JPH1055104A - Printer, printing control method of the same and storage medium for storing program which can be read by computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a printing device (printer) capable of restricting the printing of printing information exceeding residual toner, for surely avoiding the situation where a failure in printing occurs by providing a storage part, for storing residual printing developer (toner). SOLUTION: A developing means having an EEPROM 22 storing the residual toner is freely attachably/detachably provided in the printer 1500. A CPU 12 receives the printing data of one paper sheet from a host computer 3000, to calculate an estimated consumed toner amount and compares the residual toner stored in the EEPROM 22 with the estimated consumed toner amount. When a remaining amount is large or equal, a printing part. 17 is controlled to execute printing for one page. Then, a new remaining amount is calculated and stored in the EEPROM 22. When the remaining amount is small, a message that printing is impossible is transmitted to the host computer 3000. Then, the message (please, supply the toner) is outputted to the display part of a control panel 1501.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus in which a developing unit having a storage section for storing a predetermined developer is detachably mounted on a printing apparatus main body, a printing control method of the printing apparatus, and a computer readable program. It relates to a storage medium that has been used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electrophotographic printing apparatus or an ink jet printing apparatus, and toner or ink for these printing apparatuses are contained in a special container detachable from the printing apparatus. The measurement of the toner in the cartridge or the remaining amount of the ink in the ink cartridge in the ink jet method has been performed by a method of measuring the absolute amount of the toner or the ink by utilizing the physical properties of the toner or the ink.

[0003] In addition, the determination of the lack of the ink or the remaining amount of toner is performed at the stage when the toner or the ink runs out regardless of the operation of the printing unit.

[0004]

However, in the conventional method, the amount of remaining toner or ink cannot be measured accurately, and it is possible to recognize before the start of the printing process that the ink or the toner has run out. As a result, there is a problem that the image is output in a state where the image is missing or the image density is changed, and the paper is wasted and the reprinting process is forced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to fifteenth inventions according to the present invention is to provide a printing agent remaining in a storage section for storing a printing agent. By providing a storage unit for storing the amount, calculating the consumption amount consumed in printing the print information, by comparing the calculated consumption amount and the remaining amount, and controlling the printing execution of the print information,
It is possible to reliably restrict printing of print information exceeding the remaining amount of printing agent, to thereby avoid a situation in which printing is defective, and to notify the user that printing has been restricted, thereby enabling the user to check the remaining amount of developer. An object of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly printing apparatus capable of reliably recognizing a shortage state, a printing control method of the printing apparatus, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage section for storing a predetermined print developer, and a non-volatile storage of the remaining amount of the print developer remaining in the storage section. Developing means having a storage unit is provided detachably on the printing apparatus main body.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a calculating means for calculating an amount of printing developer to be consumed based on printing information input from a data source, and a method for calculating the amount of printing developer calculated by the calculating means. And a control unit for reading and comparing the remaining amount of the printing developer stored in the storage unit and controlling the output of the printing information based on the comparison result.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus, the control unit may calculate a value obtained by subtracting the print developer amount calculated by the calculation unit from the print developer remaining amount read from the storage unit. This is updated as the remaining amount of the developer.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means can detect the attachment / detachment of the developing means to / from the printing apparatus main body and read out the remaining amount of the printing developer stored in the storage unit. Things.

In a fifth aspect according to the present invention, the control means reads and compares the print developer amount calculated by the calculation means with the remaining amount of print developer stored in the storage unit. When the print developer amount exceeds the print developer amount, the print information output disabled state is notified to the data source or the operation unit of the printing apparatus main body.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the predetermined print developer is a toner.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the predetermined print developer is an ink.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined print developer is a toner for each color.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined print developer is an ink for each color.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing device having a storage unit for storing a predetermined print developer, and a storage unit for nonvolatilely storing the remaining amount of the print developer remaining in the storage unit. A printing control method for a printing apparatus in which a unit is detachably provided in a printing apparatus main body, wherein a calculating step of calculating an amount of a printing developer to be consumed based on printing information input from a data source; A step of reading and comparing the amount of the developer and the remaining amount of the printing developer stored in the storage unit to limit or permit the output of the printing information.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, when the output of the print information is permitted, the calculated print developer amount is subtracted from the print developer remaining amount stored in the storage unit. The updated value is updated as the latest print developer remaining amount.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the output of the print information is restricted, a notification step of notifying the data source or the operation unit of the printing apparatus main body of the output disable state of the print information is provided. Have

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a calculating step for calculating an amount of print developer to be consumed based on print information input from a data source, and a step of storing the calculated amount of print developer and a storage unit. A computer-readable program including a processing step of reading and comparing the stored remaining amount of the print developer and limiting or permitting the output of the print information is stored in a storage medium.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, when the output of the print information is permitted, the calculated print developer amount is subtracted from the print developer remaining amount stored in the storage unit. Computer-readable program including an updating step of rewriting the updated value as the latest print developer remaining amount in a storage medium.

A fifteenth invention according to the present invention includes a notifying step of notifying the data source or the operation unit of the printing apparatus main body of a state in which the output of the print information is disabled when the output of the print information is restricted. And a computer readable program stored in a storage medium.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the configuration of the present embodiment, the configurations of a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printing method may be used.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view for explaining the structure of a first printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. For example, a latent image formed on a photoconductor by executing an electrophotographic process is developed with toner. Corresponding to a laser beam printer that transfers and fixes an image on a recording medium.

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1500 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer, and stores the information. , A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper.

Reference numeral 1501 denotes a switch for operation and L
An operation panel on which an ED display and the like are arranged.
A printer control unit that controls the entire BP body 1500 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into a video signal having a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1503, and switches on / off a laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to an input video signal. The laser beam 1504 is a rotary polygon mirror 1505
And scans and exposes the surface of the electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 provided around the electrostatic drum 1506, and then transferred to a recording sheet. The developing unit 1507 is configured as a unit that can be attached to and detached from the main body, and includes a replenishing unit that stores toner serving as a developer and replenishes the developing roller with toner, an electrostatic drum, a cleaner unit, and the like. The developing unit 15
07 is attached to or detached from the printer control unit 1000 of the main body.
Is configured to be detectable by a CPU described later.

A cut sheet is used as the recording paper. The cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1508 mounted on the LBP 1500, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1509 and transport rollers 1510 and 1511. Is supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506. The LBP body 1500 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing the structure of a second printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, and shows, for example, the case of an ink jet recording apparatus (IJRA).

In the figure, the helical groove gear 50 of the lead screw 5005 which rotates through the driving force transmission gears 5009 and 5011 in conjunction with the forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor 5013.
The carriage HC which engages with the carriage 04 has a pin (not shown), and is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b via a guide 5003. An ink jet cartridge IJC including an ink tank IT and an ink head IJH is mounted on the carriage HC.

Reference numeral 5002 denotes a paper pressing plate, which presses the paper P against the platen 5000 in the carriage moving direction. Photocouplers 5007 and 5008 confirm the presence of the lever 5006 of the carriage HC in this area.
It functions as home position detecting means for switching the rotation direction of the drive motor 5013 and the like. Reference numeral 5016 denotes a cap member 5022 for capping the entire surface of the recording head.
Reference numeral 5015 denotes a suction means for sucking the inside of the cap, and performs suction recovery of the recording head through the opening 5023 in the cap. Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade which can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019. 5
Reference numeral 018 denotes a main body support plate,
17. Support the member 5019. Reference numeral 5012 denotes a lever for starting suction for suction recovery, which moves with the movement of the cam 5020 engaging with the carriage HC, and
The driving force from 013 is controlled by a known transmission means such as clutch switching.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired operations can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage HC comes to the home position side area. What is necessary is just to be configured to perform a desired operation at a timing.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the second printing apparatus shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1700 denotes an interface to which a recording signal is input. 1701 is an MPU, RO
The host print information and the like are processed based on the control program stored in M1702. Reference numeral 1703 denotes a DRAM which stores various data (such as the recording signal and recording data supplied to the head). Reference numeral 1704 denotes a gate array, which controls supply of output data to the print head 1708, and controls the interface 1700, the MPU 1701, and the D
Data transfer between the RAMs 1703 is also controlled.

Reference numeral 1710 denotes a carrier motor for transferring the recording head 1708. A conveyance motor 1709 conveys a recording sheet. A head driver 1705 drives the recording head 1708. 1706, a motor driver for driving the transport motor 1709; 1707
Is a motor driver for driving the carrier motor 1710.

In the printing apparatus having the above-described configuration, when input information is input from a host computer 3000 described later via the interface 1700, the input information is output between the gate array 1704 and the MPU 1701 as output information for printing. Is converted to Then, the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head is driven according to the output information sent to the head driver 1705 to execute printing.

The MPU 1701 is the interface 1
Communication processing with a host computer 3000 to be described later can be performed via the host computer 300, and memory information and resource data related to the DRAM 1703 and host print information in the ROM 1702 can be processed by the host computer
0, and further notifies the host computer 3000 of the result of the ink remaining amount estimation process described later, so that the host computer 3000 can notify the operator that printing cannot be continued. ing.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which a print control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system including processing devices via a network such as a LAN may be used. It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied.

Referring to FIG. 3, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer which executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3. C
The PU 1 performs overall control via the system bus 4.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
Stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like.
The font ROM stores font data and the like used in the document processing, and the data ROM of the ROM 3 stores various data used in the document processing and the like.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls a key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is C
The display of the CRT display (CRT) 10 is controlled by an RT controller (CRTC). Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC) which controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like.

8 is a printer controller (PRTC)
A predetermined bidirectional interface (interface)
The printer 1500 is connected to the printer 1500 via the MFP 23 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500.

The CPU 1 executes a process of rasterizing the outline font in the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, for example,
YSIWYG is possible. Further, the CPU 1
Various registered windows are opened based on a command specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the RT 10,
Perform various data processing.

In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU, which controls various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program or the like stored in the external memory 14. And outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a printing unit interface 16.

The program RO of the ROM 13
In M, an estimated toner consumption is calculated from the contents of the print data, and EEPRO which is a storage device provided in the toner cartridge (the developing unit 1507 shown in FIG. 1) is provided.
For example, a control program of the CPU 12 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 for controlling the content of M22 through the cartridge (CRG) interface 21 is stored. The control program may be read from the external memory 14 by the CPU 12 and loaded into the RAM 19. Thus, the present embodiment also includes a mode in which the toner remaining amount notification processing is supplied from an external storage medium, for example, a floppy disk or a memory card, and is read out by the CPU 12.

The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information. In the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk in the data ROM of the ROM 13, The information used on the host computer 3000 is stored. The CPU 12 is capable of communicating with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18, and transmits information and the like in the printer 1500 to the host computer 300.
0 can be notified.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown). Note that RAM1
9 is an output information development area, an environment data storage area NVRA
Used for M etc. Hard disk (HD) mentioned above,
Access to the external memory 14 such as an IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and stores font data,
Stores emulation programs, form data, etc. Reference numeral 1501 denotes the operation panel (operation unit) described above.
A switch for operation, an LED display, and the like are provided.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. You may be comprised so that it can be performed. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the first to ninth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

The first invention is directed to a printing apparatus main body (printer 1).
A storage unit (EEPROM 2) for non-volatilely storing the remaining amount of the printing developer remaining in a storage unit (developing unit) for storing a predetermined printing developer.
2), the precise amount of the print developer remaining in the storage unit at the same time as the mounting and dismounting of the developing means (in the present embodiment, a developing unit, but in the case of an ink jet, becomes an ink cartridge) The main body can read and recognize at any time.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a calculating means (C) for calculating an amount of print developer consumed for print information input from a data source.
The PU 12 executes the control program stored in the ROM 13 to perform the calculation process) and the print developer amount calculated by the CPU 12 and the remaining amount of the print developer stored in the EEPROM 22 by control means (the CPU 12 controls the control stored in the ROM 13). Run and control the program) to read and compare,
Since the output of the print information is controlled based on the comparison result, the accurate remaining amount of the stored developer is grasped, and the printing of the print information accompanying the consumption of the developer exceeding the remaining amount of the developer is reliably performed. Can be restricted.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the CPU 12 has an EEPROM
Since the value obtained by subtracting the print developer amount calculated from the print developer amount read from 22 is updated as the latest print developer amount, the printing apparatus main body always keeps track of the latest print developer amount. be able to.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the CPU detects the attachment / detachment of the developing means (developing unit, ink cartridge, etc.) to / from the printing apparatus main body, and
Since the remaining amount of the printing developer stored in the printer can be read out, the developing unit can manage the remaining amount of the printing developer with a simple configuration.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the CPU 12 has an EEPROM
Comparing the remaining amount of the printing developer read from M22 with the calculated amount of the printing developer, and when the amount of the printing developer exceeds the remaining amount of the printing developer, the print information output disabled state is determined. Data source (host computer 3000)
Alternatively, the user is notified to the operation unit 1501 of the printing apparatus main body, so that it is possible to clearly indicate to the user that the remaining amount of the printing agent causes printing failure.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a developing unit (developing unit) detachably attached to the main body of the printing apparatus includes a storage unit for nonvolatilely storing the remaining amount of the printing developer remaining in the storage unit for storing the toner. Therefore, the printing apparatus main body side can always read and recognize the accurate remaining amount of toner remaining in the storage section at the same time when the developing means is attached and detached.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the printing apparatus main body can always read and recognize the accurate remaining amount of ink remaining in the storage section at the same time that the developing means (ink cartridge) is attached and detached.

According to the eighth aspect, the printing apparatus main body can always read and recognize the accurate remaining amount of toner for each color remaining in the storage section at the same time that the developing means (color developing unit) is attached and detached.

According to the ninth aspect, the printing apparatus main body can always read and recognize the accurate remaining amount of ink for each color remaining in the storage section at the same time that the developing means (color ink cartridge) is attached and detached.

In the printer control system thus configured, the operation of the present invention is performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a printing control procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. (1)
(8) shows each step.

In step (1), the host computer 30
From 00, print data for one sheet is received. Then
In step (2), the CPU 12 executes the control program stored in the ROM 13 to calculate the estimated toner use amount (use amount) by analyzing the print data, and stores the calculated amount in the RAM 19.

In step (3), the remaining amount (remaining amount) of the toner stored in the EEPROM 22 is read out through the cartridge interface 21. In step (4), the expected use amount and the remaining amount are compared.
The CPU 12 determines whether or not the remaining amount is larger. If it is determined that the remaining amount is larger or equal, the process proceeds to step (5), where the printing unit 17 is controlled to print one page.

Next, in step (6), the EEPROM
The CPU 12 calculates a new remaining amount by subtracting the used amount from the remaining amount read from the CPU 22, stores the calculated new remaining amount in the EEPROM 22 in step (7), and ends the processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that the remaining amount is small, the process proceeds to step (8), where a message indicating that printing is not possible is sent to the host computer 3000 and the display on the operation panel 1501 is displayed. A message (please supply toner) is output to the copy unit, and the process ends.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between the present embodiment and the respective steps of the tenth to fifteenth aspects of the present invention and the operation thereof will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing unit having a storage unit for storing a predetermined print developer, and a storage unit (EEPROM 22) for nonvolatilely storing the remaining amount of the print developer remaining in the storage unit. In a printing control method for a printing apparatus in which (developing units, ink cartridges) are detachably provided in a printing apparatus main body, a calculation step of calculating an amount of printing developer to be consumed based on printing information input from a data source (FIG. 5) Steps (1) and (2)) and reading and comparing the calculated amount of printing developer with the remaining amount of printing developer stored in the EEPROM 22 to limit or permit the output of the printing information. The processing step (step (5) in FIG. 5 or step (8) in FIG. 5) is executed to detect the stored accurate remaining amount of the developer and to consume the developer exceeding the remaining amount of the developer. Accompanies It is possible to reliably limit the printing of the printing information.

According to an eleventh aspect, when output of the print information is permitted, a value obtained by subtracting the calculated print developer amount from the print developer remaining amount stored in the storage unit is updated. By executing the updating process (steps (6) and (7) in FIG. 5) for rewriting the remaining amount of the printing developer, the printing apparatus main body can always keep track of the latest printing developer remaining amount.

In a twelfth aspect, when the output of the print information is restricted, a notification step of notifying the data source or the operation unit of the printing apparatus main body of a state in which the print information cannot be output (step in FIG. 5). By executing (8)), it is possible to clearly indicate to the user that printing failure occurs with the remaining amount of printing agent.

According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a calculating step (steps (1) and (2) in FIG. 5) for calculating an amount of print developer to be consumed based on print information input from a data source. A processing step (step (5) in FIG. 5 or step (5) in FIG. 5) of reading and comparing the print developer amount and the remaining amount of print developer stored in the storage unit to limit or permit the output of the print information. And (8)) stored in a storage medium, the program being readable by a computer. That is, a program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 5 is stored in a storage medium or an internal storage resource, which will be described later, and the storage medium storing the program code stores the program code in the storage medium.
A mode in which U12 reads and executes the data is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.

According to a fourteenth aspect, when the output of the print information is permitted, a value obtained by subtracting the calculated print developer amount from the print developer remaining amount stored in the storage unit is updated. In this case, a computer-readable program including an update process (steps (6) and (7) in FIG. 5) for rewriting the remaining amount of print developer is stored in a storage medium. That is, the embodiment of the present invention includes a mode in which a program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 5 is stored in a storage medium or an internal storage resource described later, and the CPU 12 reads out and executes the program code from the storage medium storing the program code. Things.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when the output of the print information is restricted, a notification step (step (FIG. 5) of notifying the data source or the operation unit of the printing apparatus main body of the print information output disabled state is performed. A computer-readable program, including 8)), is stored in a storage medium. That is, a program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 5 is stored in a storage medium or an internal storage resource described later, and the storage medium storing the program code is stored in a CPU.
The mode of reading and executing by 12 is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment, if the remaining amount of toner is smaller than the used amount, and if it is possible to select the econo-mode printing in which the density is reduced stepwise, a message “Do you want to execute econo-mode printing?” , Host computer 3000
May be notified to the user or displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 1501 to inquire the user, and control may be performed so as to execute printing based on the econo-mode print instruction input. In this case, the new consumption is adjusted and calculated according to the density level in the econo mode, and the calculated remaining amount is stored in the EEPROM 2.
Needless to say, it is stored in 2.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 5 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0080]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the developing unit detachable from the printing apparatus main body includes a storage unit for nonvolatilely storing the remaining amount of the print developer remaining in the storage unit for storing the predetermined print developer. The printing apparatus main body side can always read and recognize the accurate remaining amount of the printing developer remaining in the storage unit at the same time when the unit is attached or detached.

According to the second aspect, the printing developer amount calculated by the calculating means for calculating the printing developer amount consumed for the printing information input from the data source and the printing amount stored in the storage unit. The control means reads and compares the remaining amount of the developer, and controls the output of the print information based on the comparison result.
Printing of printing information accompanying consumption of the developer exceeding the remaining amount of the developer can be reliably restricted.

[0082] According to the third invention, the control means calculates a value obtained by subtracting the print developer amount calculated by the calculation means from the print developer remaining amount read out from the storage unit, to the latest print developer amount. Since the remaining amount is updated, the printing apparatus main body can always keep track of the latest remaining amount of the printing developer.

According to the fourth aspect, the control means can detect the attachment / detachment of the developing means to / from the printing apparatus main body and read out the remaining amount of the printing developer stored in the storage unit. The developing means can manage the remaining amount of the printing developer with a simple configuration.

According to the fifth aspect, the control means compares the print developer amount calculated by the calculation means with the remaining amount of print developer stored in the storage unit, and performs the printing. When the developer amount exceeds the print developer remaining amount,
Since the output impossibility state of the print information is notified to the data source or the operation unit of the printing apparatus main body, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user that the remaining amount of the printing agent causes printing failure.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the developing means detachable from the printing apparatus main body includes the storage unit for nonvolatilely storing the remaining amount of the printing developer remaining in the storage unit for storing the toner, The printing apparatus main body side can always read and recognize the accurate remaining amount of toner remaining in the storage unit at the same time as the mounting and dismounting of the developing unit.

According to the seventh aspect, the printing apparatus main body can read and recognize the accurate remaining amount of ink remaining in the storage section at the same time when the developing means is attached and detached.

According to the eighth aspect, the printing apparatus main body can always read and recognize the accurate remaining amount of toner for each color remaining in the storage section at the same time as the mounting and dismounting of the developing means.

According to the ninth aspect, the printing apparatus main body can always read and recognize the accurate remaining amount of ink for each color remaining in the storage section at the same time as the mounting and dismounting of the developing means.

According to the tenth and thirteenth aspects, the storage unit for storing the predetermined print developer and the storage unit for nonvolatilely storing the remaining amount of the print developer remaining in the storage unit are provided. In a printing control method for a printing apparatus in which developing means is detachably provided in a printing apparatus main body, a printing developer amount to be consumed is calculated based on printing information input from a data source, and the calculated printing developer amount is calculated. And reading and comparing the remaining amount of the printing developer stored in the storage unit to limit or permit the output of the printing information. Execution of the printing process can be reliably restricted.

According to the eleventh and fourteenth aspects, when the output of the print information is permitted, the print developer amount calculated from the print developer remaining amount stored in the storage unit is calculated. Since the subtracted value is rewritten as the latest print developer remaining amount, the latest print developer remaining amount can always be read from the storage unit even if the print developer remaining amount decreases every time due to the printing process.

According to the twelfth and fifteenth aspects, when the output of the print information is restricted, the output impossible state of the print information is notified to the data source or the operation unit of the printing apparatus main body. The cause of the print failure is clearly indicated to the user of the main body or the data source.

Accordingly, if the situation in which the usage amount consumed by printing the input print information exceeds the remaining amount while accurately grasping the remaining amount of the printing agent that is always consumed,
There is an effect that the printing execution is restricted before the printing process is started, so that waste of paper can be limited.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a configuration of a first printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating a configuration of a second printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a second printing apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which a print control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print control procedure of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 10 CRT 12 CPU 13 ROM 14 External memory 17 Printing unit 22 EEPROM 1500 Printer 3000 Host computer

Claims (15)

[Claims] An accommodating section for accommodating a predetermined printing developer;
A printing unit having a storage unit for nonvolatilely storing the remaining amount of the printing developer remaining in the storage unit; 2. A calculating means for calculating an amount of printing developer to be consumed based on printing information input from a data source, and the printing developer amount calculated by the calculating means and stored in the storage unit. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for reading and comparing the remaining amount of the printing developer, and controlling output of the printing information based on the comparison result. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit updates a value obtained by subtracting the print developer amount calculated by the calculation unit from the print developer remaining amount read from the storage unit as a latest print developer amount. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit detects the attachment / detachment of the developing unit to / from the printing apparatus main body and reads the remaining amount of the printing developer stored in the storage unit. The printing device according to the above. 5. The control unit reads and compares the print developer amount calculated by the calculation unit with the remaining amount of print developer stored in the storage unit, and compares the print developer amount with the print developer amount. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the remaining amount of the printing developer is exceeded, the print information output disabled state is notified to the data source or the operation unit of the printing apparatus main body. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined print developer is a toner. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined print developer is ink. 8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined print developer is a toner for each color. 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined print developer is ink for each color. 10. A developing device having a storage unit for storing a predetermined print developer and a storage unit for nonvolatilely storing the remaining amount of the print developer remaining in the storage unit is detachably attached to the printing apparatus main body. In the printing control method of the printing apparatus provided in the
A calculating step of calculating an amount of print developer to be consumed based on print information input from a data source, and reading out the calculated amount of print developer and the remaining amount of print developer stored in the storage unit. And a processing step of limiting or permitting the output of the print information in comparison. 11. When the output of the print information is permitted, a value obtained by subtracting the calculated amount of the print developer from the remaining amount of the print developer stored in the storage unit is the latest print developer. 11. The printing control method for a printing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an updating step of rewriting the remaining amount. 12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of notifying the data source or the operation unit of the printing apparatus main body when the output of the print information is restricted. A printing control method for a printing apparatus according to claim 10. 13. A calculating step of calculating an amount of printing developer to be consumed based on printing information input from a data source, and calculating the calculated amount of printing developer and a remaining amount of printing developer stored in a storage unit. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, comprising: a step of reading and comparing the amounts to limit or permit the output of the print information. 14. When the output of the print information is permitted, a value obtained by subtracting the calculated amount of the print developer from the remaining amount of the print developer stored in the storage unit is updated to the latest print developer. 14. The storage medium according to claim 13, wherein a computer-readable program including an updating step of rewriting as a remaining amount is stored. 15. A computer-readable program including a notifying step of notifying the data source or an operation unit of a printing apparatus main body when the output of the print information is restricted, when the output of the print information is restricted. 14. The storage medium according to claim 13, wherein is stored.