JP2004122644A - Recording device, computer program, computer system, and recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

A recording device capable of preventing writing of erroneous information into a liquid storage unit of a liquid storage unit is realized.
Prior to writing a new usage amount information value to a liquid storage unit, the usage amount information value stored in the liquid storage unit is read and differs from the initial usage amount information value stored in the main body storage unit. In such a case, the recording apparatus that executes a writing process of writing a value larger than the read usage information value and, if it matches, the initial usage information value and the cumulative usage information value calculated based on the storage operation, And execution information storage means capable of storing execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of the writing process.
[Selection] Fig. 9

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that performs recording using liquid supplied from a detachable liquid storage unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art As a recording apparatus that performs recording using a liquid supplied from a detachable liquid storage unit, for example, an ink jet printer that performs recording by printing on printing paper or the like using ink as a liquid is known. Ink used in the ink jet printer is contained in an ink cartridge as a liquid containing unit. The ink cartridge can be easily attached and detached by a user, and is provided with ink storage means as liquid storage means for storing the used amount of ink already used, the remaining amount of remaining ink, and the like. The data in the ink storage means is read into the main body storage means of the printing apparatus main body when the printing apparatus is powered on (ON) and when the ink unit is mounted, and when the printing apparatus is turned off and the ink unit is removed. At times, the used amount and the remaining amount of the ink calculated based on the printing operation of the printing apparatus main body are stored in the ink storage unit. For this reason, even when the ink unit is removed from the printing apparatus main body in a state in which the ink remains, the printing apparatus main body is maintained even if the printing apparatus main body is mounted again or another ink unit is mounted. The used amount and the remaining amount of the attached ink unit can be recognized.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if for some reason the used or remaining amount of ink stored in the ink storage unit is different from the used or remaining amount of ink in the main body storage unit, the user sets an appropriate time to replace the ink unit. I can't know. For this reason, it is necessary to store the ink usage amount or remaining amount as accurate as possible in the ink storage means. However, for example, when writing the used amount and the remaining amount of ink to the ink storage unit, if a new writing process to the ink storage unit occurs as a high priority process, an incorrect value is stored in the ink storage unit. There is a possibility that it will be.
[0004]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to write erroneous information in a writing process of a usage amount or a remaining amount of a liquid in a liquid storage unit of a liquid storage unit. It is an object of the present invention to realize a recording device, a computer program, a computer system, and a recording method that can prevent the occurrence of an error.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A main aspect of the present invention is a liquid storage unit that stores liquid used in a recording apparatus main body and includes a liquid storage unit capable of storing a usage amount information value indicating an amount of used liquid, and the liquid storage unit. The recording apparatus main body, comprising: a main body storage means for reading and storing the usage information value of the liquid storage means; and a writing means for writing a new usage information value in the liquid storage means. The recording device main body is configured to store the used amount stored in the liquid storage unit provided in the liquid storage unit before the writing unit writes a new used amount information value to the liquid storage unit. The information value is read, and if the read usage information value is different from the initial usage information value stored in the main body storage means as an initial value for the liquid storage unit, the read usage information is read. If the read usage information value matches a value larger than the initial usage information value, the cumulative usage information value calculated based on the initial usage information value and the recording operation is added to the new usage information value. In a recording apparatus that executes a writing process for writing to the liquid storage unit as a usage amount information value,
The recording apparatus main body includes an execution information storage unit capable of storing execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of the writing process.
Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following description.
[0006]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
=== Disclosure Overview ===
The description of the detailed description of the invention in this specification makes it clear at least the following.
A liquid storage unit that stores liquid used in the recording apparatus main body and includes a liquid storage unit capable of storing a usage amount information value indicating an amount of used liquid; and the liquid storage unit is detachable. The recording apparatus main body comprising: a main body storage unit that reads and stores a usage amount information value of the liquid storage unit; and a writing unit that writes a new usage amount information value in the liquid storage unit. Prior to writing a new usage information value to the liquid storage means by the writing means, the recording device main body reads the usage information value stored in the liquid storage means provided in the liquid storage unit, If the read usage information value is different from the initial usage information value stored in the main storage unit as an initial value for the liquid storage unit, a value larger than the read usage information value is used. If the read usage information value matches the initial usage information value, the total usage information value calculated based on the initial usage information value and the recording operation is used as the new usage information value. In a recording apparatus that executes a writing process for writing in the liquid storage unit, the recording device main body includes an execution information storage unit that can store execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of the writing process. It is a recording device characterized by having.
According to such a recording device, it is possible to determine whether or not the writing process is being performed based on the execution state identification information of the execution information storage unit, that is, refer to the execution state identification information of the execution information storage unit. This makes it possible to determine whether a new usage information value has been written to the liquid storage means.
[0007]
In this recording apparatus, the recording apparatus main body has execution information writing means for writing execution state identification information in the execution information storage means, and the execution information is stored as the execution state identification information prior to the writing process. It is preferable that the execution information indicating the execution state is written in the storage unit, and that the non-execution information indicating the non-execution state is written in the execution information storage unit when the writing process ends.
According to such a recording apparatus, since the execution information is always written in the execution information storage unit when writing to the liquid storage unit, it is possible to accurately determine the state of the writing process to the liquid storage unit. It becomes.
[0008]
In this recording apparatus, the recording apparatus main body has a new information value storage unit for storing a new usage information value, and the new usage information value is stored before writing the execution information to the execution information storage unit. Is desirably written to the new information storage means, and the new usage information value written to the new information storage means is written to the liquid storage means in the writing process.
According to such a recording device, a new usage information value to be written to the liquid storage means is once written to the new information value recording means. The usage information value to be written is stored in the new information value recording means. For this reason, for example, even if writing is interrupted for some reason during the writing process to the liquid storage unit, the value of the new information value recording unit is written to the liquid storage unit, so that the liquid storage unit can be used correctly. It is possible to store the quantity information value.
[0009]
In such a recording apparatus, when an event to execute the writing process occurs prior to the writing process during the execution of the writing process, the execution state identification information in the execution information storage unit is referred to. When the execution information indicating the execution state has been written, the new usage information value written in the new information storage unit is written in the liquid storage unit, and the non-execution information indicating the non-execution state is If it has been written, it is desirable that an information value based on a difference between the initial usage information value and the cumulative usage information value be written to the liquid storage unit as a new usage information value.
According to such a recording apparatus, even if an event in which the writing process is to be performed prior to the writing process occurs during the execution of the writing process, the liquid storage is performed by referring to the execution state identification information. By recognizing the writing state to the means and writing a new usage information value to the liquid storage means based on the execution state information, it becomes possible to store the accurate usage information value by the liquid storage means. .
[0010]
A liquid storage unit that stores liquid used in the recording apparatus main body and includes a liquid storage unit that can store a remaining amount information value indicating an amount of used liquid; and the liquid storage unit is detachable. The recording apparatus main body comprising: a main body storage unit that reads and stores a remaining amount information value of the liquid storage unit; and a writing unit that writes a new remaining amount information value to the liquid storage unit. The recording apparatus body may store the remaining amount information value stored in the liquid storage unit provided in the liquid storage unit before writing the new remaining amount information value into the liquid storage unit by the writing unit. When the read remaining amount information value is different from the initial remaining amount information value stored in the main body storage unit as the initial value for the liquid storage unit, a value larger than the read remaining amount information value is read. If the remaining amount information value matches the initial remaining amount information value, the accumulated remaining amount information value calculated based on the initial remaining amount information value and the recording operation is used as the new remaining amount information value as the new remaining amount information value. In a recording device that executes a writing process for writing to a storage unit,
It is also possible to realize a recording apparatus, wherein the recording apparatus main body includes execution information storage means capable of storing execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of the writing process.
[0011]
In this recording apparatus, the recording apparatus main body has execution information writing means for writing execution state identification information in the execution information storage means, and the execution information is stored as the execution state identification information prior to the writing process. The non-execution information indicating the execution state may be written in a storage unit, and the execution state information indicating the non-execution state may be written in the execution information storage unit when the writing process ends.
[0012]
In such a recording apparatus, the recording apparatus main body has a new information value storage unit for storing a new remaining amount information value, and the new remaining amount information value is stored before the execution information is written to the execution information storage unit. May be written to the new information storage means, and the new remaining amount information value written to the new information storage means is written to the liquid storage means in the writing process.
[0013]
In such a recording apparatus, when an event to execute the writing process occurs prior to the writing process during the execution of the writing process, the execution state identification information in the execution information storage unit is referred to. When the execution information indicating the execution state has been written, the new remaining amount information value written in the new information storage unit is written in the liquid storage unit, and the non-execution information indicating the non-execution state is If the information has been written, an information value based on a difference between the initial remaining amount information value and the accumulated remaining amount information value may be written to the liquid storage unit as a new remaining amount information value.
[0014]
In such a recording apparatus, the recording may be performed by ejecting ink as the liquid onto the print medium and printing the ink.
In such a recording apparatus, it is possible to accurately store the used amount or the remaining amount of the ink.
[0015]
A liquid storage unit that stores liquid used in the recording apparatus main body and includes a liquid storage unit capable of storing a usage amount information value indicating an amount of used liquid; and the liquid storage unit is detachable. Wherein the main body storage means for reading and storing the usage information value of the liquid storage means, and the writing apparatus main body comprising writing means for writing a new usage information value to the liquid storage means. Then, the recording apparatus main body, before writing the new usage information value to the liquid storage means by the writing means, the usage information value stored in the liquid storage means provided in the liquid storage unit. If the read usage amount information value is different from the initial usage amount information value stored in the main body storage means as the initial value for the liquid storage unit, the read usage amount information value is larger than the read usage amount information value. If the read usage information value matches the initial usage information value, the total usage information value calculated based on the initial usage information value and the recording operation is added to the new usage information value. A recording apparatus that performs a writing process for writing to the liquid storage unit as an information value, and performs recording by ejecting and recording ink as the liquid on a recording medium,
The recording apparatus main body includes execution information storage means capable of storing execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of the writing process, and execution information writing for writing execution state information to the execution information storage means. Means for writing execution information indicating the execution state in the execution information storage means as the execution state identification information prior to the writing processing, and when the writing processing is completed, storing the execution information in the execution information storage means. The non-execution information indicating the execution state is written, and the recording apparatus main body has new information value storage means for storing a new usage amount information value, and before writing the execution information to the execution information storage means, And writing the new usage information value written in the new information storage means to the liquid storage means in the writing process. During execution of the processing, when an event occurs in which the writing process is to be executed prior to the writing process, the execution information indicating the execution status is referred to by referring to the execution status identification information of the execution information storage unit. Was written, the new usage information value written to the new information storage means was written to the liquid storage means, and if the non-execution information indicating the non-execution state was written, A recording apparatus, wherein an information value based on a difference between the initial usage information value and the total usage information value is written to the liquid storage unit as a new usage information value.
[0016]
A liquid storage unit that stores liquid used in the recording apparatus main body and includes a liquid storage unit capable of storing a usage amount information value indicating an amount of used liquid; and the liquid storage unit is detachable. Wherein the main body storage means for reading and storing the usage information value of the liquid storage means, and the writing apparatus main body comprising writing means for writing a new usage information value to the liquid storage means. Then, the recording apparatus main body, before writing the new usage information value to the liquid storage means by the writing means, the usage information value stored in the liquid storage means provided in the liquid storage unit. If the read usage amount information value is different from the initial usage amount information value stored in the main body storage means as the initial value for the liquid storage unit, the read usage amount information value is larger than the read usage amount information value. If the read usage information value matches the initial usage information value, the total usage information value calculated based on the initial usage information value and the recording operation is added to the new usage information value. A recording device that executes a writing process for writing to the liquid storage unit as an information value is provided in the recording device main body and is capable of storing execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of the writing process. A computer program for realizing a function of storing the execution state information in the information storage means can also be realized.
[0017]
A liquid storage unit connected to the computer main body, the liquid storage unit including a liquid used for storing the liquid used in the recording apparatus main body and storing a usage amount information value indicating an amount of the used liquid; And a main body storage unit in which the liquid storage unit is detachable, which reads and stores a usage amount information value of the liquid storage unit, and a writing unit which writes a new usage amount information value in the liquid storage unit. The recording apparatus main body comprising: a liquid storage unit provided in a liquid storage unit prior to writing of a new usage amount information value to the liquid storage unit by the writing unit. The usage amount information value stored in the means is read, and the read usage amount information value is compared with the initial usage amount information value stored in the main body storage unit as an initial value for the liquid storage unit. If different, a value larger than the read usage information value is used.If the read usage information value matches the initial usage information value, the value is based on the initial usage information value and the recording operation. A recording device that executes a writing process for writing the calculated cumulative usage amount information value as the new usage amount information value to the liquid storage unit. It is also possible to realize a computer system having an execution information storage unit capable of storing execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of a process.
[0018]
A liquid storage unit that stores liquid used in the recording apparatus main body and includes a liquid storage unit capable of storing a usage amount information value indicating an amount of used liquid; and the liquid storage unit is detachable. Wherein the main body storage means for reading and storing the usage information value of the liquid storage means, and the writing apparatus main body comprising writing means for writing a new usage information value to the liquid storage means. Then, the recording apparatus main body, before writing the new usage information value to the liquid storage means by the writing means, the usage information value stored in the liquid storage means provided in the liquid storage unit. If the read usage amount information value is different from the initial usage amount information value stored in the main body storage means as the initial value for the liquid storage unit, the read usage amount information value is larger than the read usage amount information value. If the read usage information value matches the initial usage information value, the total usage information value calculated based on the initial usage information value and the recording operation is added to the new usage information value. In a recording method for recording in a recording device that executes a writing process for writing to the liquid storage unit as an information value,
The recording apparatus main body includes an execution information storage unit capable of storing execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of the writing process, and stores the execution state identification information in the execution information storage unit. A recording method characterized by having steps can also be realized.
[0019]
=== Schematic Configuration of Recording Device ===
First, referring to FIG. 1, a description will be given mainly of an external schematic configuration of a recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a color printer CP as an example of a printing apparatus. The color printer CP has a printer main body 10 as a recording apparatus main body, and a roll paper unit 30 in which printing paper to be printed by the printer main body 10 is wound in a roll shape and mounted on the printer main body 10. are doing.
[0020]
The color printer CP is a printer capable of outputting a color image, and discharges, for example, four color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) onto printing paper. This is an ink jet printer that forms an image by forming dots. As the color ink, in addition to the above four colors, light cyan (light cyan, LC), light magenta (light magenta, LM), and dark yellow (dark yellow, DY) may be used.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, the color printer CP has a structure for discharging print paper and the like supplied from the back from the front, and an operation panel 11 and a paper discharge unit 12 on the front of the printer main body 10. A paper feed unit 13 is provided on the back. The operation panel 11 is provided with various operation buttons 111 and a display lamp 112. The paper discharge unit 12 includes a paper discharge tray 121 that closes a paper discharge port when not in use. The paper supply unit 13 includes a paper supply holder 131 for holding cut paper (not shown) and roll paper unit holders 20 and 21 for holding the roll paper unit 30.
[0022]
In the present embodiment, the form in which the printer main body 10 includes the roll paper unit 30 is described, but it is not always necessary to include the roll paper unit 30.
[0023]
=== Internal Configuration of Color Printer CP ===
Next, an internal configuration of the color printer CP will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the color printer CP according to the present embodiment.
The color printer CP has a mechanism for driving the print heads IH1 to IH4 mounted on the carriage 40 to eject ink and form dots, as shown in the drawing, and to move the carriage 40 in the axial direction of the platen 42 by the carriage motor 41. It has a mechanism for reciprocating, a mechanism for transporting the printing roll paper 32 supplied from the roll paper unit 30 by the paper feed motor 43, and a control circuit 50.
[0024]
A mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 40 in the axial direction of the platen 42 is provided in parallel with the axis of the platen 42, and has an endless drive between a sliding shaft 44 slidably holding the carriage 40 and the carriage motor 41. It is composed of a pulley 46 for stretching the belt 45 and the like.
[0025]
The mechanism for transporting the printing roll paper 32 supplied from the roll paper unit 30 includes a platen 42, a paper feed motor 43 for rotating the platen 42, a paper feed auxiliary roller (not shown), and a rotation of the paper feed motor 43. A gear mechanism 48 for transmitting the rotation of the platen 42 to the sheet feeding auxiliary roller 42 and an encoder 47 for detecting the rotation angle of the platen 42 are provided.
[0026]
The control circuit 50 appropriately controls the movements of the paper feed motor 43, the carriage motor 41, and the print heads IH1 to IH4 while exchanging signals with the operation panel 11 of the printer. The printing roll paper 32 of the roll paper unit 30 held by the roll paper unit holders 20 and 21 of the color printer CP is set so as to be sandwiched between the platen 42 and the paper feed auxiliary roller. A predetermined amount is sent accordingly.
[0027]
On the carriage 40, an ink cartridge INC1 and an ink cartridge INC2 as liquid storage units are mounted. Each of the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 is provided with a storage element 80 as liquid storage means for storing an ink usage amount information value indicating the amount of used ink. The ink cartridge INC2 contains black (K) ink, and the ink cartridge INC1 contains other inks, that is, three color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). As described above, light cyan (LC), light magenta (LM), and dark yellow (DY) inks can also be accommodated.
[0028]
The print heads IH1 to IH4 are provided with nozzles for discharging ink droplets. When air bubbles enter the nozzle or clogging occurs, in the non-printing area of the printer main body 10, a capping device 62 that seals the nozzle and a pump mechanism (not shown) that communicates with the capping device 62. Cleaning in which ink is sucked is performed.
[0029]
=== Configuration of ink cartridge and cartridge mounting part ===
In the color printer CP thus configured, the basic structures of the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 as the ink units are common. The structure of the ink cartridge INC2 for black and the structure for mounting this cartridge in the printer main body 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of the ink cartridge and a cartridge mounting portion of the printer main body 10. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the ink cartridge, the internal structure of the cartridge mounting portion on the carriage 40, and how the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion.
[0031]
In FIG. 3, an ink cartridge INC2 includes a cartridge body 171 made of a synthetic resin which forms an ink containing section 117K (FIG. 4) for containing ink therein, and a storage element built in a side frame section 172 of the cartridge body 171. 80. This storage element 80 exchanges various data with the printer main body 10 when the ink cartridge INC2 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 18 of the printer main body 10. Since the storage element 80 is mounted in the concave portion 173 whose lower side is open with respect to the side frame portion 172 of the ink cartridge INC2, only the plurality of connection terminals 174 are exposed.
[0032]
On the other hand, in the cartridge mounting section 18, the needle 181 is arranged upward at the bottom 187 of the space where the ink cartridge INC2 is mounted. Around this needle 181, a concave portion 183 for receiving the ink supply section 175 formed in the ink cartridge INC2 is formed. Three cartridge guides 182 are formed on the inner wall of the concave portion 183. A connector 186 is arranged on the inner wall 184 of the cartridge mounting portion 18, and a plurality of connection terminals 174 of the storage element 80 are electrically connected to the connector 186 when the ink cartridge INC 2 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 18. A plurality of electrodes 185 are formed.
[0033]
Next, a procedure for mounting the ink cartridge INC2 on the cartridge mounting section 18 will be described. First, the ink cartridge INC2 is arranged in the cartridge mounting section 18. A fixing lever 192 is attached to the rear wall portion 188 of the cartridge mounting portion 18 via a support shaft 191. When the fixing lever 192 is tilted so as to cover the ink cartridge INC2, the ink cartridge INC2 is pushed downward. As a result, the ink supply unit 175 fits into the concave portion 183, and the needle 181 pierces the ink supply unit 175 so that ink can be supplied. Further, when the fixing lever 192 is tilted, the locking portion 193 formed at the tip of the fixing lever 192 engages with the engaging tool 189 formed on the cartridge mounting portion 18, and the ink cartridge INC2 is fixed. In this state, the plurality of connection terminals 174 of the storage element 80 of the ink cartridge INC2 and the plurality of electrodes 185 of the cartridge mounting section 18 are electrically connected, and data transmission and reception between the printer body 10 and the storage element 80 are performed. Becomes possible.
[0034]
Since the structure of the ink cartridge INC2 is basically the same as that of the color ink cartridge INC1, the description thereof will be omitted. However, in the color ink cartridge INC1, it is necessary that the inks for the three colors are filled in the respective ink storage chambers, and that these inks are supplied to the print head along different paths. Therefore, in the color ink cartridge INC1, the ink supply units 175 are formed for the number of ink colors. Note that the ink cartridge INC1 contains inks of three colors, but only one storage element 80 is contained therein, and this one storage element 80 stores the usage amount information of the ink cartridge INC1. The values and the information on the inks of each color are stored collectively.
[0035]
=== Configuration of Storage Element 80 Provided in Ink Cartridge ===
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a storage element 80 built in the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 used in the color printer CP of the present embodiment.
In each of the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2, an ink storage section for storing ink is formed inside, and a storage element 80 is built in. In the present embodiment, as the storage element 80, FIG. As shown in the block diagram, a memory cell 81, a read / write control unit 82 for controlling reading and writing of data in the memory cell 81, and a printer main unit 10 via a read / write control unit 82 based on a clock signal CLK. And an address counter 83 which counts up when reading and writing data between the memory cell 81 and the memory cell 81.
[0036]
The memory cell 81 of the storage element 80 provided in the black ink cartridge INC2 has two storage areas for storing rewritable data. The printer body 10 can execute both reading and writing with respect to data stored in the storage area. Here, the rewritable data stored in the two storage areas are a first usage information value of black ink and a second usage information value of black ink, and the two storage areas are allocated. This is because data is rewritten alternately in these areas. Therefore, the value stored in one storage area is the last rewritten usage information value, and the other storage area is stored one time before the last rewritten usage information value is read. The usage amount information value is stored, and the next rewrite is performed on the other storage area.
[0037]
In one of the storage areas, when the ink cartridge is shipped, a usage amount information value indicating that the ink cartridge is unused, for example, 0 (%) is stored as an initial value. This usage amount information value indicates the total usage amount as a percentage with the available ink amount as 100. The usable ink amount is set slightly smaller than the ink amount actually stored in the ink cartridge. Even when the used amount information value becomes 100 (%), a small amount of ink remains in the cartridge, It is set so that no blank shots occur.
[0038]
The memory cell 81 of the storage element 80 provided in the color ink cartridge INC1 also has six storage areas for storing rewritable data. The printer body 10 can execute both reading and writing for data stored in the storage area.
[0039]
Here, the rewritable data stored in the storage area includes the first cyan ink usage amount information value and the second cyan ink usage value assigned to the six storage areas, respectively, in the order of first access. An ink usage information value, a first magenta ink usage information value, a second magenta ink usage information value, a first yellow ink usage information value, and a second yellow ink usage information value. The two storage areas are assigned to the ink usage amount information values of the respective colors, as in the case of the black ink cartridge INC2, in order to alternately rewrite data in these areas.
[0040]
All of these data are stored in the printer when the power of the printer main body 10 is turned on / off with the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 attached to the printer main body 10 or when the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 are replaced. The data is read by the main body 10 and stored in the RAM 53 built in the printer main body 10. Here, it is not always necessary to provide two storage areas for each color and to write them alternately, and it is also possible to sequentially rewrite one storage area.
[0041]
The storage element 80 provided in the ink cartridge is further provided with a storage area in addition to the above-described storage area. In addition to the ink usage information value, the ink cartridge opening time data (year) and the ink cartridge opening time data ( Month), ink cartridge version data, ink type data such as pigment ink or dye ink, ink cartridge manufacturing year data, ink cartridge manufacturing month data, ink cartridge manufacturing date data, ink cartridge manufacturing line data, ink Various kinds of information such as serial number data of the cartridge and data indicating whether or not the ink cartridge is new or recycled may be stored. The information on the type of ink may be information on whether the ink is a dye ink or a pigment ink, or may be information obtained by further subdividing each of the dye ink and the pigment ink.
[0042]
=== Internal structure of control circuit ===
Next, an internal configuration of the control circuit 50 of the color printer CP will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control circuit 50 of the color printer CP according to the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, inside the control circuit 50, a CPU 51, a PROM 52, a RAM 53, a peripheral device input / output unit (PIO) 54, a timer 55, a drive buffer 56, an EEPROM 60 as a main body storage unit, and the like are provided.
[0043]
The transmission / reception unit 202 is connected to the peripheral device input / output unit 54 via the personal computer PC, the connector 186 with the storage element 80 of the ink cartridge, the carriage motor 41, the paper feed motor 43, the encoder 47, and the contacts 101 and 201. ing. The drive buffer 56 is used as a buffer for supplying an on / off signal for dot formation to the print heads IH1 to IH4. These are connected to each other via a bus 57 so that data can be exchanged with each other.
[0044]
The control circuit 50 also includes an oscillator 58 that outputs a drive waveform at a predetermined frequency, and a distribution output device 59 that distributes the output from the oscillator 58 to the print heads IH1 to IH4 at a predetermined timing.
For example, the control circuit 50 controls the storage elements 80 provided in the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 via the transmission / reception unit 202 at the timing of turning on the power, replacing the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2, and turning off the power. to access. Information read from the storage elements 80 provided in the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 is stored in the EEPROM 60 as a main body storage unit.
[0045]
The EEPROM 60 includes a plurality of storage areas for storing rewritable data, and both reading and writing can be performed on stored data.
For example, a first usage amount information value and a second usage amount information value of each color of ink stored in the ink cartridge are stored in eight storage regions of the plurality of storage regions of the EEPROM 60. Two storage areas are assigned to each color, as in the case of the storage element 80 of the ink cartridge, in order to alternately rewrite data in these areas. Therefore, the value stored in one storage area is the last rewritten usage information value, and the other storage area is stored one time before the last rewritten usage information value is read. The usage amount information value is stored, and the next rewrite is performed on the other storage area. Further, the EEPROM 60 stores a first storage area for storing an initial usage information value described later, a second storage area for storing a total usage information value, and a new storage information value before writing a new usage information value to the storage element 80. A third storage area as a new information storage unit for temporarily storing the new usage information value, and an execution for storing execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of the writing process to the storage element 80. A fourth storage area is provided as information storage means.
[0046]
Here, the execution state identification information is, for example, 1-bit information stored in the fourth storage area by the control circuit 50. That is, prior to the writing process for writing a new usage information value to the storage element 80, execution information (for example, “1”) indicating the execution state of the writing process is stored in the fourth storage area as the execution information storage unit. When the writing and the writing process are completed, non-execution information (for example, “0”) indicating the non-execution state of the writing process is written to the fourth storage area. This execution state identification information is transmitted to the storage element 80 when an emergency situation such as an outlet being unplugged occurs and a command signal for executing a writing process to the storage element 80 with priority is generated. Prior to the writing process of the usage information value, the setting is made so as to be referred to first.
[0047]
The control circuit 50 outputs dot data to the drive buffer 56 at a predetermined timing while synchronizing with the movements of the paper feed motor 43 and the carriage motor 42.
[0048]
=== Printing Operation Using Color Printer CP ===
Next, a printing operation using the color printer CP according to the present embodiment will be described.
When the user creates print data to be printed by performing image processing, editing, document creation, and the like by using an application program that operates on a computer, and then instructs printing, the operating system installed in the computer is executed. The installed printer driver receives print data from the application program and transfers the print data to the printer main body 10. Thereby, the printer body 10 acquires the print data, and the control circuit 50 appropriately controls the movements of the paper feed motor 43, the carriage motor 41, and the print heads IH1 to IH4, and discharges the print heads IH1 to IH4. Images and characters are printed on the roll paper 32 by the ink droplets.
[0049]
At this time, the control unit 51 performs a process of calculating a cumulative usage information value X indicating the ink usage. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of calculating the total usage information value X.
[0050]
When the printing process starts, an ink usage amount calculation process routine starts. The control unit 51 determines whether the printing process is being executed (S100). If the printing process is being executed, the process waits until the printing process ends. If the printing process has not been executed, the used amount α of the ink consumed in the printing process is calculated (S110).
[0051]
The calculation of the ink usage amount α is performed, for example, by multiplying the volume per ink droplet by the number of times of ink droplet ejection to calculate the ink ejection amount α1 for each color, and calculating the calculated ink ejection amount α1. And the ink suction amount α2 consumed by the cleaning is added. The control unit 51 reads the usage amount information value Y already stored in the EEPROM 60 (S120). The total used amount information value X is calculated by adding the read used amount information value Y and the calculated ink used amount α (S130), and stored in the second storage area of the EEPROM 60 (S140).
[0052]
=== Process of Writing Usage Information Value to Storage Element and EEPROM ===
Writing of the usage amount information value to the storage element and the EEPROM is performed when the power switch of the printer main body 10 is turned on or off, and when the ink cartridge is attached and detached, respectively.
[0053]
<<< Writing process of usage information value when the power of the printer body is turned on >>>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process of writing the usage information value when the power switch is turned on. As shown in the drawing, when the power is turned on with the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 mounted (S200), the control circuit 50 causes each color stored in the storage element 80 provided in the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2. The usage information value B for each is read (S210). The read usage amount information value B is compared with the usage amount information value A previously written and previously stored in the EEPROM 60, and it is determined whether there is a difference (S220). At this time, when the usage information value B read from the storage element 80 matches the usage information value A stored in the EEPROM 60, the usage information value A is set to the initial value for the ink cartridges INC1 and INC. In the case of a difference, the usage information value B is stored in the EEPROM 60 as the initial usage information value in the first storage area of the EEPROM 60 (230).
[0054]
<<< Writing Process of Usage Information Value in Ink Cartridge Replacement >>>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a writing process of the usage information value when the ink cartridge is replaced. When a command signal for replacing the ink cartridge by the user is received (S300), the control circuit 50 reads the usage information value C for each color stored in the storage element 80 provided in the ink cartridges INC1, INC2 (S300). S310). The read usage amount information value C is compared with the initial usage amount information value D previously written and already stored in the EEPROM 60, and it is determined whether or not there is a difference (S320). At this time, if the usage information value C read from the storage element 80 matches the initial usage information value D, the cumulative usage information value X stored in the second storage area of the EEPROM 60 is read. (S330), it is stored in the third storage area as a new information storage means of the EEPROM 60 (S360). On the other hand, when the usage information value C is different from the initial usage information value D, the difference Z between the total usage information value X and the initial usage information value D is added to the usage information value C. Then, the value is stored in the third storage area of the EEPROM 60 (S360). The new usage information value stored in the third storage area is written as a new usage information value E in a predetermined storage area of the EEPROM 60 and the storage elements 80 of the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 (S380). At this time, the control circuit 50 stores “1” as execution information in the fourth storage area as execution information storage means of the EEPROM 60 prior to writing the usage amount information value to the storage element 80 of the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2. It is stored (S370). Then, after writing a new usage amount information value into the storage element 80 of the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2, “0” is stored as non-execution information in the fourth storage area of the EEPROM 60 (S390). Thereafter, the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 are removed by the user.
[0055]
That is, the usage information value C read from the storage element 80 indicates the ink usage at the time when the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 to be removed for ink replacement are mounted. On the other hand, the value Z obtained by subtracting the initial usage amount information value D from the total usage amount information value X corresponds to the printing processing of the printer from the time when the usage amount information values of the EEPROM 60 and the storage element 80 are finally matched to this time. Indicates the amount of ink actually consumed. Therefore, if a value obtained by adding the value Z indicating the actually consumed ink usage amount to the usage information value C is stored in the storage element 80 as a new usage information value E, the new usage information value E becomes Since the value is reliably smaller than the value indicating the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2, the printing process is not performed when the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 have run out of ink, and it is possible to prevent idle printing. .
[0056]
Before executing the writing process to the storage element 80, a new usage information value to be written to the storage element 80 is stored in the third storage area, and the execution information is stored in the fourth storage area of the EEPROM 60. After storing “1” and writing a new usage information value to the storage element 80, the non-execution information “0” is stored in the fourth storage area of the EEPROM 60. Therefore, whenever the writing process to the storage element 80 is being executed, a new usage information value to be written to the storage element 80 is stored in the third storage area, and the execution information is stored in the fourth storage area. Will be.
[0057]
Thereafter, when the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 are mounted by the user (S400), the control circuit 50 reads the usage information value F for each color stored in the storage element 80 of the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 (S410). ). The read usage amount information value F is compared with the usage amount information value E or X previously written and already stored in the EEPROM 60, and it is determined whether or not there is a difference (S420). At this time, when the usage amount information value F read from the storage element 80 is different from the usage amount information value E or X stored in the EEPROM 60, the usage amount information value F is set to the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2. The initial value is stored in the EEPROM 60 as an initial usage information value (S430).
[0058]
<<<< Writing process of usage information value when the power of the printer body is turned off >>>>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of writing the usage information value when the power of the printer body is turned off. When the power switch is turned off by the user, the control circuit 50 receives a power-off command signal (S500), and the used amount of each color stored in the storage element 80 provided in the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2. The information value G is read (S510). The read usage amount information value G is compared with the usage amount information value H previously written in the EEPROM 60 and already stored therein, and it is determined whether or not there is a difference (S520). If the usage information value G read at this time matches the usage information value H stored in the EEPROM 60, the cumulative usage information value X stored in the second storage area of the EEPROM 60 is read. (S530), it is stored in the third storage area of the EEPROM 60 as new information storage means (S560). On the other hand, if the usage information value G is different from the stored usage information value H, the total usage information value X is read (S540), and the total usage information value X and the usage information are used. The difference W from the value H is added to the usage information value G (S550), and the value I is stored in the third storage area of the EEPROM 60 (S560). The new usage amount information value I stored in the third storage area is written in a predetermined storage area of the EEPROM 60 and the storage elements 80 of the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 (S580), and the power is turned off (S600). . At this time, the control circuit 50 stores “1” as execution information in the fourth storage area of the EEPROM 60 before writing the usage amount information value to the storage element 80 of the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 (S570). Then, after writing the new usage information value into the storage element 80 of the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2, “0” is stored as non-execution information in the fourth storage area of the EEPROM 60 (S590).
[0059]
Further, according to the present embodiment, before the value of the storage element 80 reaches the use amount information value indicating the unusable ink amount, for example, 100 (%), the ink in the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 becomes empty. Therefore, there is no possibility that the print heads IH1 to IH4 will be damaged by the blank shot.
[0060]
<<< In the case where a command signal for executing a high-priority writing process is generated >>>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of writing a usage information value when a command signal for executing a high-priority writing process is generated. Here, the command signal for executing the writing process with a high priority is, for example, when the power consumption outlet of the color printer CP is unplugged, and the ink usage information value in that state is written to the storage element 80. .
[0061]
When the control circuit 50 receives a command signal for executing a high-priority writing process (S700), the execution state identification information in the fourth storage area of the EEPROM 60 is referred to (S710). At this time, if the execution information is stored as the execution state identification information in the fourth storage area, the usage information value stored in the third storage area is read (S720) and written to the storage element 80. (S810). On the other hand, when the non-execution information is stored in the fourth storage area, the usage amount information value J for each color stored in the storage element 80 provided in the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 is read (S730). ). The usage amount information value J thus read is compared with the usage amount information value K previously written and previously stored in the EEPROM 60, and it is determined whether or not there is a difference (S740). If the usage information value J read at this time matches the usage information value K stored in the EEPROM 60, the cumulative usage information value X stored in the second storage area of the EEPROM 60 is read. (S750), it is stored in the third storage area as the new information storage means of the EEPROM 60 (S760). On the other hand, if the usage information value J is different from the stored usage information value K, the total usage information value X is read (S770), and the total usage information value X and the usage information are used. The difference W from the value K is added to the usage information value J (S780), and the value L is stored in the third storage area of the EEPROM 60 (S760). The new usage information value L stored in the third storage area is written to a predetermined area of the EEPROM 60 (S790). The control circuit 50 stores “1” as execution information in the fourth storage area of the EEPROM 60 prior to writing the usage information value to the storage element 80 of the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 (S800). Then, the new usage amount information value stored in the third area is written into the storage element 80 of the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 (S810), and then “0” as non-execution information is written into the fourth storage area of the EEPROM 60. It is stored (S820).
[0062]
That is, before executing the writing processing to the storage element 80, it is possible to recognize whether or not the writing processing to the storage element 80 was being performed by referring to the execution state identification information of the fourth storage area. It becomes possible. During the writing process to the storage element 80, for example, when a situation occurs in which the outlet is unplugged, and a command signal for executing the writing process preferentially newly occurs, Since the execution state identification information of the information storage unit is referred to, it is possible to recognize whether or not the writing process to the storage element 80 is being performed, and then execute the writing process to the storage element 80 corresponding to the state. It becomes possible. Immediately before the writing process, the usage information value to be stored in the storage element 80 is stored in the third storage area. Therefore, when a command signal for performing a new writing process with priority is generated, first, when the execution information is stored with reference to the execution state identification information, the third storage area is used. By writing the stored information as it is to the storage element 80, the usage amount is not added again to the already calculated new usage information value, and the erroneous usage information value is stored in the storage element 80. It is possible to prevent memorization. Further, it is possible to reduce unnecessary processing such as repeatedly executing processing for calculating a usage information value to be written to the storage element 80.
[0063]
In the present embodiment, the data to be written into the EEPROM 60 of the printer main body and the storage elements 80 of the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 are used amount information values indicating the used amount of ink. However, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 is used. May be used as the remaining information value. In this case, in the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2, a remaining amount information value indicating that the ink cartridge is unused at the time of shipment, for example, 100 (%) is stored as an initial value. This remaining amount information value indicates the total remaining amount as a percentage with the available ink amount as 100. The cumulative remaining amount information value is obtained by subtracting the ink usage amount α calculated by the ink usage amount calculation processing routine from the usage amount information value already stored in the EEPROM 60. When the remaining amount information value of the storage element 80 and the remaining amount information value of the EEPROM 60 differ when the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2 are removed and when the power of the printer is turned off, The difference between the total remaining amount information value and the remaining amount information value in the EEPROM 60 is subtracted, and the difference is written as a usage amount information value in a predetermined storage area between the EEPROM 60 and the storage elements 80 of the ink cartridges INC1 and INC2.
[0064]
=== Other Embodiments ===
As described above, the recording device and the like according to the present invention have been described based on one embodiment. However, the above-described embodiment of the present invention is for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and limits the present invention. is not. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.
[0065]
Further, the recording device is not limited to only a printing device such as the above-described inkjet printer, a so-called scanner / printer / copy composite device having an image reading unit in the printing device, for example, a color filter manufacturing device, a dyeing device, Micro-processing equipment, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, surface processing equipment, three-dimensional modeling machine, liquid vaporizer, organic EL manufacturing equipment (especially polymer EL manufacturing equipment), display manufacturing equipment, film forming equipment, DNA chip manufacturing equipment, etc. Any device can be used as long as it can record on a medium. Therefore, the recording agent for recording on the recording medium is not limited to the dye ink or the pigment ink, and a recording agent such as a toner may be used. For example, a metal material, an organic material (particularly, a polymer material), A liquid (including water) including a material, a conductive material, a wiring material, a film forming material, electronic ink, a processing solution, a gene solution, or the like may be used. According to such a recording apparatus, material saving, process saving, and cost reduction can be achieved in many industrial fields.
[0066]
<<<< Configuration of Computer System etc. >>>>
Next, an embodiment of a computer system, a computer program, and a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded as an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0067]
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the external configuration of the computer system. The computer system 1000 includes a computer main body 1102, a display device 1104, a printer 1106, an input device 1108, and a reading device 1110. In the present embodiment, the computer main body 1102 is housed in a mini-tower type housing, but is not limited to this. The display device 1104 generally uses a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma display, a liquid crystal display device, or the like, but is not limited thereto. As the printer 1106, the printer described above is used. In the present embodiment, the input device 1108 uses the keyboard 1108A and the mouse 1108B, but is not limited thereto. In the present embodiment, the reading device 1110 uses the flexible disk drive device 1110A and the CD-ROM drive device 1110B, but is not limited thereto. For example, a MO (Magneto Optical) disk drive device and a DVD (Digital Versatile) Disk).
[0068]
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the computer system shown in FIG. An internal memory 1202 such as a RAM and an external memory such as a hard disk drive unit 1204 are further provided in a housing in which the computer main body 1102 is stored.
[0069]
In the above description, an example in which the printer 1106 is connected to the computer main body 1102, the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110 to form a computer system has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the computer system may include the computer main body 1102 and the printer 1106, and the computer system does not need to include any of the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110.
[0070]
Further, for example, the printer 1106 may have some of the functions or mechanisms of the computer main body 1102, the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110. As an example, the printer 1106 includes an image processing unit for performing image processing, a display unit for performing various displays, and a recording medium attaching / detaching unit for attaching / detaching a recording medium for recording image data captured by a digital camera or the like. It is good also as composition which has.
[0071]
The computer system implemented in this way is a system superior to the conventional system as a whole.
[0072]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, a recording apparatus, a computer program, a computer system, and a computer that can prevent writing of erroneous information in a writing process of a used amount or a remaining amount of a liquid in a liquid storage unit of a liquid storage unit Thus, it is possible to realize a recording method.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the color printer CP according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of an ink cartridge and a cartridge mounting portion of the printer main body 10;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of an ink cartridge, an internal structure of a cartridge mounting portion on a carriage 40, and a state in which a cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a storage element 80.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control circuit of the color printer CP according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of calculating a total usage information value based on a printing process.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process of writing a usage information value when a power switch is turned on.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of writing a usage amount information value when an ink cartridge is replaced.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a writing process of a usage amount information value when the power of the printer body is turned off.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a writing process of a usage information value when a command signal for executing a writing process with a high priority is generated.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a computer system.
13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the computer system shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Printer body,
11 operation panel, 111 operation buttons, 112 display lamp,
12 paper output unit, 121 paper output tray, 13 paper feed unit, 131 paper feed holder,
18 cartridge mounting section, 181 needle, 182 cartridge guide,
183 recess, 184 inner wall, 185 electrodes, 186 connector,
187 bottom part, 188 rear wall part, 189 engaging tool, 191 support shaft,
192 fixing lever, 193 locking portion, 20, 21 roll paper unit holder, 30 roll paper, 32 roll paper for printing, 33 storage element,
40 carriage, 42 platen, 43 paper feed motor, 44 sliding shaft,
45 drive belt, 46 pulley, 47 encoder, 48 gear mechanism,
50 control circuit, 51 control unit (CPU), 52 PROM, 53RAM,
54 peripheral device input / output unit (PIO), 55 timer, 56 drive buffer,
57 bus, 58 oscillator, 59 distribution output device, 60 capping device,
80 memory element, 81 memory cell, 82 read / write control unit,
83 address counter, 117K ink storage unit,
171 cartridge body, 172 side frame, 173 recess,
174 connection terminal, 175 ink supply unit, 1000 computer system, 1002 computer main body, 1104 display device, 1106 printer,
1108 input device, 1108A keyboard, 1108B mouse,
1110 reader,
1110A flexible disk drive device,
1110B CD-ROM drive device,
1202 internal memory,
1204 hard disk drive unit,
CP color printer,
PC personal computer,
INC1, INC2 ink cartridge,
IH1, IH2, IH3, IH4 print head

Claims (13)

A liquid storage unit that stores liquid used in the recording apparatus main body and includes a liquid storage unit capable of storing a usage amount information value indicating an amount of used liquid; and the liquid storage unit is detachable. The recording apparatus main body comprising: a main body storage unit that reads and stores a usage amount information value of the liquid storage unit; and a writing unit that writes a new usage amount information value in the liquid storage unit.
Prior to writing a new usage information value to the liquid storage means by the writing means, the recording device main body reads the usage information value stored in the liquid storage means provided in the liquid storage unit,
If the read usage information value is different from the initial usage information value stored in the main storage unit as an initial value for the liquid storage unit, a value larger than the read usage information value is used.
If the read usage information value matches the initial usage information value, the total usage information value calculated based on the initial usage information value and the recording operation is
In a recording apparatus that executes a writing process for writing to the liquid storage unit as the new usage amount information value,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus main body includes execution information storage means capable of storing execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of the writing process. The recording device according to claim 1,
The recording apparatus main body includes execution information writing means for writing execution state identification information to the execution information storage means, and stores the execution state in the execution information storage means as the execution state identification information prior to the writing process. A recording apparatus for writing execution information indicating a state, and writing the non-execution information indicating the non-execution state to the execution information storage means when the writing process is completed. The recording device according to claim 2,
The recording apparatus main body has a new information value storage unit that stores a new usage amount information value,
Before writing the execution information in the execution information storage unit, the new usage information value is written in the new information storage unit, and the new usage amount written in the new information storage unit in the writing process. A recording device for writing an information value into the liquid storage means. The recording device according to claim 3,
During the execution of the writing process, when an event occurs in which the writing process is to be executed in priority to the writing process, the execution status is referred to the execution status storage unit, and the execution status is determined. If the execution information indicating the non-execution state is written, the new usage information value written to the new information storage means is written to the liquid storage means, and the non-execution information indicating the non-execution state is written. A writing device that writes an information value based on a difference between the initial usage information value and the cumulative usage information value as a new usage information value in the liquid storage unit. A liquid storage unit that stores liquid used in the recording apparatus main body and includes a liquid storage unit capable of storing a remaining amount information value indicating an amount of used liquid; and the liquid storage unit is detachable. The recording apparatus main body comprising: a main body storage unit that reads and stores a remaining amount information value of the liquid storage unit; and a writing unit that writes a new remaining amount information value in the liquid storage unit.
Prior to the writing of a new remaining amount information value to the liquid storage unit by the writing unit, the recording device main body reads the remaining amount information value stored in the liquid storage unit provided in the liquid storage unit,
When the read remaining amount information value is different from the initial remaining amount information value stored in the main body storage unit as the initial value for the liquid storage unit, a value larger than the read remaining amount information value is used.
When the read remaining amount information value matches the initial remaining amount information value, the accumulated remaining amount information value calculated based on the initial remaining amount information value and the recording operation is
In a recording apparatus that executes a writing process for writing to the liquid storage unit as the new remaining amount information value,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus main body includes execution information storage means capable of storing execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of the writing process. The recording device according to claim 5,
The recording apparatus main body includes execution information writing means for writing execution state identification information to the execution information storage means, and stores the execution state in the execution information storage means as the execution state identification information prior to the writing process. Recording apparatus for writing non-execution information indicating a status, and writing the execution state identification information indicating the non-execution state to the execution information storage means when the writing process is completed. The recording device according to claim 6,
The recording apparatus body has a new information value storage unit for storing a new remaining amount information value, and stores the new remaining amount information value in the new information before writing the execution information in the execution information storage unit. Recording means for writing the new remaining amount information value written to the new information storage means in the liquid storage means in the writing process. The recording device according to claim 7,
During the execution of the writing process, when an event occurs in which the writing process is to be executed in priority to the writing process, the execution status is referred to the execution status storage unit, and the execution status is determined. When the execution information indicating the non-execution state is written, the new remaining amount information value written in the new information storage means is written in the liquid storage means, and the non-execution information indicating the non-execution state is written. A writing unit that writes an information value based on a difference between the initial remaining amount information value and the accumulated remaining amount information value as a new remaining amount information value in the liquid storage unit. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
A recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink as the liquid onto a printing medium and printing the ink. A liquid storage unit that stores liquid used in the recording apparatus main body and includes a liquid storage unit capable of storing a usage amount information value indicating an amount of used liquid; and the liquid storage unit is detachable. The recording apparatus main body comprising: a main body storage unit that reads and stores a usage amount information value of the liquid storage unit; and a writing unit that writes a new usage amount information value in the liquid storage unit.
Prior to writing a new usage information value to the liquid storage means by the writing means, the recording device main body reads the usage information value stored in the liquid storage means provided in the liquid storage unit,
If the read usage information value is different from the initial usage information value stored in the main storage unit as an initial value for the liquid storage unit, a value larger than the read usage information value is used.
If the read usage information value matches the initial usage information value, the total usage information value calculated based on the initial usage information value and the recording operation is
A recording apparatus that performs a writing process for writing to the liquid storage unit as the new usage amount information value, and performs recording by discharging and recording ink as the liquid on a recording medium.
An execution information storage unit that can store execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of the writing process; and an execution information document for writing the execution state identification information to the execution information storage unit. Writing the execution information indicating the execution state in the execution information storage means as the execution state identification information prior to the writing processing, and when the writing processing ends, stores the execution information in the execution information storage means. Write non-execution information indicating the non-execution state,
The recording apparatus main body has a new information value storage unit that stores a new usage amount information value,
Before writing the execution information in the execution information storage unit, the new usage information value is written in the new information storage unit, and the new usage amount written in the new information storage unit in the writing process. Writing an information value into the liquid storage means,
During the execution of the writing process, when an event occurs in which the writing process is to be executed in priority to the writing process, the execution status is referred to the execution status storage unit, and the execution status is determined. If the execution information indicating the non-execution state is written, the new usage information value written to the new information storage means is written to the liquid storage means, and the non-execution information indicating the non-execution state is written. A writing device that writes an information value based on a difference between the initial usage information value and the cumulative usage information value as a new usage information value in the liquid storage unit. A liquid storage unit that stores liquid used in the recording apparatus main body and includes a liquid storage unit capable of storing a usage amount information value indicating an amount of used liquid; and the liquid storage unit is detachable. The recording apparatus main body comprising: a main body storage unit that reads and stores a usage amount information value of the liquid storage unit; and a writing unit that writes a new usage amount information value in the liquid storage unit.
Prior to writing a new usage information value to the liquid storage means by the writing means, the recording device main body reads the usage information value stored in the liquid storage means provided in the liquid storage unit,
If the read usage information value is different from the initial usage information value stored in the main storage unit as an initial value for the liquid storage unit, a value larger than the read usage information value is used.
If the read usage information value matches the initial usage information value, the total usage information value calculated based on the initial usage information value and the recording operation is
A recording device that executes a writing process for writing to the liquid storage unit as the new usage amount information value;
Computer program for realizing a function of storing the execution state identification information in execution information storage means provided in the recording apparatus main body and capable of storing execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of the writing process. . A computer main body, a liquid storage unit that is connected to the computer main body, stores liquid used in the recording apparatus main body, and includes a liquid storage unit capable of storing a usage amount information value indicating an amount of the used liquid; and The liquid storage unit is detachable, and includes a main body storage unit that reads and stores a usage amount information value of the liquid storage unit, and a writing unit that writes a new usage amount information value in the liquid storage unit. The recording device main body,
Prior to writing a new usage information value to the liquid storage means by the writing means, the recording device main body reads the usage information value stored in the liquid storage means provided in the liquid storage unit,
If the read usage information value is different from the initial usage information value stored in the main storage unit as an initial value for the liquid storage unit, a value larger than the read usage information value is used.
If the read usage information value matches the initial usage information value, the total usage information value calculated based on the initial usage information value and the recording operation is
A recording system that executes a writing process for writing the new usage amount information value to the liquid storage unit;
The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus main body includes execution information storage means capable of storing execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of the writing process. A liquid storage unit that stores liquid used in the recording apparatus main body and includes a liquid storage unit capable of storing a usage amount information value indicating an amount of used liquid; and the liquid storage unit is detachable. The recording apparatus main body comprising: a main body storage unit that reads and stores a usage amount information value of the liquid storage unit; and a writing unit that writes a new usage amount information value in the liquid storage unit.
Prior to writing a new usage information value to the liquid storage means by the writing means, the recording device main body reads the usage information value stored in the liquid storage means provided in the liquid storage unit,
If the read usage information value is different from the initial usage information value stored in the main storage unit as an initial value for the liquid storage unit, a value larger than the read usage information value is used.
If the read usage information value matches the initial usage information value, the total usage information value calculated based on the initial usage information value and the recording operation is
In a recording method for recording in a recording device that executes a writing process for writing to the liquid storage unit as the new usage amount information value,
The recording apparatus main body includes an execution information storage unit capable of storing execution state identification information indicating an execution state and a non-execution state of the writing process, and stores the execution state identification information in the execution information storage unit. A recording method comprising steps.

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