Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, and program

Abstract

When using an image forming apparatus in a delivered state, a technique is required that encourages appropriate ink filling. [Solution] The image forming device has a first display control means for displaying a first screen on the display unit that explains the ink refilling operation in the arrival state, which is the state when the image forming device is first used, a first detection means for detecting the ink refill completion operation that is performed after the first screen is displayed, a second detection means for detecting whether a predetermined amount of ink has been filled when the first detection means detects the ink refill completion operation, and a second display control means for displaying a second screen on the display unit that prompts the user to refill ink when the second detection means does not detect that the predetermined amount of ink has been filled in the arrival state.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for an image forming apparatus, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, image forming devices have been released that allow users to fill ink into ink tanks using ink bottles themselves. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that displays a message on the operation panel urging users to fill ink when the ink filling cover is open and the ink level is low. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-174256 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When using an image forming machine in its initial state after leaving the factory (referred to as the "arrival state"), technology is needed to ensure proper ink filling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image forming device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by having a first display control means for causing a first screen explaining the ink refilling operation to be displayed on a display unit in an arrival state, which is the state when the image forming device is first used; a first detection means for detecting an ink refill completion operation performed after the first screen is displayed; a second detection means for detecting whether a predetermined amount of ink has been filled when the first detection means detects the ink refill completion operation; and a second display control means for causing the display unit to display a second screen prompting the user to refill ink when the second detection means does not detect that a predetermined amount of ink has been filled in the arrival state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to this disclosure, it is possible to promote proper ink filling when using an image forming apparatus in its delivered state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing an example of a printer's hardware configuration. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printer's external specification. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing how to inject ink into a printer. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a schematic configuration of the printer's recording head and ink tanks. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of processing upon arrival of goods. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the process for performing an ink filling operation under normal conditions. [Figure 7] This is a diagram to explain the low ink error screen. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the ink filling process. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the details of the ink filling guide display process. [Figure 10] This diagram shows an example of the layout of the guide screen. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a screen prompting for ink color filling to indicate the arrival status of a shipment. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the details of the ink filling guide display process. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a screen prompting for ink color filling to indicate the arrival status of a shipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components.

[0009] <<First Embodiment>> <Overview> In an ink-filled image forming device, when the device is first used after being shipped from the factory (in its delivery state), it is necessary to fill it with all types of ink of the ink colors to be used, so that the image forming device can be used. Therefore, it is necessary to properly inform the user that the device needs to be filled with all types of ink when it is in its delivery state.

[0010] If a technology is used that displays a message on the operation panel prompting the user to refill ink when the ink refill cover is open and ink is low, it is possible to indicate to the user which ink color is low in ink. However, even with this technology, it is not possible to prompt the user to refill the appropriate ink when the printer is in a delivery state.

[0011] For example, when the printer is in the arrival state, a situation may occur in which the user fills some ink colors but not others. If one of the ink colors installed in the image forming device is low in ink, this is considered an insufficient ink state even if other ink colors are filled. Even if the ink is insufficiently filled, the insufficient ink state is not properly indicated immediately after the ink filling operation when the printer is in the arrival state. This is because the image forming device only detects that the ink is insufficiently filled when an operation requiring ink occurs.

[0012] Even when the printer is in the arrival state, operations that require ink are performed in the image forming device. For example, a test print may be performed for print adjustment. To perform the test print, a recording medium must be set in the image forming device. The sequence of operations performed by the user when the printer is in the arrival state is as follows: (1) the user performs various settings such as language setting, area setting, and date setting, (2) fills the printer with ink, (3) inputs instructions for print adjustment, (4) sets the recording medium, and (5) waits for print adjustment. The user performs these operations by following the guide displayed on the display of the image forming device.

[0013] In the above series of operations, if there is insufficient ink remaining when performing the print adjustment process, the user is notified at that time that the ink refill is insufficient. In other words, in the arrival state, the user recognizes that ink refill is complete in operation (2) above, and then goes through operations (3) and (4) and only realizes that the ink refill is insufficient at time (5). In this way, in the arrival state, even if the ink refill is insufficient immediately after the initial ink refill operation, the user is not aware of this. The user only realizes that the ink refill is insufficient when an operation requiring ink occurs in the image forming device. In other words, in the arrival state, the user is not prompted to refill ink at the appropriate time.

[0014] In this embodiment, if the ink refilling operation is completed when the ink is insufficient, a message indicating that all ink colors need to be refilled is displayed on the operation panel. That is, if the ink refilling operation is insufficient when the ink refilling operation is completed when the ink refilling operation is completed, the user is prompted to refill the ink. This makes it possible to prompt the user to refill the ink appropriately when using an image forming apparatus when the ink is in the delivered state. This reduces the complexity of operations when the ink is in the delivered state because the user is no longer prompted to refill the ink when the ink refilling operation is completed when the ink refilling operation is completed when the ink refilling operation is completed. This embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0015] <Configuration> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of printer 100. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the external configuration of printer 100. The configuration of printer 100 will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

[0016] The printer 100 has a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, and a non-volatile memory 104. The CPU 101 is a central processing unit for controlling each section within the printer 100. The ROM 102 stores various program codes. The RAM 103 temporarily stores image data and the like when each service is executed, and buffering is performed. The non-volatile memory 104 is composed of a flash memory or the like, and stores non-volatile information. The non-volatile information includes shipping destination information and language settings for the printer 100.

[0017] The printer 100 includes a communication unit 105. The communication unit 105 connects to an external device via a USB or a network. That is, the communication unit 105 connects to a USB or a network and communicates with the external device. The RAM 103 also stores image data and the like received by the communication unit 105.

[0018] The printer 100 has a display unit 106 and an operation unit 107. The display unit 106 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal display or the like and is capable of displaying characters, figures, indicators, and the like. The display unit 106 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and can also be configured using an LED or other display. Information displayed by the display unit 106 includes, for example, setting information and status information for the printer 100. The driving of the display unit 106 is controlled by the CPU 101. That is, the CPU 101 controls the display of the display unit 106. The operation unit 107 has switches, hard keys, and the like for the user to perform various input operations. The operation unit 107 may be integrated with the display unit 106, such as a touch panel, and configured as an operation unit (operation display unit) for performing input operations, etc.

[0019] The printer 100 has a scanner unit 108, a printer unit 109, and an ink tank unit 110. In the printer 100, the scanner function is realized by the scanner unit 108, and the printing function is realized by the printer unit 109. Ink is stored in the ink tank unit 110. A user fills the ink tank unit 110 with ink using an ink bottle. The printer unit 109 has a recording head, and ink is supplied to the recording head from the ink tank unit 110 via a tube. The printer unit 109 prints an image on a recording medium such as printing paper using an inkjet method, based on image data received from an external device or image data read by the scanner unit 108.

[0020] The above-mentioned units, excluding the ink tank unit 110, are interconnected by a bus 111, and are capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from each other. Note that, in this embodiment, the printer 100, which is a multifunction peripheral, is used as an example of an image forming apparatus, but the image forming apparatus to which this embodiment can be applied is not limited to a printer. A copier, a facsimile, or the like may be used as the image forming apparatus, or a printer without a scanner function may be used.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the printer 100 described in FIG. 1. The printer 100, which has a box-shaped housing, is equipped with a display unit 106, an operation unit 107, an ink tank unit 110, and a platen 201. An original placed on the platen 201 is optically read by a scanner unit 108 and converted into electronic data. The image data is then converted into a specified file format and transmitted from a communication unit 105 to an external device or stored in a storage area such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The copy function is realized by the scanner unit 108 reading an original placed on the platen 201 and generating image data, which is then transferred to a printer unit 109, which then records an image on a recording medium based on the image data.

[0022] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a method for filling ink into the printer 100. By opening the ink tank cover 301 of the printer 100, the user can access the ink tank unit 110. After opening the ink tank cover 301, the user can open the cap on the ink fill port 302 and fill ink from the ink bottle 303 into the ink tank unit 110. The ink tank cover 301 is provided with a sensor that can detect whether the ink tank cover 301 is open or closed. The CPU 101 can use this sensor to determine whether the ink tank cover 301 is open or closed.

[0023] The printer 100 of this embodiment is a color printer that ejects a plurality of different color inks to record color images on a recording medium. Specifically, the printer 100 is provided with four ink tanks for storing four colors of ink: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. In the following description, to simplify the description, the four colors will be referred to by alphabets: C for cyan, M for magenta, Y for yellow, and Bk for black.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows ink tanks including an ink tank 110C containing cyan ink and an ink tank 110M containing magenta ink. Also shown are an ink tank 110Y containing yellow ink and an ink tank 110Bk containing black ink. Also shown are ink bottles including an ink bottle 303C containing cyan ink and an ink bottle 303M containing magenta ink. Also shown are an ink bottle 303Y containing yellow ink and an ink bottle 303Bk containing black ink. Note that the basic configurations of the ink tanks in this embodiment are substantially identical. In the following description, when the ink tanks are described collectively, the ink tank portion will be designated by reference numeral 110. Also, when the ink bottles are described collectively, the ink bottle portion will be designated by reference numeral 303.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the print head 401 and ink tanks 403 of the printer 100. For ease of understanding, FIG. 4 illustrates the configuration of one ink color, but a similar configuration applies to each of the multiple ink colors. That is, four ink tanks 403 are connected to the print head 401, but the configuration of one of the ink colors is shown here. The ink tank 403 is one of ink tanks 110C, 110M, 110Y, and 110Bk in the ink tank unit 110. For convenience, different reference numerals are used for the ink tanks.

[0026] The ink tank 403 stores ink 404 and is equipped with three electrodes (first electrode 405, second electrode 406, and third electrode 407) that are in contact with the ink 404 inside the ink tank 403. The lower end of the first electrode 405 is positioned higher vertically than the lower end of the second electrode 406. The lower end of the second electrode 406 is positioned higher vertically than the lower end of the third electrode 407. The lower end of the third electrode 407 is positioned away from the bottom surface of the ink tank 403. The ink 404 is ink filled from the ink bottle 303. The ink tank 403 and the recording head 401 are connected by a supply tube 402. The ink 404 is supplied to the recording head 401 via the supply tube 402 and discharged from the recording head 401.

[0027] From the first electrode 405, the second electrode 406, and the third electrode 407, voltages and other values ​​are obtained, which are the potential differences between when voltage is applied to each electrode and when the application is stopped. By comparing the electrical information obtained in this way with a threshold value that serves as a reference, the CPU 101 can determine the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 403 in four levels. The first level is when all three electrodes, the first electrode 405, the second electrode 406, and the third electrode 407, are in contact with the ink. The second level is when the first electrode 405 is not in contact with the ink, while the second electrode 406 and the third electrode 407 are in contact with the ink. The third level is when the first electrode 405 and the second electrode 406 are not in contact with the ink, while the third electrode 407 is in contact with the ink. The fourth level is when none of the three electrodes, the first electrode 405, the second electrode 406, or the third electrode 407, are in contact with the ink. The CPU 101 can display the remaining ink level obtained in this way on the display unit 106. In this embodiment, an example using electrodes to detect the ink level has been described, but the method is not limited to this example. For example, an optical method may be used in which light is shone on a predetermined position in the ink tank and the reflected light is observed to detect the ink level. In addition, any other determination method can be used to detect the ink level.

[0028] In this embodiment, the ink refilling operation is performed in two timings: when the printer 100 is in the arrival state and when it is in the normal state. The arrival state refers to the state after the printer 100 has been shipped from a factory or the like and before it is used by the user. The normal state refers to a state other than the arrival state (i.e., a state after the user has completed initial settings, etc.). The ink refilling operation in the arrival state is an operation to refill an empty ink tank 403 with ink. The ink refilling operation in the normal state is generally an operation performed when the remaining ink level falls below a predetermined level. Below, the process for performing the ink refilling operation in the arrival state will be described using FIG. 5, and the process for performing the ink refilling operation in the normal state will be described using FIG. 6. Note that when the printer 100 is in the arrival state and ink refilling and printer print adjustment are completed and it is ready to print, the printer 100 transitions from the arrival state to the normal state.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when printer 100 is in the arrival state. The flowchart in FIG. 5 is realized by CPU 101 reading a program stored in ROM 102, nonvolatile memory 104, etc., into RAM 103 and executing it. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 5 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the explanation of each process indicates a step in the flowchart (the same applies to flowcharts in this specification). In addition, the processing of flowcharts in this specification other than FIG. 5 is also realized by CPU 101 reading a program stored in ROM 102, nonvolatile memory 104, etc., into RAM 103 and executing it.

[0030] The process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is started when the printer 100 detects that the power button provided on the operation unit 107 has been pressed after the printer 100 has been shipped.

[0031] In S501, CPU 101 performs the ink filling process. CPU 101 displays a screen prompting ink filling on the display unit 106, confirms that the necessary ink has been filled upon arrival, and then proceeds to the next step. Details of the ink filling process will be described later.

[0032] In S502, the CPU 101 displays a screen on the display unit 106 prompting the user to load paper, and proceeds to the next step after confirming that paper has been loaded. Next, in S503, the CPU 101 performs printer print adjustment processing, such as initial cleaning and print adjustment, using the printer unit 109, to prepare the printer 100 for desired printing. Upon completion of the processing of S503, the printer 100 is ready for printing. Next, in S504, the CPU 101 clears the arrival status. In this embodiment, the arrival status is managed by an arrival flag. The arrival flag is a value that is stored in the non-volatile memory 104 and that manages the arrival status. For example, if the value stored as the arrival flag is 1, the printer is in the arrival state, and if the value stored as the arrival flag is 0, the printer is in the normal state.

[0033] Next, in S505, the CPU 101 displays a network setting screen, accepts operations from the operation unit 107, and performs network setting. This network setting enables the printer 100 to communicate with external devices via a network such as a wireless LAN. In other words, the printer 100 can receive print data from external devices.

[0034] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for performing an ink refilling operation in a normal state. The flowchart shown in Fig. 6 is executed, for example, when the printer 100 receives print data. Alternatively, the process may be started when the printer 100 receives a command to press a copy execution button on the operation unit 107. Alternatively, the process may be started when a process using ink is performed.

[0035] In S601, the CPU 101 checks whether there is a sufficient amount of ink remaining for printing. Whether there is a sufficient amount of ink remaining for printing is determined by whether the ink 404 in the ink tank 403 is in contact with the third electrode 407 at the time the print command is received. The determination of whether there is a sufficient amount of ink remaining in S601 is performed for all ink colors. If the CPU 101 determines that there is even one ink color that is insufficient, it determines that there is no ink remaining. In other words, in S601, the CPU 101 determines whether there is any ink color that has not reached a predetermined ink remaining amount among all ink colors. The predetermined ink remaining amount is the ink remaining amount at which the ink 404 in the ink tank 403 is in contact with the third electrode 407. If it is determined that there is a sufficient amount of ink remaining for all ink colors, the CPU 101 proceeds to S605. In other words, if it is determined that the predetermined ink remaining amount has been reached for all ink colors, the CPU 101 proceeds to S605. In step S605, CPU 101 executes the print operation. Then, CPU 101 completes the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0036] If it is determined in S601 that there is no ink remaining, the CPU 101 proceeds to S602. That is, if there is even one ink color that has not reached the predetermined ink remaining amount in S601, the CPU 101 proceeds to S602. In S602, the CPU 101 displays an ink shortage error screen on the display unit 106.

[0037] 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an ink shortage error screen. Fig. 7A shows an ink shortage error screen 700 displayed on the display unit 106. The ink shortage error screen 700 includes a message area 701, an ink status icon display area 702, an ink remaining amount level display area 703, an ink label display area 704, and an ink refill button 705.

[0038] The message area 701 is an area that displays instructions for operations that the user is to perform. The content of the message displayed in the message area 701 changes according to the ink status. There are four ink statuses: full ink, normal ink, low ink, and low ink. These four statuses correspond to the first to fourth stages described above, respectively.

[0039] The full ink state is the state in which the ink level is the highest, and is a state in which the ink level is between 70% and 100%. The full ink state corresponds to the first stage state described above, and is detected when the first electrode 405, the second electrode 406, and the third electrode 407 are all in contact with ink. The normal ink state indicates a state in which 40% to 69% of the ink remains. The normal ink state corresponds to the second stage state described above, and is detected when the second electrode 406 and the third electrode 407 are in contact with ink. The low ink state indicates a state in which 20% to 39% of the ink remains. The low ink state corresponds to the third stage state described above, and is detected when the third electrode 407 is in contact with ink. The low ink state is the state in which the ink level is the lowest, and is a state in which 0% to 19% of the ink remains. The low ink state corresponds to the fourth stage state described above, and is detected when none of the first electrode 405, second electrode 406, and third electrode 407 are in contact with ink.

[0040] The ink status icon display area 702 displays an icon corresponding to each ink status. Fig. 7(b) shows the icons displayed in the ink status icon display area 702. In status 1, when the ink tank is full, and status 2, when there is only a small amount of ink remaining, no icon is displayed in the ink status icon display area 702. Status 3 is an icon corresponding to a low ink level state. Status 4 is an icon indicating that there is not enough ink remaining.

[0041] The remaining ink level display area 703 displays the remaining ink level of each ink as an icon. Figure 7(c) shows the icons displayed in the remaining ink level display area 703. Four types of icons are displayed in the remaining ink level display area 703. Icon 711 is an icon indicating the remaining ink level corresponding to a full ink tank. Icon 712 is an icon indicating the remaining ink level corresponding to a normal ink level. Icon 713 is an icon indicating the remaining ink level corresponding to a low ink level. Icon 714 is an icon indicating the remaining ink level corresponding to a low ink level.

[0042] The ink label display area 704 displays the characters corresponding to each ink in the ink bottle 303. The ink refill button 705 is a button that can be pressed. When the CPU 101 detects that the ink refill button 705 has been pressed, the CPU 101 proceeds from S602 to S603, and starts the ink refill process.

[0043] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in Fig. 6, in S603, the CPU 101 executes ink filling processing to prompt ink filling. The ink filling processing in S603 is the same processing as the ink filling processing in S501, and details will be described later using Fig. 8.

[0044] Next, in S604, CPU 101 determines whether the ink shortage error has been resolved. If it is determined that the ink shortage error has been resolved, that is, if there is enough ink filled to execute printing, CPU 101 proceeds to S605. If it is determined that the ink shortage error has not been resolved, CPU 101 proceeds to S602 and displays the ink shortage error screen again. Note that the determination of whether the ink shortage error has been resolved is the same as the determination made when checking the remaining ink level in S601. That is, if the ink 404 in the ink tank 403 is in contact with the third electrode 407 for all ink colors, CPU 101 determines that the ink shortage error has been resolved. In S605, CPU 101 executes printing. Then, CPU 101 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.

[0045] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the ink filling process performed at S501 in Figure 5 and S602 in Figure 6. At S801, the CPU 101 displays an ink filling guide on the display unit 106. This ink filling guide display prompts the user to fill the ink.

[0046] Figure 9 is a flowchart detailing the ink filling guide display process performed in S801. In the flowchart shown in Figure 9, after each step the display is completed and the process moves to the next step (for example, 2 seconds).

[0047] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a guide screen displayed in each step of FIG. 9. The guide screen 1000 includes a message area 1001 and a guide illustration area 1002. The message area 1001 displays a message of the operation to be performed by the user. In the ink refill guide display process of FIG. 9, the message area 1001 displays messages of the operation to open and close the ink cover, and the operation to refill each ink color, in the corresponding step. The message area 1001 of FIG. 10 displays a message encouraging the user to refill Y ink. The guide illustration area 1002 displays an illustration of the operation to be performed by the user. Displaying an illustration makes it possible to convey the operation content to the user more intuitively than a message. The illustrations displayed in the guide illustration area 1002 in the ink refill guide display process of FIG. 9 are also illustrations of the operation to open and close the ink cover, and the operation to refill each ink color, corresponding to the corresponding step. The guide illustration area 1002 of FIG. 10 displays an illustration encouraging the user to refill Y ink. The guide screen 1000 may display only either the message area 1001 or the guide illustration area 1002.

[0048] The flowchart in Figure 9 will now be described. In S901, the CPU 101 displays a guide screen (hereinafter simply referred to as a guide) on the display unit 106, which prompts the user to open the ink tank cover 301. After displaying the guide for a certain period of time, the CPU 101 proceeds to the next step. In S902, the CPU 101 displays a Y ink fill guide on the display unit 106, which prompts the user to fill the ink tank 110Y with Y ink. Note that the flowchart in Figure 9 shows an example in which a Y ink fill guide is displayed in S902, but this is not limiting. In S902, a fill guide for any ink color from the ink types installed in the printer 100 may be displayed.

[0049] After displaying the guide for a certain period of time, in the next step S903, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the item has arrived. The determination of whether or not the item has arrived is made using an arrival flag stored in the nonvolatile memory 104. If it is determined that the item has arrived, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S904. If it is determined that the item has not arrived, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S907.

[0050] In S904, the CPU 101 displays an M ink refill guide on the display unit 106 to encourage the user to refill the ink tank 110M with M ink. After displaying the guide for a certain period of time, in S905 the CPU 101 displays a C ink refill guide on the display unit 106 to encourage the user to refill the ink tank 110C with C ink. After displaying the guide for a certain period of time, in S906 the CPU 101 displays a Bk ink refill guide on the display unit 106 to encourage the user to refill the ink tank 110Bk with Bk ink. After displaying the guide for a certain period of time, the CPU 101 proceeds to S907.

[0051] In S907, the CPU 101 displays an ink filler cover closing guide on the display unit 106, encouraging the user to close the ink cover. Then, the CPU 101 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9. Just as the ink type displayed in S902 can be any ink color, the ink types displayed in S904 to S906 can also be any ink color. In other words, the order in which the ink colors are displayed as a guide can be any order. In the arrival state, it is sufficient that the guide for each ink color is displayed for a certain period of time, and the order in which the ink colors are displayed can be any order.

[0052] When the printer 100 is in the loaded state, all ink colors must be refilled. Therefore, as shown in the process of FIG. 9, refill guides for all ink colors are displayed to encourage the user to refill all colors. On the other hand, if the printer 100 is not in the loaded state, the process proceeds to S907 after S903. That is, when the printer 100 is not in the loaded state, i.e., when the printer 100 is in the normal state, the ink refill guides for all ink colors are not displayed. In the normal state, ink shortages generally do not occur simultaneously for all ink colors. In most cases, ink shortages occur for one or more specific colors. Therefore, in this embodiment, by displaying an operation guide for a specific color (yellow in this example), the display of the operation guide can be shortened. Note that in the example of FIG. 9, for example, even when M ink is low in the normal state, the ink refill guide for the specific ink color (yellow in this example) is displayed. As described above, when ink shortages occur in the normal state, the ink shortage is generally limited to one color. Therefore, if a guide for refilling ink into the ink tank is displayed, the user can recognize the operation to refill the ink tank. Furthermore, in the case of ink shortage under normal conditions, i.e., in the case of the ink refilling process of S603, the user has already been notified of which ink color is low in the previous ink shortage error screen displayed in S602. Therefore, in the case of ink shortage under normal conditions, even if an ink refill guide for a specific ink color is displayed in the process of Figure 9, there is little risk that the user will mistakenly recognize the ink to be refilled. When the process of the flowchart of Figure 9 ends, i.e., when the guide display that has been displayed for a certain period of time ends, the process of S801 in Figure 8 ends, and the CPU 101 proceeds to S802.

[0053] In S802, the CPU 101 determines whether an ink refill completion operation has been detected. If an ink refill completion operation has been detected, the CPU 101 proceeds to S803. If an ink refill completion operation has not been detected, the CPU 101 proceeds to S801 and performs the ink refill guide display process again. The determination of whether an ink refill completion operation has been detected is made by the CPU 101 based on, for example, information from a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the ink tank cover 301.

[0054] The processes S801 and S802 correspond to the process of displaying an ink filling guide, and as long as the user does not close the ink tank cover 301, the guide display is repeatedly shown for a certain period of time, as explained in Figure 9. Note that the guide screen displayed in each step of Figure 9 is displayed for a certain period of time, after which another guide screen is displayed. In other words, Figure 9 can be described as the process of displaying an animation screen that provides a predetermined guide.

[0055] In S803, the CPU 101 determines whether a predetermined amount of ink has been filled. For example, the CPU 101 determines whether the ink has been sufficiently filled. This determination is made depending on whether ink is detected by at least the second electrode 406 in all ink color ink tanks 403. That is, if the ink level in all ink color ink tanks 403 is normal or full, the CPU 101 determines that the predetermined amount of ink has been filled, i.e., the ink has been sufficiently filled. If the ink level in all ink color ink tanks 403 is not normal or full, the CPU 101 determines that the predetermined amount of ink has not been filled, i.e., the ink has not been sufficiently filled. If the CPU 101 determines in S803 that the ink has been sufficiently filled, it terminates the processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 8. If the CPU 101 determines in S803 that the ink has not been sufficiently filled, it proceeds to S804.

[0056] In S804, the CPU 101 determines whether the printer 100 is in an arrival state. As described above, the determination of whether the printer 100 is in an arrival state is performed using the arrival flag stored in the non-volatile memory 104. If it is determined that the printer 100 is not in an arrival state, the CPU 101 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. That is, if the printer 100 is in a normal state, displays the ink refill guide (S801), detects an ink refill completion operation (S802: YES), and ink is not sufficiently refilled (S803: NO), the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 8 ends. In the normal state, the processing of S603 becomes the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 8. Therefore, in S604 after S603, it is determined that the low ink error has not been resolved, and the low ink error screen is displayed again in S602, and the processing of the flowchart in S603 (i.e., the processing of FIG. 8) is performed again.

[0057] Returning to the description of the flowchart in Fig. 8, if the CPU 101 determines in S804 that the product has arrived, the process proceeds to S805, in which the CPU 101 displays on the display unit 106 a screen prompting the user to fill ink colors for the arrival state.

[0058] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an ink color refill prompt screen 1100 for the arrival state. The ink color refill prompt screen 1100 includes a message area 1101 and an OK button 1102. The message area 1101 displays instructions for operations that the user is to perform. Specifically, the message area 1101 displays a message indicating that some inks are not sufficiently filled and prompting the user to refill all inks. When the OK button 1102 is pressed, the CPU 101 proceeds to S801. That is, after displaying the ink color refill prompt screen 1100 for all inks in S805, when the CPU 101 detects that a button (OK button 1102) for ending the screen display is pressed, the CPU 101 transitions to S801. As a result, if there is even one ink color for which sufficient ink is not filled in the arrival state, the ink refill guide is displayed again. This makes it possible to prompt the user to reliably refill inks in the arrival state.

[0059] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to prompt proper ink filling when using an image forming apparatus in its delivered state. Specifically, in this embodiment, if the image forming apparatus in its delivered state is not sufficiently filled with ink, the system will prompt the user to note that the ink is insufficient at an appropriate time. For example, if the ink filling is not completed for all ink colors at the time the ink filling completion operation is performed, a notification screen will be displayed to inform the user of this fact. This makes it possible to prompt the user to fill the ink at an appropriate time, even in the delivered state.

[0060] <<Second embodiment>> In the second embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, a process is performed to explicitly display the ink color that is insufficiently filled upon arrival. This encourages the user to reliably fill the ink. The basic configuration and processing flow of this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted, and the differences will be explained in detail. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it displays a screen prompting the user to fill the ink color for the arrival state and in the ink filling guide flowchart.

[0061] Figure 12 is a flowchart detailing the ink filling guide display process performed in S801 in this embodiment. Similar to the example described in Figure 9, the flowchart shown in Figure 12 proceeds to the next step after each guide display step has been performed for a certain period of time (e.g., 2 seconds). As described in Figure 9, each guide screen may display a message, a guide illustration, or both.

[0062] In S1201, the CPU 101 displays a guide on the display unit 106 to prompt the user to open the ink tank cover 301. After displaying the guide for a certain period of time, the CPU 101 determines in the next step S1202 whether the ink tank 110Y of Y ink is sufficiently filled with ink. For example, if the ink 404 in the ink tank 110Y is in contact with the third electrode 407, the CPU 101 determines that the ink tank 110Y is sufficiently filled with ink. If it is determined that the ink tank 110Y is not sufficiently filled with Y ink, the CPU 101 proceeds to S1203. In S1203, the CPU 101 displays a Y ink fill guide on the display unit 106. Then, the CPU 101 proceeds to S1204. If it is determined in S1202 that the ink tank 110Y is sufficiently filled with Y ink, the CPU 101 proceeds to S1204. As a result, if the ink tank 110Y is sufficiently filled with Y ink, the Y ink fill guide is not displayed. CPU101 performs this process for each ink color.

[0063] In S1204, CPU 101 determines whether ink tank 110M for M ink is sufficiently filled with ink. If it is determined that ink tank 110M is not sufficiently filled with ink, CPU 101 proceeds to S1205. In S1205, CPU 101 displays an M ink filling guide on display unit 106. Then, CPU 101 proceeds to S1206. If it is determined in S1204 that ink tank 110M is sufficiently filled with ink, CPU 101 proceeds to S1206.

[0064] In S1206, CPU 101 determines whether ink tank 110C for C ink is sufficiently filled with ink. If it is determined that ink tank 110C is not sufficiently filled with ink, CPU 101 proceeds to S1207. In S1207, CPU 101 displays a C ink filling guide on display unit 106. Then, CPU 101 proceeds to S1208. If it is determined in S1206 that C ink is sufficiently filled, CPU 101 proceeds to S1208.

[0065] In S1208, the CPU 101 determines whether the ink tank 110Bk for Bk ink is sufficiently filled with ink. If it is determined that the ink tank 110Bk is not sufficiently filled with ink, the CPU 101 proceeds to S1209. In S1209, the CPU 101 displays a Bk ink filling guide on the display unit 106. Then, the CPU 101 proceeds to S1210. If it is determined in S1208 that the ink tank 110Bk is sufficiently filled with ink, the CPU 101 proceeds to S1210.

[0066] In S1210, the CPU 101 displays an ink tank cover closing guide on the display unit 106. Then, the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 ends. According to the flowchart in FIG. 12, in the arrival state, since not all ink colors are filled with ink, it is possible to display fill guides for all ink colors. Furthermore, after an ink shortage error is displayed in the normal state, it is possible to display only the ink fill guide for inks that are low in ink. This makes it possible to more appropriately encourage ink filling. Note that, as explained in FIG. 9, the order of the ink colors in which the guides are displayed is not limited to the example in FIG. 12, and can be any order.

[0067] Figure 13 shows an example of the ink color filling prompt screen for the arrival status in this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 13 shows an example of the ink color filling prompt screen for the arrival status displayed in S805. Note that the flowchart in Figure 8 is the same as the process described in the first embodiment.

[0068] The ink color refill prompt screen 1300 for the arrival status in Figure 13 includes a message area 1301, an ink status icon display area 1302, an ink level display area 1303, an ink label display area 1304, and an OK button 1305. The message area 1301 displays instructions for the operation that the user should perform. Specifically, it displays a message that there is insufficient ink and prompts the user to refill all the ink. In the ink status icon display area 1302, icons similar to those shown in Figure 7(b) are displayed in the positions corresponding to the ink colors that are not sufficiently refilled. This allows the user to clearly recognize the ink colors that are insufficiently refilled. In the ink level display area 1303, the remaining level of each ink is displayed using icons similar to those shown in Figure 7(c). In the ink label display area 1304, the text corresponding to each ink in the ink bottle 303 is displayed. When the OK button 1305 is pressed, the ink color refill prompt screen 1300 disappears, and the CPU 101 proceeds to S801. That is, instead of the ink color refill prompt screen 1300, the guide to open the ink refill cover in S901 is displayed.

[0069] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to clearly indicate the ink color that is lacking in the ink cartridge when the cartridge has arrived. Therefore, compared to the first embodiment, it is possible to prompt the user to refill the ink cartridge more reliably.

[0070] <<Other Embodiments>> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0071] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes configurations typified by the following image forming apparatus example, image forming apparatus control method example, and program example.

[0072] <Configuration 1> a first display control means for causing a first screen for explaining an ink filling operation to be displayed on a display unit in an arrival state, which is a state when the image forming apparatus is used for the first time; a first detection means for detecting an ink filling completion operation performed after the first screen is displayed; a second detection means for detecting whether a predetermined amount of ink has been filled when the first detection means detects that the ink filling has been completed; a second display control means for causing the display unit to display a second screen prompting the user to refill the ink when the second detection means does not detect that the ink has been filled to a predetermined amount in the arrival state; and An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0073] <Configuration 2> The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the first display control means causes the display unit to display the first screen that explains the operation of filling all ink colors used in the image forming apparatus.

[0074] <Structure 3> The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein the first display control means causes the display unit to display the first screen that explains the operation of filling the first ink color, and then causes the display unit to display the first screen that explains the operation of filling the second ink color.

[0075] <Structure 4> The first display control means is displaying the first screen on the display unit to explain an operation for opening a cover, and then displaying the first screen on the display unit to explain an operation for filling the first ink color; The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3, wherein after the first screen explaining the operation of filling the second ink color is displayed on the display unit, the first screen explaining the operation of closing the cover is displayed on the display unit.

[0076] <Composition 5> 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first detection means detects an operation of closing the cover as the completion operation of the ink filling.

[0077] <Configuration 6> the first display control means displays the first screen on the display unit for a certain period of time, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that, when the first detection means does not detect the completion operation of the ink refilling, the first display control means causes the first screen to be displayed again on the display unit for a certain period of time.

[0078] <Configuration 7> 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a third display control means for causing the display unit to display the first screen after the second screen has been displayed on the display unit.

[0079] <Configuration 8> The image forming apparatus according to configuration 7, wherein the third display control means causes the display unit to display the first screen based on receipt of a predetermined operation on the operation unit after the second screen is displayed on the display unit.

[0080] <Configuration 9> 9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the second screen includes a notification that all ink colors need to be replenished.

[0081] <Configuration 10> The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the second screen includes a notification that a third ink color, which is an ink color for which the second detection means has not detected that a predetermined amount of ink has been filled, needs to be filled.

[0082] <Configuration 11> The second detection means detects whether a predetermined amount of ink is filled even in a normal state, which is a state different from the arrival state, a fourth display control means for causing the display unit to display a third screen indicating an error of insufficient ink when the second detection means detects that the ink is not filled to a predetermined amount in the normal state; the first display control means, in a state in which the third screen is being displayed on the display unit based on the second detection means detecting that the predetermined amount of ink has not been filled in the ink cartridge in the normal state, causes the first screen to be displayed on the display unit based on receiving a predetermined operation on the operation unit; The first detection means detects the completion of the ink filling operation, which is performed after the first screen is displayed on the display unit following the third screen. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that when the first detection means detects an ink refill completion operation that is performed after the first screen is displayed on the display unit after the third screen, if the second detection means does not detect that a predetermined amount of ink has been refilled, the fourth display control means causes the third screen to be displayed on the display unit again.

[0083] <Composition 12> 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first screen displayed in the normal state is different from the first screen displayed in the arrival state.

[0084] <Composition 13> The image forming apparatus according to configuration 12, wherein the first screen displayed in the normal state is a screen that prompts the user to refill ink of a specific ink color, regardless of whether the ink color is one that has not been refilled to a predetermined amount.

[0085] <Composition 14> The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, further comprising a control means for performing a print adjustment process after the ink filling process is completed in the arrival state, and for transitioning the image forming apparatus from the arrival state to a normal state when the print adjustment process is completed.

[0086] <Composition 15> a first display control step of displaying a first screen on the display unit that explains an ink refilling operation when the image forming apparatus is in an arrival state, which is a state when the image forming apparatus is used for the first time; a first detection step of detecting an ink filling completion operation performed after the first screen is displayed; a second detection step of detecting whether a predetermined amount of ink has been filled when the completion of the ink filling operation is detected in the first detection step; a second display control step of displaying a second screen on the display unit to prompt the user to refill the ink when it is not detected in the second detection step that the ink has been filled to a predetermined amount in the arrival state; 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0087] <Composition 16> A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 14.

Claims

1. a first display control means for causing a first screen for explaining an ink filling operation to be displayed on a display unit in an arrival state, which is a state when the image forming apparatus is used for the first time; a first detection means for detecting an ink filling completion operation performed after the first screen is displayed; a second detection means for detecting whether a predetermined amount of ink has been filled when the first detection means detects that the ink filling has been completed; a second display control means for causing the display unit to display a second screen prompting the user to refill the ink when the second detection means does not detect that the ink has been filled to a predetermined amount in the arrival state; and An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first display control means causes the display unit to display the first screen, which explains the operation of filling all ink colors used in the image forming apparatus.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first display control means causes the display unit to display the first screen explaining the operation of filling the first ink color, and then causes the display unit to display the first screen explaining the operation of filling the second ink color.

4. The first display control means displaying the first screen on the display unit to explain an operation for opening a cover, and then displaying the first screen on the display unit to explain an operation for filling the first ink color; 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first screen explaining the operation of filling the second ink color is displayed on the display unit, and then the first screen explaining the operation of closing the cover is displayed on the display unit.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first detection means detects an operation of closing the cover as the completion operation of the ink filling.

6. the first display control means displays the first screen on the display unit for a certain period of time, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the first detection means does not detect the completion operation of the ink refilling, the first display control means causes the first screen to be displayed again on the display unit for a certain period of time.

7. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third display control means for causing the display unit to display the first screen after the second screen has been displayed on the display unit.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the third display control means causes the display unit to display the first screen based on receiving a predetermined operation on the operation unit after the second screen has been displayed on the display unit.

9. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second screen includes a notification that all ink colors need to be refilled.

10. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second screen includes a notification that a third ink color, which is an ink color for which the second detection means has not detected that a predetermined amount of ink has been filled, needs to be filled.

11. The second detection means detects whether a predetermined amount of ink is filled even in a normal state, which is a state different from the arrival state, a fourth display control means for causing the display unit to display a third screen indicating an error of insufficient ink when the second detection means detects that the ink is not filled to a predetermined amount in the normal state; the first display control means, in a state in which the third screen is being displayed on the display unit based on the second detection means detecting that the predetermined amount of ink has not been filled in the ink cartridge in the normal state, causes the first screen to be displayed on the display unit based on receiving a predetermined operation on the operation unit; the first detection means detects an ink refill completion operation that is performed after the third screen and then the first screen are displayed on the display unit, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the first detection means detects an ink filling completion operation that is performed after the first screen is displayed on the display unit after the third screen, if the second detection means does not detect that a predetermined amount of ink has been filled, the fourth display control means causes the third screen to be displayed on the display unit again.

12. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first screen displayed in the normal state is different from the first screen displayed in the arrival state.

13. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first screen displayed in the normal state is a screen prompting the user to refill ink of a specific ink color, regardless of whether the ink color is one that does not have a predetermined amount of ink refilled.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control means for performing a print adjustment process after the ink filling process is completed in the arrival state, and for transitioning the image forming apparatus from the arrival state to a normal state when the print adjustment process is completed.

15. a first display control step of displaying a first screen on the display unit that explains an ink refilling operation when the image forming apparatus is in an arrival state, which is a state when the image forming apparatus is used for the first time; a first detection step of detecting an ink filling completion operation performed after the first screen is displayed; a second detection step of detecting whether a predetermined amount of ink has been filled when the completion of the ink filling operation is detected in the first detection step; a second display control step of displaying a second screen on the display unit to prompt the user to refill the ink when it is not detected in the second detection step that the ink has been filled to a predetermined amount in the arrival state; 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising:

16. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images