has not been mounted and the reservation for automatic switching has not been completed. That is, by performing such flag management, appropriate charge processing and reserve processing can be performed.

  Further, the processing unit 210 performs the ink consumption represented by the estimated ink amount information (total ink consumption information WD) in a state where the second memory unit 100-2 set to the valid state is mounted in the slot 230. Exceeds the given threshold value WTH, the charging process is performed by the second memory unit 100-2, and the second memory unit 100-2 set to the invalid state is mounted in the slot 230. When the ink consumption (total ink consumption information WD) represented by the estimated ink amount information exceeds a given threshold value WTH, the charging process by the second memory unit 100-2 is not performed. In the example of FIG. 11, unless it is determined in step S102 that the charge is appropriate, this corresponds to that the charging process (steps S104 to S106) is not performed.

  This makes it possible to set the condition that the memory unit 100 to be reserved is in the valid state as a condition for performing the automatic switching. In other words, inappropriate reuse of the memory unit 100 in the invalid state can be suppressed.

  In the above description, as shown in S102 of FIG. 11, the determination of the valid state or the invalid state (determination of appropriateness in a broad sense) is performed regardless of the timing of the charging process. For example, it is possible to determine whether the memory unit 100 is in the valid state or the invalid state at the time of mounting, and to omit the re-determination at the time of automatic switching. However, the determination timing is not limited to this, and the determination may be made during the charging process without determining whether the memory unit 100 is in the valid state or the invalid state when the memory unit 100 is mounted.

  In order to prevent inappropriate reuse of the memory unit 100, the processing unit 210 sets the memory unit 100 to an invalid state when the charging process by the memory unit 100 is performed. FIG. 11 corresponds to step S105.

  Recognition of reuse of the memory unit 100 that has been used once makes proper ink management impossible. The use of the memory unit 100 in the present embodiment means that the timing at which the estimated ink amount information on the main body side is updated (replaced) with the use permission amount information, that is, the timing at which the charging process is performed, may be considered. By performing the management, an appropriate printing device can be used.

4. Modified Examples Hereinafter, some modified examples will be described.

  In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the storage device 110 of the memory unit 100 has an area for storing the valid / invalid state. However, various methods for setting the memory unit 100 to the invalid state are conceivable. For example, when the charging process is performed by the memory unit 100, the processing unit 210 writes the invalidation data to an area of the storage area of the memory unit 100 in which the usage permission amount information is stored, so that the memory unit 100 The unit may be set to the invalid state. For example, when the ink consumption amount on the memory unit side (information that becomes 0% in the unused state) is stored as the use permission amount information, the storage area is set to exceed the value (117%) corresponding to the initial filling amount. You just need to write the appropriate value. By doing so, it becomes possible to set the memory unit 100 to the invalid state using the storage area of the usage permission amount information. However, the method of setting the invalid state is not limited to this, and an area for storing a valid flag (invalid flag) is provided separately from the area (address) for storing the permitted usage amount information, and the data in the area is stored. The memory unit 100 may be set to the invalid state by rewriting the value to the value corresponding to the invalid state.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the use permission amount information of the memory unit 100 is the initial filling amount and the ink consumption amount relative to the initial filling amount, and the estimated ink amount information of the printing apparatus is the total ink consumption amount information WD and the initial filling amount. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, information about the remaining amount may be used instead of information about the consumption amount. Specifically, among the initial filling amounts, the remaining ink amount that is estimated to remain unused may be used. In the case where the remaining ink amount is used instead of the ink consumption amount information, it is considered that the portion “exceeding a given threshold” in the present embodiment is replaced with “below a given threshold”.

  Here, the ink remaining amount is, for example, information represented by a volume. In this case, the amount of usable ink can be directly grasped as volume or weight by referring to the remaining amount of ink without referring to the initial filling amount. Therefore, the update of the estimated ink amount information based on the permitted use amount information (charging process) is realized by a process of replacing the remaining ink amount of the permitted use amount information with the remaining ink amount of the permitted use amount information.

  Further, the ink remaining amount may be information indicating a ratio of the remaining amount to the initial filling amount. In this case, the charging process is a process of updating the estimated ink amount information of the printing apparatus based on both the initial filling amount of the use permission amount information and the remaining ink amount.

  Further, the initial filling amount in the present embodiment may be represented by a capacity (volume) or may be represented by a weight. Further, the ink consumption and the remaining amount of the ink are not limited to those represented by the ratio or the volume, but can be represented by the weight.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the ink consumption efficiency is the lower limit value of the predetermined range, the ink estimated when the initial filling amount is consumed, assuming use in a use environment recommended by the printing device vendor. The consumption was expressed as 100%. However, the criterion for expressing the ink consumption amount as a ratio is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made. For example, if a warning is displayed with a margin, the reference is set to a value smaller than the initial filling amount.

  Various types of information can also be used as information used when the processing unit 210 calculates the estimated ink amount information (ink consumption amount). The processing unit 210 counts the number of ink ejections by a soft count process, and may use the counted number as ink estimated amount information, or information obtained by multiplying the counted number by an ink amount assumed to be consumed by one ejection; That is, information indicating the volume of the ejected ink may be used as the estimated ink amount information. In either case, the estimated ink amount information is information indicating the degree of consumption of the target ink.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the memory unit is considered in consideration of the fact that the amount of ink filled in the ink pack 310 varies, and that there are ink packs 310 of plural sizes (for example, 1L and 2L). 100 and the printing apparatus hold information on the initial filling amount. However, when the ink pack 310 has only a predetermined capacity and the dispersion does not need to be considered, the initial filling amount can be a fixed value. In this case, it is not significant that the initial filling amount, which is a fixed value, is stored in the memory unit 100 included in every ink pack 310. Therefore, the initial filling amount (ink pack capacity) and the ratio corresponding to the initial filling amount are stored in the storage unit 212 of the printing apparatus in advance. Thereby, the initial filling amount can be omitted from the usage permission amount information of the memory unit 100. In this case, in the charging process, there is no need to consider the update (replacement) of the initial filling amount, and therefore, the update (replacement) based on the ink consumption (ink remaining amount) may be performed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the memory unit 100 used halfway, specifically, the ink consumption is larger than the unused state (0%), and is larger than the value corresponding to the initial filling amount (for example, WTH%). The installation of a small memory unit 100 is also considered. Such a memory unit 100 can occur, for example, when the technique of Patent Document 1 is used in combination. In the present embodiment, since the ink consumption of the memory unit 100 is used in the charging process, appropriate processing can be performed regardless of whether the memory unit 100 is unused or partially used.

  However, there is a case where a new and effective memory unit 100 is always used. For example, according to the method of the present embodiment, the memory unit 100 on which the charge processing has been performed is in an invalid state. Therefore, the memory unit 100 in which the ink consumption is between 0% and WTH% and which is in the valid state exists. do not do. That is, as the memory unit 100, two items, that is, a new and effective, and an invalid, are considered. In this case, since the ink consumption is always 0% for the effective memory unit 100, it is not significant that the ink consumption is stored in the memory units 100 included in all the ink packs 310. Therefore, the ink consumption amount may be omitted from the use permission amount information in the present embodiment, and only the initial filling amount may be used.

  When the initial filling amount is set in the printing apparatus in advance and when it is assumed that a new and effective memory unit 100 is always used, both the initial filling amount and the ink consumption amount can be omitted. At least as long as it can be confirmed that the memory unit 100 is valid, the ink estimation information may be charged (the ink consumption is reset). In this case, the ink use permission information is information that can confirm that the memory unit is valid. Should be fine.

  Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, a printing apparatus for color printing is assumed, and the description has been made assuming that there are a plurality of ink tanks, slots, memory units, and sliders. However, in the case of a printing apparatus for monochrome printing, one ink tank, one slot, one memory unit, and one slider may be used.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the printing operation is stopped when the sensor that detects the presence or absence of ink detects that there is no ink. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The printing operation may be stopped when a predetermined number of count processes have been performed (when the soft count has exceeded a given threshold). In addition, if the presence of ink is detected by the sensor after the printing operation is stopped based on the detection of the absence of ink by the sensor, the printing apparatus returns to the state before the stop of the printing operation. For example, the states of the charged flag and the reserved flag are set to the values before the stop of the printing operation. In the example of the state transition diagram of FIG. 13, the detection of the absence of ink by the sensor is performed during the printing operation. Therefore, in each of the states S1 to S6, the stopping of the printing operation by the sensor may occur. In this case, the state is shifted from the state Si (i is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ i ≦ 6) to a printing stop state (not shown), and the state Si before the stop is held (for example, stored in the storage unit 212). When the presence of ink is detected, a process of shifting from the print stop state to the state Si is performed.

  Further, the method of detecting the mounting of the memory unit 100 is not limited to the method shown in FIG. For example, the memory unit 100 is provided with two mounting detection terminals that are electrically connected, and the processing unit 210 performs an electrical connection between two main body side (slot side) mounting detection terminals corresponding to the two mounting detection terminals. Mounting detection may be performed by detecting conduction.

  Further, the method by which the processing unit 210 selects the memory unit 100 to be accessed is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, if the processing unit 210 is configured to output the clock signal SCK individually for each slot 230, the memory unit can be selected by outputting the clock signal SCK only to a given memory unit. Alternatively, if the processing unit 210 is configured to individually input and output the data signal SDA for each slot 230, the data unit SDA (for example, a read command) is output only to a given memory unit, so that the memory unit You can also choose.

  Further, the ink replenishing container is not limited to the ink pack 310. For example, the ink replenishing container may be a container using a hard member such as a resin. Even in this case, the ink replenishing container only needs to withstand use up to the replenishment of the ink in the ink tank 221, and there is no change in the requirement for durability and the like as compared with the ink tank 221. When the ink pack 310 (pouch pack) is used, it is assumed that it is necessary to refill all the ink inside the ink tank 221 after opening. In other words, once the ink pack 310 is opened, it is difficult to use it for the purpose of properly storing ink. On the other hand, when a hard member is used for the ink replenishing container and the replenishing container itself can be plugged, it becomes possible to replenish the ink in a plurality of times.

  Further, the storage device 110 may be provided with an area for storing unique information of the printing apparatus main body in which the memory unit 100 is mounted. The unique information can be written to the storage device 110 when the processing unit 210 determines that the memory unit is appropriate, or together with the backup information. In this way, the printing apparatus to be recovered from the failure of the storage unit 212 and the memory unit can be linked. Further, at the time of restoration of the printing apparatus, the processing unit 210 determines whether or not the unique information of the storage device 110 and its own unique information are the same, and if so, writes the backup information to the storage unit 212 of the printing apparatus main body. By doing so, the recovery work is easily completed. At this time, if the memory unit is not set to the invalid state, the reserved flag is also set to 1.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art can easily understand that many modifications that do not substantially depart from the novel matter and effects of the present invention are possible. Therefore, such modifications are all included in the scope of the present invention. For example, in the specification or the drawings, a term described at least once together with a broader or synonymous different term can be replaced with the different term in any part of the specification or the drawing. The configuration and operation of the printing apparatus are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

100 memory unit, 110 storage device, 200 printing device, 210 processing unit,
212: storage unit, 213: communication processing unit, 220: ink storage unit, 221: ink tank,
230 ... slot, 240 ... slider, 242 ... ink supply port cover,
250: operation unit, 300: ink pack set, 310: ink pack,
CCO: body side mounting detection terminal, CRST: reset terminal, CSCK: clock terminal,
CSDA: data terminal, CVDD: power terminal, CVSS: power terminal,
TCO: mounting detection terminal, TRST: reset terminal, TSCK: clock terminal,
TSDA: data terminal, TVD: power terminal, TVSS: power terminal

Claims (7)

A slot in which a memory unit for storing information on the permitted use amount of ink stored in the ink storage unit is detachable,
A processing unit that performs update processing of estimated ink amount information that is information for estimating the amount of the ink in the ink storage unit;
Including
The processing unit includes:
When the memory unit is installed in the slot, perform a charging process of updating the estimated ink amount information with the use permission amount information of the memory unit,
After the charge processing, said one of the storage area of the memory unit, in an area different from the area where use permission amount information is stored, have rows a process of writing the ink estimator information as backup information,
The processing unit includes:
When the memory unit installed in the slot is removed and it is detected that the second memory unit is installed in the slot, the memory area of the second memory unit is used. A printing apparatus for performing a process of writing the estimated ink amount information as the backup information in an area different from an area where the allowed amount information is stored . In claim 1 ,
The processing unit includes:
After the charging process by the memory unit, when the second memory unit is inserted into the slot, the second memory unit remains in the second memory unit until the ink consumption represented by the estimated ink amount information exceeds a given threshold. The charging process by the second memory unit when the ink consumption exceeds the given threshold without performing the charging process by the memory unit. In claim 2 ,
A storage unit for storing a charged flag and a reserved flag,
The processing unit includes:
Setting the charged flag to ON when the charging process is performed by the memory unit;
The printing apparatus, wherein the reserved flag is set to ON when the second memory unit is installed in the slot before the ink consumption exceeds the given threshold. In claim 3 ,
The processing unit includes:
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reserved flag is set to off when the charging process is performed by the second memory unit. A slot in which a memory unit for storing information on the permitted use amount of ink stored in the ink storage unit is detachable,
A processing unit that performs update processing of estimated ink amount information that is information for estimating the amount of the ink in the ink storage unit;
A storage unit for storing the ink estimated amount information,
Including
The processing unit includes:
When the memory unit is installed in the slot, perform a charging process of updating the estimated ink amount information with the use permission amount information of the memory unit,
After the charge processing, said one of the storage area of the memory unit, in an area different from the area where use permission amount information is stored, have rows a process of writing the ink estimator information as backup information,
The backup information includes:
A printing apparatus , wherein when the estimated ink amount information in the storage unit is in an abnormal state, the information is used for restoring the estimated ink amount information . In any one of claims 1 to 5,
The processing unit includes:
A printing apparatus, wherein when the charge processing is performed by the memory unit, the memory unit is set to an invalid state. In claim 6,
The processing unit includes:
When the charging process is performed by the memory unit, the memory unit is written with invalidation data in an area of the storage area of the memory unit where the usage permission amount information is stored, so that the memory unit is A printing apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus is set to an invalid state.

Images