JPH08267731A - Ink jet recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To set a threshold value which is following a precision of a sensor by providing a determination section for determining the presence or absence of an ink by comparing an obtained level difference with a preset threshold value. CONSTITUTION: A modem 8 receives a procedure signal of transmission control at the time of facsimile-to-facsimile communication and sends and receives image information by modulating/demodulating it. An encode/decode section 9 encodes and compresses the image information which is read at an image read section 5, and decodes the image information received from a mesh control section 7 and returns to original image information. An ink end detection section 10 consists of a reflective photosensor and applies light to a recording paper based on a command signal from a system control section 1. The reflected light is converted into an electric signal and outputted to the system control section 1. The system control section 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, an operation display section 4, the image read section 5, an image record section 6, the mesh control section 7, the modem 8, the encode/decode section 9, and an ink end detection section 10 exchange data through a bus line 11.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus which judges the presence or absence of ink based on the detection result of an ink end mark printed on recording paper.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an ink jet recording apparatus, the presence or absence of ink in an ink cartridge is determined based on the detection result of an ink end mark recorded on a recording sheet. There are some that have been proposed. The proposed device is equipped with a reflective photosensor for detecting the mark (ink end mark) recorded on the recording paper by the ink ejecting unit, and when the reflective photosensor cannot detect the ink end mark. In other words, if the level difference between the light reception signals of the portion where the ink end mark is printed and the portion where the ink end mark is not printed is less than the preset threshold value, it is determined that there is no ink and that fact is determined. Is notified to the operator.

However, the accuracy of the reflection type photosensor used here as a detector of the ink end mark is liable to decrease due to aging, so that even if the number of years of use increases, the same threshold value as in the initial stage is still set. If the ink end detection is determined by using the ink, there is a problem that the ink end is erroneously determined even though the ink end mark is printed normally even though there is sufficient ink. Was there.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and provide an ink jet recording apparatus in which a threshold value for ink end detection is appropriately set in accordance with the accuracy of the sensor. To do.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
In order to achieve the above object, an image recording unit that records an ink end mark together with image information, an ink end detection unit that detects the ink end mark recorded in the image recording unit, and a detection result of the ink end detection unit To obtain the level difference between the ink end mark recorded area and non-recorded area,
An ink determination unit that determines the presence or absence of ink by comparing the obtained level difference with a preset threshold value is provided, and when the image information output request is made, the threshold value is set automatically. It is characterized by performing.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 2 is the recording according to the invention described in claim 1, when the image information output request is made, the recording is fed by the ink end detecting portion. It is characterized in that the sample data is read from the paper and the threshold value is set based on the sample data.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, a predetermined message is recorded on the recording paper from which the sample data is read.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 4 comprises the white reference sheet for reading sample data as a white reference in the invention according to claim 1, wherein the image information output request is made. When done, the sample data is read from the white reference sheet, and the threshold value is set based on the sample data.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 5 is an image recording section for recording an ink end mark together with image information, and an ink end for detecting the ink end mark recorded by the image recording section. Based on the detection result of the detection unit and the detection result of the ink end detection unit, the level difference between the ink end mark recording portion and the non-recording portion is obtained, and the obtained level difference is compared with a preset threshold value. An ink determination unit for determining the presence or absence is provided, and the threshold value is automatically set when a preset time has elapsed.

[0010]

In the inventions according to claims 1 and 2 having the above structure, the threshold value used for judging the ink end is automatically set by using the output request as a trigger.
Even if the accuracy of the ink end detection unit changes due to aging, the threshold value is automatically set (changed) following the change, and it is possible to prevent erroneous ink end determination.

Further, in the invention according to claim 3 having the above structure, a message indicating that is recorded on the recording paper from which the sample data for setting the threshold value is recorded. It is possible to surely inform the operator whether or not the sheet has been fed / discharged without permission, and thus it is possible to prevent the operator from being confused. Further, in the invention according to claim 4 having the above configuration, since the white reference sheet for reading the sample data is provided, the recording paper is purposely fed / discharged each time the sample data is read. And the burden on the operator can be reduced. In the invention according to claim 5 having the above-mentioned configuration, since the threshold value setting trigger is set not by the output request but by the elapse of the predetermined time, the useless threshold value setting operation is performed every output request. It is possible to prevent the recording from taking a long time.

[0012]

Embodiments of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to a facsimile apparatus. 1 to 8 are views showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. The facsimile apparatus includes a system control unit 1,
ROM (Read Only Memory) 2, RAM (Random Access M)
An emory) 3, an operation display unit 4, an image reading unit 5, an image recording unit 6, a network control unit 7, a modem 8, an encoding / decoding unit 9, and an ink end detection unit 10. The system control unit 1
ROM consisting of CPU (Central Processing Unit) etc.
The control of the main body of the facsimile apparatus is performed according to the program of No. 2. In the RAM 3, the system control unit 1 is R
For storing various data necessary for executing control of the main body of the facsimile apparatus according to the program of the OM2, and image information read by the image reading unit 5 or image information received via the network control unit 7. Is

The operation display section 4 includes a start button, a stop button, various operation keys necessary for operating the facsimile apparatus such as a ten-key pad, and a display for displaying the setting state of various modes and a message for operation guidance. Become. The image reading unit 5 reads image information of a document at a predetermined resolution. The image recording unit 6 has an ink-jet type ink head 23 (FIG. 2), and records image information on a recording paper at a predetermined resolution via the ink head 23. The network control unit 7 detects a call incoming from the communication line L, a line closing detection unit that detects closing of the communication line, and a hook state of the connected telephone, that is, whether or not the telephone is off-hook. It includes an off-hook detection unit for detection.

The modem 8 transmits and receives a transmission control procedure signal during facsimile communication, and also modulates and demodulates image information and transmits and receives it. The encoding / decoding unit 9 encodes and compresses the image information read by the image reading unit 5, and decodes the image information received via the network control unit 7 to restore the original image information. . Ink end detector 10
Is composed of a reflection type photo sensor or the like, irradiates the recording paper with light based on a command signal from the system control unit 1, converts the reflected light into an electric signal, and converts the reflected light into an electric signal.
Is output to With the above configuration, the system control unit 1, the ROM 2, the RAM 3, the operation display unit 4, the image reading unit 5, the image recording unit 6, the network control unit 7, the modem 8, the encoding / decoding unit 9, and the ink end detection unit 10 are , Exchange data with each other via the bus line 11.

Next, a description will be given of a facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view of an image recording mechanism in the first and second embodiments of the present invention. The paper feed roller 22 feeds the recording paper to the ink head 23, and the conveyance path 24 forms a conveyance path for the recording paper fed. During the recording operation, the recording paper 21 is conveyed in the direction of the ink head by the paper feed roller 22 on the conveying path 24, where the received image information and the ink end mark are recorded. After that, the recording paper on which the received image information and the ink end mark are recorded is discharged to an unillustrated paper discharge tray after the ink end is determined via the ink end detection unit 10.

Next, the recording operation in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When an output request of the received image information is made while the apparatus is in the standby state (Yes in step 1), first, a sample sheet from a recording paper cassette (not shown) is set to set a threshold value for determining the ink end. The recording paper is fed (step 2). When confirming that the sample recording paper has reached the ink end detection unit 10, the system control unit 1 outputs a command signal to the ink end detection unit 10.

The ink end detector 10 irradiates the conveyed recording sheet for the sample with light on the basis of a command signal from the system control section 1 and inputs the reflected light to convert it into an electric signal. This is output to the system controller 1 as a detection signal (step 3). System control unit 1
Inserts this detection signal into a predetermined arithmetic expression to obtain a threshold value corresponding to the detection signal, and sets the obtained threshold value in a predetermined area of the RAM 3. It is assumed that the equation is set such that the threshold value decreases in proportion to the decrease in the current value of the detection signal.

When the threshold setting is completed (step 4),
The system control unit 1 uses the ink head 23 of the image recording unit 6.
On the recording paper fed for the sample via the, for example, record a message indicating the purpose for which it was used, such as "This recording paper was used to set the threshold for ink end detection." (Steps 5 and 6). Next, the system control unit 1 feeds the recording paper from the recording paper cassette and records the received image information requested to be output on the recording paper via the ink head 23 (step 7). When the recording of the received image information for one page is completed, the system control unit 1 records the ink end mark on the margin portion (footer) of the recording paper via the ink head 23 (step 8). An example of the recording paper on which the ink end mark is recorded is shown in FIG.

After that, when the recording paper is conveyed and it is confirmed that the position where the ink end mark is recorded has reached right under the ink end detection unit 10, the system control unit 1 sends the ink end detection unit 10 via the bus 11. The command signal is output to. The ink end detector 10 is the system controller 1
On the basis of a command signal from the printer, light is emitted to the place where the ink end mark is recorded, and the reflected light is input and converted into an electric signal, which is output to the system control unit 1 as a detection signal. Upon receiving the detection signal, the system control unit 1 obtains a level difference from a portion where the ink end mark is not recorded based on the detection signal, and compares the level difference with a threshold value set in the RAM 3. When the obtained level difference is less than the set threshold value, it is determined that there is no ink, that is, ink end, and the process proceeds to step 11. On the other hand, when the level difference is greater than the set threshold value, it is determined that there is ink. Then, the process proceeds to step 10 (step 9).

If it is determined in step 9 that the ink is out, a warning sound is output to alert the operator and an error message indicating that the ink is out is displayed on the display (step). 11). On the other hand, if it is determined in step 9 that ink is present,
In step 10, it is determined whether the received image information has a next page (step 10). If it is determined that the received image information has the next page (Yes in step 10)
s), Step 7 to record the received image information on recording paper
Return to When it is determined that the received image information does not include the next page (No in step 10), the system control unit 1 ends the recording operation.

Next, the threshold setting / recording operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The threshold setting / recording operation is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing when the apparatus is in the standby state. Step 21 is a step of determining whether or not the timer T (interval for setting the threshold value) has timed out. The timer T keeps timing even if the process of this flow is not executed, and the first start is executed when the device is installed. In step 21,
When it is determined that the timer T has timed out, it is recognized that it is time to review the threshold value, and the sample recording paper is fed from the recording paper cassette (not shown) (step 22). When confirming that the sample recording paper has reached the ink end detection unit 10, the system control unit 1 outputs a command signal to the ink end detection unit 10. The ink end detection unit 10 irradiates the conveyed sample recording paper with light based on a command signal from the system control unit 1 and inputs the reflected light to convert it into an electric signal, which is detected. System control unit 1 as a signal
(Step 23). The system control unit 1 inserts this detection signal into a predetermined arithmetic expression, obtains a threshold value according to the detection signal, and sets the obtained threshold value in a predetermined area of the RAM 3. It is assumed that the equation is set such that the threshold value decreases in proportion to the decrease in the current value of the detection signal. When the setting of the threshold value is completed (step 24), the recording paper used for the sample is ejected (step 25). Next, the system control unit 1 uses the timer T
After resetting, the operation is restarted and the threshold value setting / recording operation is completed (step 26).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 21 that the timer T has not timed out, it is determined whether or not an output request is made (step 2).
7). If it is determined that the output request has not been made (No in step 27), the threshold setting / recording operation is temporarily ended. On the contrary, when it is determined in step 27 that the output request is made, the system control unit 1
The recording paper is fed from the recording paper cassette, and the received image information requested to be output is recorded on the recording paper via the ink head 23 (step 28). When the recording of the received image information for one page is completed, the system control unit 1 records the ink end mark on the margin (footer) of the recording paper via the ink head 23 (step 29).

After that, when the recording paper is conveyed and it is confirmed that the position where the ink end mark is recorded has reached right under the ink end detection unit 10, the system control unit 1 sends the ink end detection unit 10 via the bus 11. The command signal is output to. The ink end detector 10 includes the system controller 1
On the basis of a command signal from the printer, light is emitted to the place where the ink end mark is recorded, and the reflected light is input and converted into an electric signal, which is output to the system control unit 1 as a detection signal. Upon receiving the detection signal, the system control unit 1 obtains a level difference from a portion where the ink end mark is not recorded based on the detection signal, and compares the level difference with a threshold value set in the RAM 3. When the obtained level difference is less than the set threshold value, there is no ink (Yes in step 30), that is, when it is determined that the ink has run out, the process proceeds to step 32, and when the level difference is greater than or equal to the set threshold value. (No in Step 30),
It is determined that there is ink and the process proceeds to step 31.

When it is determined in step 30 that the ink is out, a warning sound is output to alert the operator and an error message indicating that the ink is out is displayed on the display (step). 32).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 30 that ink is present, the process proceeds to step 31 and it is determined whether the received image information includes the next page. If it is determined that the received image information has the next page (Yes in step 31), the process returns to step 28 to record the received image information on the recording paper. on the other hand,
When it is determined that the received image information does not include the next page (No in step 31), the system control unit 1 ends the threshold setting / recording operation.

Next, a description will be given of a facsimile apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a top view of an image recording mechanism according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention. It differs from that of the embodiment only in that a white reference sheet 25 is provided. this,
The white reference sheet is provided on the transport path 24 and is used for recognizing the accuracy of the end mark detection unit 10 due to aging.

Next, the recording operation in the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the output request of the received image information is made while the apparatus is in the standby state (Yes in step 41), the system controller 1 first outputs a command signal to the ink end detector 10. The ink end detection unit 10 irradiates the white reference sheet 25 provided on the transport path 24 with light based on a command signal from the system control unit 1 and inputs the reflected light to convert the reflected light into an electric signal. This is output to the system controller 1 as a detection signal (step 42). The system control unit 1 inserts this detection signal into a predetermined arithmetic expression, obtains a threshold value according to the detection signal, and sets the obtained threshold value in a predetermined area of the RAM 3. It is assumed that the equation is set such that the threshold value decreases in proportion to the decrease in the current value of the detection signal.

When the setting of the threshold value is completed (step 4)
3), the system controller 1 feeds the recording paper from the recording paper cassette and records the received image information for which the output request is made on the recording paper via the ink head 23 (step 44).
When the recording of the received image information for one page is completed, the system controller 1 records the ink end mark on the margin (footer) of the recording paper via the ink head 23 (step 45).

After that, when the recording paper is conveyed and it is confirmed that the position where the ink end mark is recorded has reached right under the ink end detection unit 10, the system control unit 1 sends the ink end detection unit 10 via the bus 11. The command signal is output to. The ink end detector 10 includes the system controller 1
On the basis of a command signal from the printer, light is emitted to the place where the ink end mark is recorded, and the reflected light is input and converted into an electric signal, which is output to the system control unit 1 as a detection signal. Upon receiving the detection signal, the system control unit 1 obtains a level difference from a portion where the ink end mark is not recorded based on the detection signal, and compares the level difference with a threshold value set in the RAM 3. When the obtained level difference is less than the set threshold value, there is no ink (Yes in step 46), that is, when it is determined that the ink has run out and the process proceeds to step 11, while the level difference is greater than or equal to the set threshold value. (No in step 46)
It is determined that there is ink, and the process proceeds to step 47.

When it is determined in step 46 that the ink is out, a warning sound is output to alert the operator and an error message indicating that the ink is out is displayed on the display (step). 48).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step 46 that ink is present, the process proceeds to step 47, in which it is determined whether the received image information includes the next page. If it is determined that the received image information has the next page (Yes in step 47), the process returns to step 44 to record the received image information on the recording paper. When it is determined that there is no next page in the received image information (step 47)
No), the system control unit 1 ends the recording operation.

Next, the threshold setting / recording operation according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The threshold setting / recording operation is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing when the apparatus is in the standby state. Step 51 is a step of determining whether or not the timer T (interval for setting the threshold value) has timed out. The timer T keeps timing even if the process of this flow is not executed, and the first start is executed when the device is installed. In step 51,
When it is determined that the timer T has timed out, it is recognized that it is time to review the threshold value, and the system control unit 1 first outputs a command signal to the ink end detection unit 10.

The ink end detection unit 10 irradiates the recording paper with light on the white reference sheet 25 provided in the transport path 24 based on a command signal from the system control unit 1, and
The reflected light is input, converted into an electrical signal, and output as a detection signal to the system control unit 1 (step 5).
2). The system control unit 1 inserts this detection signal into a predetermined arithmetic expression, obtains a threshold value according to the detection signal, and sets the obtained threshold value in a predetermined area of the RAM 3. It is assumed that the equation is set such that the threshold value decreases in proportion to the decrease in the current value of the detection signal.
When the setting of the threshold value is completed (step 53), the system control unit 1 resets the timer T and then restarts it to end the threshold value setting / recording operation (step 54).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 51 that the timer T has not timed out, it is determined whether or not an output request is made (step 55). If it is determined that the output request has not been made, the threshold setting / recording operation is temporarily ended. On the contrary, when it is determined in step 57 that the output request is made, the system control unit 1 feeds the recording paper from the recording paper cassette and outputs the received image information for which the output request is made to the ink head. The image is recorded on the recording paper through the step 23 (step 56). 1
When the recording of the received image information for pages is completed, the system control unit 1 records the ink end mark on the margin portion (footer) of the recording paper via the ink head 23 (step 5).
7).

After that, when the recording paper is conveyed and it is confirmed that the position where the ink end mark is recorded has reached right under the ink end detection unit 10, the system control unit 1 sends the ink end detection unit 10 via the bus 11. The command signal is output to. The ink end detector 10 includes the system controller 1
On the basis of a command signal from the printer, light is emitted to the place where the ink end mark is recorded, and the reflected light is input and converted into an electric signal, which is output to the system control unit 1 as a detection signal. Upon receiving the detection signal, the system control unit 1 obtains a level difference from a portion where the ink end mark is not recorded based on the detection signal, and compares the level difference with a threshold value set in the RAM 3. When the obtained level difference is less than the set threshold value, there is no ink (Yes in step 58), that is, when it is determined that the ink has run out and the process proceeds to step 60, while the level difference is greater than or equal to the set threshold value. (No in step 58)
It is determined that there is ink and the process proceeds to step 59.

If it is determined in step 58 that the ink is out (Yes in step 58), a warning sound is output to alert the operator and an error message indicating that the ink is out is displayed on the display. Display (step 52). On the other hand, if it is determined in step 58 that ink is present, the process proceeds to step 59, in which it is determined whether the received image information includes the next page. If it is determined that the received image information has the next page (step 5)
9), the process returns to step 56 to record the received image information on the recording paper. On the other hand, when it is determined that the received image information does not include the next page (No in step 59), the system control unit 1 ends the threshold setting / recording operation (step 6).
0).

Although the white reference sheet is used in the above-described embodiment, for example, a part of the transport path may be coated with white ink and used as a substitute for the white reference sheet. . It is also possible to count the number of times of recording image information and set (review) the threshold when this value reaches a predetermined number.

[0036]

As described above, according to the constitution of the present invention,
Since the threshold value used to determine the ink end is automatically set by the output request as a trigger, even if the accuracy changes due to aging of the ink end detection unit, the threshold value is automatically tracked accordingly. Since it is set (changed), it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of ink end.

Furthermore, since a message indicating that fact is recorded on the recording paper from which the sample data for setting the threshold value has been read, the reason why the recording paper was arbitrarily fed / discharged is clarified. The operator can be surely notified, which can prevent the operator from being confused. By providing the white reference sheet for reading the sample data, the recording paper is not fed / discharged every time the sample data is read, and the burden on the operator can be reduced. In addition, since the threshold value setting trigger is set not by the output request but by the lapse of a predetermined time, it is possible to prevent the recording operation from taking a long time due to an unnecessary threshold value setting operation for each output request. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the image reading mechanism in the facsimile apparatus according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a recording operation of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a recording sheet on which an ink end mark according to an embodiment of the present invention is recorded.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a threshold value setting / recording operation of the facsimile apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an image reading mechanism in a facsimile apparatus according to third and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a recording operation of the facsimile apparatus according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a threshold value setting / recording operation of the facsimile apparatus according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... System control unit, 2 ... ROM, 3 ... RAM,
4 ... Operation display unit 5 ... Image reading unit, 6 ... Image recording unit, 7 ... Network control unit,
8 ... Modem 9 ... Encoding / decoding section, 10 ... Ink end detecting section,
11 ... Bus 21 ... Recording paper, 22 ... Paper feeding roller, 23 ... Ink head 24 ... Conveying path, 25 ... White reference sheet

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image recording unit that records an ink end mark together with image information, an ink end detection unit that detects the ink end mark recorded by the image recording unit, and an ink end based on the detection result of the ink end detection unit. An ink determination unit that determines the presence or absence of ink by determining the level difference between the mark-recorded portion and the non-recorded portion and comparing the calculated level difference with a preset threshold value, and outputs the image information output request. The inkjet recording apparatus is characterized in that the threshold value is automatically set when the above operation is performed. 2. When the image information output request is made, the sample data is read from the recording paper fed by the ink end detection unit, and the threshold value is set based on the sample data. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a predetermined message is recorded on the recording paper from which the sample data is read. 4. A white reference sheet for reading sample data to be a white reference is provided, and when an image information output request is made, the sample data is read from the white reference sheet and a threshold value is obtained based on the sample data. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 5. An image recording unit that records an ink end mark together with image information, an ink end detection unit that detects the ink end mark recorded by the image recording unit, and an ink end based on the detection result of the ink end detection unit. An ink determination unit that determines the presence or absence of ink by calculating the level difference between the mark-recorded portion and the non-recorded portion and comparing the obtained level difference with a preset threshold value, and the preset time An ink jet recording apparatus, wherein a threshold value is automatically set when the time has elapsed.