JP2013216035A - Printing device and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

Under a second mode in which M color printing is performed, forcibly switching to a first mode in which N color printing is performed when a container is replaced and N color printing (M <N) becomes possible. A printing apparatus and a printing method capable of avoiding that printing that does not meet the user's needs is performed.
After switching from the 6-color printing mode to the 4-color printing mode by the ink end, the light cyan or light magenta ink cartridge which has been in the ink end is replaced (both positive determination in S21 and S22), and the light color ink Are available (Yes in S23) and 6-color printing is possible (Yes in S24), a print color number selection screen is displayed (S26). When the six-color printing mode is selected by operating the operation unit, the six-color printing mode is switched to perform the six-color printing (S28, S32 to S34). When the four-color printing mode is selected, the four-color printing mode is selected. Printing is performed (S29 to S31, S34).
[Selection] Figure 13

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method having a function of performing printing using ink of the remaining colors even when at least one of the plurality of colors of ink is out of ink.

  For example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose a printing apparatus that performs printing using ink of the remaining color other than the ink end color when an ink container (cartridge) of a certain color in the printer becomes an ink end. ing.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, when an ink end is reached, a LUT (LUT) used for color conversion processing for converting a display color image (for example, RGB color system or YUV color system) into a print color image (for example, CMYK color system). By switching the look-up table) from 7 colors to 6 colors and performing color conversion processing using the 6 color LUT, color printing using 6 colors of ink is performed.

  In Patent Document 2, for example, when a light color ink (light ink) such as light cyan reaches the ink end, a dark table is selected, and a dark color (for example, light cyan) corresponding to the color of the light ink at the ink end (for example, light cyan) is selected. For example, printing is performed using cyan ink (dark ink). On the other hand, for example, when dark ink reaches the ink end, a light table is selected, and printing is performed using light ink (for example, light cyan) corresponding to the color (for example, cyan) of the dark ink that has reached the ink end.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, when the light ink reaches the ink end, it is switched to the dark ink sorting table, and only the light color at the ink end is printed in binary (light ink or dark ink). Are printed with three values (light ink and dark ink).

JP 2001-277554 A JP-A-10-258530 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-5156

  By the way, according to Patent Documents 1 to 3, even if one color becomes an ink end, color printing can be performed using the remaining color ink that is not an ink end, but the remaining ink was used. Printing is slightly inferior in print image quality compared to printing using all color inks. Therefore, some users may not like to print with the remaining color ink.

  For example, according to Patent Document 3, when the ink end is reached, a binary print button is displayed on the display unit, and the user can select binary printing by operating the binary print button. For this reason, when one of the dark and light colors of a certain color becomes an ink end, a user who desires binary printing for that color operates the binary printing button, and a user who does not desire binary printing By not operating the binary printing button, execution / non-execution of binary printing can be selected.

  However, the ink cartridge is replaced and the N color (for example, 6 colors) ink is changed under the mode for performing the M color printing (for example, 4 color printing) using the M color (where M <N) less than the N colors. When 6-color printing (N-color printing) using is enabled, it is automatically switched to N-color printing. For example, when printing is interrupted when the color in the middle of M-color printing becomes an ink end, and the ink cartridge is replaced at the time of the interruption, the previous M-color printing page and the N-color printing page after the ink cartridge replacement And the print image quality (for example, color) may change. However, even if the user does not like the change in color between pages during printing, there is a problem that printing that causes a change in color between pages is forcibly performed. Not only does the print quality change during one print job, but there is a case where the print quality does not change between different print jobs.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and one of its purposes is to perform N-color printing (M <N) by exchanging the housing portion under the second mode in which M-color printing is performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method that can avoid printing that does not meet the user's needs by forcibly switching to the first mode in which N-color printing is performed when the printing time is changed.

  In order to achieve one of the above objects, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first mode in which N color printing is performed using N color inks (where N is a natural number of 2 or more); A printing apparatus capable of switching to a second mode in which M color printing is performed using a small number of M color inks (where M is a natural number), and a plurality of storage units each storing each of the N color inks Based on the detection information of the replacement detection unit, when the replacement detection unit detects the replacement of the storage unit that has run out of ink, and the replacement detection unit detects the replacement of the storage unit under the second mode, A determination unit configured to determine whether or not color ink is usable; and when it is determined that the N color ink is usable, the first mode and the second mode based on given selection information And a selector that selects one of the When the mode is selected, the mode is switched to the first mode, and when the selection unit selects the second mode, the mode switching unit that maintains the second mode and the mode set by the mode switching unit to the printing unit. The gist of the invention is that it includes a control unit that performs a printing operation.

  According to the above configuration, when the replacement detection unit detects replacement of the storage unit under the second mode, the determination unit determines whether or not N color ink is usable based on the detection information of the replacement detection unit. judge. When it is determined that the N color ink is usable, the selection unit selects one of the first mode and the second mode based on the given selection information. The mode switching unit switches to the first mode when the selection unit selects the first mode, and maintains the second mode when the selection unit selects the second mode. Then, the control unit causes the printing unit to perform a printing operation in the mode set by the mode switching unit. Therefore, under the second mode, when the out-of-ink container is replaced and N-color printing is possible, the first mode is changed or the second mode is maintained according to the selection information at that time. Therefore, it is possible to select an appropriate print corresponding to the selection information at that time out of N-color printing and M-color printing. For example, if N ink printing has become possible as a result of exchanging ink during the M mode printing in the second mode and replacing the container, it is possible to replace the container by selecting to maintain the second mode. It is possible to avoid a change in print image quality such as a change in color due to mode switching before and after. Therefore, under the second mode in which M color printing is performed, when the container is replaced and N color printing (M <N) becomes possible, the first mode in which N color printing is performed is forcibly switched. It is possible to avoid printing that does not meet the user's needs.

  The printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention further includes an operation unit that allows a user to select whether to change to the first mode or to maintain the second mode, and the selection unit is selected by an operation of the operation unit. It is preferable to select whether to change to the first mode or to maintain the second mode based on the selection information.

  According to the above configuration, the user can select whether to change to the first mode or maintain the second mode by operating the operation unit. For example, the user can select a mode according to the situation at that time, such as maintaining the second mode if printing is in progress and changing to the first mode if starting new printing.

  The printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention further includes a storage unit that stores, as the selection information, printing condition information indicating a printing condition when causing the printing unit to perform a printing operation. It is preferable to select whether to change to the first mode or to maintain the second mode based on the printing condition information read from the storage unit.

  According to the above configuration, the selection unit selects whether to change to the first mode or to maintain the second mode based on the printing condition information read from the storage unit. Therefore, an appropriate mode can be automatically selected without requiring the user to select a mode.

  In the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the printing condition information includes a print quality or a medium type, and the selection unit is configured to perform the first based on at least one of the print quality and the medium type. It is preferable to select whether to change to the mode or to maintain the second mode.

  According to the above configuration, the selection unit selects whether to change to the first mode or to maintain the second mode based on at least one of the print quality and the medium type included in the print condition information. For example, if the print quality is high for high-quality printing such as photographic printing, or the medium type is high-quality printing (for example, glossy paper), the first mode is selected and the number of colors is large. N-color printing is performed. On the other hand, for example, if the printing quality is low (for example, draft) that is not used for high-quality printing such as photographic printing, or if the medium type is not used for high-quality printing (for example, plain paper) Two modes are selected, and M-color printing with a small number of colors is performed.

  In the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit is configured to interrupt the printing operation when the ink outage is detected during the printing, and the control unit interrupted the printing. Interruption determination information that can determine that the interruption has occurred is stored in the storage unit as the selection information, and the selection unit performs replacement of the storage unit based on the interruption determination information when printing is interrupted. If it is determined that the printing has been interrupted, the mode before the interruption of printing is selected, and the mode switching unit preferably maintains the mode before the interruption of printing.

  According to the above configuration, the control unit stores, in the storage unit, the interruption determination information that can determine that the interruption has occurred when the printing is interrupted. When the selection unit determines that the replacement of the storage unit has been performed at the time of the printing interruption based on the interruption determination information, the selection unit selects a mode before the printing interruption. The mode switching unit maintains the mode before the interruption of printing. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of problems such as a change in color due to a change in the number of ink colors before and after interruption of printing.

  In the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, an ink out detection unit that detects at least one of the plurality of storage units detects ink out, and the ink out detection unit performs ink out under the first mode. Upon detection, a second determination unit that determines whether or not the M color ink used in the second mode is usable, and the second determination unit determines that the M color ink is usable. An operation unit for selecting whether to change from the first mode to the second mode, the mode switching unit sets a mode selected by operation of the operation unit, and the control unit Preferably, the printing unit performs a printing operation in the mode set by the mode switching unit.

  According to the above configuration, when the out-of-ink detection unit detects out-of-ink under the first mode, the second determination unit determines whether the M color ink used in the second mode is usable. . When it is determined that the M color ink can be used, the user is caused to select whether to change from the first mode to the second mode by operating the operation unit. The mode switching unit sets the mode selected by the operation of the operation unit. Then, the control unit causes the printing unit to perform a printing operation in the mode set by the mode switching unit. Therefore, when the ink runs out under the first mode and the M color ink can be used, the user selects the change from the first mode to the second mode by operating the operation unit, and the N color is selected. It is possible to perform printing with fewer M colors. In addition, if a user who does not desire to print with M colors less than N colors can select not to change to the second mode by operating the operation unit, the number is less than N colors contrary to the user's intention. Printing with M color can be avoided.

  In the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the mode switching unit switches from the second mode to the first mode when the first mode is switched to the second mode and when the storage unit is replaced. In at least one of the cases of switching, it is preferable to take over the setting of the printing conditions in the mode before the switching.

  According to the above configuration, the mode switching unit is in the case of at least one of the case where the mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode and the case where the mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode by replacement of the storage unit. Inherit the print condition settings in the mode before switching. For this reason, when mode switching is performed between the first mode and the second mode, an operation for changing the printing condition is unnecessary or the number of operations can be reduced.

  In the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the switching is performed in at least one of the case of switching from the second mode to the first mode and the case of switching from the second mode to the first mode. It is preferable to further include a setting takeover selection unit for selecting whether or not to take over the printing condition setting in the previous mode.

  According to the above configuration, in the case of switching from the second mode to the first mode and the case of switching from the second mode to the first mode, the setting handover selection unit performs printing in the mode before the switching. You can select whether to take over the setting of conditions. For example, when switching the mode due to running out of ink during printing, it is necessary to reset the printing conditions in the middle of printing by selecting to take over the setting of printing conditions in the middle of printing. You can avoid the situation of becoming. Also, if you do not want to take over printing conditions when you want to perform new printing, you can choose not to take over and the setting of the printing conditions in the mode before switching will not be taken over. By performing an operation for setting a desired printing condition, the number of operations for the setting can be relatively reduced.

  One aspect of the present invention includes a first mode in which N color printing is performed using N colors (where N is a natural number of 2 or more), and M colors less than the N colors (where M is a natural number). A printing method capable of switching to a second mode in which M color printing is performed using a plurality of inks, and is out of ink among a plurality of accommodating portions respectively accommodating the N color inks under the second mode. When the replacement detection unit detects the replacement of the storage unit that has become, the determination step of determining whether or not the N color ink is usable based on the detection information of the replacement detection unit, and the N color ink Is selected, the selection step of selecting one of the first mode and the second mode, and switching to the first mode when the first mode is selected in the selection step When the second mode is selected A step switching mode to maintain the second mode, the gist that a control step to perform a printing operation to the printing unit in the mode set by said mode switching step. According to the said method, the effect similar to the invention which concerns on the said printing apparatus can be acquired.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the printer system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printer system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printer system. The block diagram which shows the function structure of a printing process part. The schematic diagram which shows a 6-color print setting screen. The schematic diagram which shows a printing interruption notification screen. The schematic diagram which shows a 4 color printing selection screen. The schematic diagram which shows a four-color printing alerting | reporting screen. The schematic diagram which shows a 4 color printing setting screen. The schematic diagram which shows a printing color number selection screen. The schematic diagram which shows a 6-color printing alerting | reporting screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing routine. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an ink replacement processing routine. (A), (b) in 2nd Embodiment is a flowchart, (c) is a schematic diagram which shows a part of setting maintenance selection screen. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an ink replacement processing routine according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an ink replacement processing routine according to a fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an ink replacement processing routine according to a fifth embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer system includes a printing device 11 and a host device 100. The printing apparatus 11 is a multifunction machine that includes a print function, a scanner function, and a copy function. The printing apparatus 11 includes a printer unit 13 provided at a lower portion of the main body 12 and a scanner unit 14 disposed above the printer unit 13 in the main body 12. An operation panel 15 is provided at the upper front of the main body 12, and a paper feed cassette 16 that can accommodate a plurality of sheets P is mounted on the lower side of the operation panel 15 in a state where it can be inserted into and removed from the main body 12. . The printer unit 13 performs printing on the paper P fed from the paper feed cassette 16, and discharges the printed paper P onto a paper discharge tray 17 provided at the front middle position of the main body 12. The scanner unit 14 reads a document set on a document table (not shown) below the document table cover 18. Further, in the printing apparatus 11, copying is performed by the printer unit 13 performing a printing process based on the scan data of the document read by the scanner unit 14.

  The operation panel 15 includes an operation unit 19 that is operated to give various instructions to the printing apparatus 11, and a display unit 20 (for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) (liquid crystal display) that displays various menus, images, and the like on the screen. The operation unit 19 is provided with a power switch 19a, a print start switch 19b, a copy switch 19c, a selection switch 19d, etc. For example, a selection switch 19d in a menu displayed on the display unit 20 is provided. By selecting various items by operating, it is possible to select an image to be printed, set printing conditions, etc. The display unit 20 performs a pressing operation (touch operation) on the screen. Thereby, it can also be set as the touch panel which can input the selection item corresponding to the press position.

  Further, a USB port 21 into which the USB memory UM can be inserted and removed and a card slot 22 into which the memory card MC can be inserted and removed are provided at the front side end portion (right end portion in FIG. 1) of the main body 12. The printing apparatus 11 can perform memory card printing for printing an image read from the memory card MC inserted in the card slot 22 and USB memory printing for printing an image read from the USB memory UM connected to the USB port 21. It has become.

  The printing apparatus 11 is capable of stand-alone printing that can be printed alone without being connected to the host apparatus 100, and is based on print data received from the host apparatus 100 shown in FIG. Images and documents can be printed. As shown in FIG. 1, the host device 100 includes a main body 101, an operation unit 102 (input device), and a display unit 103 (monitor). The main body 101 includes a printer driver PD that is constructed by a CPU in the main body 101 executing a print driver program installed in the host device 100. When the printer driver PD receives an instruction to print an image displayed on the display unit 103, for example, which is performed by the user operating the operation unit 102, the print data (CMYK system) is based on the image data (for example, RGB image data). Image data) is generated, and the generated print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 11. Note that the operation unit 102 according to the present embodiment includes a keyboard 102a and a mouse 102b as shown in FIG.

  The printer driver PD performs, for example, resolution conversion processing, color conversion processing, half-processing on image data of an image to be printed displayed on the display unit 103 based on printing condition information input by the user operating the operation unit 102. Various processes such as tone processing are sequentially performed to generate CMYK color system image data. Then, the printer driver PD transmits print data in which the print control command is added to the image data as a header to the printing apparatus 11. The printing device 11 prints an image or the like based on the print data received from the host device 100.

  Next, the electrical configurations of the printing apparatus 11 and the host apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the host device 100 includes a CPU 105, a RAM 106, and an HDD 107 (hard disk drive) in a main body 101. For example, the print driver program is stored in the HDD 107. The main body 101 and the printing apparatus 11 are communicably connected via a communication interface 108 and 28 (hereinafter also referred to as “communication I / F”) provided in the printer 101 and the printer driver PD (FIG. 1). The print data can be transmitted from the printer to the printing apparatus 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 11 includes a controller 30, an operation unit 19, a display unit 20, a scan engine 31 that is driven so that the scanner unit 14 performs a document reading operation, and a printer unit 13 that performs a printing operation. A printing engine 32 that is driven, a conveyance device 33 that conveys the paper P (medium), a communication I / F 28, a USB interface (hereinafter referred to as “USB I / F 34”), and a card interface (hereinafter referred to as “card”). I / F35 "). The print engine 32 includes an inkjet print head 36, for example. In the present embodiment, the print engine 32 and the conveyance device 33 constitute an example of a printing unit.

  The printer unit 13 of the present embodiment is composed of, for example, a line printer or a serial printer. In the case of a line printer, the print head 36 has a plurality of nozzles over a range slightly longer than the assumed maximum width of the paper P, and can eject ink droplets over the entire width direction of the paper P. It is. The line-type print head 36 performs color printing by ejecting ink droplets from the nozzles for each ink color onto the paper P that the transport device 33 transports at a constant speed. On the other hand, in the case of a serial printer, the serial type print head 36 is attached to the side of the carriage facing the sheet of the carriage that reciprocates in the sheet width direction X by driving a carriage motor (not shown). The printing operation in which the serial type print head 36 ejects ink droplets while moving in the paper width direction X and the transporting operation in which the transport device 33 transports the paper P to the next printing position are performed approximately alternately. Printing on P is performed.

  Here, the transport device 33 includes a transport motor, a paper feed roller (not shown) (for example, a pickup roller) that feeds a plurality of sheets P set in the paper feed cassette 16 one by one, and a print head in the transport direction Y. 36 is provided with a pair of transport rollers and a pair of discharge rollers disposed at respective positions on the upstream side and the downstream side with respect to 36. These two roller pairs are rotationally driven by the power of the transport motor, and the paper P is transported in the transport direction Y (see FIG. 1) while being sandwiched (nip) between the two roller pairs.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of (for example, six) ink cartridges 38 for supplying ink to the print head 36 are loaded in the cartridge holder 37 provided in the printing apparatus 11. Each ink cartridge 38 contains ink of different ink colors. In the cartridge holder 37 of the present embodiment, for example, six colors of ink of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), light cyan (LC), and light magenta (LM) are stored. Six ink cartridges 38K, 38C, 38M, 38Y, 38LM, and 38LC are loaded. On the surface of the print head 36 that faces the print surface (front surface) of the paper P, nozzle rows in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in rows for each ink color are formed in the same number as the ink color (six rows in this example). Has been. The ink supplied from each ink cartridge 38 to the print head 36 is ejected from each nozzle constituting the nozzle row of the corresponding ink color. The ink colors that can be ejected by the print head 36 are not limited to six colors, but may be 3 to 5 colors or 7 to 8 colors.

  The controller 30 of the printing apparatus 11 includes a computer 41 (microcomputer), a display drive circuit 42, a scanner drive circuit 43, a print drive circuit 44, and a motor drive circuit 45. The computer 41 displays a menu screen, a print setting screen (see, for example, FIGS. 5 and 9), various selection screens (FIGS. 7 and 10), various notification screens (FIGS. 6 and 8) on the display unit 20 via the display drive circuit 42. , See FIG. 11).

  Further, the computer 41 drives and controls the scan engine 31 via the scanner drive circuit 43. The scan engine 31 includes an optical (CCD or CMOS) reading head and a drive system including an electric motor that is a power source for moving the reading head in the document reading direction (scanning direction). .

  Further, the computer 41 drives and controls the print engine 32 via the print drive circuit 44. The print engine 32 performs printing by causing the ink of each ink color supplied from each ink cartridge 38 to adhere to the paper P from the nozzles of the print head 36. Further, the computer 41 drives and controls the transport motor of the transport device 33 via the motor drive circuit 45, and feeds to one printing start position of the paper P in the paper feed cassette 16 and during printing after feeding. The paper P is transported at. The print head 36 is not limited to the ink jet printing method, and a dot impact printing method or a laser printing method in which toner is fixed on the paper P for printing can also be employed.

  Further, the computer 41 is electrically connected to each ink cartridge 38 loaded in the cartridge holder 37, and can detect whether each ink cartridge 38 is loaded or not loaded into the cartridge holder 37 for each ink color. In addition, a memory element 38a is mounted on the ink cartridge 38, and the computer 41 can read and write ink related information including the remaining amount of ink with respect to the memory element 38a.

  In addition, the computer 41 performs a printing process such as image data read from the USB memory UM via the USB I / F 34 or an image based on the image data read from the memory card MC via the card I / F 35. Further, the computer 41 also performs processing for storing the scan data read by the scan engine 31 in the USB memory UM via the USB I / F 34.

  The computer 41 includes a CPU 51, an ASIC 52 (Application Specific IC), a ROM 53, a RAM 54, and a nonvolatile memory 55. The ROM 53 stores a boot program, an OS (operating system), and the like. The RAM 54 temporarily stores print data, the calculation result of the CPU 51, and the like. Further, the nonvolatile memory 55 stores a control program (for example, a firmware program) including programs such as scan control and print control, various setting data, and the like. The CPU 51 performs various controls such as a scan system, a printing system, an operation system, and a display system by executing a control program.

  In particular, the nonvolatile memory 55 of the present embodiment stores a print processing routine program shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 and 13. In the present embodiment, when none of the plurality of ink cartridges 38 is an ink end, the first mode for performing N-color printing using N-color ink (where N is a natural number of 2 or more) is set. The When the light-color ink reaches the ink end, the second mode in which M-color printing is performed using M-color ink (where M is a natural number satisfying M <N) is set.

  Specifically, when none of the six ink cartridges 38 is an ink end, a six-color printing mode (first mode) for performing six-color printing using six colors (all colors in this example) of ink is used. Is set. The CPU 51 executes the print processing program shown in FIG. 12 to confirm the presence or absence of an ink end, and when at least one of light cyan and light magenta (that is, a plurality of light inks) is an ink end when the ink end is detected. , Black, cyan, magenta, and yellow are switched to a four-color printing mode (second mode) in which four-color printing is performed using four dark inks. Further, the CPU 51 executes the ink replacement processing program shown in FIG. 13 to detect ink cartridge replacement (hereinafter also simply referred to as “ink replacement”) in which the ink cartridge 38 has been replaced, thereby enabling six-color printing. Then, the user can select whether to maintain the 4-color printing mode or to change to the 6-color printing mode.

  The CPU 51 is connected to the print head 36 via the print drive circuit 44. The CPU 51 outputs the head control data (raster data) obtained by expanding the print data received from the host device 100 and the ejection control signal to the print drive circuit 44, and the ejection provided to the print head 36 for each nozzle. An ink droplet is ejected from a nozzle by applying a voltage pulse to a driving element (for example, a piezoelectric element) and applying a pressure wave to an ink chamber communicating with the nozzle. The ASIC 52 has a function of generating head control data in a format that the control system of the print head 36 can handle image data input by the printing apparatus 11 and sequentially transferring the head control data to the control system of the print head 36. In the nonvolatile memory 55, a 6-color lookup table (hereinafter referred to as “6-color LUT 70A”) and a 4-color lookup table (hereinafter referred to as “4-color LUT 70B”) that the ASIC 52 refers to during color conversion processing. (Refer to FIG. 3). The CPU 51 implements each function of the printing apparatus 11 by executing a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 55.

  FIG. 3 shows a printing-related functional configuration constructed in the computer 41 by the CPU 51 executing the programs shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the computer 41 includes a main control unit 60, an ink remaining amount detection unit 61, an ink exhaustion determination unit 62, a display control unit 63, an ink replacement detection unit 64 as an example of a replacement detection unit, and a selection. A processing unit 65, a switching processing unit 66, a print processing unit 67, a head control unit 68, and a storage unit 69 are provided. The storage unit 69 includes, for example, at least one storage area of the ROM 53 and the nonvolatile memory 55 and a partial storage area of the RAM 54.

The main control unit 60 is responsible for overall control of the printing apparatus 11 such as a printing system, an operation system, and a display system.
The ink remaining amount detection unit 61 detects the ink remaining amount of each ink cartridge 38. For example, the ink consumption for a predetermined period is obtained from the count value obtained by counting the number of dots of the head control data (raster data) handled by the drive system of the print head 36 for each color, and this ink consumption is sequentially accumulated from the ink cartridge replacement timing. To find the total ink consumption. Then, the ink remaining amount is detected by subtracting the total ink consumption from the ink storage amount (full ink amount) of the new ink cartridge. In the case of a configuration in which ink droplets having different sizes are ejected from the print head 36, the remaining amount of ink is detected by performing calculation in consideration of the size difference. Of course, the ink remaining amount of each ink cartridge 38 may be obtained from the liquid surface position optically detected from the outside through a transparent window formed on the side surface of the cartridge. The remaining ink amount detection unit 61 may use another appropriate method capable of detecting the remaining ink amount.

  The out-of-ink determination unit 62 determines whether the ink has run out (ink end) for each ink cartridge 38 based on the remaining ink amount detected by the remaining ink detection unit 61 for each ink cartridge 38 (that is, for each ink color). Judgment. In this example, it is determined that the ink has run out when the ink remaining amount reaches a preset use limit value (ink end value). Of course, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which the ink remaining amount detection unit 61 detects the total ink consumption and determines that the ink has run out when the total ink consumption reaches a preset use limit value. Further, instead of the configuration in which the ink remaining amount detecting unit 61 and the ink out determining unit 62 detect the ink out, each ink cartridge 38 is provided with a sensor capable of detecting that the remaining amount of ink has reached the end. It is also possible to employ a configuration that detects ink out when the output signal of the sensor reaches the value at the time of ink end. In this embodiment, the ink remaining amount detection unit 61 and the ink out determination unit 62 constitute an example of the ink out detection unit.

  In the present embodiment, when the ink out determination unit 62 detects the ink out during the printing operation, the main control unit 60 interrupts printing to the head control unit 68 and a conveyance control unit (not shown) that controls the conveyance device 33. Instruct. For this reason, the head control unit 68 and the conveyance control unit, when ink runs out during the printing operation, follow the instruction from the main control unit 60 and finish printing all the pages being printed at that time, and The printing operation is interrupted at the timing between pages before printing is started.

  The display control unit 63 performs display control of the display unit 20 via the display drive circuit 42. Specifically, the display control unit 63 uses the user interface display information (hereinafter simply referred to as “UI display information UD”) and the print condition information PS in the storage unit 69 in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit 60, and the menu. Screen data for displaying various screens such as a screen, a print setting screen, a selection screen, and a notification screen is generated, and the generated screen data is output to the display drive circuit 42 to display various screens on the display unit 20. . When the ink out determination unit 62 of the present embodiment determines that the ink end is reached, the ink control unit notifies the display control unit 63 of the ink end. The display control unit 63 causes the display unit 20 to display a notification screen for notifying the end of ink.

  The ink replacement detection unit 64 is electrically connected to the ink cartridge 38 loaded in the cartridge holder 37, and can read ink related information from the memory element 38 a of the ink cartridge 38. Each ink cartridge 38 is provided with a terminal that can contact the terminal on the cartridge holder 37 side in a loaded state. The ink replacement detection unit 64 detects that an operation (replacement operation) of the ink cartridge 38 with respect to the cartridge holder 37 has been performed by a voltage value input via the terminal, and each time the replacement operation is detected. The ink related information is read from the memory element 38a. The ink replacement detection unit 64 changes the ink cartridge (hereinafter also referred to as “ink replacement”) when the ink-related information changes from ink end to information other than ink end (for example, full) before and after the replacement operation. ) Is detected. In addition, a change in the identification code (ID) of the ink cartridge 38 included in the ink-related information is also one of the determination conditions for ink replacement.

  The selection processing unit 65 includes a first determination unit 73 and a first selection processing unit 74 that are used when ink replacement is detected, and a second determination unit 71 and a second selection processing unit 72 that are used when ink out is detected. The second determination unit 71 determines whether the ink at the end of ink is light cyan or light magenta light color ink. Furthermore, when the ink at the end of ink is light cyan or light magenta light color ink, the second determination unit 71 uses four colors of ink of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). It is determined whether or not four-color printing is possible.

The second selection processing unit 72 instructs the display control unit 63 to display the four-color print selection screen 94 (see FIG. 9) when it is determined that the ink at the ink end is light color ink and four-color printing is possible. .
On the other hand, when the first determination unit 73 receives detection information when the ink replacement detection unit 64 detects ink replacement, the first determination unit 73 determines whether or not six-color printing is possible based on the detection information. When it is determined that 6-color printing is possible, the first selection processing unit 74 allows the user to select whether to switch to the 6-color printing mode or to maintain the 4-color printing mode. The display control unit 63 is instructed to display (see FIG. 10).

  The switching processing unit 66 includes a mode selection unit 75 and a mode switching unit 76. The mode selection unit 75 is an operation signal (selection information) selected by the user by operating the operation units 19 and 102 in a state where the four-color print selection screen 94 or the print color number selection screen 98 is displayed on the display unit 20. ) And the mode selected by the user is determined based on the operation signal. Then, the mode selection unit 75 selects one of the 4-color printing mode and the 6-color printing mode according to the determination result. In the present embodiment, the mode selection unit 75 constitutes an example of a selection unit.

  When the four-color printing mode is selected, the mode switching unit 76 switches to the four-color printing mode and instructs the print processing unit 67 to perform four-color printing processing for generating head control data for four-color printing. . Further, when the 6-color printing mode is selected, the mode switching unit 76 switches to the 6-color printing mode, and performs a 6-color printing process for generating head control data for 6-color printing on the printing processing unit 67. Instruct.

  The print processing unit 67 has a function of performing print processing in which the head control unit 68 generates head control data in a data format that can be used for drive control of the print head 36 based on the image data ID. The first print processing unit 77 And a second print processing unit 78. The first print processing unit 77 performs 6-color print processing in the 6-color print mode. The first print processing unit 77 performs a color conversion process, which is one of the 6 color print processes, with reference to the 6 color LUT 70 </ b> A in the storage unit 69. The second print processing unit 78 performs a four-color print process in the four-color print mode. The second print processing unit 78 performs color conversion processing, which is one of the six color printing processing, with reference to the four-color LUT 70B in the storage unit 69. Details of the first print processing unit 77 and the second print processing unit 78 will be described later.

  The head control unit 68 controls the drive of the print head 36 based on the head control data generated by the print processing unit 67. Specifically, the head control unit 68 controls the print head 36 based on the six-color head control data generated by the first print processing unit 77 to cause the print head 36 to perform a six-color printing operation. The head control unit 68 controls the print head 36 based on the four-color head control data generated by the second print processing unit 78 to cause the print head 36 to perform a four-color printing operation. In the present embodiment, the control unit of the ink ejection system including the head control unit 68 and the print drive circuit 44, the conveyance control unit (not shown) that controls the conveyance device 33 in the computer 41, and the motor drive circuit 45. An example of the control unit is configured by the control part of the transport system composed of the like.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the printer driver PD of the host device 100 includes a main control unit 110, a display control unit 111, a selection processing unit 112, a switching processing unit 113, a print processing unit 114, and a storage unit 115. The main control unit 110 controls printing in the printer driver PD and gives necessary instructions to the units 112 to 114. The display control unit 111 causes the display unit 103 to display a necessary screen and the like according to the instructions of the main control unit 110 and the selection processing unit 112. The display control unit 111 has the same function as the display control unit 63 on the printing apparatus 11 side, and in accordance with instructions from the selection processing unit 112, the screens 90, 92, 94 to 96, 98, shown in FIGS. 99 is displayed.

  The selection processing unit 112 has the same function as the selection processing unit 65 on the printing apparatus 11 side, and the ink out determination unit 62 and the second determination unit 71 on the printing apparatus 11 side determine that the ink out is light color ink. When this occurs, the fact is received from the second selection processing unit 72 of the printing apparatus 11. When the selection processing unit 112 receives information indicating that the ink end is light color ink, the selection processing unit 112 instructs the display control unit 111 to display a four-color print selection screen (FIG. 7). In addition, when the first determination unit 73 determines that six colors can be printed based on the detection information of the ink replacement detection unit 64, the selection processing unit 112 determines that the six colors can be printed by the first selection of the printing apparatus 11. Received from the processing unit 74. Upon receiving information indicating that six colors can be printed, the selection processing unit 112 instructs the display control unit 111 to display the print color number selection screen 98 (see FIG. 10).

  The switching processing unit 113 has the same function as the switching processing unit 66 on the printing apparatus 11 side. The switching processing unit 113 is based on an operation signal (selection information) from the operation unit 102 in a state where the four-color print selection screen 94 (FIG. 7) or the print color number selection screen (FIG. 10) is displayed on the display unit 103. A 4-color printing mode or a 6-color printing mode is selected according to the user's operation. Then, the switching processing unit 113 performs mode switching to switch to the 4-color printing mode if the 4-color printing mode is selected, and to switch to the 6-color printing mode if the 6-color printing mode is selected.

  The print processing unit 114 has the same function as the print processing unit 67 on the printing apparatus 11 side. The print processing unit 114 performs 6-color print processing in the 6-color print mode, and performs 4-color print processing in the 4-color print mode. Similarly to the storage unit 69 on the printing apparatus 11 side, the storage unit 115 stores UI display information UD, printing condition information PS, a 6-color LUT 70A, and a 4-color LUT 70B. For example, the print processing unit 114 performs color conversion processing performed with reference to the 6-color LUT 70A in the 6-color printing processing, and color conversion processing performed with reference to the 4-color LUT 70B in the 4-color printing processing. I do.

  Next, details of the print processing unit 67 will be described with reference to FIG. The print processing unit 67 shown in FIG. 4 performs various processes on the image data ID such as the scan data read by the scanner unit 14, the image data read from the USB memory UM and the memory card MC, and generates head control data. Has the function of As shown in FIG. 4, the print processing unit 67 includes a resolution conversion processing unit 80, a first color conversion processing unit 81, a second color conversion processing unit 82, a halftone processing unit 83, and a rasterization processing unit 84. The image data ID is display data such as an RGB color system or a YUV color system.

  The resolution conversion processing unit 80, the halftone processing unit 83, and the rasterization processing unit 84 are used in common for the first print processing unit 77 and the second print processing unit 78. The first print processing unit 77 includes a first color conversion processing unit 81, and the second print processing unit 78 includes a second color conversion processing unit 82. That is, the first print processing unit 77 is configured by the units 80, 81, 83, and 84, and the second print processing unit 78 is configured by the units 80, 82, 83, and 84.

The resolution conversion processing unit 80 performs processing for converting the display resolution of the image data ID into the printing resolution of the printing apparatus 11.
Each of the color conversion processing units 81 and 82 converts the RGB color system or YUV color system image data ID into CMYK color system image data (hereinafter also referred to as “CMYK image data”). The first color conversion processing unit 81 refers to the 6-color LUT 70A that associates the RGB gradation values with the C, M, Y, K, LC, and LM gradation values, and converts the RGB image data into the CMYK image. Convert to data. In addition, the second color conversion processing unit 82 refers to the four-color LUT 70B that associates the RGB gradation values with the C, M, Y, and K gradation values, and converts the RGB image data into CMYK image data. Convert. At this time, the YUV color system image data is converted into the RGB color system, and then subjected to color conversion processing. A plurality of LUTs 70A and 70B are prepared in accordance with, for example, the difference between “print quality” and “paper type” in the print condition information PS. Each of the color conversion processing units 81 and 82 selects and uses one of the plurality of LUTs 70A and 70B based on the printing condition information PS at that time.

  The halftone processing unit 83 converts CMYK pixel data of high gradation (for example, 256 gradations) into CMYK pixel data of low gradation (for example, 2 gradations or 4 gradations) that can be expressed by the printing apparatus 11. I do. For this halftone processing, a known dither method, γ correction method, error diffusion method, or the like is used.

  The rasterization processing unit 84 performs a process of rearranging the CMYK image data that has been subjected to the halftone process in the order of data to be transferred to the printing apparatus 11. For example, the CMYK image data is rearranged in accordance with the ejection order of the print head 36 by rasterization processing.

  FIG. 5 shows a 6-color print setting screen 90 that the display control unit 63 displays on the display units 20 and 103 in order for the user to set print conditions when printing is started in the 6-color print mode. The six-color print setting screen 90 includes “print color”, “print quality”, “paper type”, “paper size”, and the like as examples of print condition items. In the “printing color” item, one of “color” and “grayscale” can be selected. In the “print quality” item, one of three types of “high image quality”, “normal”, and “draft” can be selected. Further, in the “paper type” item, one of a plurality of paper types such as “glossy paper” and “plain paper” can be selected. In the “paper size” item, one of a plurality of paper sizes such as “B5” and “A4” can be selected. When the OK button 91 in the six-color print setting screen 90 is operated by operating the operation units 19 and 102, the print condition selected here is confirmed. The determined printing condition information PS is stored in the storage unit 69 (see FIG. 3). In the example of FIG. 5, an example is shown in which the print color and print quality can be selected by radio buttons, and the paper type and paper size can be selected by a pull-down menu, respectively, but the selection method can be changed as appropriate.

  Next, operations of the printing apparatus 11 and the host apparatus 100 will be described. While the printing apparatus 11 is in operation, the computer 41 in the printing apparatus 11 executes the printing process routine shown in FIG. 12 and the ink replacement process routine shown in FIG. First, the print processing routine will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that all ink cartridges 38 have ink and are in the six-color printing mode. Assume that the printing conditions shown in the 6-color print setting screen 90 of FIG. 5 are set at the start of 6-color printing.

  First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not it is an ink end. Specifically, the ink out determination unit 62 determines whether the ink remaining amount detected by the ink remaining amount detection unit 61 has reached a use limit value. If it is not the ink end, the process proceeds to step S2, and if it is the ink end, the process proceeds to S6.

  In step S2, it is determined whether or not the six-color printing mode is set. If it is the 6-color printing mode, the process proceeds to step S3, and if it is not the 6-color printing mode (that is, if it is the 4-color printing mode), the process proceeds to step S14. In this example, since it is a six-color printing mode, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, a six-color printing process is performed. That is, the first print processing unit 77 sequentially performs resolution conversion processing, color conversion processing with reference to the 6-color LUT 70A, and halftone processing as 6-color printing processing, and outputs head control data for 6 colors. Generate.

  In step S4, a printing operation for one page is performed. That is, the head controller 68 controls the print head 36 based on the head control data for six colors, and six-color printing is performed on the paper P. When the printing operation for one page is finished, it is determined whether or not printing is finished in the next step S5. That is, it is determined whether or not all the specified number of prints designated by the print job have been completed. If it is determined that there are still unprinted pages and printing is not finished, the process returns to step S1. If it is not an ink end in step S1, 6-color printing in the 6-color printing mode is continued (S1, S2 to S5). In this way, each time printing of one page is completed, six-color printing is advanced while performing ink end determination. For example, if the remaining amount of ink in an ink cartridge 38 reaches the ink end during printing, and the ink end is determined in step S1, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, printing is interrupted. Specifically, the main control unit 60 outputs a stop command to the print engine 32 to interrupt the printing operation.
In the next step S7, the ink end is displayed. Specifically, when the display control unit 63 receives the ink end notification from the ink out determination unit 62 together with the ink color information, the display unit 20 displays a print interruption notification screen 92 shown in FIG. The print interruption notification screen 92 shown in FIG. 6 displays a message indicating that printing has been interrupted due to running out of ink (ink end), and an indicator 93 indicating the ink remaining amount of each color below the message. In this embodiment capable of six-color printing, there are six indicators 93K, 93C, 93M, 93Y, 93LC, and 93LM corresponding to each ink color. In the example of the figure, the light cyan indicator 93LC of the light color ink is in the ink end display state.

  In the next step S8, the host device is notified of the ink end. As a result, a printing interruption notification screen 92 almost the same as that shown in FIG. 6 is also displayed on the display unit 103 of the host device 100.

  In step S9, it is determined whether or not light cyan or light magenta has been completed (ink end). Specifically, the second determination unit 71 determines whether or not the light color ink has reached the ink end. If the light ink has reached the ink end, the process proceeds to step S10. If the ink end has not been the light color ink (that is, the case is dark ink), the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S10, a light cyan or light magenta ink end indication and a four-color print selection screen 94 are displayed. Specifically, the display control unit 63 displays the four-color print selection screen 94 shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 20 based on the UI display information. In this example, the fact that the light color ink is out of ink is notified by displaying a message and an indicator 93 in the four-color print selection screen 94. In the example of FIG. 7, a message indicating that the light color ink has been used is displayed, but actually, a message indicating that the specific ink name of light cyan or light magenta has been displayed is displayed. The four-color print selection screen 94 is provided with a four-color print mode selection button 94A for allowing the user to select a four-color print mode and a NO button 94B for rejecting the selection of the four-color print mode. Since the ink end light color ink can be specified from the indicator 93 on the four-color print selection screen 94, a message to that effect may be omitted.

  In the next step S <b> 11, the light cyan or light magenta notifies the host device 100 that the ink has ended, and the four-color print selection screen 94 is also displayed on the display unit 103 of the host device 100. When the host apparatus 100 receives notification from the printing apparatus 11 that the light color ink is out of ink, the host apparatus 100 displays a four-color print selection screen 94 similar to that shown in FIG. Of course, the display form of the four-color print selection screen 94 may be different between the display unit 20 of the printing apparatus 11 and the display unit 103 of the host apparatus 100. For example, the indicator 93 may be omitted from the four-color print selection screen 94 on the printing apparatus 11 side.

  The user operates the operation unit 19 or the operation unit 102 to select the four-color print mode button 94A when changing to the four-color print mode is desired, and NO when rejecting the change to the four-color print mode. Button 94B is selected.

  In step S12, it is determined whether the four-color printing mode has been selected. Specifically, the mode selection unit 75 determines whether or not the four-color printing mode selection button 94A is selected based on the operation signal from the operation unit 19. If the four-color printing mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S13. If the selection of the four-color printing mode is rejected, the process proceeds to step S15 to wait for ink replacement.

  In step S13, the mode is switched to the four-color printing mode, and the effect of the four-color printing mode is displayed. Switching to the four-color printing mode is performed by the mode switching unit 76, and based on the notification of the determination result of the mode selection unit 75, the display control units 63 and 111 perform the four-color printing shown in FIG. A notification screen 95 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 8, a message indicating that printing is being performed in the four-color printing mode and a display 95 </ b> A indicating that the current printing mode is “four-color printing mode” are displayed on the four-color printing notification screen 95. Is done. Further, on the four-color printing notification screen 95, the light-color ink indicators 93LC and 93LM that are not used in the four-color printing are grayed out to switch from the active display state to the passive display state (inactive display state).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the initial four-color print setting screen 96 displayed first after switching from the six-color print mode to the four-color print mode is selected on the previous six-color print setting screen 90 (FIG. 5). The previously set printing conditions are inherited. Therefore, when the print condition is set as necessary after switching to the four-color print mode, the four-color print setting shown in FIG. 9 in which the print condition setting in the previous six-color print mode shown in FIG. A screen 96 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 9, in the four-color print setting screen 96, as in the six-color print setting screen 90 (FIG. 5), the print color is “color”, the print quality is “high image quality”, and the paper type is “glossy”. “Paper” and the paper size are set to “B5”. When the OK button 97 in the four-color print setting screen 96 is operated by operating the operation units 19 and 102, the printing condition selected here is confirmed.

  For example, when printing is interrupted between pages in the middle of printing and the mode is switched to the four-color printing mode, it is desirable that printing within the same print job has the same printing conditions. If the configuration is such that the print condition setting in the 6-color print mode is inherited when switching to the 4-color print mode as in the present embodiment, an operation to reselect the print condition is unnecessary, and therefore an operation to select the OK button 97, for example. Just do it. Further, it is possible to prevent a printing condition selection error that may occur in the case where the same printing condition is reselected from the default.

  In step S14, a four-color printing process is performed. That is, the second print processing unit 78 sequentially performs resolution conversion processing, color conversion processing and halftone processing performed with reference to the four-color LUT 70B, and generates head control data for four colors. The four-color head control data is transferred to the head controller 68.

  In the next step S4, a printing operation for one page is performed. That is, the head controller 68 controls the print head 36 based on the head control data for four colors, and four-color printing is performed on the paper P. When the printing operation for one page is completed, it is determined in the next step S5 whether or not printing is finished. That is, it is determined whether or not all the specified number of prints in the print job have been completed. If it is not the end of printing, the process returns to step S1. If there is no new ink end, it is determined in the next step S2 that the six-color printing mode is not set (ie, the four-color printing mode). In the case of the four-color printing mode, the process proceeds to step S14. Then, the printing process for four colors is performed to generate the head control data for four colors (S14), and the printing operation for each page (S4) is determined as the end of printing based on the head control data for four colors. Repeat until it is made (Yes in S5).

  Then, the determination of whether or not it is the ink end in step S1 is performed every time the printing operation for one page is completed. If an ink end is newly detected during printing in the four-color printing mode (Yes determination in S1), printing is interrupted (S6), ink end indication (S7, S8), and light ink end determination (S9) is performed. If the ink end is light ink, a four-color print selection screen 94 is displayed (S10, S11). If the four-color print mode is selected, the four-color print mode is maintained and the four-color print mode is displayed during printing. (S13), a printing operation is performed based on the head control data for four colors generated by the four-color printing process (S14, S4).

  On the other hand, if the ink end is not a light color ink (No determination in S9), that is, if the dark color ink is an ink end, four-color printing is impossible, and the process proceeds to step S15 to wait for ink replacement.

  Next, the ink replacement processing routine shown in FIG. 13 will be described. When the user interrupts printing due to the ink end, or when the ink end is detected at the start of printing and the start of printing is interrupted, and the user is prompted to replace ink by a message on the display unit 20 or 103, basically, Except when the four-color printing mode is selected, the ink is replaced at an appropriate time.

  First, in step S21, it is determined whether or not ink has been replaced. Specifically, the second determination unit 71 determines whether the ink has been replaced based on the detection information of the ink replacement detection unit 64. If the ink has not been replaced, this determination process is performed every unit time (for example, a predetermined value within the range of 0.1 to 100 milliseconds) until it is determined that the ink has been replaced. If it is determined that the ink has been replaced, the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, it is determined whether light cyan or light magenta has been replaced. That is, it is determined whether or not the light-color ink cartridge has been replaced. If the light ink cartridge has been replaced, the process proceeds to step S23, and if it is a cartridge other than light color ink (that is, dark ink), the process proceeds to step S25. That is, if at least one cartridge is replaced among black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In the next step S23, it is determined whether or not both light cyan and light magenta can be used. That is, it is determined whether or not all of the light color ink is usable. If all of the light color inks are usable, the process proceeds to step S24. If one of the light color inks cannot be used, the process proceeds to step S25.

In step S24, it is determined whether or not six colors can be printed. If 6-color printing is possible, the process proceeds to step S26, and if 6-color printing is not possible, the process proceeds to step S25.
Therefore, if the ink exchanged is not a light color ink, even if it is a light color ink, not all the light color inks can be used, if all the light color inks can be used but 6 color printing is not possible, 6 colors Cannot print. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S25. For example, if the ink was replaced with dark ink, even if the ink was replaced with light color ink, if the other light color ink was the ink end, all of the light color ink could be used, but at least one of the dark color ink was used If not possible, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, it is determined whether or not four-color printing is possible. That is, it is determined whether or not all four dark inks used in four-color printing, that is, all four colors of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow can be used. If 4-color printing is not possible, the process returns to step S21. If 4-color printing is possible, the process proceeds to step S27.

  In step S27, a four-color print selection screen 94 is displayed. However, the four-color print selection screen 94 displayed on the display units 20 and 103 at this time does not display a message indicating that ink has run out or printing has been interrupted in FIG. When the user desires the four-color print mode, the user operates the operation unit 19 or the operation unit 102 to select the four-color print mode selection button 94A.

  In step S29, it is determined whether the four-color printing mode has been selected. Specifically, the mode selection unit 75 determines whether or not the four-color printing mode selection button 94A is selected based on the operation signal from the operation unit 19. If the four-color printing mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S30. If the selection of the four-color printing mode is rejected, the process returns to step S21 and waits for ink replacement.

  In step S30, the mode is switched to the four-color printing mode and a message indicating the four-color printing mode is displayed. Switching to the four-color printing mode is performed by the mode switching unit 76, and based on the notification of the determination result of the mode selection unit 75, the display control units 63 and 111 perform the four-color printing shown in FIG. A notification screen 95 is displayed. On the four-color printing notification screen 95, a display 95A indicating that the currently executed mode is the “four-color printing mode” is displayed.

  In step S31, a four-color printing process is performed. That is, the second print processing unit 78 sequentially performs resolution conversion processing, color conversion processing and halftone processing performed with reference to the four-color LUT 70B, and generates head control data for four colors. The four-color head control data is transferred to the head controller 68.

In step S34, a printing operation is performed. That is, the head controller 68 controls the print head 36 based on the head control data for four colors, and four-color printing is performed on the paper P.
On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S26 due to the determination result that 6-color printing is possible in step S24, the fact that 6-color printing is possible and a print color number selection screen (print mode selection screen) are displayed in step S26. In the present embodiment, the display control unit 63 displays a print color number selection screen 98 shown in FIG. 10 based on the UI display information UD. As shown in FIG. 10, on the print color number selection screen 98, various information such as the fact that it is currently in the four-color print mode, the switch to the six-color print mode is possible, and the switch to the six-color print mode is inquired. A message is displayed. Further, a 6-color print mode selection button 98A for selecting the 6-color print mode and a 4-color print mode selection button 98B for selecting the 4-color print mode are provided below the message. In this example, since the current mode is the 4-color printing mode, the 6-color printing mode selection button 98A is a button for switching to the 6-color printing mode, and the 4-color printing mode selection button 98B is a button for maintaining the 4-color printing mode. . The user operates the operation unit 19 or the operation unit 102 to select the 6-color print mode selection button 98A when changing to the 6-color print mode, and to select 4 colors when maintaining the 4-color print mode is desired. The print mode selection button 98B is selected.

  In the next step S28, it is determined whether or not the 6-color printing mode has been selected. Specifically, the mode selection unit 75 determines whether or not the 6-color print mode selection button 98A has been selected based on the operation signal from the operation unit 19. If the 6-color printing mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S32. If the 6-color printing mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S29. In step S29, as described above, it is determined whether or not the four-color printing mode is selected. When the four-color printing mode is selected, the mode is switched to the four-color printing mode, the effect of the four-color printing mode is displayed (S30), and the four-color printing process is performed to generate the head control data for the four colors. (S31), a printing operation is performed based on the head control data for the four colors (S34).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that the six-color printing mode is selected and the process proceeds to step S32, the six-color printing mode is switched to display the six-color printing mode. Specifically, the display control units 63 and 111 cause the display units 20 and 103 to display a six-color printing notification screen 99 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, a message indicating that printing is being performed in the 6-color printing mode is displayed on the 6-color printing notification screen 99, and a display indicating that the currently executing printing mode is “6-color printing mode”. Child 99A is displayed. Further, the passive display state in which the light ink indicators 93LC and 93LM are grayed out switches to the active display state.

  In step S33, a six-color printing process is performed. That is, the first print processing unit 77 sequentially performs resolution conversion processing, color conversion processing with reference to the 6-color LUT 70A, and halftone processing as 6-color printing processing, and outputs head control data for 6 colors. Generate.

In the next step S34, a printing operation is performed. That is, the head controller 68 controls the print head 36 based on the head control data for six colors, and six-color printing is performed on the paper P.
As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) When six-color printing is enabled as a result of ink replacement under the four-color printing mode, the print color number selection screen 98 shown in FIG. By selecting 98A and 98B, it is possible to select whether to switch to the 6-color printing mode or to maintain the 4-color printing mode. Therefore, for example, when ink is exchanged when printing is interrupted between pages, it is possible to avoid color printing colors and print resolutions differing between the pages before and after the printing interruption. In addition, even if the color and print resolution differ between the pages before and after printing interruption, a user who desires a high-quality printed material on the page after ink replacement selects the 6-color printing mode, so that the page after ink replacement is high. A print with high image quality can be obtained.

  (2) When the light-color ink reaches the ink end under the 6-color printing mode, the 4-color print selection screen 94 shown in FIG. By operating and selecting the 4-color printing mode, 4-color printing in the 4-color printing mode can be selected. Therefore, even when the ink cartridge 38 for ink replacement is not prepared, printing can be continued using four color (CMYK) inks.

  (3) During printing in the four-color printing mode, a four-color printing notification screen 95 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, and it can be grasped that printing is being performed in the four-color printing mode by the display 95A therein. For example, in an environment in which a plurality of users use the printing apparatus 11, a printed matter that one user switched to the four-color printing mode and other users did not know about it and intended to perform six-color printing is actually four-color printing. It is possible to avoid inconveniences such as the printed matter.

  (4) During printing when switching from the 4-color printing mode to the 6-color printing mode, the 6-color printing notification screen 99 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, and printing is being performed in the 6-color printing mode by the display element 99A therein. I can understand. For example, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a six-color printing mode is selected after ink replacement but an operation error is caused for some reason and the four-color printing mode is maintained, and a printed matter different from the desired one is obtained. For example, even if a different print mode is selected due to an operation error or the like, the print mode currently being printed can be found by looking at the display content of the indicator 99A in the six-color print notification screen 99 of the display units 20 and 103. So you can easily recognize mistakes.

  (5) When the 4-color print mode is switched to the 6-color print mode, the print condition settings (print condition information) in the 4-color print mode are taken over. Therefore, even when the mode is switched, the operation for resetting the printing conditions is unnecessary or the number of operations can be reduced. When the 6-color printing mode is switched to the 4-color printing mode, the printing condition setting (printing condition information) in the 6-color printing mode is inherited. Therefore, even when the mode is switched, the operation for resetting the printing conditions is unnecessary or the number of operations can be reduced. For example, when the mode is switched, the print condition setting is not carried over. For example, if the default print condition is set, the print condition must be reset. However, such a resetting operation can be made unnecessary. .

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment, at the time of mode switching between the first mode and the second mode, the setting of the printing condition before the switching is maintained. However, in the second embodiment, the setting of the printing condition is maintained. Adopting a configuration that can select whether or not. Note that a description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted, and only different points will be described.

  FIG. 14A shows a characteristic portion in the print processing routine, and FIG. 14B shows a characteristic portion in the ink replacement processing routine. In these routines, portions not shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B are the same as those in FIGS. 12 and 13 in the first embodiment. First, the print processing routine shown in FIG. When the user selects the four-color printing mode in step S12, the setting maintenance selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 14C is displayed on the display units 20 and 103. On this setting maintenance selection screen 120, a message asking the user whether to maintain the printing condition setting before the mode switching is displayed, and below that, a YES button 121 to be selected when maintaining the printing condition setting, There is provided a NO button 122 that is selected when the printing condition setting is not maintained. The user operates the operation units 19 and 102 to select the YES button 121 when it is desired to maintain the printing condition setting, and selects the NO button 122 when it is not desired to maintain the printing condition setting. In step S43, it is determined whether or not maintenance of print condition settings has been selected. That is, it is determined whether the YES button 121 is selected or the NO button 122 is selected. When the maintenance of the printing condition setting is selected (that is, the YES button 121 is operated), the four-color printing is performed by switching to the four-color printing mode (S13, S14, etc.). In this case, the setting of the printing conditions in the 6-color printing mode before the mode switching is maintained, and the 4-color printing process is performed according to the maintained printing conditions (S14). On the other hand, if it is selected not to maintain the printing condition setting in step S43 (that is, the NO button 122 is operated), the process proceeds to step S44 and the four-color printing setting screen 96 (FIG. 9) is displayed. Then, the user resets the printing conditions as necessary on the four-color print setting screen 96.

  Next, the ink replacement processing routine shown in FIG. 14B will be described. When the user selects the 6-color printing mode in step S28, the setting maintenance selection screen 120 shown in FIG. The user operates the operation units 19 and 102 to select the YES button 121 when it is desired to maintain the printing condition setting, and selects the NO button 122 when it is not desired to maintain the printing condition setting. In step S43, it is determined whether or not maintenance of print condition settings has been selected. When the maintenance of the printing condition setting is selected, the six-color printing mode is switched to the six-color printing (S32 to S34). In this case, the setting of the printing conditions in the four-color printing mode before the mode switching is maintained, and the six-color printing process is performed according to the maintained printing conditions (S33). On the other hand, if it is selected not to maintain the print condition setting in step S43, the process proceeds to step S45 to display the six-color print setting screen 90 (FIG. 5). Then, the user resets the printing conditions as necessary on the six-color print setting screen 90. In the present embodiment, an example of the setting takeover selection unit is configured by the operation units 19 and 102 and the display control unit 63 that displays the setting maintenance selection screen 120.

According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(6) When the mode is switched between the 4-color printing mode and the 6-color printing mode, the setting maintenance selection screen 120 is displayed, and it is possible to select whether or not to maintain the printing condition setting before the mode switching. For example, when mode switching is performed by exchanging ink when printing is interrupted due to an ink end, it is in the middle of printing that does not require changing printing conditions, so selection of setting of printing conditions is selected. In this case, printing is resumed in the mode after switching without displaying the print setting screen. For example, if the print setting screen is displayed in the default state when the mode is switched, the print conditions must be reset and the user is forced to perform extra operations. In addition, when starting a new print job, by selecting not to maintain the print condition setting, for example, a desired print condition can be set from a default state, and the number of setting operations can be relatively reduced.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In each of the above-described embodiments, when the mode can be switched at the time of ink end detection and ink replacement detection, the user can select the mode by operating the operation unit. However, in the third embodiment, the mode selection is automatically performed. Do. Note that a description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted, and only different points will be described.

  FIG. 15 shows a characteristic part in the ink exchange processing routine. In the present embodiment, when the ink replacement is detected under the four-color printing mode and it is determined that six-color printing is possible, the six-color printing mode is selected based on the printing condition information PS read from the storage unit 69 by the switching processing unit 66. Whether to change to (first mode) or to maintain the four-color printing mode (second mode) is automatically selected.

  For example, when the printing conditions are set during photo printing, high-quality N-color printing is performed. Print condition items that can specify photo printing include print quality and paper type (medium type). Here, the print quality includes “high image quality”, “normal”, “draft”, and the like, and “high image quality” is set for photo printing. The paper types include “glossy paper” and “plain paper”, and “glossy paper” is set for photo printing.

  For example, in the ink replacement processing routine shown in FIG. 15, if it is determined in step S24 that six colors can be printed (N colors can be printed) as a result of ink replacement under the four-color printing mode, photo printing is performed in step S45. It is determined whether or not. Specifically, the switching processing unit 66 reads at least each information of print quality and paper type from the printing unit information PS from the storage unit 69, and determines whether the combination is “high image quality” and “glossy paper”. By doing so, it is determined whether or not it is photo printing. If “high quality” and “glossy paper” are determined to be photographic printing, the process proceeds to step S32, and the switching processing unit 66 switches to the six-color printing mode. Then, the head control unit 68 performs six-color printing based on the head control data generated by the print processing unit 67 performing the six-color printing process (S33, S34).

  On the other hand, if it is not photo printing (No determination in S45), the process proceeds to step S30, and the switching processing unit 66 switches to the four-color printing mode (however, in this example, the four-color printing mode is maintained). Then, the head control unit 68 performs four-color printing based on the head control data generated by the print processing unit 67 in the four-color printing process (S31, S34). For example, when the print quality is “normal” or “draft” and the paper type is other than “glossy paper” such as “plain paper”, printing is performed in the four-color print mode. Of course, it may be determined whether or not photo printing is performed using only one of the print quality and the paper type. For example, when the print quality is “high quality”, it is determined that the photo is printed, and when the paper type is “glossy paper”, it is determined that the photo is printed. Also, even if the paper type is “plain paper”, if the print quality is “high quality”, it is regarded as photo printing, and if the print quality is “normal”, the photo type is “glossy paper”. It may be regarded as printing.

According to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(7) Even if the user does not perform a mode selection operation, the switching processing unit 66 can switch to an appropriate mode selected based on the printing condition information PS. In other words, the switching processing unit 66 selects the change to the sixth print mode if the print quality “high image quality” capable of specifying photo printing and the paper type “glossy paper” are satisfied, and selects “high image quality”. If neither “glossy paper” nor “glossy paper” is satisfied, the four-color printing mode is maintained. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a high-quality printed material by six-color printing during photo printing, and it is possible to cope with four-color printing at an image quality level suitable for it other than photo printing. In the case of photo printing, image quality for each sheet is usually given priority, and changes in color before and after ink replacement are often not considered as a problem.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The fourth embodiment is also configured to automatically select a mode. When the mode can be switched by exchanging ink, it is determined whether or not the ink has been changed in the middle of the print job. If the mode has been changed in the middle of the print job, the mode selection until then is selected. .

  In the ink replacement processing routine, when ink replacement is performed under the 4-color printing mode and 6-color printing is possible, it is determined whether or not the ink replacement is performed in the middle of the print job, and the ink replacement is performed. Is performed in the middle of a print job, the four-color print mode before the interruption of printing is maintained.

  For example, when a certain ink color reaches the ink end, it is troublesome to replace the ink, or there is no ink cartridge (for example, a new article) to be replaced on the spot. There is a case where the change to the four-color printing mode is selected. Under this four-color printing mode, when at least one of the four-color printing ink colors reaches the ink end, the four-color printing is interrupted and the ink cartridge must be replaced. In this case, the user goes to the storage location for all the ink cartridges 38 at the ink end, purchases them at a nearby store, or prepares a plurality of ink cartridges prepared after changing to the 4-color printing mode. Replace all ink cartridges at once. For this reason, 6-color printing is possible.

  At this time, it is determined in step S24 in FIG. 16 that six colors can be printed. In the next step S46, it is determined whether or not the print job is in progress. For example, when the out-of-ink determination unit 62 determines that the ink is out, the main control unit 60 instructs the head control unit 68 or the like to stop printing, and writes that the printing is interrupted in a predetermined area of the nonvolatile memory 55 as a flag value, for example. It is out. The switching processing unit 66 reads the flag value from the non-volatile memory 55, and determines that the print job is in the middle if the flag value indicates a print interruption. In the present embodiment, this flag value corresponds to an example of interruption determination information.

  If it is determined that the print job is in the middle (Yes in S46), the process proceeds to step S30 to switch to the four-color print mode (however, in this example, the four-color print mode is maintained). The head controller 68 performs four-color printing based on the head control data generated by the print processor 67 performing the four-color printing process (S31, S34). On the other hand, when it is determined that the ink is exchanged at the start of a new print job and it is not in the middle of the print job (No in S46), the process proceeds to step S32 to switch to the six-color print mode. The head control unit 68 performs six-color printing based on the head control data generated by the print processing unit 67 performing the six-color printing process (S33, S34).

According to the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(8) When 6-color printing is enabled by performing ink replacement under the 4-color printing mode, it is determined whether or not it is in the middle of a print job (that is, when printing is interrupted). If so, the previous four-color printing mode is maintained. As a result, it is possible to prevent the color from changing from an intermediate page among a plurality of pages printed in one print job. In addition, since the mode is switched to the 6-color printing mode unless it is in the middle of the print job, for example, when ink replacement is performed when printing is started with a new print job, a high-quality printed material is obtained from the first page by 6-color printing. be able to.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this fifth embodiment, whether or not the print job is in the middle of printing in the four-color printing mode when the six-color printing is enabled by the ink replacement when the ink is interrupted and the printing is interrupted. If it is not in the middle of the print job, it is switched to the six-color print mode, and if it is in the middle of the print job, the print color number selection screen 98 (FIG. 10) is displayed. Details will be described below.

  If it is determined in step S24 that six colors can be printed, it is determined in the next step S46 whether or not the print job is in progress. In this determination process, the same process as step S46 of the fourth embodiment is performed. If it is not in the middle of the print job (No in S46), the process proceeds to step S32 to switch to the 6-color print mode, and the head control unit 68 generates the head control data generated by the print processing unit 67 performing the 6-color print process. 6 color printing is performed based on (S33, S34). On the other hand, if it is in the middle of a print job (Yes in S46), a message indicating that six colors can be printed and a print color number selection screen are displayed (S26). The user selects the 6-color print mode selection button 98A or the 4-color print mode selection button 98B on the print color number selection screen 98 shown in FIG. In the next step S28, it is determined whether or not the 6-color printing mode is selected. If the 6-color printing mode is selected, the 6-color printing mode is switched (S32). On the other hand, the 4-color printing mode is selected in step S29. If so, the mode is switched to the four-color printing mode (S30).

According to the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(9) When ink replacement is performed under the 4-color printing mode and 6-color printing is possible, the mode is switched to the 6-color printing mode if it is not in the middle of the print job, and the number of print colors is in the middle of the print job. A selection screen 98 is displayed, and the user can select either the 4-color print mode or the 6-color print mode. For this reason, by selecting the maintenance of the four-color printing mode, the user can avoid a change in color on the page before and after the printing interruption due to the mode switching during printing. In addition, when the user selects the 6-color printing mode, if the user does not care about the color change, or the print content that does not need to worry about the color change, or if you want to print with high image quality even from the middle page, A printed matter having a desired image quality level can be obtained.

In addition, the said embodiment can also be changed into the following forms.
The configuration of the third embodiment in which mode switching processing is performed in accordance with the determination result of whether or not photo printing is performed, and the fourth embodiment in which mode switching processing is performed in accordance with the determination result of whether or not the print job is in progress You may implement combining the form or the structure of 5th Embodiment. For example, if it is determined in step S45 in FIG. 15 that photo printing is performed, the determination processing in step S46 in FIG. 16 or FIG. 17 is performed. If it is determined in step S46 that the print job is in progress, six-color printing is performed. The mode is switched (S32). On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not in the middle of the print job, it is switched to the four-color print mode (S30), or the print color number selection screen (FIG. 10) is displayed (S26).

  That is, even if it is determined that the photo printing is performed based on the printing condition information PS, when it is in the middle of the print job, the four colors before the printing interruption are avoided in order to avoid a change in color between pages before and after the printing interruption. Maintain print mode. Alternatively, even if it is determined that the photo printing is performed based on the printing condition information PS, the print color number selection screen 98 is displayed when the print job is in progress, and the user can switch to the 6-color print mode or the 4-color print mode. To choose whether to maintain. According to these configurations, the mode can be automatically selected based on the printing condition information PS, and even if the photo printing is performed, if the ink is changed during the printing (when the printing is interrupted), before and after the printing is interrupted. It is possible to avoid a change in color between pages.

  The processing in steps S41, S42, and S44 in FIG. 14B for selecting whether or not to maintain the printing condition setting in the second embodiment is performed after step S28 in FIG. 17 in the fifth embodiment. It may be added as a process.

  When black ink runs out, a composite black may be created and switched to three-color printing (cyan, magenta, yellow) or five-color printing (cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, light magenta). For example, when black ink is detected as being out of print during 6-color printing or 4-color printing, a print color number selection screen is displayed that allows the user to select switching to the 5-color printing mode or switching to the 3-color printing mode. . In this case, if switching to the five-color printing mode or the three-color printing mode is selected by the user's operation on the operation unit, a configuration for changing to the five-color printing mode or the three-color printing mode can also be adopted. In this case, after that, when the user replaces the black ink cartridge and the ink replacement detection unit 64 detects the replacement of the black ink cartridge, in FIG. 10, 6-color printing is printed in 5 colors, and 4-color printing is printed in 3 colors. The same screen for selecting the number of print colors is displayed except for changing to. For example, the user can continue printing by selecting the three-color printing mode.

  -If even one of the light-colored inks is in the ink end, the configuration may be changed to a configuration in which all of the light-colored ink is not used, and changed to multi-color printing that does not use only the color that has reached the ink end. For example, when only one of light cyan and light magenta has reached the ink end, it is changed to four-color printing and five-color printing is performed. In this case, if the user selects the change to the five-color printing mode by operating the operation unit, the user switches to the five-color printing mode.

The number “N” of colors used for printing in the first mode does not have to be the same as the number J of ink cartridges 38 that can be loaded in the printing apparatus 11, and may be smaller than J.
-There may be a plurality of M color prints. For example, when the ink end is reached under the first mode in which N color printing is performed, (N-1) color printing and (N-2) color printing using the remaining color inks, (N-3) A configuration in which one second mode corresponding to the remaining ink color in color printing is switched can also be employed. For example, when N colors are six colors, the first mode of six-color printing is switched to one second mode corresponding to the remaining ink color among five-color printing, four-color printing, and three-color printing.

The ink is not limited to liquid ink (eg, dye ink or pigment ink), and may be an ink ribbon type toner.
-The accommodating part in which the ink is accommodated is not limited to the ink cartridge. For example, an ink tank or an ink pack may be used. Alternatively, the storage unit may be disposed at a location away from the printing apparatus, and ink may be supplied from the storage unit to the printing apparatus through a tube.

  The medium is not limited to paper, and may be a resin film, metal foil, metal film, resin-metal composite film (laminate film), woven fabric, non-woven fabric, ceramic sheet, and the like. Further, the medium is not limited to a sheet shape and may be a three-dimensional object.

  The printing apparatus is not limited to the ink jet printing apparatus, and may be a dot impact printing apparatus or a laser printing apparatus (laser printer). Furthermore, the printing apparatus is not limited to a serial printer or a line printer, and may be a page printer.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Printing apparatus, 13 ... Printer part, 14 ... Scanner part, 19 ... Operation part, 20 ... Display part, 31 ... Scan engine, 32 ... Print engine which comprises an example of a printing part, 33 ... Composition of an example of a printing part 36 ... print head, 38, 38K, 38C, 38M, 38Y, 38LC, 38LM ... an ink cartridge as an example of a storage unit, 41 ... computer, 51 ... CPU, 52 ... ASIC, 53 ... ROM, 54 ... RAM, 55 ... nonvolatile memory, 60 ... main control unit, 61 ... ink remaining amount detection unit, 62 ... out of ink determination unit, 63 ... display control unit, 64 ... ink replacement detection unit as an example of replacement detection unit, 65 ... selection processing unit, 66 ... switching processing unit, 67 ... print processing unit, 68 ... head control unit constituting an example of control unit, 69 ... storage unit, 70A ... 6 color LUT, 0B: LUT for four colors, 71: Second determination unit, 72: Second selection processing unit, 73: First determination unit as an example of determination unit, 74: First selection processing unit, 75: Example of selection unit Certain mode determination unit, 76 ... mode switching unit, 77 ... first print processing unit, 78 ... second print processing unit, 100 ... host device, 102 ... operation unit, 103 ... display unit, 105 ... CPU of host device, 110 ... Main control unit, 111 ... Display control unit, 112 ... Selection processing unit, 113 ... Mode switching unit, 114 ... Print processing unit, 115 ... Storage unit, PD ... Printer driver, UD ... UI display information, PS ... Print condition information , P: Paper that is an example of a medium.

Claims (9)

A first mode in which N colors are printed using N colors (where N is a natural number of 2 or more), and M colors are printed using less M colors (where M is a natural number). A printing device that can be switched to a second mode for performing
An exchange detection unit that detects exchange of a storage unit that has run out of ink among a plurality of storage units that respectively store the N-color inks;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the N-color ink has become usable based on detection information of the replacement detection unit when the replacement detection unit detects replacement of the storage unit under the second mode; ,
A selection unit that selects one of the first mode and the second mode based on given selection information when the N color ink is determined to be usable;
A mode switching unit that switches to the first mode when the selection unit selects the first mode, and maintains a second mode when the selection unit selects the second mode;
A printing apparatus comprising: a control unit that causes the printing unit to perform a printing operation in the mode set by the mode switching unit. An operation unit for allowing the user to select whether to change to the first mode or to maintain the second mode;
The selection unit according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects whether to change to the first mode or to maintain the second mode based on the selection information selected by an operation of the operation unit. Printing device. A storage unit for storing, as the selection information, printing condition information indicating a printing condition when causing the printing unit to perform a printing operation;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects whether to change to the first mode or to maintain the second mode based on the printing condition information read from the storage unit. . The printing condition information includes print quality or medium type,
4. The selection unit according to claim 3, wherein the selection unit selects whether to change to the first mode or to maintain the second mode based on at least one of the print quality and the medium type. Printing device. The controller is configured to interrupt the printing operation when ink out is detected during printing.
The control unit stores interruption determination information capable of determining that there was an interruption when printing is interrupted as the selection information in the storage unit,
If the selection unit determines that the replacement of the storage unit was performed at the time of printing interruption based on the interruption determination information, the selection unit selects a mode before the printing interruption,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode switching unit maintains a mode before the printing is interrupted. An out-of-ink detection unit for detecting at least one out-of-ink among the plurality of storage units;
A second determination unit configured to determine whether or not the M color ink used in the second mode is usable when the ink out detection unit detects the ink out under the first mode;
An operation unit for selecting whether to change from the first mode to the second mode when the second determination unit determines that the M color ink is usable;
The mode switching unit sets the mode selected by the operation of the operation unit,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the printing unit to perform a printing operation in the mode set by the mode switching unit.   The mode switching unit is in the case of at least one of the case where the mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode and the case where the mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode by exchanging the storage unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the printing condition setting in the mode before switching is taken over.   Whether to take over the setting of the printing conditions in the mode before the switching in at least one of the case of switching from the second mode to the first mode and the case of switching from the second mode to the first mode. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a setting takeover selection unit that selects. A first mode in which N colors are printed using N colors (where N is a natural number of 2 or more), and M colors are printed using less M colors (where M is a natural number). There is a printing method that can be switched to the second mode,
Under the second mode, when the replacement detection unit detects the replacement of the storage unit that has run out of ink among the plurality of storage units that respectively store the N color inks, based on the detection information of the replacement detection unit. A determination step of determining whether or not the N color ink is usable;
A selection step of selecting one of the first mode and the second mode when it is determined that the N color ink is usable;
A mode switching step of switching to the first mode when the first mode is selected in the selection step, and maintaining the second mode when the second mode is selected;
And a control step for causing the printing unit to perform a printing operation in the mode set in the mode switching step.