Ink cartridge management system, printer, and ink cartridge

[0002] This invention relates to a technique for managing an ink cartridge placed in an ink jet printer.

[0003] To print normally, an ink jet printer manages the state of an ink cartridge, for example, the ink remaining amount. That is, the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge is estimated based on the amount of printouts provided from the initial placement of the ink cartridge to the present. When the ink cartridge is replaced, the ink remaining amount estimated so far is reset and new estimation of the ink remaining amount is started.

[0004] In the above-described method, the ink remaining amount cannot always be estimated precisely.

[0005] For example, to remove anink cartridge placed in one printer and again place the ink cartridge in another printer for use, the printer, which resets the ink remaining amount estimated so far, recognizes the again placed ink cartridge as an initially placed ink cartridge and estimates the ink remaining amount.

[0006] Thus, the user who prints with the again placed ink cartridge cannot know the precise ink remaining amount and therefore may encounter the ink end (namely, ink remaining amount zero) at an unexpected point in the printing.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention is to provide a method of precisely determining ink remaining amount in an ink cartridge.

[0008] It is another object of the invention to make it possible to precisely manage the state of an ink cartridge even if the ink cartridge is used with different printers.

[0009] To achieve the above-noted and other objects, the present invention provides, for example, the following technical concept: That is, a serial number and so on of an ink cartridge is stored in a printer main body or a host device connected to the printer main body. Using the stored data and data of a currently mounted cartridge, the printer or host determine a precise in remaining amount in the currently mounted ink cartridge.

[0010] The present invention provides, for example, the following technical concept: That is, serial numbers of printers that have ever been used with an ink cartridge is stored in the ink cartridge, and using the stored data and data stored in a printer or host, an ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge is determined.

[0011] The present invention provides, for example, the following technical concept: That is, data stored in an ink cartridge is saved as backup data in a printer or a host when the ink cartridge is to be detached from the printer or when power for the printer on which the ink cartridge is mounted is turned off.

[0012] The present invention provides, for example, the following technical concept: That is, data stored in an ink cartridge is read when the ink cartridge is mounted to the printer or when power for the printer on which the ink cartridge is mounted is turned on. Then, the read data is compared with data stored in the printer or a host connected to the printer to determine an ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge.

[0013] The present invention provides, for example, the following technical concept: That is, data relating to ink cartridges that have ever been used together with a printer are stored in the printer or a host connected to the printer by cartridge-to-cartridge basis. When an ink cartridge or the ink cartridge is mounted to the printer, an ink remaining amount is determined using the stored data.

[0014] The present invention provides, for example, the following technical concept: That is, data relating to ink cartridges that have ever been used together with a printer are stored in the printer or a host connected to the printer by cartridge-to-cartridge basis. In storing data, the oldest data stored in the printer or host is updated with the newest data obtained in relation to the ink cartridge or an ink cartridge mounted to the printer.

[0015] The above-noted technical concepts and other technical concepts of the present invention are fully disclosed in the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0016] The present disclosure relates to the subject matter contained in Japanese patent application Nos. Hei. 11-245388 (filed on Aug. 31, 1999), Hei. 11-246907 (filed on Sep. 1, 1999), Hei. 11-246952 (filed on Sep. 1, 1999) and Hei. 11-247325 (filed on Sep. 1, 1999), which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0017] In the accompanying drawings:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram to show a general configuration of a print system;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a drawing to show the data stored in EEPROM 21 of a cartridge 190;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a drawing to show the data stored in EEPROM 17 of a printer 500;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a drawing to show the data stored in a storage unit 110 of a host 100;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a flowchart to show the operation of the printer and the host;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a flowchart to show the operation of the host in accordance with a first method to determine the precise “ink total consumption amount;”

[0024] FIG. 7 is a flowchart to show the operation of the host in accordance with a second method to determine the precise “ink total consumption amount;”

[0025] FIG. 8 is a flowchart to show the operation of the host in accordance with a third method to determine the precise “ink total consumption amount”;

[0026] FIG. 9 is a drawing to show an embodiment of an ink jet printer;

[0027] FIG. 10 is a drawing to show a print mechanism of the ink jet printer in FIG. 9;

[0028] FIGS. 11A and 11B are drawings to show an embodiment of a black ink cartridge and an embodiment of a color ink cartridge used with the ink jet printer in FIG. 9;

[0029] FIGS. 12A and 12B are drawings to show the surface and back structures of a circuit board attached to each of the ink cartridges in FIGS. 11A and 11B;

[0030] FIG. 13 is a sectional partial view of the ink jet printer with the black ink cartridge placed therein;

[0031] FIG. 14 is a block diagram to show an embodiment of the printer;

[0032] FIG. 15 is a flowchart to show a data check operation in storage system of ink cartridge when the power is turned on in the operation of the printer;

[0033] FIGS. 16A and 16B are drawings to schematically show a flow of data concerning the ink remaining amount in the printer;

[0034] FIG. 17 is a flowchart to show the operation at the ink cartridge replacement time in the operation of the printer;

[0035] FIG. 18. is a flowchart to show another data check operation when the power is turned on in the operation of the printer; and

[0036] FIG. 19 is a flowchart to show yet another data check operation when the ink cartridge is replaced in the operation of the printer.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows a general configuration of a print system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] A host 100 is connected to an ink jet printer (referred to simply as a printer) 500 via an interface circuit 300. The host 100 typically is a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer, and has a printer driver 700, i.e. a software for performing preparation processing of print data to be sent to the printer 500, and a storage unit 110 for storing various pieces of data. The printer drive 700 has not only the essential function of preparing print data and sending the data to the printer 500, but also the function of managing the ink total consumption amount (or ink remaining amount) in the ink cartridge placed in the printer 500 as described later.

[0039] The printer 500 is connected to the host 100 via an interface circuit 130. The printer 500 has a print processing circuit 150 for preparing a print image based on print data transferred via the interface circuit 130 from the host 100, and performing paper feed control, etc. The printer 500 also has a print mechanism 200 for printing the print image prepared by the print processing circuit 150 under the control of the print processing circuit 150. The print processing circuit 150 is provided with a nonvolatile storage medium for storing specific data, for example, EEPROM 170.

[0040] The print mechanism 200 is made up of a print head, a carriage, a paper feed unit, a head maintenance unit, etc. A replaceable ink cartridge (referred simply as a cartridge) 190 for supplying ink to the print head is detachably set in the print mechanism 200. The cartridge 190 has a nonvolatile storage medium, for example, EEPROM 210. With the cartridge 19 completely placed, an access terminal 220 of the EEPROM 210 is connected to a connection terminal 230 provided in the printer 500 so that the EEPROM 210 is electrically connected to the print processing circuit 150. The printer 500 may be compatible with different types of cartridges, for example, may be designed so that a type of cartridge (for example, a cartridge having a large or small ink capacity, dye or pigment ink, etc.,) can be selectively mounted thereon in accordance with a purpose of the print.

[0041] Generally, the ink cartridge types include the on-carriage type wherein the cartridge is mounted on a carriage together with a print head) and the off-carriage type wherein the cartridge is set at a fixed position free from a carriage; the cartridge 190 of the embodiment may be either type. The cartridge 190 can be used with aplurality ofprinters in sucha manner that it is placed in one printer and is used to some extent, then is removed from the printer and is again placed in another printer.

[0042] In the embodiment, the EEPROM 210 of the cartridge 190, the EEPROM 170 of the printer 500, and the storage unit 110 of the host 100 store respective data described below:

[0043] FIG. 2 shows the data stored in the EEPROM 210 of the cartridge 190.

[0044] The EEPROM 210 of the cartridge 190 stores cartridge management data 25, which includes “ink capacity (namely, the maximum amount of available ink)” in the cartridge 19, “ink total consumption amount” indicative of the total amount of ink consumed so far, “cartridge identification information (for example, the serial manufacture number of the cartridge 190)” for uniquely identifying the cartridge 190, and “cartridge history information” indicating the use history of the cartridge 190. The “cartridge history information” includes “printer identification information (for example, the serial manufacture number of printer)” indicating the printer involved when the “ink total consumption amount” was previously updated and “use date and time (for example, 16:20 on April 4)” indicating the previous update date and time.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows the data stored in the EEPROM 170 of the printer 500.

[0046] The EEPROM 170 of the printer 500 stores “printer identification information (for example, the serial manufacture number of the printer)” 27 for uniquely identifying the printer 500.

[0047] FIG. 4 shows the data stored in the storage unit 110 of the host 100.

[0048] The storage unit 110 of the host 100 stores host management data 29a, 29b, . . . for each cartridge, provided for the printer driver 7 to manage the cartridges separately. Each piece of the host management data 29a, 29b, . . . includes “ink total consumption amount,” “cartridge identification information (for example, the serial manufacture number of the cartridge),” and “cartridge history information.” The “cartridge history information” includes “printer identification information” indicating the printer involved when the “ink total consumption amount” was previously updated and “use date and time indicating the previous update date and time like the “cartridge history information” stored in the EEPROM 210 of the cartridge 190.

[0049] A general flow of the operation of the printer 500 and the host 100 to manage the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge 190 will be discussed with reference to FIG. 5.

[0050] When the cartridge 190 is replaced (or a new cartridge 190 is placed) (Yes at step S1), the printer 500 (strictly, the print processing circuit 150) reads the cartridge management data 25 from the EEPROM 210 of the cartridge 190 and transmits the data to the host 100 at step S2. In the step S1, the judgment may.be made as to whether or not the printer 500 is turned on.

[0051] The host 100 (strictly, the printer driver 700) collates or compares the cartridge management data.25 from the printer 500 with the host management data 29a, 29b, . . . stored in the storage unit 110, and determines the precise amount of the “ink total consumption amount” of ink consumed so far in the cartridge 190 at step S3. The host 100 refers to the “ink capacity” recorded in the cartridge management data 25, compares the “ink capacity” with the precise “ink total consumption amount” determined, estimates the ink remaining amount, indicates the ink remaining amount as requested by the user or gives an alarm to the user if the ink remaining amount is a little, and transmits the determination result of the “ink total consumption amount,” etc., at step S3 to the printer 500 at step S4.

[0052] The printer 500 receives the determination result of the “ink total consumption amount” from the host 100 and records the result in the EEPROM 210 of the cartridge 190 at step S5. If a print command from the host 100 exists, the printer 500 executes print processing at step S6. When preparing a print image (binary image indicating whether or not dots are to be printed) in the print processing, the printer 500 counts the number of dots contained in the print image. Then, just after the print processing terminates or when the power of the printer 500 is turned off or the cartridge 190 is taken out (Yes at step S7), the printer 500 checks the total number of dots counted in the print processing and calculates the amount of ink consumed in the print (ink consumption.amount) based on the total number of dots at step S8. The printer 500 transmits the calculated ink consumption amount and the “printer identification information” 27 recorded in the printer 500 to the host 100 at step S9.

[0053] The host 100 updates the “ink total consumption amount” and the “cartridge history information” of the corresponding host management data in the storage unit 110 based on the calculated ink consumption amount and the “printer identification information” 27 received from the printer 500 at step S10. In more detail, the ink consumption amount received from the printer 500 is added to the precise “ink total consumption amount” determined at step S3 to find the current mink total consumption amount”, and the “ink total consumption amount” recorded in the host management data is updated to the found “ink total consumption amount.” The “Printer identification information” recorded in the “cartridge history information” of the host management data is updated to the “printer identification information” 27 received from the printer 500, and further the “use date and time” recorded in the “cartridge history information” is updated to the current date and time (namely, the current update date and time). The host 100 transmits the “ink total consumption amount” and the “cartridge history information” thus updated to the printer 500 at step S11.

[0054] The printer 500 receives the updated “ink total consumption amount” and “cartridge history information” from the host 100, and updates “ink total consumption amount” and the “cartridge history information” recorded in the cartridge management data 25 to the received “ink total consumption amount” and “cartridge history information” at step S12.

[0055] A plurality of methods can be adopted for the processing of the host 100 for determining the precise “ink total consumption amount” at step S3 in the operation flow. The three representative methods among them are as follows:

[0056] FIG. 6 shows a flow of the first method for the host 100 to determine the precise “ink total consumption amount.”

[0057] The first method is to determine the precise ink total consumption amount using the “ink total consumption amount” and the “cartridge identification information” recorded in both the cartridge management data 25 and the host management data 29a, 29b, . . .

[0058] The host 100 first checks whether or not the “cartridge identification information” recorded in the cartridge management data 25 received from the printer 500 matches the “cartridge identification information” recorded in any of the host management data 29a, 29b, . . . in the storage unit 110 at step S3-1. If they do not match (No at step S3-1), it is determined that the currently placed cartridge 190 is initially placed in the printer 500 at step S3-2, and that the “ink total consumption, amount” recorded in the cartridge management data 25 is the precise ink total consumption amount at step S3-8.

[0059] If a match is found at step S3-1 (Yes at step S3-1), a comparison is made between the “ink total consumption amount” in the cartridge management data 25 and that in the corresponding host management data at step S3-3. If the comparison result indicates that the “ink total consumption amount” recorded in the cartridge management data 25 is greater than that in the host management data (Yes at step S3-3), it is determined that the currently placed cartridge 190 was previously used with another printer at step S3-4, and the “ink total consumption amount” in the cartridge management data 25 is determined to be the precise value at step S3-8.

[0060] If the comparison result at step S3-3 indicates that the “ink total consumption amount” in the cartridge management data 25 is the same as that in the host management data (Yes at step S35), it is determined that the currently placed cartridge 190 was once removed from the printer 500 and then is again placed in the same printer (without being used with another printer) at step S3-6, and the “ink total consumption amount” in the host management, data is determined to be precise at step S3-9. In this case, either the cartridge management data or the host management data may be used. However, if the number of bits of the cartridge management data is fewer than that of the host management data to reduce the memory capacity in the cartridge, it is advantageous to use the host management data.

[0061] If the comparison result at step S3-3 indicates that the “ink total consumption amount” in the cartridge management data 25 is less than that in the host management data (No at step S3-5), it is determined that the cartridge management data is erroneous (for example, an error occurred in the previous “ink total consumption amount” update) at step S3-7, and the “ink total consumption amount” in the host management data is determined to be precise at step S3-9.

[0062] FIG. 7 shows a flow of the second method to determine the precise “ink total consumption amount.”

[0063] The second method is to determine the precise ink total consumption amount using the “ink total consumption amount” and the “use date and time” recorded in both the cartridge management data 25 and the host management data 29a, 29b, . . .

[0064] The host 100 first performs similar operation to that at step S3-1 shown in FIG. 3 at step S3-10, then makes a comparison between the “use date and time” in the cartridge management data 25 and that in the corresponding host management data to check whether or not they are the same at step S3-12. If they are the same (Yes at step S3-12), it is determined that the currently placed cartridge 190 was once removed from the printer 500 and then is again placed in the same printer (without being used with another printer) at step S3-13, and the “ink total consumption amount” in the host management data is determined to be precise at step S3-18.

[0065] If the result at step S3-12 indicates that the “use date and time” in the cartridge management data 25 differs from that in the host management data (No at step S3-12), whether or not the “use date and time” in the cartridge management data 25 is behind (postdates) that in the host management data is checked at step S3-14. If so (Yes at step S3-14), it is determined that the currently placed cartridge 190 was previously used with another printer at step S3-15, and the “ink total consumption amount” in the cartridge management data 25 is determined to be precise at step S3-17. If the result. at step S3-14 indicates that the “use date and time” in the cartridge management data 25 is ahead (antedates) that in the.host management data (No at step S3-14), it is possible that the cartridge management data 25 is erroneous. Then, the cartridge management data 25 is ignored at step S3-16 and the “ink total consumption amount” in the host management data is determined to be precise at step S3-18.

[0066] FIG. 8 shows a flow of the third method to determine the precise “ink total consumption amount.”

[0067] The third method is to determine the precise ink total consumption amount using the “ink total consumption amount” and the “printer identification information” recorded in both the cartridge management data 25 and the host management data 29a, 29b, . . .

[0068] The host 100 first performs similar operation to that at step S3-1 shown in FIG. 3 at step S3-19, then makes a comparison between the “printer identification information” in the cartridge management data 25 and that in the corresponding host management data to check whether or not they are the same at step S3-21. If they are the same (Yes at step S3-21), it is determined that the currently placed cartridge 190 was once removed from the printer 500 and then is again placed in the same printer (without being used with another printer) at step S3-22, and the “ink total consumption amount” in the host management data is determined to be precise at step S3-25.

[0069] If the result at step S3-21 indicates that the “printer. identification information” in the cartridge management data 25 differs from that in the host management data (No at step S3-21), it is determined that the currently placed cartridge 190 was previously used with another printer at step S3-23, and the “ink total consumption amount” in the cartridge management data 25 is determined to be precise at step S3-24.

[0070] The host 100 determines the precise “ink total consumption amount” by any of the first to third methods. At step S4 in FIG. 5, the host 100 compares the precise “ink total consumption amount” with the “ink capacity” in the cartridge management data 25 and estimates the ink remaining amount. When the ink remaining amount is a little, for example, the host 100 can inform the user of that fact (ink near end), or can control the printer 5 in accordance with the ink remaining amount.

[0071] In the embodiment, just before the cartridge 190 is detached from the printer 500, the host 100 or the printer 500 records the date and time. Then, when the same cartridge 190 is again placed, how much time has elapsed since the detachment time is calculated and the contents of the print head recovery operation (ink suction time, ink suction amount,ink suction speed, etc.,) are controlled in accordance with the elapsed time. If the cartridge 190 remains detached without being placed in any printer for a long time, there is apossibility thatthe ink in the cartridge 190 maybe degraded. This control for the recovery operation makes it possible to provide the proper recovery operation in accordance with the degradation degree.

[0072] According to the above-described embodiment, both the cartridge 190 and the host 100 store the “ink total consumption amount” and the “cartridge history information” of the cartridge 190. The host 100 can make a comparison between the “ink total consumption amount” and the “cartridge history information” stored in one and those stored in the other, thereby determining that the cartridge 190 is initially used, that the cartridge 190 was once detached from the printer and is again placed in the same printer (without being used with another printer), or that the cartridge 190 was used with another printer. Thus, even if the cartridge 190 is used with a plurality of printers in such a manner that it is removed from one printer during printing and is used with another printer, then is placed in the former printer for use, the host 100 can recognize the use history of the cartridge 190, and thus can always estimate the precise “ink total consumption amount,” namely, the ink remaining amount.

[0073] The host 100 stores the “ink total consumption amount” and the “cartridge history information” and performs processing of determining the precise “ink total consumption amount” and estimating the ink remaining amount. The printer 500 mainly transfers data between the host 100 and the cartridge 190 simply. Thus, the printer 500 need not have a high-performance CPU and may have a small storage capacity, so that the price of the printer 500 can be brought down. If the specifications of the cartridge 190 are changed in the future (for example, if the capacity is made large from the viewpoint of prolonging the ink life or the capacity is made small from the viewpoint of reduction in costs, weight, etc.,), the printer driver of software is upgraded and delivered to the user so as to support use of a new cartridge, whereby the ink remaining amounts of the cartridges of the new version can be managed precisely.

[0074] Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, these embodiments are simply examples for explaining the invention, and the invention should not be restricted thereto or thereby. The invention can be practiced in various forms and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the “ink total consumption amount” and the “cartridge history information” in the cartridge management data 25 or the host management data 29a, 29b, . . . are not updated and may be additionally registered correspondingly to the use of the cartridge 190. This makes it possible to check the use history of the cartridge 19 from the new product to the present. The printer 500 may also store the host management data 29a, 29b, . . . and determine the ink total consumption amount. The host 100 or the printer 500 can be also provided with optimum print control information for each type of cartridge 190, whereby the host 100 or the printer 500 can refers to the “cartridge identification information” of the cartridge 190 to execute optimum printing corresponding to the type of cartridge 190. The “ink remaining amount” may be recorded in place of the “ink capacity” and “ink total consumption amount.” If the “printer identification information” contained in the cartridge management data is not valid, the host 100 or the printer 500 may ignore the “ink total consumption amount” contained in the cartridge management data and determine the “ink total consumption amount” in the host management data to be the current ink total consumption amount.

[0075] FIG. 9 shows an example of an ink jet printer 500 to which the invention is applicable. The printer 500 includes a print mechanism (described later) housed in a case 3. The case 3 is made up of a case cover 1 that can be opened and closed, and a case main body 2. The case main body 2 is formed with a window 5 for partitioning a cartridge replacement area at a position at a distance from a print area 4.

[0076] The window 5 is sized so as to expose the entire top face of only one of two ink cartridges 6, 7 (190) mounted on a carriage 11. An operation panel 8 is provided in an area where the main body case 2 is exposed when the case cover 1 is closed. In addition to a power switch P, an ink cartridge replacement command switch IC, a black head cleaning command switch BC, and a color head cleaning command switch CC, a line feed switch, a reset switch, etc., and ink end indicators BE and CE of the black and color ink cartridges 6 and 7 are placed on the operation panel 8.

[0077] FIG. 10 shows an example of a print mechanism of the printer shown in FIG. 9. The print mechanism in FIG. 10 is designed as the on-carriage type. A carriage 11 is connected to a drive motor 10 by a timing belt 9. The carriage 11 is formed on an upper face thereof with a holder 12 for storing a black ink cartridge 6 storing black ink and a color ink cartridge 7 storing color ink, and provided on a lower face thereof with a record head 13 for receiving supply of ink from the ink cartridges 6 and 7.

[0078] A controller 15 (described later) is connected to the carriage 11 by a flexible cable 14 to supply a print signal to the print head 13 and communicate with storage devices, such as nonvolatile storage media (210), of the ink cartridges 6 and 7.

[0079] Placed in a non-print area are a cleaning blade 16 for cleaning the record head 13 and a capping mechanism 18 for sealing the record head 13 to prevent ink from being dried and receiving supply of a negative pressure from a pump unit 17 to eliminate clogging. In FIG. 10, numeral 19 denotes a paper feed motor for driving a paper-feed roller 20 and the pump unit 17.

[0080] FIGS. 11A and 11B show an example of the black ink cartridge 6 (190) and an example of the color ink cartridge 7 (190). Ink is stored in a container 31, 41, and the top face of the container 31, 41 is sealed with amlid 32, 42. Ink is stored in a state in which the container 31, 41 is filled with a porous member, which is impregnated with the ink.

[0081] The container 31, 41 is formed on a bottom face thereof with an ink supply port 33, 43 air-tightly engaging an ink supply needle 21, 22 when the ink cartridge is placed in the holder 12 of the carriage 11. A circuit board 50 is fixed onto one side of the container 31, 41.

[0082] FIGS. 12A and 12B respectively shows a surface side of the circuit board 50 when it is attached to the ink cartridge 6, 7, and a back side opposite from the surface side. Electrodes 51 and 52 are provided on the surface side of the circuit board 50 to form contacts with a contact 24 (FIG. 13) formedon the cartridge holder 12 of the printer. The semiconductor storage device 53 is mounted on the back side in an accessible fashion.

[0083] The semiconductor storage device 53 is constructed as an electrically writable or rewritable nonvolatile memory. The serial number for identifying the ink cartridge, the ink capacity indicative of the amount of ink contained in the cartridge, the model of the ink cartridge 6, 7, and the like are previously written as “the cartridge management data” into the semiconductor storage device 53 at factory shipment. The semiconductor storage device 53 has memory areafor storing the “cartridge history information” such as the number of times the ink cartridge 6, 7 has been placed in the printer and the amount of ink consumed after the ink cartridge is placed in the printer, namely, the ink consumption amount.

[0084] FIG. 14 shows an example of the above-mentioned controller 15. This controller 15 shown in FIG. 14 is designed so that the printer 500 can store the “host management data” and determine the ink total consumption amount. In the controller 15, a CPU (central processing unit) 60, RAM (random access memory) 61, and ROM (read-only memory) 62 constitutes a microcomputer, which is connected to a host 100 by an interface 64. The RAM 61 functions as work memory of the CPU 60, and is provided with an area for temporarily storing data of the ink cartridge 6, 7 read by a read/write system 65. The ROM 62 stores a control program and also is provided with a plurality of areas (in the embodiment, three areas) for storing data of the ink cartridge 6, 7 stored in the work memory as required.

[0085] An ink cartridge detection system 66 senses. whether or not the ink cartridge is placed in the printer based on the conduction state of two contacts that are electrically conducted together via the electrode 51 of a relatively large size on the circuit board 50 of the ink cartridge 6, 7. That is, if the ink cartridge is placed in the printer, a conduction path is formed, and if the ink cartridge is not placed in the printer, a conduction path is broken, and the ink cartridge detection system 66 detects the presence or absence of the conduction path to determine whether or not the ink cartridge is placed.

[0086] The printer thus constructed outputs a drive signal to the record head 13 by a head drive system 67 based on print data from the host to eject ink droplets. In a case where an operation command of ink droplet ejection recovery is given tbrough the cleaning switch, the printer actuates the pump unit 17 by a pump drive system 68 to forcibly discharge ink from the record head 13.

[0087] In FIG. 14, numeral 69 denotes a power shutoff system for supplying power from operating of the power switch P on the operation panel 8 to completion of termination processing of the printer, then shutting off the commercial power.

[0088] With reference to FIG. 15, a flow of a fourth method to determine the precise “ink consumption amount” will be discussed.

[0089] When the power switch P is operated for turning. on the power at step S100, the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge 6, 7 saved in the ROM 62 at the previous power off time is read into. the RAM 61 ((3) in FIG. 16A), and the data of the ink consumption amount is read from the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7 ((1) in FIG. 16A), then a comparison is made therebetween.

[0090] If they match as a result of the comparison at step S105, the ink consumption amount data stored in the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7 is transferred to the RAM 61 at step S110 ((1) in FIG. 16A). Other data stored in the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7, for example, the data for identifying the corresponding ink cartridge 6 or 7 are also transferred as required.

[0091] When the ink use amount has been stored in the RAM 61 of the printer main unit, it is determined at step S115 as to whether or not the amount of ink consumed so far is such an extent that the remaining ink amount is sufficient for subsequent print (whether or not the ink remains sufficiently for subsequent print even after a replacement sequence is carried out). If the ink end is determined, the ink end is indicated, prompting the user to replace the ink cartridge 6, 7 at step S120.

[0092] On the other hand, if the ink remaining amount is sufficient for the subsequent print, the presence or absence of an ink cartridge replacement flag is detected at step S125. If the ink cartridge replacement flag is turned on as a result of the replacement of ink cartridge 6, 7, the replacement sequence is executed at step S130.

[0093] If a match is not found as a result of the comparison with the ink consumption amount stored in the ROM 62 at step S105, it is determined that while the power is off, the ink cartridge 6, 7 is replaced or is removed, then is placed in and used with a different printer to execute print, and is again placed in the former printer, and the number of times the ink cartridge 6, 7 has been attached is incremented at step S135 and the result is stored in the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7.

[0094] The serial number of the currently placed ink cartridge 6, 7, which is stored in the storage device 53, is compared with the serial numbers that indicates ink cartridges 6, 7 placed in the past and that are stored in the ROM 62. If a match is found regarding the serial number at step S140, it is determined that the ink cartridge 6, 7 is again placed in the printer, and the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge 6, 7, which is stored in the storage device 53, is compared with that stored in the ROM 62. If the ink consumption amount stored in the ROM 62 is greater at step S145, the ink consumption amount stored in the ROM 62 is transferred to the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7 and is rewritten into the storage device 53 at step 150 ((3) and (4) in FIG. 16A).

[0095] If the ink remaining amount is detected and the ink end is found just before step S140 is executed, the ink end may be indicated and the later steps from S140 to S130 may be skipped in order to eliminate meaningless data rewrite in the ROM 62 and save only necessary data. This makes is possible to efficiently save the necessary data for managing the ink remaining amount using a minimal memory capacity.

[0096] When the ink consumption amount stored in the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7 has been thus corrected depending on the ink consumption amount stored in the ROM 62 and other data have been corrected as required, the serial number and the ink consumption amount stored in the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7 are transferred to the RAM 61 and the ROM 62 at step S155. In the ROM 62, the oldest data A (FIG. 16B) is deleted and data D concerning the ink cartridge 6, 7 transferred via the RAM 61 is stored.

[0097] In a case where the serial numbers differ, it is determined that the ink cartridge 6, 7 has been replaced, and the replacement flag is turned on at step S160.

[0098] Further, it is detected at step S115 as to whether or not the amount of ink consumed so far is such an extent that the remaining ink amount is sufficient for the subsequent print (even after the replacement sequence is carried out). If the ink end is detected, the ink end is indicated, prompting the user to replace the ink cartridge 6, 7 at step S120.

[0099] On the other hand, if the ink remaining amount is sufficient for the subsequent print, the presence or absence of an ink cartridge replacement flag is detected at step S125. If the ink cartridge 6, 7 is replaced and consequently the ink cartridge replacement flag is turned on, the replacement sequence is executed at step S130.

[0100] The replacement sequence is as follows: The carriage 11 is moved to a capping position, the record head is capped by the capping system 18, the suction force and the suction time of the pump unit 17 are controlled by the pump drive system 68, and ink is forcibly discharged at the suction pressure and for the time fitted to the structure conditions of the number of nozzles, the nozzle diameter, etc., of the record head 13 placed in the printer and the ink properties of the ink viscosity, etc., of the ink cartridge 6, 7. In a case of the initial placement, the product transport liquid filled in the record head is discharged therefrom together with the ink. In case of the replacement, air bubbles, etc., entering the record head.13 in association with the detachment and attachment of the ink cartridge 6, 7 are discharged therefrom together with ink. In this fashion, the ink is discharged while filling the record head 13 with ink. After the filling of the record head 13 with ink is completed, print can be executed.

[0101] In the above-described fourth method, the data stored in the semiconductor storage device 53 of the ink cartridge is checked when the power is turned on, but may be checked when the ink cartridge is replaced.

[0102] FIG. 17 shows a flow of a fifth method to determine the precise “ink consumption amount”.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 9, when the ink cartridge replacement command switch IC is operated to issue an ink cartridge replacement command at step S101, the ink consumption amount of the ink cartridge 6, 7 saved in the ROM 62 before the ink cartridge is replaced is read into the RAM 61 ((3) in FIG. 16A), and the data of the ink consumption amount is read from the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7 ((1) in FIG. 16A), then a comparison is made therebetween.

[0104] If they match as a result of the comparison at step S106, the number of times the ink cartridge 6, 7 has been replaced, stored in the semiconductor storage device 53 of the ink cartridge is incremented and the result is stored in the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7 at step S136, and the ink consumption amount data stored in the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7 is transferred to the RAM 61 at step S110 ((1) in FIG. 16A). Other data stored in the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7, for example, the data for identifying the ink cartridge 6 or 7 are also transferred as required.

[0105] When the ink use amount has been stored in the RAM 61 of the printer main unit, whether or not the amount of ink consumed so far is such an extent that the ink remaining amount is sufficient for the subsequent print at step S115. If the ink end is reached, the ink end is indicated, prompting the user to replace the ink cartridge 6, 7 at step S120.

[0106] If the ink remaining amount is sufficient for the subsequent print, the presence or absence of an ink cartridge replacement flag is detected at step S125. If the ink cartridge 6, 7 is replaced and consequently the ink cartridge replacement flag is turned on, the replacement sequence is executed at step S130.

[0107] On the other hand, if a match is not found as a result of the comparison with the ink consumption amount stored in the ROM 62 at step S106, the number of times the ink cartridge 6, 7 has been attached is incremented and the result is stored in the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7 at step S135.

[0108] The serial number of the ink cartridge 6, 7, which is stored in the storage device 53, is compared with the serial numbers of the ink cartridges 6, 7 placed in the past, which are stored in the ROM 62. If a match is found regarding the serial numbers at step S140, it is determined that the ink cartridge 6, 7 is again placed in the printer, and the ink consumption amount in the ink cartridge 6, 7 is compared with that stored in the ROM 62. If the ink consumption amount stored in the ROM 62 is greater at step S145, the ink consumption amount stored in the ROM 62 is transferred to the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7 and is rewritten into the storage device 53 at step S150 ((3) and (4) in FIG. 16A).

[0109] When the ink remaining amount is detected and the ink end is found just before step S135 is executed, the ink end may be indicated and the later steps from S140 to S130 may be skipped. This makes it possible to eliminate meaningless data rewrite in the ROM 62 and save only necessary data, thereby making it possible to efficiently save the necessary data for managing the ink remaining amount can be saved efficiently using a minimal memory capacity.

[0110] When the ink consumption amount stored in the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7 has been thus corrected depending on the ink consumption amount stored in the ROM 62 and other data have been corrected as required, the serial number and the ink consumption amount stored in the storage device 53 of the ink cartridge 6, 7 are transferred to the RAM 61 and the ROM 62 at step S155. In the ROM 62, the oldest data A (FIG. 16B) is deleted and data D concerning the ink cartridge 6, 7 transferred via the RAM 61 is stored.

[0111] In a case where the serial numbers differ, it is determined that the ink cartridge 6, 7 has been replaced, and the replacement flag is turned on at step S150.

[0112] Whether or not the amount of ink consumed so far is such an extent that the remaining ink amount is sufficient for the subsequent print is detected at step S115. If the ink end is detected, the ink end is indicated, prompting the user to replace the ink cartridge 6, 7 at step S120.

[0113] On the other hand, if the ink remaining amount is sufficient for the subsequent print, the presence or absence of an ink cartridge replacement flag is detected at step S125. If the ink cartridge 6, 7 is replaced and consequently the ink cartridge replacement flag is turned on, the above-described replacement sequence is executed at step S130.

[0114] According to the fifth method, if even if the same ink cartridge is once removed from one printer and is again placed in the printer after ink is consumed in another printer, the ink remaining amount can be managed precisely.

[0115] In the above-described fourth and fifth methods, the ink consumption amount indicating the amount of ink consumed or used after the ink cartridge is placed in the printer is stored; however, since the amount of ink initially stored in the ink cartridge at the factory shipment is constant, it is clear that a similar advantage can also be provided if the ink remaining amount in the cartridgeis stored.

[0116] As described above, just after the power is turned on or just after ink cartridge replacement, data concerning an ink remaining amount stored in a storage device of a currently placed ink cartridge are compared with data concerning an ink remaining amount of an ink cartridge placed just before the previous power off time or before ink cartridge replacement, stored in a cartridge data storage device of a printer main unit, and the data concerning the ink remaining amount in the storage device of the ink cartridge are corrected. Accordingly, the data concerning the ink remaining amount can be made reliable even if the semiconductor storage device of the ink cartridge is comparatively weak in data protection. It is possible to eliminate an ink consumption operation with an empty ink cartridge, which otherwise causes a large amount of air to flow into the record head.

[0117] In the fourth method, data concerning the ink remaining amount, stored in the storage device of the cartridge are checked using data concerning the ink remaining amount, stored in the storage device of the printer, at step S105 immediately after the power is turned on. This step 105 may be omitted.

[0118] FIG. 18 shows a flow of a sixth method to determined the precise “ink consumption amount” in which the step 105 is omitted. In the sixth method, the step 100 is divided into plural sub-steps S100-1, S100-2 and S100-3. At the step 100-1, it is detected as to whether or not the power is turned on. At the step S100-2, it is detected whether or not the presence or absence of the ink cartridge 6, 7 is detected. If it is detected at step S100-2 that the ink cartridge 6, 7 is not placed in the printer, an error is displayed at step 100-3 to inform a user that the ink cartridge 6, 7 should be placed. After the presence of the ink cartridge is confirmed at the step 100-2, the same steps S140, S145, S150, S155, S115, S120 and/or S130 as those of the fourth method are executed.

[0119] Similarly, the step S106 in the fifth method may be omitted. FIG. 19 shows a flow of a seventh method to determine the precise “ink consumption amount” in which the step 5106 is omitted. In the seventh method, the step 101 is divided into plural sub-steps S101-1 to S101-5. Upon user's operation of the ink cartridge replacement command switch IC on the panel 8 for the purpose of initiating the replacement of the ink cartridge 6, 7, the ink replacement command is given at the step S101-1 to move the carriage 11 to an ink cartridge replacement position (S101-2) After a predetermined time period has passed, it is detected at step S101-3 as to whether or not the ink cartridge 6, 7 is placed in the carriage 11. If the cartridge 6, 7 has not been placed in the carriage 11, an error is displayed to inform the user that. the cartridge 6, 7 should be place (step S101-4).

[0120] After the cartridge 6, 7 surely placed in the carriage 11 is confirmed, the carriage 11 is moved to a home position (step S101-5), and then the information on the number of times the cartridge 6, 7 is placed, stored in the storage device 53, is incremented and updated at step S135 ((1), (4) of FIG. 16A). Thereafter, the same steps S140, S145, S150, S155, S115, S130 and/or S120 as those of the fifth method are executed.

[0121] Note that the term printer or ink jet printer used in the specification and claims is intended to encompass not only an ink jet printer but also any types of machines, such as a copy machine and a facsimile machine, which can execute printing using an ink jet type head.

[0122] Further, the term storage system or storage medium used in the specification and claims is intended to encompass not only a semi-conductor storage system but also any types of storage systems such as a magnetic storage system and an optical storage system, which can store data therein.