Image processing device, method for controlling the image processing device, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism that can reduce the cost required for nozzle cleaning in an image processing device as much as possible. [Solution] The image processing device comprises a nozzle capable of ejecting ink toward a sheet, and a control unit capable of controlling the timing of ink ejection from the nozzle. The control unit performs a first determination to determine whether or not there is a print job that uses ink that has been used for a predetermined period of time since its last use. If it determines that there is a print job that uses ink that has been used for a predetermined period of time, it performs printing. If it determines that there is no print job that uses ink that has been used for a predetermined period of time, it performs a cleaning process that ejects the ink from the nozzle without performing printing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method for the image processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Inkjet type image processing apparatuses are widespread because of the advantage of being able to reduce power consumption. The inkjet method performs printing by ejecting ink from nozzles. However, when the ink adhering near the openings of the nozzle head dries, the nozzles may become clogged. Therefore, in order to prevent drying, an image processing apparatus is provided with a cleaning function for ejecting ink not for printing purposes. For example, in Patent Document 1, a mechanism for performing cleaning by referring to the usage history of the user has been devised.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above cleaning method, ink is consumed, increasing the financial burden.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of at least one of the above problems, and provides a novel mechanism capable of reducing as much as possible the cost required for cleaning nozzles in an image processing apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is, for example, a nozzle capable of ejecting ink toward a sheet, and a control unit capable of controlling the timing of ejecting the ink from the nozzle, and the control unit First, perform a determination to check whether there are any prints that use ink that has been used for a specified period of time since its last use. If it is determined that there is a print job that will use ink that has expired for the predetermined period, the print job will be executed. If it is determined that there are no prints that will use ink that has expired for the predetermined period, a cleaning process is performed to eject the ink from the nozzle without performing the print. It is an image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the cost required for cleaning nozzles in an image processing device can be reduced as much as possible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Hardware configuration diagram of an image processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Software configuration diagram of an image processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of an inkjet nozzle in an image processing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Functional block diagram of an image processing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing information managed by an image processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the processing procedure of an image processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the processing procedure of an image processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] Flowchart showing the processing procedure of an image processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of a user terminal according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure showing the display screen of an image processing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure showing the display screen of an image processing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 12]Figure showing the display screen of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment [Figure 13] Flowchart showing the processing procedure of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment [Figure 14] Flowchart showing the processing procedure of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] In this specification, the term "image processing apparatus" broadly includes apparatuses that form (record) images on a recording material (recording medium), such as a single-function printer, a copier, a multifunction machine, a commercial printer, and the like. Further, the image processing apparatus may be a system (image processing system) in which an image processing apparatus main body that forms an image on a recording material is connected to devices such as a sheet processing apparatus and a sheet feeding apparatus.

[0011] In this embodiment, a mechanism in which the image processing apparatus 100 provides, for example, eco printing will be described. In recent years, due to the increasing environmental awareness of users, the need for functions to reduce the environmental load has been increasing. Eco printing meets this need. That is, the image processing apparatus according to the comparative example immediately provides a printed matter to the user by executing printing at the timing instructed by the user. On the other hand, the eco printing provided by the image processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment reduces the ink consumption by cleaning instead of making the user wait for the printed matter to be obtained, thereby reducing the environmental load.

[0012] Using FIG. 1, the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described. The image processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a Flash ROM 104, and a USB Host I / F control unit 105. The CPU 101 executes software programs of the image processing apparatus 100 and controls the entire apparatus. The ROM 102 is a read-only memory and stores the boot program of the apparatus, fixed parameters, and the like. The RAM 103 is a random access memory and is used for temporarily storing data when the CPU 101 controls the apparatus. The Flash ROM 104 is a rewritable non-volatile memory and is used for storing various data, such as installed applications, application data, and print data. The USB Host I / F control unit 105 is for controlling the USB host interface and controls communication with various USB devices. Note that the CPU 101 is an example of "a control unit capable of controlling the timing of discharging ink from the nozzles."[[ID=~1]] [[ID=~2]]

[0013] [[ID=~3]] Further, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a scanner I / F control unit 106, a printer I / F control unit 107, an NVRAM 108, a panel control unit 109, a sensor control unit 110, a network I / F control unit 115, and a bus 116. Further, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a scanner 111, a printer 112, an operation panel 113, and various sensors 114. [[ID=~5]] [[ID=~6]]

[0014] [[ID=~7]] The scanner I / F control unit 106 is a device that controls the scanner 111. The printer I / F control unit 107 is a device that controls the printer 112. The printer 112 is, for example, an inkjet type and includes nozzles that can eject ink toward a sheet (an example of "ejectable"). Nozzles are provided for each ink color. The NVRAM 108 is a non-volatile memory that stores various settings of the image processing device 100. The panel control unit 109 controls the operation panel 113 and performs functions such as displaying various information, receiving user instructions, and reading user information. The operation panel 113 includes, for example, a touch panel display and a card reader that can read a card on which user information is stored. The touch panel display may be replaced by, for example, a monitor and pressable buttons.

[0015] The sensor control unit 110 is a device that controls various sensors 114. These sensors include, for example, a human presence sensor that determines whether or not a person is in front of the image processing device. The network I / F control unit 115 includes a communication module such as a Network Interface Card (NIC) and controls the transmission and reception of data with the LAN network 117. The bus 116 is a system bus through which control signals from the CPU 101 and data signals between devices are transmitted and received. The CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, and FlashROM 104 are connected to the bus 116. Additionally, the USBH I / F control unit 105, scanner I / F control unit 106, printer I / F control unit 107, NVRAM 108, panel control unit 109, sensor control unit 110, and network I / F control unit 115 are connected to the bus 116.

[0016] The CPU 101 can function as various means by executing a program. Control circuits such as ASICs operating in cooperation with the CPU 101 may also function as these means. Furthermore, these means may be realized through the cooperation of the CPU 101 and a control circuit that controls the operation of the image processing device 100. The CPU 101 does not need to be a single unit; there may be multiple CPUs. In this case, multiple CPUs 101 can perform processing in a distributed manner. Furthermore, multiple CPUs 101 may be located in a single computer or in multiple physically different computers. The means realized by the CPU 101 executing a program may also be realized by dedicated circuits.

[0017] The software configuration built on the image processing device 100 will be explained using Figure 2. The operating system 201 (hereinafter referred to as OS201) is the underlying software for the entire system. Program 202 is software that runs on OS201. The input unit 12 corresponds to the scanner I / F control unit 106, the printer I / F control unit 107, and the sensor control unit 110. The storage unit 13 corresponds to the ROM 102, RAM 103, FlashROM 104, and NVRAM 108. The display unit 14 corresponds to the panel control unit 109. The external connection IF 15 corresponds to the network I / F control unit 115.

[0018] Figure 3 illustrates the detailed structure of the nozzle section of the printer 112. The printer 112 comprises an ink chamber 301 for storing ink, a pressure chamber 303 for applying pressure to the ink, and a flow path 302 that connects the ink chamber 301 and the pressure chamber 303, allowing ink to flow from the pressure chamber 303 to the ink chamber 301. A nozzle 304 is provided on one side of the pressure chamber 303. The pressurized ink is ejected from the opening of the nozzle 304's head toward the sheet.

[0019] The functional blocks of the image processing device 100 will be explained using Figure 4. The image processing device 100 consists of a printing unit 401, a display unit 402, a communication unit 403, a job management unit 404, and an authentication management unit 405. The printing unit 401 performs printing. The communication unit 403 communicates with the outside world. The display unit 402 displays the screen. The authentication management unit 405 manages user login authentication. The job management unit 404 manages received print jobs.

[0020] Figures 5(A) and 5(B) illustrate the information managed by the job management unit 404. The job management unit 404 stores and manages job information and ink usage history information in a storage medium such as NVRAM 108. Figure 5(A) shows an example of job information managed by the job management unit 404 in list format. The job information records the job name and the ink colors consumed by that job. The job information also records the information of the user who submitted the job as the printer. In Figure 5(A), the user information is, for example, an email address.

[0021] Furthermore, the job information includes an eco-print setting, indicating that the user has entrusted the timing of printing the job to the image processing device 100. Print jobs with eco-print specified are automatically executed at the time when it is estimated that the ink adhering to the inkjet nozzles will dry and clog the nozzles. The timing of nozzle clogging can be estimated, for example, by machine learning using ink usage history (Figure 5(B)) or failure history stored on a storage medium as training data, or by estimating it from experimental results of ink solidification time. Thus, the number of nozzle cleaning cycles can be reduced. Details of the process for specifying eco-print will be described later. The job information also records the print deadline date and time. By setting such a print deadline date and time, the print deadline can be managed.

[0022] Figure 5(B) shows an example of ink usage history information managed by the job management unit 404 in list format. Ink usage history information is used to estimate the timing at which ink adhering to the inkjet nozzles dries and clogs the nozzles. The ink usage history information includes the date and time of the last use for each color. BK stands for black, C for cyan, M for magenta, and Y for yellow.

[0023] (Processing Example 1) The process of sending a print job from a user terminal to an image processing device 100 will be explained using Figure 9. The user terminal is, for example, an electronic device such as a personal computer or smartphone. The user terminal consists of a CPU, RAM, ROM, a storage medium such as an HDD, a module capable of input operation and screen display such as a touch panel display, and a communication module capable of network connectivity. The CPU controls each component by reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM, thereby achieving the following processes.

[0024] In the S901, the user terminal's CPU executes a driver program to send a print job to the image processing unit 100, thereby displaying the print settings on the touch panel display. The print settings include whether or not to use eco-printing. This driver is pre-installed on the user terminal.

[0025] In S902, the CPU of the user terminal receives input for print settings. The CPU then creates job data in response to this input. The print target is pre-stored as electronic data on the user terminal's storage medium. The CPU then transmits this print job to the image processing device 100 using a communication module. The process then ends.

[0026] (Processing Example 2) Using Figure 6, the processing of the image processing device 100 that receives a print job sent from the user terminal as described above will be explained. This processing is achieved when the CPU 101 of the image processing device 100 reads a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 102 and controls the aforementioned components.

[0027] In S601, the CPU 101 receives a print job sent from the user terminal using the network I / F control unit 115. In S602, the CPU 101 stores the received print job in a storage medium such as NVRAM 108. In S603, the CPU 101 determines whether eco-printing is set for the print job. If the CPU 101 determines that eco-printing is set, the process proceeds to S604; otherwise, the process terminates.

[0028] In S604, CPU 101 sets the eco-print flag. In S605, if the print job includes a print deadline, CPU 101 sets the print deadline. CPU 101 then adds the configured print job to the job information managed by the job management unit 404, as shown in Figure 5(A). The process then ends.

[0029] (Processing Example 3) Figure 7 illustrates the process that occurs when a user logs into the image processing device 100. This process is achieved when the CPU 101 of the image processing device 100 reads a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 102 and controls the aforementioned components.

[0030] In S701, the CPU 101 of the image processing device 100 reads user information from the card connected to the card reader via the panel control unit 109. Note that user verification is not limited to this method. For example, the CPU 101 may use the panel control unit 109 to accept the user's login ID and password input to the operation panel 113 and perform user verification. Alternatively, in a home or small office setting, this login step may be omitted.

[0031] In S702, the CPU 101 displays the user's print jobs in list format on the screen of the operation panel 113 after login authentication. The display screen of the operation panel 113 will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10(A) shows an example of the display screen related to a comparative example, and Figure 10(B) shows an example of the display screen of the operation panel 113 according to this embodiment.

[0032] In the display screen for the comparative example shown in Figure 10(A), jobs are categorized into an "Unprinted" tab 1001 and a "Printed" tab. When the "Unprinted" tab 1001 is selected, two jobs are displayed in a list format. The user selects the job they wish to print from this screen and executes the print by touching the print execution button 1002.

[0033] On the other hand, in the display screen according to this embodiment shown in Figure 10(B), an eco-print tab 1004 is added. Also, when a job is selected, not only the print execution button 1002 but also the eco-print button 1003 is displayed. When the eco-print button 1003 is touched, that job is displayed on the display screen that was displayed when the eco-print tab 1004 was selected. Figure 11 illustrates the display screen when the eco-print tab 1004 is selected. In the display screen shown in Figure 11, in addition to the job moved by the touch operation of the eco-print button 1003, the print execution button 1002 and the deadline change button 1101 are displayed. The deadline change button 1101 is a button for changing the deadline that was previously set for the print job. The print execution button 1002 is a button for use when the situation has changed since eco-print was specified and the user wants to print immediately. The deadline change button 1101 is an example of a "first object that indicates changing the execution deadline for eco-print". Furthermore, the print execution button 1002 is an example of a "second object that instructs the start of eco-printing."

[0034] Let's return to the explanation of the flowchart in Figure 7. In S703, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the eco-print button 1003 shown in Figure 10(B) has been operated. If the CPU 101 determines that the eco-print button 1003 has been operated, the process proceeds to S704; otherwise, the process terminates.

[0035] In S704, the CPU 101 (an example of a "reception unit") sets an eco-print flag for the print job and stores it in the storage medium as job information. In S705, if the CPU 101 receives an operation on the deadline change button 1101 shown in Figure 11(B), it displays the print deadline input screen. In S706, the CPU 101 stores the print deadline entered on the print deadline input screen in the storage medium as job information. Then, the process ends.

[0036] (Processing Example 4) Using Figure 8, we will explain how the image processing device 100 uses eco-printing to prevent the ink adhering to the inkjet nozzles from drying out. This process is achieved when the CPU 101 of the image processing device 100 reads a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 102 and controls the aforementioned components.

[0037] In S801, the CPU 101 performs a startup process triggered by the power being turned on to the image processing unit 100, and completes the startup of the image processing unit 100. In S802, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is a shutdown instruction. If the CPU 101 determines that there is a shutdown instruction, the process proceeds to S803, where the CPU 101 performs the shutdown process and the process ends. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that there is no shutdown instruction, the process proceeds to S804.

[0038] In S804, CPU101 determines whether a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last check for the execution of eco-printing. The value of this certain amount of time is not particularly limited, but it may be fixed to, for example, every hour, or it may be changed according to the season or humidity. If CPU101 determines that a certain amount of time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S805; otherwise, the process returns to S802.

[0039] In S805, the CPU 101 determines whether there is ink of a color that has been used for more than 24 hours since the last time it was used for printing (an example of "a predetermined period of time has passed since past use") (an example of "second determination"). This determination is performed for each color by the CPU 101 referring to the usage date and time of each color listed in the table in Figure 5(B), for example. The elapsed time is set to the timing at which the CPU 101 estimates that the ink adhering to the nozzle will dry and clog the nozzle, as described above. In addition, although the elapsed time is set to, for example, 24 hours, the CPU 101 may change the elapsed time depending on the ink color or the season and humidity. If the CPU 101 determines that there is ink of a color that has been used for more than 24 hours, the process proceeds to S806; otherwise, the process proceeds to S810.

[0040] In S806, the CPU 101 selects a print job that uses the color determined in S805 from the print jobs stored on the storage medium (see, for example, Figure 5(A)) in order to prevent the ink of that color from drying out. Then, in S812, the CPU 101 determines whether the job selection was successful or not (an example of a "second determination"). If the CPU 101 determines that the job selection was successful, the process proceeds to S807. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the job selection was unsuccessful, the process proceeds to S813.

[0041] In S807, the CPU 101 executes a print job using the printer 112. Specifically, the CPU 101 supplies the ink set in the print job to the nozzles. The CPU 101 then controls the ink pressure to eject the ink from the nozzle head of the printer 112 towards the sheet. In this way, the ink adhering to the nozzle head is prevented from drying out. In S808, the CPU 101 stores the date and time of use of the ink used in a storage medium such as the NVRAM 108. If the date and time of use is already stored in the storage medium, the CPU 101 overwrites and updates the date and time of use. In S809, the CPU 101 uses the network I / F control unit 115 to send a print completion notification to the printer who created the job. The notification method is not particularly limited and may be, for example, by email. Then the process returns to S805.

[0042] On the other hand, if job selection is unsuccessful in S812, in S813 the CPU 101 supplies the corresponding ink to the nozzle without performing printing in order to clean the nozzle head that sprays the corresponding color of ink. The CPU 101 then sprays the ink from the nozzle head by applying pressure. In this way, the drying of the ink adhering to the nozzle head is prevented. Then, in S814 the CPU 101 updates the ink usage date and time and stores it in the storage medium. Then the process returns to S805. Note that depending on the model of the image processing device 100, a predetermined period of time (for example, a longer period than the judgment condition in S805) must be left since the last ink spraying in order to perform cleaning. In such cases, if this predetermined period has not elapsed, the cleaning process in S813 may be skipped.

[0043] Furthermore, if the CPU 101 determines in S805 that there are no colors that have been in use for 24 hours, in S810 the CPU 101 checks for any print jobs due today (an example of "print jobs with today as the deadline"). If the CPU 101 determines that there are no print jobs due today, the process returns to step S802. On the other hand, if the CPU determines that there are print jobs due today, the process proceeds to S811. In S811, the CPU 101 selects a print job due today from among the print jobs stored on the storage medium. The process then proceeds to S807, where the CPU 101 executes the print job. After that, the process proceeds to S808 and S809 in that order, and returns to S805.

[0044] (One aspect of action / effect) According to the image processing device 100 described above, a print job or cleaning is performed at the timing when it is estimated that the ink adhering to the nozzle head will dry and clog the nozzle. Therefore, nozzle head clogging is prevented. Furthermore, the execution of a print job is used to prevent the ink adhering to the nozzle head from drying out. Consequently, the number of cleaning cycles is reduced, and as a result, ink consumption is suppressed. Therefore, the cost required for nozzle cleaning is reduced.

[0045] <Example 1> In the above embodiment, the eco-print setting is performed via a screen displayed on the operation panel, as shown in Figure 10(B). On the other hand, in the first modified example, the eco-print setting is performed on the user terminal. More specifically, the print setting screen 1201 of the user terminal will be explained with reference to Figure 12. This process is achieved by the CPUs of the user terminal and the image processing device reading and executing control programs stored in their respective storage media and controlling each component.

[0046] In the first modified example, at S901, the CPU of the user terminal displays the print settings screen 1201 on the touch panel display. The print settings screen 1201 displays selectable options for common settings such as document size, page layout, single-sided / double-sided printing, and color mode. Furthermore, the print settings screen 1201 displays selectable options for eco-printing and the eco-printing deadline. The CPU then accepts input for eco-printing and the eco-printing deadline on this print settings screen 1201. The CPU then transmits the print job information, including the received input information, to the image processing device 100 using the communication module. The CPU 101 of the image processing device 100 receives this input information using the network I / F control unit 115, sets eco-printing and the eco-printing deadline, and stores it in the storage medium.

[0047] (One aspect of action / effect) According to the first modified image processing device 100, the user can set up eco-printing using a user terminal without having to move to the image processing device 100. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0048] <Modification 2> In the above embodiment, to prevent the ink adhering to the inkjet nozzle head from drying out, printing or cleaning processes were performed periodically to eject ink from the nozzles. In the second modified example, in addition to this, a cleaning solution capable of cleaning the nozzles is sprayed from the nozzles.

[0049] (Processing Example 5) Figure 13 illustrates the process of preventing the drying of ink adhering to the nozzle head using a cleaning solution. This process is achieved when the CPU 101 of the image processing device 100 reads a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 102 and controls the aforementioned components.

[0050] In S1301, the CPU 101 performs a startup process triggered by the power being turned on to the image processing device 100, and completes the startup of the image processing device 100. In S1302, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a cleaning fluid cartridge is installed. If the CPU 101 determines that a cleaning fluid cartridge is installed, the process proceeds to S1303; otherwise, the process terminates.

[0051] In S1303, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is a cleaning instruction. A cleaning instruction is, for example, when the CPU 101 receives a detection signal indicating the installation of a cleaning fluid cartridge. If the CPU 101 determines that there is a cleaning instruction, the process proceeds to S1304; otherwise, the process ends. In S1304, the CPU 101 ejects the cleaning fluid from the nozzle head (cleaning process). In S1305, the CPU 101 stores the date and time of cleaning fluid use in a storage medium such as the NVRAM 108. The CPU 101 may initialize the ink usage date and time and store the cleaning fluid usage date and time, or it may store the cleaning fluid usage date and time separately from the ink usage date and time as a cleaning history in the storage medium.

[0052] (One aspect of action / effect) According to the second modified image processing apparatus 100, by introducing cleaning fluid into the nozzle, ink adhering to the nozzle head can be efficiently removed. Therefore, the consumption of ink to prevent nozzle clogging is suppressed. Consequently, the cost required for cleaning is reduced.

[0053] <Variation 3> In the above embodiment, if there is ink that has not been used for 24 hours since the last use in S805, an eco-print job using that ink is selected and executed. However, in environments where users frequently use black and white (including monochrome) printing, there is a possibility that no eco-print jobs using inks of colors other than black and white (monochrome) are stored. In the third modified example, in such cases, a black and white printing job is changed to a color printing job and executed as an eco-print job. Note that in the case of monochrome printing, a single ink other than black ink is used.

[0054] (Processing Example 6) Using Figure 14, a process to prevent the drying of ink adhering to the nozzle head of an inkjet according to a third modified example will be explained. This process is achieved by the CPU 101 of the image processing device 100 reading a program stored in a storage medium such as ROM 102 and controlling the aforementioned parts. Furthermore, since steps S1401 to S1412, and S1415 and S1416 are the same as steps S801 to S814 according to the respective embodiments, their explanation will be omitted.

[0055] If the CPU 101 determines in S1412 that the job selection was unsuccessful, then in S1413 the CPU 101 determines whether there is a print job set to black and white (an example of a "third determination"). If the CPU 101 determines that there is such a print job, the process proceeds to S1414. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S1415, S1416, and then returns to S1405.

[0056] In S1414, CPU101 changes the color setting of the print job to color. The process then proceeds to S1407 and S1408, and returns to S1405. In this case, CPU101 may include in the notification message in S1409 that the monochrome setting has been changed to color.

[0057] (One aspect of action / effect) According to the third modified image processing device 100, an eco-print job specified as black and white is changed to a color print, and this color print is performed to prevent the ink from drying out, thereby reducing the number of times the noise head is cleaned. As a result, the overall ink consumption is reduced.

[0058] <Modification 4> The image processing device 100 according to the fourth modification acquires and executes a print job from an external image processing device in order to prevent the ink adhering to the nozzle head from drying out. More specifically, in S805, if the CPU 101 determines that there is a color that has been used for 24 hours, the CPU 101 requests a print job from the external device using the network I / F control unit 115. The CPU 101 then receives and executes the print job. The external device may be, for example, a master device when the image processing device 100 is a slave device. Alternatively, the external image device may be, for example, cloud storage that stores print jobs, and the CPU 101 may acquire the print jobs stored in that cloud storage. According to this fourth modification, even if there is no eco-print job that uses the ink that has been used for 24 hours when the CPU 101 determines that there is ink that has been used for 24 hours, the drying of the ink adhering to the nozzle head can be prevented without cleaning. Therefore, ink consumption is reduced.

[0059] <Other variations> The present invention can take the form of, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium (storage medium). Specifically, it may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices (for example, a host computer, interface devices, imaging devices, web applications, etc.), or to an apparatus consisting of a single device.

[0060] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the object of the present invention is achieved as follows: a recording medium (or storage medium) containing software program code (computer program) that realizes the functions of the embodiments described above is supplied to a system or device. Such storage medium is, needless to say, a computer-readable storage medium. The computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device then reads and executes the program code stored on the recording medium. In this case, the program code read from the recording medium itself realizes the functions of the embodiments described above, and the recording medium containing that program code constitutes the present invention.

[0061] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0062] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention.

[0063] The disclosures herein include the following image processing apparatus, a method for controlling the image processing apparatus, and a program. [Item 1] A nozzle capable of ejecting ink towards the sheet, The system comprises a control unit capable of controlling the timing of ejecting the ink from the nozzle, The control unit, First, perform a determination to check whether there are any prints that use ink that has been used for a specified period of time since its last use. If it is determined that there is a print job that will use ink that has expired for the predetermined period, the print job will be executed. If it is determined that there are no prints that will use ink that has expired for the predetermined period, a cleaning process is performed to eject the ink from the nozzle without performing the print. Image processing device. [Item 2] The control unit, Before the first determination, a second determination is made to determine whether or not there is any ink that has been used for a predetermined period of time since its last use. If it is determined that there is ink that has been used for a predetermined period of time since its last use, the first determination is performed. If it is determined that there is no ink that has been used for the specified period since the last use, the printer will execute the print job for which the deadline is set for today. The image processing device described in item 1. [Item 3] The control unit, After the first determination, a third determination is made to determine whether or not there is monochrome printing. If it is determined that there is a monochrome print, the print is changed to a color print and executed. If it is determined that there is no monochrome print, the cleaning process is executed. An image processing device as described in item 1 or 2. [Item 4] The control unit further controls the discharge of a cleaning solution capable of cleaning the nozzle from the nozzle. An image processing device as described in any one of items 1 to 3. [Item 5] The system further includes a receiving unit that receives a request to set the printing to eco-printing, in which the timing of execution can be controlled by the control unit. An image processing device described in any one of items 1 through 4. [Item 6] It further includes a display unit that shows the screen, The display unit displays the screen which includes the eco-printing information, a first object indicating a change in the execution deadline for the eco-printing, and a second object instructing the start of the eco-printing execution. The reception unit receives operation inputs for the first object and the second object. The image processing device described in item 5. [Item 7] The system further comprises a first communication unit that receives the aforementioned eco-printing jobs from an external source. An image processing apparatus as described in item 5 or 6. [Item 8] The system further includes a second communication unit that receives the aforementioned print jobs from an external source. If the control unit determines in the first determination that there is a print job that uses ink that has expired for a predetermined period of time, it executes the print job received by the second communication unit. An image processing device described in any one of items 1 through 7. [Item 9] The aforementioned predetermined period is determined based on the ink usage history, ink color, season, or humidity. An image processing device described in any one of items 1 through 8. [Item 10] A method for controlling an image processing device, The nozzle ejects ink towards the sheet in an ejection process, The control unit includes a control step of controlling the timing of ejecting the ink from the nozzle, The control unit, First, perform a determination to check whether there are any prints that use ink that has been used for a specified period of time since its last use. If it is determined that there is a print job that will use ink that has expired for the predetermined period, the print job will be executed. If it is determined that there are no prints that will use ink that has expired for the predetermined period, a cleaning process is performed to eject the ink from the nozzle without performing the print. A method for controlling an image processing device. [Item 11] A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an image processing device, wherein the control method is: The nozzle ejects ink towards the sheet in an ejection process, The control unit includes a control step of controlling the timing of ejecting the ink from the nozzle, The control unit, First, perform a determination to check whether there are any prints that use ink that has been used for a specified period of time since its last use. If it is determined that there is a print job that will use ink that has expired for the predetermined period, the print job will be executed. If it is determined that there are no prints that will use ink that has expired for the predetermined period, a cleaning process is performed to eject the ink from the nozzle without performing the print. program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 100: Image processing unit, 101: CPU, 102: ROM, 103: RAM, 108: NVRAM, 112: Printer, 113: Control panel, 115: Network I / F control unit, 301: Ink chamber, 302: Flow path, 303: Pressure chamber, 304: Nozzle, 404: Job management unit, 1002: Print execution button, 1003: Eco print button, 1004: Eco print tab, 1101: Change expiration date button, 1201: Print settings screen

Claims

1. A nozzle capable of ejecting ink towards the sheet, The system comprises a control unit capable of controlling the timing of ejecting the ink from the nozzle, The control unit, The first determination is made to determine whether or not there is any printing that uses ink that has been used for a specified period of time since its last use. If it is determined that there is a print job that will use ink that has expired for the predetermined period, the print job will be executed. If it is determined that there will be no printing using ink that has expired for the predetermined period, a cleaning process is performed to eject the ink from the nozzle without performing the printing. Image processing device.

2. The control unit, Before the first determination, a second determination is made to determine whether or not there is any ink that has been used for a predetermined period of time since its last use. If it is determined that there is ink that has been used for a predetermined period of time since its last use, the first determination is performed. If it is determined that there is no ink that has been used for the specified period since the last use, the printer will execute the print job for which the deadline is set for today. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, After the first determination, a third determination is made to determine whether or not there is monochrome printing. If it is determined that there is a monochrome print, the print is changed to a color print and executed. If it is determined that there is no monochrome print, the cleaning process is executed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The control unit further controls the discharge of a cleaning solution capable of cleaning the nozzle from the nozzle. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The system further includes a receiving unit that receives a request to set the printing to eco-printing, in which the timing of execution can be controlled by the control unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. It further includes a display unit that shows the screen, The display unit displays the screen which includes the eco-printing information, a first object indicating a change in the execution deadline for the eco-printing, and a second object instructing the start of the eco-printing execution. The reception unit receives operation inputs for the first object and the second object. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The system further comprises a first communication unit that receives the aforementioned eco-printing jobs from an external source. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5.

8. The system further includes a second communication unit that receives the aforementioned print jobs from an external source. If the control unit determines in the first determination that there is a print job that uses ink that has expired for a predetermined period of time, it executes the print job received by the second communication unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned predetermined period is determined based on the ink usage history, ink color, season, or humidity. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for controlling an image processing device, The nozzle ejects ink towards the sheet in an ejection process, The control unit includes a control step of controlling the timing of ejecting the ink from the nozzle, The control unit, The first determination is made to determine whether or not there is any printing that uses ink that has been used for a specified period of time since its last use. If it is determined that there is a print job that will use ink that has expired for the predetermined period, the print job will be executed. If it is determined that there will be no printing using ink that has expired for the predetermined period, a cleaning process is performed to eject the ink from the nozzle without performing the printing. A method for controlling an image processing device.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an image processing device, wherein the control method is: The nozzle ejects ink towards the sheet in an ejection process, The control unit includes a control step of controlling the timing of ejecting the ink from the nozzle, The control unit, The first determination is made to determine whether or not there is any printing that uses ink that has been used for a specified period of time since its last use. If it is determined that there is a print job that will use ink that has expired for the predetermined period, the print job will be executed. If it is determined that there will be no printing using ink that has expired for the predetermined period, a cleaning process is performed to eject the ink from the nozzle without performing the printing. program.

Images