JPH04286670A - Recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent erroneous operation caused by failure in writing of parameter peculiar to a device. CONSTITUTION:An EEPROM 37 is provided for storing data consisting of parameter peculiar to a device. A CPU 21 is provided for writing the same data as the above in a plurality of addresses of the EEPROM 37 and determining as an actual data a data being stored for the largest numbers out of the written plurality of data.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a recording device, and for example, an EEPR capable of electrically erasing device-specific parameters.
OM (electrically erasable
The present invention relates to a recording device having a control means for writing to a programmable ROM.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, most electronic devices, not just recording devices, require parameters specific to the device, and the values thereof are defined at the time of factory shipment. Device-specific parameters were often set mainly with DIP switches, but in recent years, electrically erasable EE has been used for devices with many parameters.
In many cases, a method is used in which a PROM is installed and input is made from a panel mounted on a host computer or the device itself.

0003

[Problem to be solved by the invention] As mentioned above, EEPR
In a device that writes device-specific parameters to OM,
If the user is allowed to write parameters, the power may be turned off while writing to the EEPROM, and in that case, data will not be written correctly. As a result, the relevant parameters may become unreadable and normal operation may not occur.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus that solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an erasable and writable read-only storage means for storing data consisting of parameters unique to the device, and a plurality of identical locations of the storage means. The present invention is characterized in that it comprises means for writing data, and means for determining, as the true data, the data that is stored the most among a plurality of identical data written in the storage means.

[0006]

[Operation] According to the present invention, storage means (for example, EEPRO
By writing the same data to multiple locations in M) and reading it, all of the data written to multiple locations is read and the most frequently occurring data is considered the true data, thereby preventing malfunctions due to data writing errors. prevent.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a color inkjet recording apparatus as a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a recording medium 1 such as paper or a plastic sheet is supported by a pair of transport rollers 2 and 3 placed above and below a recording area, and is transported in the direction of arrow A by the transport roller 2 driven by a sheet feed motor 4. be done. A guide shaft 5 is provided in front of and parallel to the conveyance rollers 2 and 3. Carriage 6 along this guide shaft
is reciprocated in the direction of arrow B via wire 8 by the output of carriage motor 7.

A recording head 90, which is an inkjet head, is mounted on the carriage 6 as a head moving means. This recording head 90 is for color images, and is arranged in the operating direction of the carriage, and is respectively cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (
It consists of four recording heads 9 provided corresponding to each color of ink (Bk), that is, a black head 9A, a cyan head 9B, a magenta head 9C, and a yellow head 9D. On the front surface of each recording head 9, that is, on the surface facing the recording surface of the recording medium 1 at a predetermined interval (for example, 0.8 mm), a plurality of ink ejection ports (for example, 48 or 64) are arranged in the direction in which the carriage is operated. Ink ejection parts are arranged in a vertical line in the intersecting direction.

FIG. 2 shows the recording heads 9 (recording heads 9A to 9A).
FIG. 9D is a diagram schematically showing a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the ink ejection section (same for both). In FIG. 2, a plurality of ink ejection ports 10 are formed at a predetermined pitch in the vertical direction on the surface facing the recording medium 1, and an electrothermal converter is provided corresponding to each ink ejection port 10 based on recording information. A body (heating resistor, etc.) 11 is driven (electrified heating) to cause a film boiling phenomenon in the ink, generating bubbles 11A, and the pressure at this time causes ink to be ejected and flying ink droplets 12
is formed, and ink droplets are deposited in a predetermined pattern on the recording medium 1 to perform recording in a dot pattern. Each recording head 9 is provided with a heat driver 13 for turning on and off electricity to the electrothermal transducer, and a circuit board of a drive circuit (driver) 29 for performing the above-mentioned driving is provided on the carriage 6. There is. 10A is a liquid path, and 10B is a common liquid chamber.

[0010] The control unit including the engine control circuit (CPU) of the recording device and the ROM, RAM, etc. attached thereto receives command signals and data signals (recorded information) from the controller of the host device, and based on these, A drive power source (heat power source) for the electrothermal transducer is applied to each of the recording heads 9A to 9D through a drive circuit 29 and a heat driver 13 as well as drive sources such as various motors to energize the recording heads 9A to 9D. The operation panel 160 attached to the outer case (not shown) of the recording device includes:
In addition to setting sections such as an online/offline switching key 16A, a line feed key 16B, a form feed key 16C, and a recording mode switching key 16D, a display section including warning lamps such as a plurality of alarm lamps 16E and a power lamp 16F is provided. There is. In addition, in this embodiment, key 1
By inputting a suitable combination of 6A to 16D, it is possible to input parameters unique to the apparatus. Parameters specific to this device include each recording head 9A to 9D.
These include the distance between the recording heads, the width of the energizing pulse to the electrothermal transducer for each recording head, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the color ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, a CPU 21 in the form of a microprocessor is connected to a host device 14 via an interface 22, and command signals (commands) read from the controller of the host device 14 to a data memory 23 via the interface 22 and recorded. The recording operation is controlled based on information signals, programs and print command data stored in the program memory 24 in the form of ROM, the working memory 25 in the form of RAM, and the like.

The CPU 21 controls the carriage motor 7 and the sheet feed motor 4 via an output port 26 and a motor driver 27, and also controls the recording head via a head control circuit 29 based on recording information stored in a data memory 23. 9 to perform recording.

Outputs from the operation keys 16A to 16D (FIG. 1) on the operation panel 160 described above are sent to the input port 32.
is transmitted to the CPU 21 via the alarm lamp 1.
A control signal is supplied to the warning lamps 16 such as 6E and power lamp 16F through the output port 36. In FIG. 3, the power supply circuit 28 supplies a logic drive voltage VCC (for example, 5V) for operating the control logic circuit, various motor drive voltages VM (for example, 30V), a reset voltage RESET, and an electrothermal conversion voltage for the recording head 9. body 1
Heat voltage VH (for example, 2
5V), and a backup voltage V for protecting the recording head 9.
DDH is output. The heat voltage VH is applied to the recording head 9, and the backup voltage VDDH is applied to the head control circuit 29 and the recording head.

Reference numeral 37 denotes an electrically erasable EEPROM, which is provided on the internal bus and can be directly accessed by the CPU 21. Here, the parameters set by the user are transferred from the host device 14 to the CPU 21 via the interface 22. Alternatively, the CP can be input from the operation keys 16A to 16D through the input port 32.
Transferred to U21. The CPU writes the transferred data to the EEPROM 37 at an arbitrary timing. At this time,
The CPU 21 writes one data multiple times as shown in FIG. In the figure, A, B, C, D, and E indicate the timing of writing data to each address of the EEPROM 37, and here, the input parameter X is written to different addresses three times (X=X1=X2=X3). CPU is EE
If the user turns off the power while writing to the PROM 37, the data may not be written correctly, and the data may not return to normal even when the power is turned on again. A in the diagram
If the power is turned off at the point in time, the data on X1 cannot be guaranteed. However, although the data of X2 and X3 is old data before the parameters were written, correct values have been written. If the power is turned off at time B, new data has been written to X1, but old data remains in X2 and X3. Even if the power is turned off at times D and E, the data for X1 and X2 is reliable. Therefore, the control of the present invention is such that when data is read, operations are performed by trusting frequently occurring data.

The above control will be explained using the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 5 shows a routine for reading the EEPROM 37. First, multiple pieces of written data (three in this example)
(6.1). If all values of X1, X2, and X3 are different from each other (6.2-Yes) (for example, Fig. 4
If the power is turned off at point C), the error is displayed on the warning lamp 16 as an EEPROM reading error (6.3). If all the values are not different from each other in (6.2), proceed to (6.4). In (6.4), if all values are the same data, let X1 be the true data (
6.5), returned to the main routine as a parameter written in the EEPROM 37. (6.4) gives X1 and X2
, In this case, by rewriting the data to the same data, even if the user accidentally turns off the power while writing data to the EEPROM 37, the same recovery operation as described above can be performed.

[0016]

[Other Embodiments] FIG. 6 is a control flowchart of a second embodiment.

In the control of this embodiment, the EEPROM Set Flag is set to 0 when the device is powered on (FIG. 7 (8.1)). By doing so, E
If the contents of the EPROM 37 are different, it is possible to know whether the user has turned the power on or off from writing to reading. If the power is not turned on and off between writing data to the EEPROM37 and reading it again, and the contents of the multiple written data do not match, E
It can be seen that the EPROM 37 has been electrically destroyed and cannot be recovered. The above control will be explained using FIGS. 6 and 7.

In this embodiment, EEPROMSetFlag is set to 0 in the initial routine when the power is turned on (8.1). This flag is set to 1 when writing data to the EEPROM 37 (8.2). (6.1
), (6.2), and (6.3) are the same as in the previous embodiment, and when the values of the same data written multiple times when reading data from the EEPROM are all different from each other (6.2-
Yes) and if even one value of the same data differs (6.4-No), the above EEPROMSet F
lag (7.2 and 7.1) and if it is set to 1 (7.2-Yes and 7.1-Yes), the same control as in the previous embodiment is performed (7.4 and 7.1). 5). If the flag is 0 (7.2-No and 7.1-No)
Since there is no cause for data destruction between writing data and reading data, it is assumed that the EEPROM is electrically damaged irreparably.
Set as Hardware Error (7.3)
. As described above, control is performed by distinguishing between recoverable errors and unrecoverable errors.

(Others) In this embodiment, in particular, in the inkjet recording method, a means for generating thermal energy (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) is used as the energy used to eject ink. The description has been given by taking as an example a recording head and a recording apparatus that use the thermal energy to cause a change in the state of the ink, but such a system can achieve higher recording density and higher definition.

For its typical configuration and principle, see, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
Preferably, it is carried out using the basic principles disclosed in the '796 specification. This method is the so-called on-demand type.
It is applicable to both continuous types, but in particular, in the case of on-demand type, it is applicable to the electrothermal converter placed corresponding to the sheet holding the liquid (ink) or the liquid path. , by applying at least one drive signal that corresponds to recorded information and provides a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling, the electrothermal transducer generates thermal energy to produce film boiling on the thermally active surface of the recording head. liquid (ink) that corresponds one-to-one to this drive signal.
This is effective because it can form air bubbles inside. The growth and contraction of the bubble causes liquid (ink) to be ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to use this drive signal in a pulse form, since the growth and contraction of bubbles can be carried out immediately and appropriately, making it possible to eject liquid (ink) with particularly excellent responsiveness. This pulse-shaped drive signal is described in US Pat. No. 4,463,359 and US Pat.
345262 are suitable. Furthermore, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 concerning the invention regarding the temperature increase rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, even more excellent recording can be performed.

[0021] In addition to the configuration of the recording head that is a combination of ejection ports, liquid paths, and electrothermal converters (straight liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 44 disclose a configuration in which a heat acting part is arranged in a bending region.
A configuration using the specification of No. 59600 may be used. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59/1989 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge part of a plurality of electrothermal converters.
-123670 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59/1989 disclosing a configuration in which an opening for absorbing pressure waves of thermal energy corresponds to a discharge part.
A configuration based on Japanese Patent No. 138461 may be used. In other words, regardless of the form of the printhead, printing can be performed reliably and efficiently.

Furthermore, the recording head may be a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus. Such a recording head may have either a configuration in which the length is satisfied by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally.

In addition, even in the case of a serial type as in the above example, the recording head is fixed to the main body of the apparatus, or by being attached to the main body of the apparatus, electrical connection with the main body of the apparatus and ink flow from the main body of the apparatus are possible. A replaceable chip-type recording head that can be supplied with ink or a cartridge-type recording head in which an ink tank is integrally provided in the recording head itself may be used.

Further, it is preferable to add ejection recovery means for the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, etc. to the configuration of the recording apparatus of the present invention, since this further stabilizes the recording operation. Specifically, these include heating the recording head using a capping means, a cleaning means, a pressure or suction means, an electrothermal transducer, a separate heating element, or a combination thereof. For example, there may be mentioned a pre-heating means for performing the ejection, and a pre-ejection means for ejecting other than recording.

[0025] In addition, although this embodiment has been described using an example in which a plurality of recording heads are provided corresponding to a plurality of inks of different recording colors, the types and number of recording heads to be mounted are also limited to this. For example, only one ink may be provided corresponding to a single color of ink.

In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid, but an ink that solidifies at room temperature or lower, and that softens or liquefies at room temperature, may also be used. Generally speaking, in inkjet systems, the temperature of the ink itself is adjusted within the range of 30°C or higher and 70°C or lower to keep the viscosity of the ink within a stable ejection range. Sometimes, ink in liquid form may be used. In addition, in order to actively prevent temperature rise due to thermal energy by using the energy to change the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, or to prevent ink from evaporating, it is possible to solidify and heat the ink when left standing. An ink that is liquefied by water may also be used. In any case, by applying thermal energy in accordance with the recording signal, the ink is liquefied and the liquid ink is ejected, or the ink has already begun to solidify by the time it reaches the recording medium. The present invention is also applicable when using ink that is liquefied for the first time. Ink in such cases is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 54-56847 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 60-71.
In a state where it is held as a liquid or solid in the porous sheet recesses or through holes, as described in Japanese Patent No. 260,
It may also be configured to face the electrothermal converter. In this embodiment, the most effective method for each of the above-mentioned inks is the one that executes the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, the inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment can be used as an image output terminal for information processing equipment such as a computer, a copying apparatus combined with a reader, etc., and a facsimile apparatus having a transmitting/receiving function. It may also take the form of

[0028]

As described above, according to the present invention, malfunctions can be prevented even if the device power is turned off during data setting.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the main parts of a color inkjet recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a recording method using an inkjet recording head to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of writing to an EEPROM in the same embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of EEPROM read control in the same embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of EEPROM read control in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a part of a control flowchart in another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Recording medium 2, 3 Conveyance feed roller 4 Sheet feed motor 5 Guide shaft 6 Carriage 7 Carriage motor 8 Wire 9 Recording head 9A cyan recording head 9B Magenta recording head 9C Yellow recording head 9D Black recording head 10 Ink discharge port 10A liquid path 10B Common liquid chamber 11 Electrothermal converter 11A Bubble 12 Flying ink droplets 13 Heat driver 14 Host device 15 Control board 16A-16B Operation keys 16E Alarm lamp 16F power lamp 28 Power supply device 90 Recording head unit 160 Operation panel

Claims (7)

[Claims] Claim 1: erasable and writable read-only storage means for storing data related to parameters unique to the device; means for writing the same data in a plurality of locations on the storage means; 1. A recording device comprising: determination means for determining the data stored the most among the same data as the true data. 2. The determining means outputs a signal indicating that the plurality of data is an error when there is a plurality of data stored in the largest number among the plurality of identical data written in the storage means. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that: 3. The determining means includes means for rewriting data in which the most common data among the plurality of identical data written in the storage means has other values stored therein. The recording device according to claim 1. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a plurality of recording heads, and the parameter unique to the apparatus is a distance between the recording heads. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a recording head, and the parameter unique to the apparatus is a driving condition of the recording means. 6. The recording head includes a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, and a plurality of energy generating elements provided corresponding to the ejection ports to cause a state change in the ink, and a plurality of energy generating elements for causing a state change in the ink. 5. The ink droplet is ejected from the ejection port based on
The recording device described in . 7. The energy generating element is an electrothermal converter, and the electrothermal converter is driven to generate bubbles, and the pressure generated by the bubbles causes ink to be ejected from the ejection port. The recording device according to claim 6.