JP7207590B2 - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having two containers for storing colorants.

2. Description of the Related Art There is known an image forming apparatus that displays the remaining amount of colorant such as ink or toner on a display (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-100003). The user can grasp the remaining amount of the coloring agent from the remaining amount displayed on the display. For example, if the colorant is contained in a cartridge (container) and can be replaced, the user can recognize that the replacement time of the cartridge is approaching or that the replacement time has come by grasping the remaining amount of the colorant. can. Alternatively, the user can recognize that the time to replenish the container with the coloring agent is approaching or that the time has come to replenish the container with the coloring agent.

Also, an image forming apparatus is known that includes two containers, a main tank and a sub-tank, for storing colorants (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-100002). The colorant stored in the main tank flows out to the sub-tank due to the difference in water head, gravity, a pump, or the like.

JP 2013-92816 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-213162

In an image forming apparatus having two containers for storing colorants, it is necessary to display various information such as the types of functions that the image forming apparatus can perform on the standby screen. Therefore, it is sufficient to display the remaining amount of colorant in the container on the standby screen if the situation can be grasped to some extent, and it is desirable to display detailed content on the screen that displays the remaining amount of ink.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having two containers for storing colorants, in which the remaining amount of colorant in each container can be displayed on each screen by a user. To provide a means that can be easily recognized.

Various disclosures are made herein. An image forming apparatus, which is one of the disclosed examples, includes a first container having a first chamber in which a coloring agent is stored, a second container having a second chamber connected to the first container, and the second chamber. , a display, and a controller. The controller controls a first object having a shape corresponding to the amount of colorant stored in the first chamber of the first container and a shape corresponding to the amount of colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container. causing the display to display a first screen including a second object having the same shape, causing the display to display a second screen including a third object, and causing the third object to be stored in the first chamber of the first container. the amount of colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container; the amount of colorant stored in the first chamber of the first container; and the total amount of coloring agent stored in the second chamber.

The controller causes the display to display a first screen including a first object indicating the amount of the colorant stored in the first container and a second object indicating the amount of the colorant stored in the second container. A second screen containing the object is displayed on the display. The second screen is, for example, a standby screen. The third object indicates the amount of colorant stored in the first container, indicates the amount of colorant stored in the second container, or indicates the amount of colorant stored in the first and second containers. indicates the amount of When the third object indicates the amount of colorant stored in the first container, the third object displayed on the standby screen allows the user to confirm that the remaining amount of the colorant stored in the first container is sufficient. Alternatively, it recognizes that the ink stored in the first container has been used up. When the user recognizes that the ink stored in the first container has been used up, the second screen indicates that there is enough colorant in the second container and that the ink stored in the second container has been used up. Confirm that When the third object indicates the amount of colorant stored in the second container, the third object displayed on the standby screen allows the user to confirm that there is enough colorant in the second container and that the second container has enough colorant. It recognizes that there is not enough colorant or that the ink stored in the second container has been used up. When the user recognizes that there is not enough colorant in the second container, the second screen confirms that the ink stored in the first container has been used up. When the third object indicates the amount of colorant stored in the first container and the second container, the third object displayed on the standby screen allows the user to confirm that the total remaining amount of colorant is sufficient. , recognizing that the total amount of colorant remaining is not sufficient. When the user recognizes that the total remaining amount of the coloring agent is insufficient, the user confirms whether or not the ink stored in the first container has been used up on the second screen. By displaying the first screen or the second screen on the display, the user can easily recognize the remaining amount of the colorant in each container.

A program, which is another disclosed example, includes a first container having a first chamber in which a colorant is stored, a second container having a second chamber connected to the first container, and is executed by the computer of an image forming apparatus comprising a recording unit connected to a computer, a display, and a computer. The program includes a first determination process for determining a first remaining amount value according to the amount of the coloring agent stored in the first container, and a second determination process according to the amount of the coloring agent stored in the second container a second determination process for determining a remaining amount value; and a first object including a first object having a shape corresponding to the determined first remaining amount value and a second object having a shape corresponding to the determined second remaining amount value. a first display process for displaying a screen on the display; and a second screen including a third object whose display area is smaller than the total area of the display area of the first object and the display area of the second object. and a second display process for displaying. The third object has a shape corresponding to one of the first remaining amount, the second remaining amount, and the first remaining amount and the second remaining amount.

An image forming apparatus, which is still another disclosed example, includes a first container having a first chamber in which a colorant is stored, a second container having a second chamber connected to the first container, and A recording unit connected to the second chamber, a display, and a controller are provided. The controller causes the display to display a first screen including a first object having a shape corresponding to the amount of the colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container, and displays a second screen including a second object. display on the display. The second object includes the amount of colorant stored in the first chamber of the first container, the amount of colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container, and the The shape corresponds to one of the amount of colorant stored in the first chamber and the total amount of colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container.

The controller causes the display to display a first screen including a second object indicating the amount of colorant stored in the second container, and causes the display to display a second screen including the second object. The second screen is, for example, a standby screen. The second object indicates the amount of colorant stored in the first container, indicates the amount of colorant stored in the second container, or indicates the amount of colorant stored in the first and second containers. indicates the amount of When the second object indicates the amount of colorant stored in the first container, the second object displayed on the standby screen allows the user to confirm that the remaining amount of colorant stored in the first container is sufficient. Alternatively, it recognizes that the ink stored in the first container has been used up. When the user recognizes that the ink stored in the first container has been used up, the second screen indicates that there is enough colorant in the second container and that the ink stored in the second container has been used up. Confirm that When the second object indicates the amount of colorant stored in the second container, the second object displayed on the standby screen allows the user to confirm that there is enough colorant in the second container and that the second container has enough colorant. It recognizes that there is not enough colorant or that the ink stored in the second container has been used up. When the user recognizes that there is not enough colorant in the second container, the user confirms the details of the remaining amount of ink stored in the second container on the first screen. When the second object indicates the amount of colorant stored in the first container and the second container, the second object displayed on the standby screen allows the user to confirm that the total remaining amount of colorant is sufficient. , recognizing that the total amount of colorant remaining is not sufficient. When the user recognizes that the total remaining amount of the coloring agent is not sufficient, the user confirms the details of the remaining amount of ink stored in the second container on the first screen. By displaying the first screen or the second screen on the display, the user can easily recognize the remaining amount of the colorant in each container.

1A and 1B are external perspective views of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment, in which (A) shows a state in which the cover 87 is in the cover position, and (B) shows a state in which the cover 87 is in the exposed position. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mounting case 150. As shown in FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the structure of the cartridge 200, where (A) is a front perspective view and (B) is a vertical sectional view. FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of image forming processing according to the first embodiment. 8A is a flow chart of the first update process, FIG. 8B is a flow chart of the second update process, and FIG. 8C is a flow chart of the third update process. (D) is a flowchart of a fourth update process. FIG. 9A is a flowchart of first object scale determination processing according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 9B is a flowchart of second object scale determination processing according to the first embodiment. (C) is a flowchart of a third object scale determination process according to Modification 2; FIG. 9D is a flowchart of the thirteenth object scale determination process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of printable number determination processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of object determination processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of screen selection processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a standby screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an ink remaining amount screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing a standby screen according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 15B is a diagram showing a fourth screen, which is a diagram showing a remaining ink amount screen according to the first embodiment. be. 16A is a diagram showing a standby screen according to Modification 1, and FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a standby screen according to Modification 2. FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an ink remaining amount screen according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an ink remaining amount screen according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of object determination processing according to the second embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. It should be noted that the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention can be changed as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention. Also, the execution order of each process to be described later can be changed as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention.

Below, the vertical direction 7 is defined with reference to a usage posture in which the printer 10 is installed on a horizontal plane so that it can be used. A left-right direction 9 is defined as viewed from the In this embodiment, in the usage posture, the up-down direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction. The front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 are orthogonal.

[First Embodiment]

[Overview of Printer 10]
The printer 10 uses inkjet recording technology to record an image on paper. The printer 10 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped housing 14 . Further, the printer 10 may be a so-called "multifunction machine" having functions such as a facsimile function, a scan function, and a copy function. The printer 10 is an example of an image forming apparatus.

A display 28 is provided on the front surface of the housing 14 . Display 28 will be described later.

Inside the housing 14, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there are a feed tray 15, a feed roller 23, a transport roller 25, a head 21 having a plurality of nozzles 29, and a head 21 facing the head 21. A platen 26, a discharge roller 27, a discharge tray 16, a mounting case 150 in which the cartridge 200 is mounted and detached, and a tube 32 for communicating the head 21 and the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 are positioned. The head 21 is an example of a recording section. The mounting case 150 is an example of a mounting portion.

The printer 10 drives the feed roller 23 and the transport roller 25 to transport the paper supported by the feed tray 15 to the position of the platen 26 . Next, the printer 10 causes the head 21 to eject the ink supplied through the tube 32 from the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 through the nozzles 29 . As a result, the ink lands on the paper supported by the platen 26 and an image is recorded on the paper. Then, the printer 10 drives the ejection roller 27 to eject the paper on which the image is recorded to the ejection tray 16 .

More specifically, the head 21 is mounted on a carriage 20 that reciprocates in a main scanning direction that intersects the direction in which the paper is transported by the transport rollers 25 . A driving force of a motor (not shown) is transmitted to the carriage 20 to move it in the main scanning direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2). The printer 10 causes the head 21 to eject ink through the nozzles 29 while moving the carriage 20 in the main scanning direction while the transport of the paper by the transport roller 25 is stopped. As a result, an image is recorded on a partial area of the paper facing the head 21 (hereinafter referred to as "1 pass"). Next, the printer 10 causes the transport rollers 25 to transport the paper so that the area where the next image is to be printed faces the head 21 . By alternately repeating these processes, an image is recorded on one sheet of paper.

[Cover 87]
As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 85 is formed on the front surface 14A of the housing 14 and at the right end in the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. Housing 14 further includes a cover 87 . The cover 87 is rotatable between a covering position (the position shown in FIG. 1A) that closes the opening 85 and an exposing position that opens the opening 85 (the position shown in FIG. 1B). be. For example, the cover 87 is supported by the housing 14 in the vicinity of the lower end of the housing 14 in the vertical direction 7 so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis along the horizontal direction 9 . A mounting case 150 is positioned in a housing space 86 inside the housing 14 that extends beyond the opening 85 .

[Mounting case 150]
The mounting case 150 includes a contact 152, a rod 153, a mounting sensor 154, a liquid level sensor 155, and a lock pin 156, as shown in FIG. The mounting case 150 can accommodate four cartridges 200 corresponding to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. That is, the mounting case 150 includes four contacts 152, rods 153, mounting sensors 154, and liquid level sensors 155 corresponding to the four cartridges 200, respectively. The number of cartridges 200 that can be accommodated in the mounting case 150 is not limited to four, and may be one or five or more.

The mounting case 150 has a box shape having an internal space for accommodating the mounted cartridge 200 . The interior space of the mounting case 150 is composed of a ceiling wall that defines the upper end, a bottom wall that defines the lower end, an inner wall that defines the rear end in the front-rear direction 8 , and a pair of side walls that define both ends in the left-right direction 9 . defined. On the other hand, an opening 85 is provided at a position facing the back wall of the mounting case 150 . That is, the opening 85 exposes the internal space of the mounting case 150 to the outside of the printer 10 when the cover 87 is placed at the exposed position.

Then, the cartridge 200 is inserted into the mounting case 150 through the opening 85 of the housing 14 and removed from the mounting case 150 . More specifically, the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 by passing through the opening 85 backward in the front-rear direction 8 . The cartridge 200 removed from the mounting case 150 passes forward in the front-rear direction 8 through the opening 85 .

[Contact 152]
Contact 152 is located on the top wall of mounting case 150 . The contact 152 protrudes downward from the top wall toward the internal space of the mounting case 150 . The contact 152 is positioned to contact an electrode 248 ( FIG. 4 ) of the cartridge 200 , which will be described later, when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 . The contact 152 is conductive and elastically deformable in the vertical direction 7 . Contact 152 is electrically connected to controller 130 .

[Rod 153]
A rod 153 ( FIG. 3 ) protrudes forward from the inner wall of the mounting case 150 . The rod 153 is located on the back wall of the mounting case 150 above a joint 180 which will be described later. The rod 153 enters the atmosphere valve chamber 214 (FIG. 4) through the later-described atmosphere communication port 221 (FIG. 4) of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 . When the rod 153 enters the atmosphere valve chamber 214, the later-described atmosphere valve chamber 214 is communicated with the atmosphere.

[Wearing sensor 154]
Mounting sensor 154 ( FIG. 3 ) is located on the top wall of mounting case 150 . The mounting sensor 154 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 . The mounting sensor 154 has a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion spaced apart in the left-right direction 9 . When the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 , the later-described light shielding rib 245 ( FIG. 4 ) of the cartridge 200 is positioned between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the mounting sensor 154 . In other words, the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the mounting sensor 154 are positioned facing each other with the light shielding rib 245 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 interposed therebetween.

The mounting sensor 154 outputs a different signal (denoted as "mounting signal" in the drawing) depending on whether the light emitted from the light emitting section along the horizontal direction 9 is received by the light receiving section. . The mounting sensor 154 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130, for example, in response to the intensity of light received by the light receiving portion being less than the threshold intensity. On the other hand, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a high-level signal having a higher signal intensity than the low-level signal to the controller 130 in response to the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving portion being equal to or higher than the threshold intensity.

[Liquid level sensor 155]
The liquid level sensor 155 is a sensor for detecting whether or not a detected portion 194 of the actuator 190, which will be described later, is positioned at the detection position. The liquid level sensor 155 has a light emitting part and a light receiving part spaced apart in the left-right direction 9 . In other words, the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the liquid level sensor 155 are positioned facing each other with the detected portion 194 positioned at the detection position in between. The liquid level sensor 155 outputs a different signal (denoted as "liquid level signal" in the figure) depending on whether the light output from the light emitting section is received by the light receiving section. The liquid level sensor 155 is an example of a sensor.

[Lock pin 156]
The lock pin 156 is a rod-shaped member extending along the left-right direction 9 at the upper end of the inner space of the mounting case 150 and near the opening 85 . Both ends of the lock pin 156 in the left-right direction 9 are fixed to a pair of side walls of the mounting case 150 . The lock pin 156 extends in the left-right direction 9 across four spaces in which four cartridges 200 can be stored. The lock pin 156 is for holding the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 at the mounting position shown in FIG. The cartridge 200 is engaged with the lock pin 156 while being attached to the attachment case 150 .

[Tank 160]
The printer 10 has four tanks 160 corresponding to the four cartridges 200 respectively. Specifically, a tank 160 storing magenta ink corresponding to the cartridge 200 storing magenta ink, and a tank 160 storing cyan ink corresponding to the cartridge 200 storing cyan ink. Corresponding to the tank 160 and the cartridge 200 storing yellow ink, black ink is stored corresponding to the tank 160 storing yellow ink and the cartridge 200 storing black ink. a tank 160; Tank 160 is an example of a second container.

The tank 160 is positioned further rearward than the inner wall of the mounting case 150 . As shown in FIG. 3, the tank 160 includes an upper wall 161, a front wall 162, a lower wall 163, a rear wall 164, and a pair of side walls (not shown). In addition, the front wall 162 is configured by a plurality of walls that are shifted in the front-rear direction 8 . A liquid chamber 171 is formed inside the tank 160 . The liquid chamber 171 is an example of a second chamber.

Of the walls forming the tank 160, at least the wall facing the liquid level sensor 155 is translucent. As a result, the light output from the liquid level sensor 155 can pass through the wall facing the liquid level sensor 155 . At least a portion of the rear wall 164 may be a film that is welded to the top wall 161, the bottom wall 163, and the end faces of the side walls. Also, the sidewall of the tank 160 may be shared with the mounting case 150 or may be independent of the mounting case 150 . Further, the tanks 160 adjacent in the left-right direction 9 are partitioned by partition walls (not shown). The configuration of the four tanks 160 is generally common.

The liquid chamber 171 communicates with an ink flow path (not shown) through an outlet 174 . A lower end of the outflow port 174 is defined by a lower wall 163 that defines a lower end of the liquid chamber 171 . The outflow port 174 is located below the joint 180 (more specifically, the lower end of the through hole 184) in the vertical direction 7. As shown in FIG. An ink flow path (not shown) communicating with the outlet 174 communicates with the tube 32 . As a result, the liquid chamber 171 communicates with the head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink flow path and the tube 32 . In other words, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is supplied from the outlet 174 to the head 21 through the ink flow path and the tube 32 . One end (outflow port 174 ) of the ink channel and tube 32 communicating with the outflow port 174 communicates with the liquid chamber 171 , and the other end 33 (see FIG. 2 ) communicates with the head 21 .

The liquid chamber 171 communicates with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication chamber 175 . More specifically, the atmospheric communication chamber 175 communicates with the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 176 passing through the front wall 162 . The atmosphere communication chamber 175 communicates with the outside of the printer 10 through an atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown) connected to the atmosphere communication port 177 . That is, the atmosphere communication chamber 175 communicates with the liquid chamber 171 at one end (through hole 176 ) and communicates with the outside of the printer 10 at the other end (atmosphere communication port 177 ). The atmosphere communication chamber 175 communicates with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown).

[Joint 180]
The joint 180 comprises a needle 181 and a guide 182, as shown in FIG. The needle 181 is a tube with a channel formed therein. The needle 181 protrudes forward from a front wall 162 that defines the liquid chamber 171 . An opening 183 is formed at the projecting tip of the needle 181 . Further, the internal space of the needle 181 communicates with the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 184 passing through the front wall 162 . One end (opening 183 ) of the needle 181 communicates with the outside of the tank 160 , and the other end (through hole 184 ) communicates with the liquid chamber 171 . Guide 182 is a cylindrical member arranged around needle 181 . The guide 182 protrudes forward from the front wall 162 and has an open end.

A valve 185 and a coil spring 186 are located in the internal space of the needle 181 . The valve 185 is movable in the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position in the inner space of the needle 181 . Valve 185 closes opening 183 when in the closed position. Also, the valve 185 opens the opening 183 when positioned in the open position. The coil spring 186 urges the valve 185 forward in the front-rear direction 8 to move the valve 185 from the open position to the closed position.

[Actuator 190]
An actuator 190 is positioned in the liquid chamber 171 . The actuator 190 is rotatably supported in the directions of arrows 198 and 199 by a support member (not shown) arranged inside the liquid chamber 171 . Actuator 190 can pivot between the position shown in solid lines and the position shown in dashed lines in FIG. Further, the actuator 190 is restricted from rotating in the direction of the arrow 198 from the solid line position by a stopper (not shown) (for example, the inner wall of the liquid chamber 171). Actuator 190 includes float 191 , shaft 192 , arm 193 , and detected portion 194 .

The float 191 is made of a material having a lower specific gravity than the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 . The shaft 192 protrudes in the left-right direction 9 from the right and left surfaces of the float 191 . The shaft 192 is inserted into a hole (not shown) formed in the support member. As a result, the actuator 190 is supported by the supporting member so as to be rotatable about the shaft 192 . Arm 193 extends substantially upward from float 191 . The detected portion 194 is located at the projecting tip of the arm 193 . The detected portion 194 is a plate-shaped member extending in the vertical direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 . The detected portion 194 is made of a material or color that blocks the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the liquid level sensor 155 .

When the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 is at or above the reference position P, the actuator 190 rotated in the direction of the arrow 198 by the buoyant force is held at the detection position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 3 by the stopper. On the other hand, when the ink level is below the reference position P, the actuator 190 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 199 following the fall of the ink level. As a result, the detected portion 194 moves to a position away from the detection position. That is, the detected portion 194 moves to a position corresponding to the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 .

The reference position P is at the same height as the axis center of the needle 181 in the vertical direction 7 and at the same height as the center of the ink supply port 234 described later. However, the reference position P is not limited to the position described above as long as it is a position above the outflow port 174 in the vertical direction 7 . As another example, the reference position P may be the height of the upper end or the lower end of the internal space of the needle 181 or the height of the upper end or the lower end of the ink supply port 234 .

When the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the reference position P, the light output from the light emitting section of the liquid level sensor 155 is blocked by the detected section 194 . As a result, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal “L” to the controller 130 because the light from the light emitting portion does not reach the light receiving portion. On the other hand, when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is below the reference position P, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high level signal "H" to the controller because the light output from the light emitting section reaches the light receiving section. 130. That is, the controller 130 can detect whether or not the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the reference position P from the signal output from the liquid level sensor 155 . The low level signal output by the liquid level sensor 155 is an example of the first value, and the high level signal is an example of the second value. A reference position is an example of a predetermined position.

[Cartridge 200]
The cartridge 200 is a container having a liquid chamber 210 (see FIG. 2) in which ink, which is an example of a coloring agent, can be stored. Liquid chamber 210 is an example of a first chamber. Cartridge 200 is an example of a first container.

The liquid chamber 210 is defined by, for example, resin walls. As shown in FIG. 4A, the cartridge 200 has a flat shape in which the dimension along the vertical direction 7 and the longitudinal direction 8 is larger than the dimension along the lateral direction 9 . It should be noted that the outer shapes of the cartridges 200 in which inks of different colors are stored may be the same or different. At least part of the walls that constitute the cartridge 200 are translucent. Thereby, the user can visually recognize the liquid surface of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 from the outside of the cartridge 200 .

Cartridge 200 includes housing 201 and supply tube 230 . The housing 201 is composed of a rear wall 202 , a front wall 203 , an upper wall 204 , a lower wall 205 and a pair of side walls 206 and 207 . In addition, the rear wall 202 is composed of a plurality of walls that are shifted in the front-rear direction 8 . Also, the upper wall 204 is composed of a plurality of walls that are displaced in the vertical direction 7 . Furthermore, the lower wall 205 is composed of a plurality of walls that are offset in the vertical direction 7 .

In the internal space of the cartridge 200, as shown in FIG. 4B, a liquid chamber 210, an ink valve chamber 213, and an atmosphere valve chamber 214 are formed. The liquid chamber 210 has an upper liquid chamber 211 and a lower liquid chamber 212 . The upper liquid chamber 211 , the lower liquid chamber 212 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are internal spaces of the housing 201 . On the other hand, the ink valve chamber 213 is the internal space of the supply pipe 230 . The liquid chamber 210 stores ink. The atmosphere valve chamber 214 communicates the liquid chamber 210 with the outside of the cartridge 200 .

An upper liquid chamber 211 and a lower liquid chamber 212 of the liquid chamber 210 are separated in the vertical direction 7 by a partition wall 215 that partitions the internal space of the housing 201 . The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 communicate with each other through a through hole 216 formed in the partition wall 215 . The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are separated in the vertical direction 7 by a partition wall 217 that partitions the internal space of the housing 201 . The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmosphere valve chamber 214 communicate with each other through a through hole 218 formed in the partition wall 217 . Furthermore, the ink valve chamber 213 communicates with the lower end of the lower liquid chamber 212 through a through hole 219 .

The atmospheric valve chamber 214 communicates with the outside of the cartridge 200 through an atmospheric communication port 221 formed in the rear wall 202 at the upper portion of the cartridge 200 . That is, the atmosphere valve chamber 214 has one end (through hole 218 ) communicated with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the upper liquid chamber 211 ) and the other end (atmosphere communication port 221 ) communicated with the outside of the cartridge 200 . ing. The atmosphere valve chamber 214 communicates with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication port 221 . A valve 222 and a coil spring 223 are located in the atmosphere valve chamber 214 . The valve 222 is movable along the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. The valve 222 closes the atmosphere communication port 221 when positioned at the closed position. Also, the valve 222 opens the atmosphere communication port 221 when positioned at the open position. The coil spring 223 biases the valve 222 from the open position to the closed position, that is, backward in the front-rear direction 8 .

In the process of mounting the cartridge 200 to the mounting case 150 , the rod 153 enters the atmosphere valve chamber 214 through the atmosphere communication port 221 . The rod 153 that has entered the atmosphere valve chamber 214 moves the valve 222 in the closed position forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 223 . By moving the valve 222 to the open position, the upper liquid chamber 211 is communicated with the atmosphere. Note that the configuration for opening the atmosphere communication port 221 is not limited to the above example. As another example, a configuration in which the rod 153 breaks through the film that seals the air communication port 221 may be used.

The supply pipe 230 protrudes rearward from the rear wall 202 at the bottom of the housing 201 . The supply pipe 230 is open at its protruding end (that is, rear end). That is, the ink valve chamber 213 communicates the liquid chamber 210 communicated through the through hole 219 with the outside of the cartridge 200 . The ink valve chamber 213 has one end (through hole 219 ) communicated with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the lower liquid chamber 212 ) and the other end (an ink supply port 234 described later) communicated with the outside of the cartridge 200 . there is A packing 231 , a valve 232 and a coil spring 233 are located in the ink valve chamber 213 .

An ink supply port 234 penetrating in the front-rear direction 8 is formed in the center of the packing 231 . The inner diameter of the ink supply port 234 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the needle 181 . The valve 232 is movable along the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 232 is positioned at the closed position, it abuts against the packing 231 to close the ink supply port 234 . Further, when the valve 232 is positioned at the open position, the valve 232 is separated from the packing 231 to open the ink supply port 234 . The coil spring 233 biases the valve 232 from the open position to the closed position, that is, backward in the front-rear direction 8 . Also, the biasing force of the coil spring 233 is greater than that of the coil spring 186 .

In the process of mounting the cartridge 200 to the mounting case 150 , the supply pipe 230 enters the guide 182 and the needle 181 eventually enters the ink valve chamber 213 through the ink supply port 234 . At this time, the needle 181 elastically deforms the packing 231 and liquid-tightly contacts the inner circumferential surface defining the ink supply port 234 . When the cartridge 200 is further inserted into the mounting case 150 , the needle 181 moves the valve 232 forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 233 . Also, the valve 232 causes the valve 185 projecting from the opening 183 of the needle 181 to move backward against the biasing force of the coil spring 186 .

As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the ink supply port 234 and the opening 183 are opened, and the ink valve chamber 213 of the supply pipe 230 and the internal space of the needle 181 are communicated with each other. That is, in a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 , the inner space of the ink valve chamber 213 and the needle 181 constitutes a channel that connects the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 .

Further, when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, part of the liquid chamber 210 and part of the liquid chamber 171 overlap each other when viewed in the horizontal direction. As a result, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 moves to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 due to the difference in water head through the connected supply pipe 230 and joint 180 .

A protrusion 241 is formed on the upper wall 204 . The protrusion 241 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-rear direction 8 . The protrusion 241 has a locking surface 242 and an inclined surface 243 . The locking surface 242 and the inclined surface 243 are positioned above the top wall 204 . The lock surface 242 faces forward in the front-rear direction 8 and extends in the up-down direction 7 and the left-right direction 9 (that is, substantially perpendicular to the top wall 204). The inclined surface 243 is inclined with respect to the upper wall 204 so as to face upward in the up-down direction 7 and backward in the front-rear direction 8 .

The lock surface 242 is a surface that abuts on the lock pin 156 when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 . The inclined surface 243 is a surface that guides the lock pin 156 to a position where it contacts the lock surface 242 in the process of mounting the cartridge 200 to the mounting case 150 . When the lock surface 242 and the lock pin 156 are in contact with each other, the cartridge 200 is held at the mounting position shown in FIG.

A flat plate member is formed to extend upward from the upper wall 204 in front of the lock surface 242 . The upper surface of this flat plate-shaped member is an operation portion 244 that is operated by the user when removing the cartridge 200 from the mounting case 150 . When the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 and the cover 87 is positioned at the exposed position, the operation section 244 can be operated by the user. When the operation portion 244 is pushed downward, the lock surface 242 moves downward from the lock pin 156 by rotating the cartridge 200 . As a result, the cartridge 200 can be removed from the mounting case 150 .

A light shielding rib 245 is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and behind the projection 241 . The light shielding rib 245 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-rear direction 8 . The light shielding rib 245 is formed of a material or color that shields light output from the light emitting portion of the mounting sensor 154 . The light shielding rib 245 is positioned on the optical path from the light emitting portion of the mounting sensor 154 to the light receiving portion when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 . That is, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130 when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 . On the other hand, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a high level signal to the controller 130 in response to the fact that the cartridge 200 is not mounted in the mounting case 150 . That is, the controller 130 can detect whether or not the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 based on the signal output from the attachment sensor 154 .

An IC chip 247 is positioned on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and between the light shielding ribs 245 and the protrusions 241 in the front-rear direction 8 . An electrode 248 is formed on the IC chip 247 . The IC chip 247 also includes a storage unit (not shown). The electrode 248 is electrically connected to the memory section of the IC chip 247 described above. The electrode 248 is exposed on the upper surface of the IC chip 247 so as to be electrically conductive with the contact 152 . That is, the electrodes 248 are electrically connected to the contacts 152 when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 . Controller 130 can read information from the memory of IC chip 247 through contacts 152 and electrodes 248 and write information to the memory of IC chip 247 through contacts 152 and electrodes 248 . Hereinafter, reading information from the storage unit of the IC chip 247 and writing information to the storage unit is simply referred to as reading information from the IC chip 247 and writing information to the IC chip 247 .

[Controller 130]
The controller 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, an EEPROM 134, and an ASIC 135, as shown in FIG. The ROM 132 stores a control program 35 for the CPU 131 to control various operations. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data, signals, etc. used when the CPU 131 executes the above-described programs, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 134 stores setting information that should be retained even after the power is turned off. CPU 131 is an example of a computer. The ROM 132, RAM 133, EEPROM 134, and the storage section of the IC chip 247 described above are examples of memory. The control program 35 is an example of a program.

The ASIC 135 is for operating the feed roller 23 , the transport roller 25 , the discharge roller 27 and the head 21 . The controller 130 rotates the feeding roller 23 , the conveying roller 25 and the discharging roller 27 by driving a motor (not shown) through the ASIC 135 . In addition, the controller 130 causes the head 21 to eject ink through the nozzles 29 by outputting drive signals to the drive elements of the head 21 through the ASIC 135 . The ASIC 135 can output multiple types of drive signals according to the amount of ink to be ejected through the nozzles 29 .

A contact 152 , a mounting sensor 154 , a liquid level sensor 155 and a communication I/F 34 are electrically connected to the ASIC 135 . The controller 130 accesses the storage section of the IC chip 247 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 through the contact 152 . Also, the controller 130 detects insertion/removal of the cartridge 200 through the mounting sensor 154 . Furthermore, the controller 130 detects whether or not the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the reference position P through the liquid level sensor 155 .

The EEPROM 134 stores various information associated with each of the four cartridges 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 , in other words, associated with each of the tanks 160 communicating with the cartridges 200 . Various information includes an S_Empty flag, and an initial first remaining capacity value and an initial second remaining capacity value, which will be described later.

The S_Empty flag is information indicating whether the tank 160 is in an ink empty state. The S_Empty flag is set by the controller 130 to the value "ON" corresponding to the ink empty state or to the value "OFF" corresponding to the non-ink empty state. The ink empty state is, for example, a state in which the liquid level of ink stored in the tank 160 (more specifically, the liquid chamber 171 ) reaches the upper end of the outflow port 174 . If the head 21 continues to eject ink after the ink is empty, the nozzles 29 may not be filled with ink and air may enter (so-called air-in). That is, the ink-empty state is a state in which discharge of ink through the head 21 must be prohibited.

A display 28 and a touch sensor 18 superimposed on the display 28 are connected to the ASIC 135 . The display 28 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like, and displays various information. The touch sensor 18 detects a position tapped by the user on the display 28 and outputs position information. That is, the controller 130 can detect whether or not the user has tapped the object while the display 28 is displaying the object.

Also, the home button 19 is connected to the ASIC 135 . When the home button 19 is operated by the user and an operation signal is input from the home button 19, the controller 130 causes the display 28 to display the standby screen (FIG. 13). Details will be described later. The touch sensor 18 and home button 19 are examples of an input unit.

The display 28 displays the standby screens shown in FIGS. 13 and 15A and the ink remaining amount screens shown in FIGS. 14 and 15B according to instructions from the controller . Each screen will be described in detail below. In the following, when the colors of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black are not distinguished, the letter "M" indicating magenta, the letter "C" indicating cyan, the letter "Y" indicating yellow, and black are used. In some cases, the characters “Bk” shown are omitted in the description. For example, when an eighteenth object 268M, an eighteenth object 268C, an eighteenth object 268Y, and an eighteenth object 268Bk, which will be described later, are not distinguished, they may simply be described as the eighteenth object 268 in some cases.

[Standby screen]
The standby screen shown in FIG. 13 is a screen displayed in the standby state. The standby screen has function objects 73 indicating functions such as "fax", "copy", and "scan". When the user taps the function object 73, a screen (not shown) showing details of each function is displayed. The standby screen also includes a setting object 74 for displaying the screen on a setting screen (not shown), a scroll object 75 for scrolling the screen, and the like.

The standby screen also has four third objects 253 that indicate the remaining amount of each color of ink (hereinafter also referred to as remaining ink amount) stored in the four cartridges 200 . In the illustrated example, the third object 253 is arranged at the lower right of the standby screen. However, the arrangement position of the third object 253 is not limited to the bottom right. A standby screen including the third object 253 is an example of the second screen.

The four third objects 253 are, from left to right, a third object 253M, a third object 253C, a third object 253Y, and a third object 253Bk. A third object 253M indicates the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 200 that stores magenta ink. A third object 253C indicates the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 200 that stores cyan ink. A third object 253Y indicates the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 200 that stores yellow ink. The third object 253Bk indicates the ink remaining amount of the cartridge 200 that stores black ink.

The third object 253 includes a vertically long rectangular frame portion 76 elongated in the vertical direction 71 and a scale portion 77 having a length corresponding to the remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 . That is, when the remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 is zero, the third object 253 is only the frame portion 76 . The number of scale portions 77 corresponding to the remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 is displayed. For example, the scale portion 77 has 1 to 20 scales. That is, the third object 253 has a plurality of display modes that are displayed in areas corresponding to the remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 .

The third object 253 is also a switching object that transitions the screen from the standby screen to the remaining ink screen (FIG. 14). The ink remaining amount screen will be described later.

The standby screen also has a fourth object 254 that is displayed depending on the situation. Specifically, the fourth object 254 is displayed when there is a cartridge 200 that should be replaced. In other words, the fourth object 254 is an object that prompts the user to replace the cartridge 200 .

In the illustrated example, the fourth object 254 is a "!" Note that the fourth object 254 may be a symbol, character, or figure other than "!" as long as the user can recognize that the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been used up.

The fourth object 254 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 76 of the third object 253 . Specifically, the fourth object 254 is superimposed on the frame portion 76 of the third object 253 at a position indicating the cartridge 200 to be replaced. In the illustrated example, the fourth object 254 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 76 of the third object 253 representing cyan.

The standby screen also has a sixth object 256 that is displayed depending on the situation. Specifically, the sixth object 256 is displayed when there is not enough ink to continue printing. That is, the sixth object 256 makes the user aware that printing cannot be continued unless the cartridge 200 is replaced.

The sixth object 256 is an "x" symbol in the illustrated example. The sixth object 256 allows the user to intuitively recognize that the ink stored in the cartridge 200 and the tank 160 has been used up and printing cannot be continued. Note that the sixth object 256 may be a symbol, character, or figure other than "x" as long as the user can recognize that printing cannot be continued.

The sixth object 256 is superimposed on the frame portion 76 of the third object 253 at a position indicating the cartridge 200 that cannot continue printing unless it is replaced. In the illustrated example, the sixth object 256 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 76 of the third object 253 representing yellow.

The standby screen also has an eighth object 258 that is displayed depending on the situation, as shown in FIG. 15(A). The eighth object 258 is the character "?" in the illustrated example. The eighth object 258 is displayed when the type of cartridge 200 cannot be determined. That is, the eighth object 258 is displayed when a cartridge 200 whose type cannot be determined is mounted in the mounting case 150 . The eighth object 258 makes the user aware that an incompatible cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 and the remaining amount of ink cannot be displayed. Note that the eighth object 258 may be a character, symbol, or figure other than "?" as long as the user can recognize that the remaining amount of ink cannot be displayed.

The eighth object 258 is displayed superimposed on the frame portion 76 of the third object 253 that cannot display the remaining amount of ink. In the illustrated example, the eighth object 258 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 76 of the third object 253C representing cyan and the frame portion 76 of the third object 253Y representing yellow.

When the user taps the third object 253 on the standby screen, the remaining ink screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display 28 .

[Remaining ink screen]
The ink remaining amount screen includes a tenth object 260M that is the letter M representing magenta, a tenth object 260C that is the letter C representing cyan, a tenth object 260Y that is the letter Y representing yellow, and black. 10th object 260Bk which is the character of Bk shown. Note that the tenth object 260 may be other characters, symbols, or graphics as long as they indicate each color. The remaining ink screen is an example of the first screen.

The remaining ink screen also includes a first object 251 indicating the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge 200 and a second object 252 indicating the remaining amount of ink in the tank 160 . A first object 251 is positioned below each tenth object 260 . The second object 252 is positioned below the first object 251 . A tenth object 260 indicates ink colors corresponding to the first object 251 and the second object 252 positioned below.

The first object 251 includes a vertically long rectangular frame portion 61 elongated in the vertical direction 71 and a scale portion 62 having a length corresponding to the remaining amount of ink. That is, when the remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 is zero, the first object 251 is only the frame portion 61 . The number of scale portions 62 corresponding to the remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 is displayed. For example, the scale portion 62 has 1 to 20 scales. That is, the first object 251 has a plurality of display modes that are displayed in areas corresponding to the remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 . The plurality of first objects 251 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction 71 .

The second object 252 includes a vertically long rectangular frame portion 63 extending in the vertical direction 71 and a scale portion 64 having a length corresponding to the remaining amount of ink. That is, when the remaining amount of ink stored in the tank 160 is zero, the second object 252 is only the frame portion 63 . The number of scale portions 64 corresponding to the remaining amount of ink stored in the tank 160 is displayed. That is, the second object 252 has a plurality of display modes that are displayed in areas corresponding to the amount of ink remaining in the tank 160 . A plurality of second objects 252 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction 71 .

The length (width) of the first object 251 in the horizontal direction 72 and the length (width) of the second object 252M in the horizontal direction 72 are the same. Note that the width of the first object 251 may be changed according to the type of cartridge 200 . For example, if the cartridge 200 is of the normal type, the width of the first object 251 is the same as the width of the second object 252, and if the cartridge 200 is of the large capacity type, the width of the first object 251 is the same as the width of the second object 252. It is made wider than the width of the object 252 . That is, the width of the first object 251 with respect to the second object 252 allows the user to intuitively recognize the type of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 .

The remaining ink screen also includes a fifth object 255 that is displayed depending on the situation. The fifth object 255 is a "!" symbol, similar to the fourth object 254 described above. The fifth object 255 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 61 of the first object 251 . Specifically, the fifth object 255 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 76 of the first object 251 indicating the cartridge 200 whose ink has run out. In the illustrated example, the fifth object 255 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 76 of the first object 251C representing cyan. The fifth object 255 allows the user to intuitively recognize that the ink in the cartridge 200 has been used up. Note that the fifth object 255 may be characters, symbols, or graphics different from the fourth object 254 .

The remaining ink screen also includes a seventh object 257 that is displayed depending on the situation. The seventh object 257 is an "x" symbol, similar to the sixth object 256 described above. The seventh object 257 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 61 of the first object 251 and the frame portion 63 of the second object 252 . Specifically, the seventh object 257 is superimposed on the frame portion 61 of the first object 251 indicating the cartridge 200 whose ink has been used up and the frame portion 63 of the second object 252 indicating the tank 160 whose ink has been used up. be done. In the illustrated example, the seventh object 257 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 63 of the first object 251Y representing yellow. The seventh object 257 allows the user to intuitively recognize that printing cannot be continued unless the cartridge 200 is replaced. Note that the seventh object 257 may be characters, symbols, or graphics different from the sixth object 256 .

The remaining ink screen also includes a ninth object 259 that is displayed depending on the situation, as shown in FIG. 15B. The ninth object 259 is a "?" symbol, similar to the eighth object 258 described above. The ninth object 259 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 61 of the first object 251 . Specifically, the ninth object 259 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 61 of the first object 251, which cannot display the remaining amount of ink. In the illustrated example, the ninth object 259 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 76 of the first object 251C indicating cyan and yellow and the first object 251Y. The ninth object 259 allows the user to intuitively recognize that the incompatible cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 and the remaining amount of ink cannot be displayed. Note that the ninth object 259 may be characters, symbols, or graphics different from the eighth object 258 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the remaining ink screen includes an eleventh object 261 that is the characters "printable number (ISO conversion)", twelfth objects 262M, 262C, and twelfth objects 262M and 262C that indicate the number of It has a twelfth object 262Y and a twelfth object 262Bk. The eleventh object 261 is positioned below the second object 252 . Note that the eleventh object 261 may be other characters, graphics, or symbols as long as they indicate the number of printable sheets.

"Printable number of sheets (ISO conversion)" indicates the number of sheets that can be printed with the current amount of remaining ink when printing is performed according to the test method specified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). A detailed method of calculating the number of printable sheets will be described later.

The twelfth object 262M is positioned below the eleventh object 261 and below the tenth object 260M representing magenta. The twelfth object 262M indicates how many sheets of paper can be printed with the remaining amount of magenta ink stored in the cartridge 200 and tank 160 . In the illustrated example, the twelfth object 262M is the number "700", indicating that 700 sheets of paper can be printed.

The twelfth object 262C is positioned below the eleventh object 261 and below the tenth object 260C representing cyan. A twelfth object 262</b>C indicates how many sheets of paper can be printed based on the remaining amount of cyan ink stored in the cartridge 200 and tank 160 . In the illustrated example, the twelfth object 262C is the number "150", indicating that printing is possible on 150 sheets of paper.

The twelfth object 262Y is positioned below the eleventh object 261 and below the tenth object 260Y representing yellow. The twelfth object 262</b>Y indicates how many sheets of paper can be printed with the amount of yellow ink remaining in the cartridge 200 and tank 160 . In the illustrated example, the twelfth object 262Y is the numeral "0", indicating that printing is possible on 0 sheets of paper.

The twelfth object 262Bk is positioned below the eleventh object 261 and below the tenth object 260Bk indicating black. The twelfth object 262Bk indicates how many sheets of paper can be printed with the amount of black ink remaining in the cartridge 200 and tank 160 . In the illustrated example, the twelfth object 262Bk is the number "2300", indicating that 2300 sheets of paper can be printed.

Note that the number indicated by the twelfth object 262 changes according to the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 200 and the tank 160 .

The first display area S1, which is the display area of the first display area that is the display area of the remaining ink level screen (FIG. 14), is the second display area that is the display area where the third object 253 is displayed on the standby screen (FIG. 13). It is larger than the second display area S2, which is the display area of the display area. That is, in the second display area of the standby screen with a small display area, only the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge 200 is displayed, and in the first display area of the remaining ink amount screen with a large display area, the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 200 and the amount of ink in the tank 160 are displayed. , and the number of printable pages (ISO conversion). In the illustrated example, the first display area S1 of the remaining ink screen is approximately 30 times the second display area S2 of the standby screen.

[Operation of Printer 10]
The operation of the printer 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 to 12 and the screens shown in FIGS. 13 to 15. FIG. Each process shown in FIGS. 7 to 12 is executed by controller 130 (FIG. 6). Each of the following processes may be executed by the CPU 131 by the control program 35 stored in the ROM 132 or may be realized by a hardware circuit mounted on the controller 130 . Also, the execution order of the following processes can be changed as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention.

[Image formation processing]
Controller 130 executes the image forming process shown in FIG. 7 in response to a print instruction being input to printer 10 . Although the print instruction acquisition destination is not particularly limited, for example, a user operation corresponding to the print instruction may be received through the operation panel 22 or the display 28, or may be received from an external device through the communication I/F 34.

First, the controller 130 determines the value of the S_Empty flag (S11). That is, the controller 130 determines whether there is enough ink in the printer 10 to print. When the controller 130 determines that the S_Empty flag is ON (S11: ON), it acquires the mounting signal (S12), the mounting signal changes from "L" to "H", and further from "H" to "L". (S13). That is, the controller 130 monitors whether the cartridge 200 has been replaced by monitoring changes in the mounting signal.

When the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 has not been replaced (S13: No), it acquires the mounting signal again (S12). When the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 has been replaced (S13: Yes), it executes a first update process (S14). Note that the controller 130 may determine whether or not the cartridge 200 has been replaced by executing other processes instead of the processes of steps S12 and S13. For example, the controller 130 may read the serial number of the cartridge 200 from the IC chip 247 of the cartridge 200, and determine whether the cartridge 200 has been replaced based on whether it matches the serial number stored in the EEPROM 134. .

[First update process]
The first update process shown in FIG. 8A is a process of updating the first remaining amount value indicating the first remaining amount and the second remaining amount value indicating the second remaining amount when the cartridge 200 is replaced. is. As described above, the first remaining amount is the remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 , and the second remaining amount is the remaining amount of ink stored in the tank 160 .

First, the controller 130 acquires an initial filling value indicating the initial filling amount of the cartridge 200 (S31). Specifically, the type information is read from the IC chip 247 of the cartridge 200, the initial filling value corresponding to the read type information is read from the EEPROM 134, and the initial filling value is obtained. The EEPROM 134 stores in advance a table showing the correspondence between the type information and the initial filling value. Note that the controller 130 may acquire the initial value of the first remaining amount value stored in the IC chip 247 of the cartridge 200 as the initial filling value.

Also, the controller 130 reads the second remaining amount value from the RAM 133 (S32). The second remaining amount value is a value indicating the amount of ink remaining in the tank 160 immediately before the cartridge 200 is replaced.

The controller 130 sums the read initial filling value and the second remaining amount value to calculate a total remaining amount value indicating the total remaining amount of ink (S33). The controller 130 determines a new first remaining amount value and second remaining amount value from the calculated total remaining amount value (S34). Specifically, when a new cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 , part of the ink stored in the cartridge 200 flows out into the liquid chamber 171 . As a result, the amount of ink stored in cartridge 200 decreases, and the amount of ink stored in tank 160 increases. The new first remaining amount value indicates the remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 after the ink has flowed out to the tank 160 . The new second remaining amount value indicates the remaining amount of ink stored in tank 160 after the ink has flowed out from cartridge 200 . The process of step S34 is an example of the first determination process and the second determination process. The total remaining amount indicated by the total remaining amount value is an example of the total amount.

The determination of the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value is performed by calculation using a calculation formula based on a function or determination in a table. Specifically, the shape of the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the shape of the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 are predetermined by design. Therefore, if the total remaining amount of ink is known, the first remaining amount and the second remaining amount can also be known. The EEPROM 134 shows a formula for calculating the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value from the total remaining amount value, or the correspondence between the total remaining amount value, the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value. A table is stored in advance. The controller 130 determines the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value using the calculation formulas and tables.

The controller 130 causes the determined first remaining amount value to be stored in the EEPROM 134 as an initial first remaining amount value, stores it in the RAM 133, and overwrites the first remaining amount value stored in the storage section of the IC chip 247. (S35). Further, controller 130 causes EEPROM 134 to store the determined second remaining amount value as an initial second remaining amount value, and causes RAM to store the determined second remaining amount value, and ends the first update process. The process of step S35 is an example of the storage process.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the first update process ends (S14), the controller 130 sets the S_Empty flag to "OFF" (S15), and executes the process of step S11 again.

When controller 130 determines that the value of the S_Empty flag is "OFF" (S11: OFF), it records an image on paper (S16). Ink is consumed by recording an image on paper. As the ink is consumed, the ink level in the tank 160 is lowered. The controller 130 acquires the liquid level signal before and after image formation (S16) (S17), and determines the value of the liquid level signal and whether the liquid level signal has changed (S18).

When the controller 130 determines that the liquid level signal remains "L" (S18: L→L), it executes the second update process (S19). That is, when controller 130 determines that the ink stored in cartridge 200 has not been used up, controller 130 executes the second update process.

[Second update process]
The second update process shown in FIG. 8B is a process of determining a new first remaining amount value and second remaining amount value from the discharge value indicating the amount of ink used for printing. The ejection value is, for example, a value calculated by multiplying a voltage value that determines the size of ink droplets to be ejected from the head 21 by the number of times the ink droplets are ejected. Each time the controller 130 instructs the head 21 to eject ink, it calculates an ejection value according to the instruction. The controller 130 counts the ejection values used by the head 21 from the replacement of the cartridge 200 to the present. That is, the discharge value is an integrated value of the ink used by the head 21 from the replacement of the cartridge 200 to the present. An emission value is an example of a usage value. The process of counting the discharge value is an example of the counting process.

First, the controller 130 reads the initial first remaining amount value from the RAM 133 or the EEPROM 124 (S41), and reads the initial second remaining amount value from the RAM 133 or the EEPROM 134 (S42). The controller 130 calculates the initial total remaining capacity value by summing the read initial first remaining capacity value and the initial second remaining capacity value. The controller 130 subtracts the discharge value (integrated value) from the calculated initial total remaining amount value to calculate the current total remaining amount value (S43). After that, the controller 130 determines a new first remaining amount value and a new second remaining amount value using calculation formulas and tables in the same manner as described above (S44). The process of step S44 is an example of the first determination process and the second determination process.

The controller 130 causes the RAM 133 to store the determined new first remaining amount value, overwrites the first remaining amount value stored in the storage unit of the IC chip 247 (S45), and stores the determined new second remaining amount value. The value is stored in the RAM 133 (S46), and the second update process ends. The processing of steps S45 and S46 is an example of storage processing.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the second update process (S19) ends, the controller 130 determines whether or not there is a next page (S22). When the process of step S11 is executed again and it is determined that there is no next page (S22: No), the image forming process is terminated.

The method for determining the first remaining amount and the second remaining amount described above is an example, and the first remaining amount and the second remaining amount may be determined by other methods.

When the controller 130 determines in the process of step S11 that the value of the S_Empty flag is "OFF" (S11: OFF), it executes the processes of steps S16, S17, and S18 again, and determines that the liquid level signal is " When it is determined that it has changed from "L" to "H" (S18: L→H), the third update process (S20) is executed. That is, when controller 130 determines that the ink stored in cartridge 200 has been used up, controller 130 executes the third update process.

[Third update process]
The third update process shown in FIG. 8C is a process of updating the first remaining amount value to the first predetermined value and updating the second remaining amount value to the second predetermined value. Specifically, the discharge value indicating the amount of ink discharged by printing contains an error. Therefore, the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value, which are calculated each time printing is performed, include accumulated errors. The third update process is a process of resetting the accumulated error.

Specifically, the controller 130 overwrites the initial first remaining amount value stored in the storage unit of the IC chip 247 with the first predetermined value (S47). The first predetermined value is, for example, "zero". Also, the controller 130 causes the EEPROM 134 and the RAM 133 to store the initial second remaining amount value as the second predetermined value (S48), and ends the process. The second predetermined value is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 when the ink level is at the reference position P. The second predetermined value is pre-stored in the ROM 132, for example. The first predetermined value is an example of a first threshold. The second predetermined value is an example of a predetermined amount. The process of step S47 is an example of the first determination process and the storage process. The process of step S48 is an example of the second determination process and the storage process.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the third update process (S20) ends, the controller 130 determines whether there is a next page (S22), and if it determines that there is a next page (S22: Yes), When the process of step S11 is executed again and it is determined that there is no next page (S22: No), the image forming process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines in the process of step S11 that the value of the S_Empty flag is "OFF" (S11: OFF), the processes of steps S16, S17, and S18 are executed again, and the liquid level signal is still "H" (S18: H→H), the fourth update process (S21) is executed. That is, the controller 130 executes the fourth update process until the cartridge 200 is replaced with a new cartridge 200 after the ink stored in the cartridge 200 is used up.

[Fourth update process]
The fourth update process shown in FIG. 8D calculates the second remaining amount value, and determines whether or not the second remaining amount indicated by the calculated second remaining amount value is sufficient for continuing printing. It is a process to First, controller 130 reads a second predetermined value from RAM 133 or EEPROM 134 (S51). Also, the controller 30 reads the discharge value from the EEPROM 134 (S52). The discharged value indicates an integrated value of the ink used by the head 21 from when the output value of the liquid level sensor 155 changed from "L" to "H" to the present. The controller 130 subtracts the discharge value from the read second predetermined value to calculate a new second remaining amount value (S53). The process of step S53 is an example of the second determination process.

The controller 130 stores the calculated new second remaining amount in the RAM 133 (S54). Note that the first remaining amount value is not overwritten, and remains at the first predetermined value (zero) until the cartridge 200 is replaced. The processing of step S53 is an example of storage processing.

Next, controller 130 determines whether or not the calculated second remaining amount value is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value (S55). The third predetermined value is a value stored in advance in the EEPROM 134 or the like as a value indicating the amount of ink remaining at which printing cannot be continued.

When the controller 130 determines that the calculated second remaining amount value is equal to or greater than the third predetermined value and that printing can be continued (S55: Yes), the process of step S56 is skipped and the fourth update is performed. End the process. When the controller 130 determines that the calculated second remaining amount value is less than the third predetermined value and cannot continue printing (S55: No), the controller 130 sets the S_Empty flag to "ON" (S56). End the update process. The third predetermined value is an example of a second threshold.

As described above, each time image formation for one page is executed, the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value are determined according to the amount of ink used for image formation. In the above description, the example in which the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value are determined each time one page of image formation is performed has been described. , may be determined in other reference units, such as per pass. Also, the second update process, the third update process, and the fourth update process are executed each time ink is ejected from the head 21 for maintenance or the like as well as for printing.

After determining the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value, the controller 130 executes the object determination processing shown in FIG. 11 . The object determination process is a process of determining display/non-display of the first object 251 to the ninth object 259 and determining the number of printable sheets.

[Object decision processing]
First, the controller 130 determines whether or not the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 is suitable (S91). Specifically, when the controller 130 attempts to access the IC chip 247 and determines that "the IC chip 247 cannot be accessed" or "predetermined information such as type information cannot be read", the IC chip 247 is mounted on the mounting case 150. It is determined that the cartridge 200 received is an incompatible cartridge. When the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 is an incompatible cartridge (S91: No), it decides to display the eighth object 258 and the ninth object 259, which are symbols of "?" S92).

Next, the controller 130 controls the scale portion 62 of the first object 251, the scale portion 64 of the second object 252, the scale portion 77 of the third object 253, the fourth object 254 which is the symbol "!" The 5th object 255 and the sixth and seventh objects 256 and 257, which are "x" symbols, are determined not to be displayed (S93), and the process ends.

On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 is compatible (S91: Yes), it reads out the updated first remaining amount value and second remaining amount value from the RAM 133 (S94), and sets the S_Empty flag. is confirmed (S95). That is, controller 130 determines whether there is enough ink to continue printing.

When the controller 130 determines that the set value of the S_Empty flag is ON and there is not enough ink left to continue printing (S95: ON), the scale part 62 of the first object 251 is hidden (the number of scales is zero). ) (S96), the scale portion 64 of the second object 252 is determined to be non-display (the number of scales is zero) (S97), and the fifth object 255, which is the symbol "x", is determined to be displayed ( S98), the twelfth object 262 indicating the number of printable sheets is set to "0" (S99), and the process ends.

When the controller 130 determines that the set value of the S_Empty flag is OFF and there is enough ink left to continue printing (S95: OFF), it checks the output value of the liquid level sensor 155 (S100). That is, the controller 130 determines whether the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been used up.

The controller 130 detects that the output value of the liquid level sensor 155 is "L". When it is determined that the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has not been used up (S100: L), the first (third) object scale determination process is executed (S101). The first (third) object scale determination process is an example of the determination process.

[First (third) object scale determination process]
The first (third) object scale determination process of FIG. 9A is a process of determining the number of scales of the first object 251 and the third object 253 based on the determined first remaining amount value.

First, the controller 130 reads the first remaining capacity value and the fourth predetermined value (S61), and determines the first remaining capacity ratio (S62). Specifically, the value obtained by dividing the first remaining amount value by the fourth predetermined value is multiplied by 100 to determine the first remaining amount ratio (%). The fourth predetermined value is a value determined according to the type of cartridge 200 mounted in mounting case 150 . Specifically, the fourth predetermined value is set when a new cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 in a state in which no ink is stored in the tank 160, and the ink flows out from the cartridge 200 to the tank 160 due to the difference in water head. This is the first remaining amount value when the height position of the liquid level of the stored ink and the height position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the tank 160 are the same. It is assumed that a predetermined initial filling amount of ink corresponding to the type of cartridge 200 is stored in the new cartridge 200 described above.

The fourth predetermined value is pre-stored in the EEPROM 134, for example. The controller 130 reads out the type information of the cartridge 200 from the IC chip 247 and reads out the fourth predetermined value corresponding to the read type information from the EEPROM 134 . The EEPROM 134 stores in advance a table showing the correspondence between the fourth predetermined value and the type information. The fourth predetermined value is an example of a predetermined value.

Next, the controller 130 determines the number of scales of the first object 251 and the third object 253 based on the determined first remaining amount ratio (S63). Specifically, when the determined first remaining amount percentage is equal to or greater than 0% and less than 5%, the controller 130 determines the number of scales of the first object 251 and the third object 253 to be "1", If the 1 remaining amount ratio is 5% or more and less than 10%, the number of scales is determined to be "2". Similarly, the number of scales is increased by one every time the first remaining amount ratio increases by 5%. However, when the first remaining amount ratio is 95% or more, the number of scales is all determined to be "20".

The reason why the number of scales is determined according to the first remaining amount ratio calculated based on the fourth predetermined value is to prevent the amount of ink indicated by one scale from varying. Specifically, the printer 10 has a tank 160 that stores ink separately from the cartridge 200 . Therefore, even after the ink stored in the cartridge 200 is used up, printing can be continued with the ink stored in the tank 160 . The user replaces the cartridge 200 before the ink stored in the tank 160 is used up. Therefore, it is assumed that the cartridge 200 will be replaced while ink remains in the tank 160 . When the cartridge 200 is replaced while ink remains in the tank 160, the initial total remaining amount value indicating the total remaining amount of ink immediately after replacement of the cartridge 200 changes depending on the amount of ink remaining in the tank. Therefore, if the number of scales is determined based on the initial total remaining amount value, the amount of ink indicated by one scale will change. By determining the number of scales of the first object 251 and the third object 253 based on the fourth predetermined value, regardless of the amount of ink remaining in the tank 160 when the cartridge 200 is replaced, the ink indicated by one scale is does not change and remains constant.

Further, when the number of scales of the first object 251 and the third object 253 is determined based on the fourth predetermined value, and the first remaining amount ratio is 95% or more, the number of all scales is set to "20". By determining, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable. Specifically, if the number of scales is determined based on the initial filling amount of the cartridge 200, the number of scales may decrease after the ink flows out from the cartridge 200 into the tank 160 after the cartridge 200 is replaced. That is, there may be a case where the number of scales does not display the maximum number "20" even though printing has not been done even once. If it does so, a user will be made to produce discomfort. Further, for example, if the first remaining amount percentage is 100% or more and less than 105% and the number of scales of the first object 251 and the third object 253 is set to "21", the ink remaining in the tank 160 when the cartridge 200 is replaced is The maximum display of the scale varies depending on the amount. If it does so, a user will be made to produce discomfort. When the number of scales of the first object 251 and the third object 253 is determined based on the fourth predetermined value and the first remaining amount ratio is 95% or more, all the number of scales is determined to be "20" As a result, the number of scales of the first object 251 and the third object 253 is always the maximum value "20" until printing is performed after the cartridge 200 is replaced. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable.

As shown in FIG. 11, the controller 130 determines the number of scales of the first object 251 and the third object 253 (S101), and then sets the number of scales of the second object 252 to the maximum value "20". (S102). Further, the controller 130 executes a process for determining the number of printable sheets (ISO conversion) (S103), and ends the process.

Note that, as described above, the first object 251 and the third object 253 display the same number of scales. That is, the ratio of display scales to the maximum number of scales (20) of the first object 251 and the ratio of display scales to the maximum number of memories (20) of the third object 253 are the same. Therefore, the display ratio of the first object 251 to the maximum display area and the display ratio of the third object 253 to the maximum display area are the same. Also, the first object 251 and the third object 253 are displayed on the display 28 in conjunction with each other.

[Printable number determination process]
The printable number determination process is a process of determining the number indicated by the twelfth object 262 (FIG. 14) based on the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value determined in each update process (FIG. 8).

First, as shown in FIG. 10, the controller 130 reads the type information of the cartridge 200 from the IC chip 247 of the cartridge 200 (S81). The controller 130 acquires the standard usage value from the read type information (S82). Specifically, the controller 130 reads from the EEPROM 134 the read type information and the corresponding standard usage value. The EEPROM 134 stores in advance a table showing the correspondence between the type information and the standard use value. The standard usage value indicates the number of printable sheets per unit amount of ink when printing is performed according to the test method specified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Next, the controller 130 reads the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value from the RAM 133 (S83). The controller 130 sums the read first remaining amount value and second remaining amount value to calculate the total remaining amount of ink (S84).

Next, the controller 130 multiplies the calculated total remaining amount value by the standard usage value to calculate the number of printable sheets (ISO conversion) (S85). The controller 130 causes the RAM 133 to store the calculated number of printable sheets (ISO conversion) (S86), and ends the process.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the controller 130 determines that the output value of the liquid level sensor 155 is "H" and that the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been used up (S100: H), the first object 251 is determined not to be displayed (S104). Next, the controller 130 determines to display the fourth object 254 and the fifth object 255, which are "!" symbols (S105). Next, the controller 130 executes a second object scale determination process (S106) and a printable number determination process (S107), and ends the process. The printable number determination process is the same process as the printable number (ISO conversion) determination process described in step S103.

[Second object scale determination process]
The second object scale determination process of FIG. 9B is a process of determining the number of scales of the second object 252 based on the fourth update process (the second remaining amount value determined in FIG. 8D). .

The controller 130 reads the second remaining capacity value and the second predetermined value (S71), and determines the second remaining capacity ratio (S72). Specifically, the controller 130 divides the second remaining amount value read from the RAM 133 by the second predetermined value read from the EEPROM 134, and multiplies the value obtained by dividing the value by 100 to determine the second remaining amount percentage (%). do. The second predetermined value is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in tank 160 when the ink stored in cartridge 200 is used up.

The controller 130 determines the number of scales of the second object 252 based on the determined second remaining amount ratio (S73). Specifically, when the determined second remaining amount percentage is 0% or more and less than 5%, the controller 130 determines the number of scales to be "1", and the second remaining amount percentage is 5% or more to 10%. If it is less than %, determine the number of ticks to be "2". Similarly, each time the second remaining amount ratio increases by 5%, the number of scales is increased by one. ” is determined.

The controller 130 causes the display 28 to display the standby screen and the remaining ink screen including the objects determined to be displayed in the object determination process (FIG. 11). Therefore, the third object 253, fourth object 254 ("!"), sixth object 256 ("x"), and eighth object 258 ("?") displayed on the standby screen are displayed on the remaining ink screen. The first object 251, the fifth object 255 (“!”), the seventh object 257 (“x”), and the ninth object 259 (“?”) are interlocked. That is, the third object 253 displayed on the standby screen has a reduced shape of the first object 251 displayed on the remaining ink screen. When the fifth object 255 ("!") is displayed on the remaining ink screen, and the sixth object 256 ("x") is displayed on the standby screen, the seventh object 257 (" x”) is displayed, and when the eighth object 258 (“?”) is displayed on the standby screen, the ninth object 259 (“?”) is also displayed on the remaining ink screen.

The controller 130 also executes a screen selection process for determining whether to display the standby screen on the display 28 or the remaining ink level screen on the display 28 . The controller 130 switches the screen from the standby screen to the remaining ink level screen or from the remaining ink level screen to the standby screen by a user operation of tapping the third object 253 or automatically. A detailed description will be given below.

[Screen selection process]
First, the controller 130 causes the display 28 to display the standby screen (FIG. 13) in the screen selection process shown in FIG. 12 (S111). Next, the controller 130 determines whether or not the third object 253 has been tapped (S112). When the controller 130 determines that the third object 253 has been tapped (S112: Yes), it executes the image formation process shown in FIG. 7 and the update process shown in FIG. 8, and then the object determination process shown in FIG. Based on the content determined by , the remaining ink screen (FIG. 14) is displayed on the display 28 instead of the standby screen (FIG. 13) (S116).

Further, the controller 130 executes the image formation process shown in FIG. 7 and the update process shown in FIG. 8, and then executes the object determination process shown in FIG. If it is determined that it has not been tapped (S112: No), whether or not it has been decided to display the fourth object 254 and the fifth object 255 ("!") (S113), the sixth object 256 and the seventh object 257 (" x”) is determined to be displayed (S114), and whether or not the eighth object 258 and the ninth object 259 (“?”) are determined to be displayed (S115).

Further, the controller 130 determines that the display of the fourth object 254 and the fifth object 255 has been determined (S113: Yes), or that the display of the sixth object 256 and the seventh object 257 has been determined (S114). : Yes), or if it is decided to display the eighth object 258 and the ninth object 259 (S115: Yes), the remaining ink screen ( 14) is displayed on the display 28 (S116). That is, the screen is automatically switched from the standby screen to the ink remaining amount screen. The process of step S116 is an example of the first display process.

The controller 130 uses a timer counter (not shown) to start counting time when the remaining ink level screen is displayed on the display 28 . The controller 130 displays the remaining ink screen on the display 28 until the count value of the timer counter exceeds the predetermined threshold time stored in the EEPROM 134 (S117: No). When the controller 130 determines that the count value of the timer counter has exceeded the threshold time (S117: Yes), it causes the display 28 to display a standby screen instead of the ink remaining amount screen (S118). The processing of steps S111 and S118 is an example of the second display processing.

Also, the controller 130 monitors whether the home button 19 has been pressed (S117: No, S119: No). When the controller 130 receives an operation signal from the home button 19 and determines that the home button 19 has been pressed (S119: Yes), it causes the display 28 to display a standby screen instead of the remaining ink screen (S118), and starts processing. finish.

On the other hand, the controller 130 determines that the third object 253 has not been tapped (S112: No) and that the fourth object 254 and the fifth object 255 have not been determined to be displayed (S113: No). If it is determined that the sixth object 256 and the seventh object 257 have not been determined to be displayed (S114: No), and if it is determined that the eighth object 258 and the ninth object 259 have not been determined to be displayed ( S115: No), the standby screen (FIG. 13) is continued to be displayed on the display 28 (S118), and the process ends.

The conditions determined in steps S113, S114, and S115 are examples of screen transition conditions.

[Effect of the first embodiment]
In this embodiment, a first object 251 indicating the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 and a second object 252 indicating the amount of ink stored in the tank 160 are displayed on the remaining ink screen. A third object 253 indicating the amount of ink applied is displayed on the standby screen. The user recognizes from the third object 253 displayed on the standby screen that there is enough ink stored in the cartridge 200, that there is not enough ink, or that the ink has run out. When the user recognizes that there is not enough ink stored in the cartridge 200 or that the ink has been used up, the user taps the third object 253 to display an ink remaining amount screen on the display 28, and displays the remaining ink amount. Learn more. By displaying the third object 253 on the standby screen and displaying the first object 251 and the second object 252 on the remaining ink screen, the user can easily recognize the remaining amount of ink.

Further, in this embodiment, details of the remaining ink amount are displayed on the remaining ink amount screen where the display area can be enlarged, and limited information on the remaining ink amount is displayed on the standby screen where the area of the display area cannot be enlarged. do. Therefore, the user can be made to recognize the minimum necessary information on the standby screen, and the details of the remaining ink amount can be made to be recognized by the user on the remaining ink amount screen.

Also, in this embodiment, the scale of the first object 251 and the scale of the third object 253 change in conjunction with each other. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the content indicated by the first object 251 and the third object 253 (remaining amount of ink in the cartridge 200) is the same. This reduces the possibility of giving the user a misunderstanding that the contents indicated by and are not the same.

Further, in this embodiment, the fourth object 254 (“!”) is displayed on the standby screen, so that the user can easily recognize that there is information regarding the remaining amount of ink. The user who visually recognizes the fourth object 254 displayed on the standby screen taps the third object 253 to display the ink remaining amount screen on the display 28 and confirm the details of the ink remaining amount. That is, by displaying the fourth object 254 on the standby screen, it is possible to prompt the user to confirm details regarding the remaining amount of ink.

In addition, in this embodiment, the sixth object 256 (“x”) is displayed on the standby screen, so that the user can easily recognize that there is information regarding the remaining amount of ink. The user who visually recognizes the sixth object 256 displayed on the standby screen taps the third object 253 to display the remaining ink amount screen on the display 28 and confirm the details of the remaining ink amount. That is, by displaying the sixth object 256 on the standby screen, it is possible to prompt the user to confirm details regarding the remaining amount of ink.

Further, in this embodiment, the fifth object 255 (“!”) is displayed on the remaining ink screen, so that the user can easily recognize that the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been used up. Further, since the fourth object 254 displayed on the standby screen and the fifth object 255 displayed on the remaining ink screen have the same symbol "!", the fourth object 254 displayed on the standby screen is visually recognized. When the user switches the screen from the standby screen to the ink remaining amount screen, the user does not feel uncomfortable.

Also, in this embodiment, the seventh object 257 (“x”) is displayed on the remaining ink screen, so that the user can easily recognize that printing cannot be continued unless the cartridge 200 is replaced. Also, since the sixth object 256 displayed on the standby screen and the seventh object 257 displayed on the remaining ink screen are the same symbol "x", the sixth object 256 displayed on the standby screen is visually recognized. When the user switches the screen from the standby screen to the ink remaining amount screen, the user does not feel uncomfortable.

Further, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that an incompatible cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 and the remaining amount cannot be calculated, the eighth object 258 ("?") is displayed on the standby screen. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that an incompatible cartridge 200 is used and the remaining ink amount cannot be displayed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding that the remaining amount of ink is not displayed due to a malfunction.

Further, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that the remaining ink amount cannot be calculated due to an incompatible cartridge 200 being attached to the installation case 150, a ninth object 259 ("?") is displayed on the ink remaining amount screen. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that an incompatible cartridge 200 is used and the remaining ink amount cannot be displayed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding that the remaining amount of ink is not displayed due to a malfunction. Further, since the eighth object 258 displayed on the standby screen and the ninth object 259 displayed on the remaining ink screen have the same symbol "?", the eighth object 258 displayed on the standby screen is visually recognized. When the user switches the screen from the standby screen to the ink remaining amount screen, the user does not feel uncomfortable.

Further, in this embodiment, when the user taps the third object 253, the screen switches from the standby screen to the remaining ink screen, and when the user presses the home button 19, the screen switches from the remaining ink screen to the standby screen. The screen switches. Therefore, the user can easily check the remaining amount of ink.

Further, in this embodiment, when the fourth object 254 (“!”), the sixth object 256 (“x”), and the eighth object 258 (“?”) are determined to be displayed or printed, the user Even if does not tap the third object 253, the screen is switched from the standby screen to the ink remaining amount screen. Therefore, the user's effort to switch screens is reduced. When a predetermined threshold time elapses after the remaining ink level screen is displayed on the display 28, the standby screen is displayed on the display 28 again. Therefore, the user's effort to switch screens is further reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, the ratio of the first remaining amount to the fourth predetermined value is determined, and the number of memories of the first object 251 is determined according to the determined ratio. The amount of colorant shown remains constant regardless of the amount of ink remaining in tank 160 when cartridge 200 is replaced. Therefore, the user can be made aware of the remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 without giving the user a sense of discomfort.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the first remaining amount ratio is 100% or more, the number of first objects 251 is set to the maximum value (20). That is, until the ink remaining in the tank 160 when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 is used, the first object 251 displays the full amount (maximum scale display). Therefore, the number of graduations of the first object 251 does not vary when the cartridge 200 is replaced. As a result, the user can be made aware of the remaining amount of the cartridge 200 without making the user feel uncomfortable.

Further, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the output of the liquid level sensor 155 has changed from the low level "L" to the high level "H", the number of scales of the first object 251 is determined to be zero. That is, at least one scale is displayed on the display 28 until the output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes from low level "L" to high level "H". Therefore, even though the ink in the cartridge 200 has not been used up, the number of graduations is prevented from becoming zero. As a result, replacement of the cartridge 200 whose ink has not been used up with a new cartridge 200 can be suppressed.

Further, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the output of the liquid level sensor 155 has changed from the low level "L" to the high level "H", the number of scales of the first object 251 is determined to be zero. That is, regardless of the calculated first remaining amount value, when it is determined that the output of the liquid level sensor 155 has changed from the low level "L" to the high level "H", the number of scales of the first object 251 is set to zero. . Therefore, the error included in the counted ejection value is reset, and the remaining amount of the cartridge 200 can be displayed more accurately.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second object 252 displays the maximum scale until the ink stored in the cartridge 200 is used up. Decrease the number of tick marks. Therefore, the user can be made to pay attention to the first object 251 until the ink stored in the cartridge 200 is used up, and after the ink stored in the cartridge 200 is used up, the user can focus on the second object 252. can draw attention. As a result, it is possible to selectively allow the user to recognize information regarding the remaining amount of ink.

Further, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the cartridge 200 has been used up by the liquid level sensor 155. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether the cartridge 200 has been used up rather than based on the discharge value. can be done.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the four third objects 253 are displayed on the standby screen, the display is simpler than when the four first objects 251 and the four second objects 252 are displayed on the standby screen. be. Therefore, compared to the case where the four first objects 251 and the four second objects 252 are displayed on the standby screen, the user can easily recognize the remaining amount.

Further, in this embodiment, since the tank 160 is provided in addition to the cartridge 200, printing can be continued even after the ink stored in the cartridge 200 is used up. The user can replace the cartridge 200 before the ink stored in the tank 160 is used up.

[Second embodiment]
In the above-described first embodiment, the remaining ink amount screen including the first object 251 indicating the remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 and the second object 252 indicating the remaining amount of ink stored in the tank 160 is displayed on the display 28. I explained the example that appears in . In the second embodiment, an example in which an ink remaining amount screen including a second object 252 but not the first object 251 is displayed on the display 28 will be described.

A printer 10 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the printer 10 described in the first embodiment.

The display 28 of the printer 10 displays a standby screen as in the first embodiment. The standby screen is an example of the second screen. A third object 253 displayed on the second screen is an example of a second object.

Further, in FIG. 17, the display 28 displays a remaining ink screen described below instead of the remaining ink screen described in the first embodiment.

[Remaining ink screen]
The ink remaining amount screen includes a tenth object 260M that is the letter M representing magenta, a tenth object 260C that is the letter C representing cyan, a tenth object 260Y that is the letter Y representing yellow, and black. 10th object 260Bk which is the character of Bk shown. Note that the tenth object 260 may be other characters, symbols, or graphics as long as they indicate each color. The remaining ink screen is an example of the first screen.

The remaining ink level screen also includes a plurality of thirteenth objects 263 that indicate the remaining ink level of the tank 160 . Each thirteenth object 263 is positioned below each tenth object 260 . The tenth object 260 indicates the color of ink to which the thirteenth object 263 corresponds. A thirteenth object 263 is an example of a first object.

The thirteenth object 263 includes a vertically long rectangular frame portion 65 elongated in the vertical direction 71 and a scale portion 66 having a length corresponding to the remaining amount of ink. That is, when the remaining amount of ink stored in the tank 160 is zero, the thirteenth object 263 is only the frame portion 65 . The number of scale portions 66 corresponding to the remaining amount of ink stored in the tank 160 is displayed. That is, the thirteenth object 263 has a plurality of display modes that are displayed in areas corresponding to the amount of ink remaining in the tank 160 .

The remaining ink screen also includes a fifth object 255 that is displayed depending on the situation. The fifth object 255 is a "!" symbol, similar to the fourth object 254 described above. The fifth object 255 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 65 of the thirteenth object 263 . Specifically, the fifth object 255 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 65 of the thirteenth object 263 that is not displayed in the maximum display. In the illustrated example, the fifth object 255 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 65 of the thirteenth object 263C representing cyan. The fifth object 255 allows the user to intuitively recognize that the ink in the cartridge 200 has been used up. Note that the fifth object 255 may be characters, symbols, or graphics different from the fourth object 254 .

The remaining ink screen also includes a seventh object 257 that is displayed depending on the situation. The seventh object 257 is an "x" symbol, similar to the sixth object 256 described above. The seventh object 257 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 65 of the thirteenth object 263 . Specifically, the seventh object 257 is displayed superimposed on the frame portion 65 of the thirteenth object 263 indicating the tank 160 whose ink has run out. In the illustrated example, the seventh object 257 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 65 of the thirteenth object 263Y representing yellow. The seventh object 257 allows the user to intuitively recognize that printing cannot be continued unless the cartridge 200 is replaced. Note that the seventh object 257 may be characters, symbols, or figures different from the sixth object 256 .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, the remaining ink screen includes a ninth object 259 that is displayed depending on the situation. The ninth object 259 is a "?" symbol, similar to the eighth object 258 described above. The ninth object 259 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 65 of the thirteenth object 263 . Specifically, the ninth object 259 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 65 of the thirteenth object 263, which cannot display the remaining amount of ink. In the illustrated example, the ninth object 259 is displayed overlapping the frame portion 65 of the thirteenth object 263C representing cyan and yellow. The ninth object 259 allows the user to intuitively recognize that the incompatible cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 and the remaining amount of ink cannot be displayed. Note that the ninth object 259 may be characters, symbols, or graphics different from the eighth object 258 .

Also, as shown in FIG. 17, the remaining ink screen includes an eleventh object 261 that is the characters "printable number (ISO conversion)", twelfth objects 262M, 262C, and twelfth objects 262M and 262C that indicate the number of It has a twelfth object 262Y and a twelfth object 262Bk. The eleventh object 261 is positioned below the second object 252 . Note that the eleventh object 261 may be other characters, graphics, or symbols as long as they indicate the number of printable sheets.

"Printable number of sheets (ISO conversion)" indicates the number of sheets that can be printed with the current amount of remaining ink when printing is performed according to the test method specified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

The twelfth object 262M is positioned below the eleventh object 261 and below the tenth object 260M representing magenta. The twelfth object 262M indicates how many sheets of paper can be printed with the remaining amount of magenta ink stored in the cartridge 200 and tank 160 . In the illustrated example, the twelfth object 262M is the number "700", indicating that 700 sheets of paper can be printed.

The twelfth object 262C is positioned below the eleventh object 261 and below the tenth object 260C representing cyan. A twelfth object 262</b>C indicates how many sheets of paper can be printed based on the remaining amount of cyan ink stored in the cartridge 200 and tank 160 . In the illustrated example, the twelfth object 262C is the number "150", indicating that printing is possible on 150 sheets of paper.

The twelfth object 262Y is positioned below the eleventh object 261 and below the tenth object 260Y representing yellow. The twelfth object 262</b>Y indicates how many sheets of paper can be printed with the amount of yellow ink remaining in the cartridge 200 and tank 160 . In the illustrated example, the twelfth object 262Y is the numeral "0", indicating that printing is possible on 0 sheets of paper.

The twelfth object 262Bk is positioned below the eleventh object 261 and below the tenth object 260Bk indicating black. The twelfth object 262Bk indicates how many sheets of paper can be printed with the amount of black ink remaining in the cartridge 200 and tank 160 . In the illustrated example, the twelfth object 262Bk is the number "2300", indicating that 2300 sheets of paper can be printed.

Note that the number indicated by the twelfth object 262 changes according to the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 200 and the tank 160 .

The first display area S1, which is the display area of the first display area that is the display area of the remaining ink level screen (FIG. 14), is the second display area that is the display area where the third object 253 is displayed on the standby screen (FIG. 13). It is larger than the second display area S2, which is the display area of the display area. That is, in the second display area of the standby screen with a small display area, only the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge 200 is displayed, and in the first display area of the remaining ink amount screen with a large display area, the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge 200 and the amount of ink in the tank 160 are displayed. , and the number of printable pages (ISO conversion). In the illustrated example, the first display area S1 of the remaining ink screen is approximately 30 times the second display area S2 of the standby screen.

The controller 130 of the printer 10 executes the same image forming process, first update process, second update process, third update process, and fourth update process as in the first embodiment.

The controller 130 also executes object determination processing shown in FIG.

[Object decision processing]
First, the controller 130 determines whether or not the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 is suitable (S91). Specifically, when the controller 130 attempts to access the IC chip 247 and determines that "the IC chip 247 cannot be accessed" or "predetermined information such as type information cannot be read", the IC chip 247 is mounted on the mounting case 150. It is determined that the cartridge 200 received is an incompatible cartridge. When the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 is an incompatible cartridge (S91: No), it decides to display the eighth object 258 and the ninth object 259, which are symbols of "?" S92).

Next, the controller 130 controls the scale portion 66 of the thirteenth object 263, the scale portion 77 of the third object 253, the fourth object 254 and the fifth object 255 which are "!" symbols, and the "x" symbol. The sixth object 256 and the seventh object 257 are determined not to be displayed (S131), and the process ends.

On the other hand, when the controller 130 determines that the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 is compatible (S91: Yes), it reads out the updated first remaining amount value and second remaining amount value from the RAM 132 (S94), and sets the S_Empty flag. is confirmed (S95). That is, the controller 130 determines whether or not there is enough ink to continue printing.

When the controller 130 determines that the set value of the S_Empty flag is ON and there is not enough ink left to continue printing (S95: ON), the scale portion 77 of the third object 253 is hidden (the scale is not displayed). (zero) (S132), the scale portion 66 of the thirteenth object 263 is determined to be non-display (the number of scales is zero) (S133), the sixth object 256 and the seventh object 256, which are the symbols of "x", The object 257 is determined to be displayed (S98), the twelfth object 262 indicating the number of printable sheets is determined to be "0" (S99), and the process ends.

When the controller 130 determines that the set value of the S_Empty flag is OFF and there is enough ink left to continue printing (S95: OFF), it checks the output value of the liquid level sensor 155 (S100). That is, the controller 130 determines whether the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been used up.

The controller 130 detects that the output value of the liquid level sensor 155 is "L". When it is determined that the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has not been used up (S100: L), the third object scale determination process (S101) shown in FIG. An object scale determination process is executed (S134).

[Third object scale determination process]
The third object scale determination process is a process of determining the number of scales of the third object 253 based on the determined first remaining amount value. The third object scale determination process is the same as the first (third) object scale determination process shown in FIG. 9A. However, in this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, only the number of scales of the third object 253 is determined.

As shown in FIG. 19, after determining the number of scales of the third object 253 (S134), the controller 130 sets the number of scales of the thirteenth object 252 to the maximum value "20" (S135). The controller 130 also executes the same printable number determination process as in the first embodiment (S103), and ends the process.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the controller 130 determines that the output value of the liquid level sensor 155 is "H" and that the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been used up (S100: H), the third object 253 is determined not to be displayed (S136). Next, the controller 130 determines to display the fourth object 254 and the fifth object 255, which are "!" symbols (S105). Next, the controller 130 executes the thirteenth object determination process, which is the same process as the second object scale determination process (S106), which is the same as the first embodiment.

[13th object scale determination process]
The thirteenth object scale determination process of FIG. 9D is a process of determining the number of scales of the thirteenth object 263 based on the second remaining amount determined in the fourth update process shown in FIG. 8D. is. The thirteenth object scale determination process will be described with reference to FIG. 9(D).

The controller 130 reads the second remaining capacity value and the second predetermined value (S71), and determines the second remaining capacity ratio (S72). Specifically, the controller 130 multiplies the value obtained by dividing the read second remaining amount value by the second predetermined value by 100 to calculate the second remaining amount ratio. The second predetermined value is a value indicating the amount of ink stored in tank 160 when the ink stored in cartridge 200 is used up.

The controller 130 determines the number of scales of the thirteenth object 263 based on the determined second remaining amount ratio (S74). Specifically, when the determined second remaining amount percentage is 0% or more and less than 5%, the controller 130 determines the number of scales to be "1", and the second remaining amount percentage is 5% or more to 10%. If it is less than %, determine the number of ticks to be "2". Similarly, each time the second remaining amount ratio increases by 5%, the number of scales is increased by one. ” is determined.

As shown in FIG. 19, after executing the thirteenth object scale determination process (S137), the controller 130 executes the printable number determination process (S107), and ends the process. The printable number determination process is the same process as the printable number determination process in step S103.

Also, the controller 130 executes the same screen selection process as in the first embodiment.

[Effect of Second Embodiment]
This embodiment has the same effect as the first embodiment by using the same configuration parts as the first embodiment.

Further, in this embodiment, the thirteenth object 263 indicating the amount of ink stored in the tank 160 is displayed on the remaining ink screen, and the third object 253 indicating the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 is displayed on the standby screen. Is displayed. The user recognizes from the third object 253 displayed on the standby screen that there is enough ink stored in the cartridge 200, that there is not enough ink, or that the ink has run out. When the user recognizes that there is not enough ink stored in the cartridge 200 or that the ink has been used up, the user taps the third object 253 to display an ink remaining amount screen on the display 28, and displays the remaining ink amount. Learn more. By displaying the third object 253 on the standby screen and displaying the thirteenth object 263 on the remaining ink screen, the user can easily recognize the remaining amount of ink.

Further, in this embodiment, details of the remaining ink amount are displayed on the remaining ink amount screen where the display area can be enlarged, and limited information on the remaining ink amount is displayed on the standby screen where the area of the display area cannot be enlarged. do. Therefore, the user can be made to recognize the minimum necessary information on the standby screen, and the details of the remaining ink amount can be made to be recognized by the user on the remaining ink amount screen.

[Modification 1]
In the above-described first and second embodiments, the example in which the third object 253 displayed on the standby screen indicates the remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been described. However, the third object 253 may indicate the remaining amount of ink stored in the tank 160, as shown in FIG. 16A. In this modification, the third object 253 is displayed in conjunction with the second object 252 described in the first embodiment and the thirteenth object 263 described in the second embodiment. That is, the third object 253 displays the same number of scales as the number of scales of the second object 252 and the thirteenth object 263 .

In addition, in this modified example, as in the embodiment, when the ink stored in the cartridge 200 is used up, the fourth object 254 (“!”) is displayed on the display 28 over the third object 253 . Also, when the ink stored in the tank 160 is used up, a sixth object 256 (“x”) is displayed on the display 28 . Also, when an incompatible cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 , an eighth object 258 (“?”) is displayed on the display 28 .

[Effect of Modification 1]
In this modification, a first object 251 indicating the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 and a second object 252 indicating the amount of ink stored in the tank 160 are displayed on the remaining ink screen. A third object 253 indicating the amount of ink applied is displayed on the standby screen. The user recognizes from the third object 253 displayed on the standby screen that there is enough ink stored in the tank 160, that there is not enough ink, or that the ink has been used up. When the user recognizes that there is not enough ink stored in the tank 160 or that the ink has been used up, the user taps the third object 253 to display an ink remaining amount screen on the display 28, and displays the remaining ink amount. Learn more. By displaying the third object 253 on the standby screen and displaying the first object 251 and the second object 252 on the remaining ink screen, the user can easily recognize the remaining amount of ink.

Also, in this modification, the fourth object 254 (“!”) is displayed superimposed on the third object 253 . The user can easily recognize that the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been used up.

[Modification 2]
In the above-described first and second embodiments, the example in which the third object 253 displayed on the standby screen indicates the remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 16B, the third object 253 may indicate the total remaining amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 and the tank 160 .

The controller 130 executes the third object scale determination process shown in FIG. 9C to determine the number of scales of the third object 253 . First, the controller 130 reads the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value from the RAM 133, and reads the initial filling value from the EEPROM 134 (S121). The controller 130 calculates the total remaining amount ratio from the read first remaining amount value, second remaining amount value, and initial filling value (S122). Specifically, the controller 130 sums the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value to calculate the total remaining amount value, and divides the calculated total remaining amount value by the initial remaining amount value to obtain the total remaining amount value. Calculate the remaining amount ratio.

The controller 130 determines the number of scales of the third object 253 based on the calculated total remaining amount ratio (S123). Specifically, when the calculated total remaining amount ratio is 0% or more and less than 5%, the controller 130 determines the number of scales to be "1", and the total remaining amount ratio is 5% or more and less than 10%. , then the number of ticks is determined to be "2". Similarly, the number of scales is increased by one every time the total remaining amount ratio increases by 5%. However, when the total remaining amount ratio is 95% or more, the number of scales is all determined to be the maximum display of "20".

In addition, in this modification, as in the above-described embodiment, when the ink stored in the cartridge 200 is used up, the fourth object 254 ("!") is displayed on the display 28 over the third object 253. be. Also, when the ink stored in the tank 160 is used up, a sixth object 256 (“x”) is displayed on the display 28 . Also, when an incompatible cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 , an eighth object 258 (“?”) is displayed on the display 28 .

[Effect of Modification 2]
In this modification, a first object 251 indicating the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 200 and a second object 252 indicating the amount of ink stored in the tank 160 are displayed on the remaining ink screen. A third object 253 indicating the total remaining amount of ink stored in 160 is displayed on the standby screen. The user recognizes from the third object 253 displayed on the standby screen that there is enough ink, that there is not enough ink, or that the ink has run out. When the user recognizes that there is not enough ink or that the ink has been used up, the user taps the third object 253 to display an ink remaining amount screen on the display 28 and confirm the details of the ink remaining amount. By displaying the third object 253 on the standby screen and displaying the first object 251 and the second object 252 on the remaining ink screen, the user can easily recognize the remaining amount of ink.

Further, in this modification, the fourth object 254 ("!") is displayed superimposed on the third object 253, so that the user can easily recognize that the ink stored in the cartridge 200 has been used up. .

[Other Modifications]
In the above-described first and second embodiments, the ink is described as an example of the colorant. However, the colorant is not limited to ink, and may be toner.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, examples have been described in which ink flows out from the cartridge 200 to the tank 160 due to the head difference. However, the ink may be discharged from the cartridge 200 to the tank by gravity, or the ink may be discharged from the cartridge 200 to the tank using a driving source such as a pump. When using a drive source, a tank is mounted in the head 21, for example.

Also, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the examples in which the cartridge 200 and the tank 160 that store ink are used have been described. However, only the tank 160 may be used, or only the cartridge 200 may be used. When only the tank 160 is used, for example, the remaining amount of ink stored in the tank 160 when the level sensor 155 changes from "L" to "H" is the initial filling amount. Alternatively, when the user fills the tank 160 with ink, the initial fill amount is entered into the controller 130 by the user. The controller 130 calculates the second remaining amount using the initial filling amount and discharge value, calculates the number of printable sheets in terms of ISO conversion and consumption amount, and displays the result on the display 28 .

In addition, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the scales displayed by the first object 251, the second object 252, the third object 253, and the thirteenth object 263 are explained as examples in which they change in stages. . However, the scale may be displayed steplessly. That is, the first object 251 and the third object 253 display scales of area corresponding to the first remaining amount value, and the second object 252 and the thirteenth object 263 display scales of area corresponding to the second remaining amount value. may be displayed. Further, the scale is not limited to 20 levels, and may be displayed in a plurality of levels such as 10 levels or 5 levels.

Also, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the first object 251, the second object 252, and the third object 253 are rectangles elongated in the vertical direction 71. As shown in FIG. However, the first object 251, the second object 252 and the third object 253 may be other shapes such as circular.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, printing is performed, the ink stored in the cartridge 200 is used up, the ink stored in the tank 160 is used up, or the incompatible cartridge 200 is used. An example has been described in which the ink remaining amount screen is displayed regardless of the user's operation when the device is attached to the attachment case 150 . However, the screen may be switched from the standby screen to the remaining ink screen only by a user operation such as tapping the third object 253 .

Further, in the screen selection process (FIG. 12) in the first embodiment described above, the fourth object 254 and the fifth object 255 ("!") are determined to be displayed, and the sixth object 256 and the seventh object 257 ("x") are displayed. ) is determined to be displayed, and the eighth object 258 and the ninth object 259 (“?”) are determined to be displayed, the screen automatically switches from the standby screen to the remaining ink level screen without depending on user operation. I gave an alternative example. However, it may be determined whether or not the image forming process shown in FIG. 7 has been executed instead of the process from step S113 to step S115 in FIG. That is, it may be determined whether or not printing has been performed. When the controller 130 determines that printing has been performed, it automatically switches the screen from the standby screen to the ink remaining amount screen without relying on the user's operation. That is, every time printing is executed and the remaining ink level is updated, the screen automatically switches from the standby screen to the remaining ink level screen. As a result, the user can be made aware of the details of the remaining amount of ink each time printing is executed. Whether or not the image forming process (printing) shown in FIG. 7 has been executed is an example of a screen transition condition.

10 Printer 18 Touch sensor 21 Head 28 Display 35 Control program 71 Vertical direction 72 Horizontal direction 130 Controller 134 EEPROM
155... Liquid level sensor 160... Tank 171... Liquid chamber 200... Cartridge 210... Liquid chamber 251... First object 252... Second object 253... Third object 254 ... fourth object 255 ... fifth object 256 ... sixth object 257 ... seventh object 258 ... eighth object 259 ... ninth object 263 ... thirteenth object

Claims (22)

a first container having a first chamber in which a coloring agent is stored;
a second container having a second chamber connected to the first container;
a recording unit connected to the second chamber;
a display;
with a controller and
The controller is
A first object having a shape corresponding to the amount of colorant stored in the first chamber of the first container, and a second object having a shape corresponding to the amount of colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container. displaying a first screen containing two objects on the display;
a second object including a third object having a shape corresponding to the total amount of the colorant stored in the first chamber of the first container and the colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container; An image forming apparatus for displaying a screen on the display. a first container having a first chamber in which a coloring agent is stored;
a second container having a second chamber connected to the first container;
a recording unit connected to the second chamber;
a display;
with a controller and
The controller is
A first object having a shape corresponding to the amount of colorant stored in the first chamber of the first container, and a second object having a shape corresponding to the amount of colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container. displaying a first screen containing two objects on the display;
a third object having a shape corresponding to one of the amount of colorant stored in the first chamber of the first container and the amount of colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container; displaying a second screen containing no objects according to the other of the amount of colorant stored in the first chamber of the first container and the amount of colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container; Image forming device to display on. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the third object has a shape corresponding to the amount of colorant stored in the first chamber of the first container. The first object and the third object each have a plurality of display forms displayed in an area corresponding to the amount of the coloring agent stored in the first chamber of the first container,
When the display form of one of the first object and the third object is changed, the display form of the other is also changed, and the display ratio of the first object to the maximum display area and the maximum display area of the third object 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display ratio of . 5. The area of the area where the third object is displayed on the second screen is smaller than the area of the area where the first object and the second object are displayed on the first screen. The image forming apparatus according to . The controller is
6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a fourth object is displayed on the second screen according to the amount of coloring agent in the first chamber of the first container. The controller is
7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a fifth object is displayed on the first screen according to the amount of coloring agent in the first chamber of the first container. The controller is
8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a sixth object is displayed on the second screen according to the amount of coloring agent in the second chamber of the second container. The controller is
9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a seventh object is displayed on the first screen according to the amount of coloring agent in the second chamber of the second container. It is further equipped with a memory and a mounting part,
The first container is a cartridge detachable from the mounting portion,
The controller is
10. The image forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an eighth object is displayed on the second screen when it is determined that the information about the amount of the coloring agent stored in the first container cannot be read from the memory. Device. It is further equipped with a memory and a mounting part,
The first container is a cartridge detachable from the mounting portion,
The controller is
11. The image forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising displaying a ninth object on the first screen when it is determined that the information regarding the amount of the coloring agent stored in the first container cannot be read from the memory. Device. It also has an input section,
12. The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the input unit receives an input for selecting the first screen and an input for selecting the second screen, and displays the selected screens on the display. Image forming device. The input unit is a touch sensor superimposed on the display,
13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the controller switches the screen from the second screen to the first screen in response to tapping of the third object on the second screen. with more memory,
The controller determines which of the first screen and the second screen to display on the display based on a screen transition condition,
The screen transition condition is
a value corresponding to the amount of colorant stored in the first chamber of the first container is the first threshold value stored in the memory;
a value corresponding to the amount of the colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container is the second threshold value stored in the memory;
that the recording unit uses the coloring agent;
the first screen was displayed on the display for a threshold amount of time stored in the memory;
displaying a fourth object on the second screen according to the amount of colorant in the first chamber of the first container;
displaying a sixth object on the second screen according to the amount of the colorant in the second chamber of the second container;
displaying an eighth object on the second screen when it is determined that the information about the amount of the coloring agent stored in the first container cannot be read from the memory;
14. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one of It is further equipped with a memory and a mounting part,
The first container is a cartridge detachable from the mounting portion,
The first object has a plurality of display forms with different areas,
The controller is
a counting process of counting a usage value corresponding to the amount of coloring agent used by the recording unit and storing the count value in the memory;
When it is determined that the first container is attached to the attachment portion, an initial filling value indicating an initial filling amount of the first container and a first remaining amount corresponding to the amount of the coloring agent stored in the first container. a second remaining amount value corresponding to the amount of the colorant stored in the second container; determining the new first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value based on the remaining amount value and the used value; a memorization process to store in memory;
The first remaining amount value and a predetermined value are read from the memory, the read first remaining amount value is divided by the predetermined value to determine a remaining amount ratio, and the first remaining amount ratio is determined according to the determined remaining amount ratio. 15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising: determining processing for determining a display form of an object. The controller is
16. The image according to claim 15, wherein the display form of the first object when the remaining amount ratio is 100% or more is the same as the display form of the first object when the remaining amount ratio is 100%. forming device. A first value is output when the level of the colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, and a second value is output when the level of the colorant is below the predetermined level. It also has a sensor that outputs a value,
The controller is
17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the area of the first object is determined to be zero when it is determined that the output value of the sensor has changed from the first value to the second value. The controller is
stepwise changing the area of the first object between a non-zero minimum area and a maximum area according to the remaining amount ratio and the first remaining amount value;
18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the area of the first object is set to zero when it is determined that the output value of the sensor has changed from the first value to the second value. The second object has a plurality of display forms displayed with an area corresponding to a second remaining amount value, which is the amount of the coloring agent stored in the second chamber of the second container,
The controller is
when it is determined that the amount of the coloring agent stored in the second chamber of the second container is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, displaying the second object with the maximum area;
2. When it is determined that the amount of the coloring agent stored in the second chamber of the second container is less than a predetermined amount, the second object is displayed with an area corresponding to the second remaining amount value. 19. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 18. A first value is output when the level of the colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, and a second value is output when the level of the colorant is below the predetermined level. It also has a sensor that outputs a value,
The controller is
determining that the amount of the colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount in response to the output value of the sensor being the first value;
20. The image of claim 19, wherein it is determined that the amount of colorant stored in the second chamber of the second container is less than a predetermined amount in response to the output value of the sensor being the second value. forming device. A plurality of sets of the first container and the second container are provided,
The controller is
displaying a plurality of the first objects and the second objects corresponding to each of the plurality of sets on the first screen;
21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said third objects corresponding to each of said plurality of sets are displayed on said second screen. the coloring agent is an ink,
The first chamber and the second chamber communicate with the outside,
22. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein a portion of said second chamber is located below said first chamber.

Images