MEMORY, LIQUID CONTAINER, AND PRINTING SYSTEM

Abstract

To provide a memory, a liquid storage container, and a printing system which prevent unintended writing of an ink end state into a storage element.SOLUTION: A memory 352 provided in an ink cartridge 300 to be mounted on a printing device 200, includes: a storage unit 356 which stores ink amount information relating to an amount of ink stored in the memory and threshold information relating to a threshold value of an amount of ink; and a processing unit 358 which performs processing based on information received from the printing device 200 and information stored in the storage unit 356. When receiving the ink end information indicating that the ink cartridge 300 has become an unusable state from the printing apparatus 200, the processing unit 358 performs comparison processing for comparing the ink amount information with the threshold information, and when a result of comparison processing corresponds to a predetermined writing condition, the ink end information is written in the storage unit 356, and when the result of the comparison processing does not correspond to the writing condition, the ink end information is not written in the storage unit 356.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a memory, a liquid storage container including a memory, and a printing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in a printing system having a liquid storage container such as an ink cartridge and a printing device, a technology is known in which an ink end sensor provided in the printing device detects an ink end state in the liquid storage container, and the printing device writes the ink end state to a memory provided in the liquid storage container.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device in which ink is sent from an ink pack having a memory element, and when an ink end sensor detects a state in which ink is not sent from the ink pack to a subtank and a specific writing condition is satisfied, the printing device writes an ink end state into the memory element of the ink pack. The specific writing condition is, for example, that a temporary ink end state has been written into the memory element. If the writing condition is satisfied, the ink end state is written into the memory element, and ink sending is stopped to prevent ink from being discharged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-163983 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, due to a malfunction of the printing device, such as firmware or the ink end sensor, even if the ink end sensor does not detect a state in which ink cannot be sent, the printing device may unintentionally write a provisional ink end state or an ink end state to the memory element of the ink pack. This can cause a problem in that even if there is ink remaining in the ink pack, the printing device may determine that the ink pack is in an ink end state and the ink pack may become unusable. This problem can also occur when a printing device equipped with a waste ink tank that collects ink ejected during head cleaning writes an ink full state to the memory element of the waste ink tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The memory is provided in a liquid storage container attached to a printing device, and has a storage unit that stores ink volume information regarding the amount of ink stored in the liquid storage container and threshold information regarding a threshold value for the ink volume, and a processing unit that performs processing based on information received from the printing device and information stored in the storage unit, wherein when the processing unit receives detection information from the printing device indicating that the liquid storage container has become unusable, the processing unit executes a comparison process in which the ink volume information is compared with the threshold information, and if the result of the comparison process meets a predetermined write condition, writes the detection information to the storage unit, and if the result of the comparison process does not meet the write condition, does not write the detection information to the storage unit.

[0007] The liquid container is attached to the printing device and includes the above-mentioned memory.

[0008] The printing system includes a printing device and a liquid storage container attached to the printing device and having a memory, the memory having a memory unit that stores ink volume information regarding the amount of ink stored in the liquid storage container and threshold information regarding a threshold value for the ink volume, and a processing unit that performs processing based on information received from the printing device and information stored in the memory unit, the printing device transmits detection information indicating that the liquid storage container has become unusable to the memory, and when the processing unit receives the detection information from the printing device, it performs a comparison process in which the ink volume information is compared with the threshold information, and if the result of the comparison process meets a predetermined write condition, it writes the detection information to the memory unit, and if the result of the comparison process does not meet the write condition, it does not write the detection information to the memory unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a hardware configuration of a printing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional units of the printing system. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining detection of the remaining state of ink by a prism. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining detection of the remaining state of ink by a prism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a printing system. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing information stored in a storage unit. [Figure 7A] 6 is a flowchart showing a process of the printing device. [Figure 7B] 4 is a flowchart showing memory processing. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing information stored in a storage unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing memory processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a part of a printing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing information stored in a storage unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12A] 10 is a flowchart showing processing of a printing device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12B] 13 is a flowchart showing memory processing in the third embodiment. [Figure 13A] 10 is a flowchart showing processing of a printing device in a first modified example. [Figure 13B] 10 is a flowchart showing memory processing in a first modified example. [Figure 14A] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of a printing device in a second modified example. [Figure 14B] 13 is a flowchart showing memory processing in a second modified example. [Figure 15A] 13 is a flowchart showing processing of a printing device in a third modified example. [Figure 15B] 13 is a flowchart showing memory processing in a third modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing information stored in a storage unit in a fourth modified example. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing memory processing in a fourth modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a table associating operational states of a printing device with threshold values ​​in a fifth modified example. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing memory processing in the fifth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1. First embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a hardware configuration of a printing system 1000 in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functional parts of the printing system 1000. FIG. 1 shows an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction which are mutually orthogonal. In a normal use posture of the printing system 1000, the front direction of the printing system 1000 is the X direction, and the vertically upward direction is the Z direction. In this embodiment, the coordinate system formed by the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction is a left-handed system. The direction opposite to the X direction is called the -X direction. The direction opposite to the Y direction is called the -Y direction. The direction opposite to the Z direction is called the -Z direction.

[0011] The printing system 1000 includes a printing device 200 and an ink cartridge 300 as a liquid storage container. The printing device 200 is detachably equipped with the ink cartridge 300. Specifically, the printing device 200 is an inkjet printer. The printing device 200 includes a carriage 20, a cable 30, a paper feed motor 40, a paper feed roller 45, a carriage motor 50, a carriage drive belt 55, a detection element 90, and a processor 100.

[0012] The carriage 20 carries four ink cartridges 300 and transports the ink cartridges 300 in the Y direction and the -Y direction. The carriage 20 includes a holder 21 and a print head 22. The holder 21 is configured so that the four ink cartridges 300 can be attached, and the attached ink cartridges 300 can be removed. Note that the number of ink cartridges 300 is not limited to four.

[0013] The print head 22 is provided on the surface of the carriage 20 facing the -Z direction. A plurality of nozzles that eject ink droplets are provided on the surface of the print head 22 facing the -Z direction. Each nozzle is connected to the ink cartridge 300 via a flow path in the carriage 20. The print head 22 is supplied with ink from the ink cartridge 300 via the flow path in the carriage 20, and ejects the ink from the nozzles in the -Z direction. The ink ejected from the nozzles of the print head 22 lands on the printing medium PM to form an image. In this specification, "image" includes characters and symbols.

[0014] The cable 30 connects the carriage 20 and the processor 100. The print head 22 of the carriage 20 is controlled by the processor 100 via the cable 30. The processor 100 controls a memory 352 (see FIG. 3 ) provided in the ink cartridge 300, which will be described later, via the cable 30. The printing device 200 includes a bus 400 for communicating with the memory 352 of the ink cartridge 300 installed in the printing device 200. The cable 30 constitutes a part of the path of the bus 400. The bus 400 includes a signal line for transmitting a clock signal, a signal line for transmitting and receiving a data signal, and the like.

[0015] The carriage drive belt 55 is an endless belt. The carriage 20 is fixed to the carriage drive belt 55. The carriage drive belt 55 moves the carriage 20 in the Y direction and the -Y direction by rotating in a forward direction and a reverse direction. The carriage motor 50 rotates the carriage drive belt 55 in a forward direction and a reverse direction.

[0016] The paper feed motor 40 rotates the paper feed roller 45. As the paper feed motor 40 rotates, the paper feed roller 45 transports the printing medium PM in the X direction.

[0017] The detection element 90 detects the remaining state of ink contained in the ink cartridge 300. The detection element 90 has a light-emitting element 92 and a light-receiving element 94, and the light-emitting element 92 and the light-receiving element 94 are arranged side by side in parallel to the Y direction and the -Y direction in which the carriage 20 moves.

[0018] The print medium PM is transported in the X direction by the paper feed roller 45, and the print head 22 mounted on the carriage 20 is moved in the Y and -Y directions by the carriage drive belt 55, causing ink ejected from the print head 22 in the -Z direction to land at any location on the print medium PM. The paper feed motor 40, carriage motor 50, and print head 22 are controlled by the processor 100 based on the print data, forming an image on the print medium PM. In this specification, the Y and -Y directions in which the carriage 20 moves are collectively referred to as the "main scanning direction D1." The X and -X directions in which the print medium PM is fed are collectively referred to as the "sub-scanning direction D2."

[0019] 2 shows the print head 22, which is not shown in FIG 1, the paper feed roller 45, and the processor 100. The printing device 200 further includes a device-side memory unit 190, a display unit 210, and an interface unit 220.

[0020] The processor 100 is a so-called CPU (Central Processing Unit). The device-side storage unit 190 is a semiconductor memory. The device-side storage unit 190 is a concept that includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). In the printing device 200, the processor 100 and device-side storage unit 190 as hardware resources work together with a control program. Specifically, the processor 100, which is a CPU, loads a computer program stored in ROM into the RAM and executes it to realize various functions.

[0021] The display unit 210 displays various information under the control of the processor 100. Specifically, the display unit 210 is a liquid crystal panel. The interface unit 220 transmits information processed by the processor 100 to the outside, and receives information from the outside and passes it to the processor 100. Specifically, the interface unit 220 receives print data from an external computer 600 and passes it to the processor 100. In addition, the interface unit 220 transmits a signal requesting the print data created by the processor 100 to the external computer 600.

[0022] The processor 100 functions as a communication processing unit 110 and a main control unit 120. The communication processing unit 110 performs communication processing with the memory 352 of the ink cartridge 300 via a bus 400. The main control unit 120 controls each unit of the printing device 200. The main control unit 120 also controls the communication processing unit 110. The processing by the communication processing unit 110 and the main control unit 120 will be described later.

[0023] 3 is a perspective view showing the ink cartridge 300. The ink cartridge 300 is attached to the holder 21 of the printing device 200 and supplies ink to the print head 22. The ink cartridge 300 includes a case 303, an ink storage section 305, an ink supply port 330, a lever 340, a circuit board 350, and a prism unit 360.

[0024] Case 303 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped housing that constitutes the main body of ink cartridge 300. Case 303 contains ink inside. Lever 340 is attached to one surface of roughly rectangular case 303. When ink cartridge 300 is attached to holder 21, lever 340 holds case 303 in holder 21. When ink cartridge 300 is removed from holder 21, lever 340 is operated to release holder 21 from holding case 303.

[0025] The ink containing section 305 is a space provided inside the case 303. The ink containing section 305 contains ink. The ink supply port 330 sends the ink contained in the ink containing section 305 to the printing device 200. The ink supply port 330 is sealed with a film (not shown). When the ink cartridge 300 is attached to the holder 21 of the printing device 200, the film is peeled off.

[0026] The circuit board 350 is provided on the surface of the rectangular parallelepiped case 303 on which the lever 340 is provided. The circuit board 350 includes a memory 352 and nine terminals 354.

[0027] Nine terminals 354 are provided on the surface of the circuit board 350. When the ink cartridge 300 is attached to the holder 21, each terminal 354 is connected to a corresponding terminal provided on the holder 21. As a result, the memory 352 is electrically connected to the processor 100 of the printing device 200 via the terminals 354, the corresponding terminals provided on the holder 21, and the cable 30. The terminals 354 of the circuit board 350, the terminals of the holder 21, and the cable 30 form part of a path of a bus 400 for communication between the memory 352 of the ink cartridge 300 attached to the printing device 200 and the printing device 200. The number of terminals 354 is not limited to nine.

[0028] The memory 352 is provided on the back surface of the circuit board 350. The memory 352 stores information relating to the ink cartridge 300 in which the memory 352 is provided.

[0029] Prism unit 360 has a prism 361 that detects whether or not ink remains in ink containing section 305. Prism unit 360 is a transparent member made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene. Prism unit 360 is attached so that prism 361 is located inside ink containing section 305.

[0030] 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining detection of the remaining state of ink by the prism 361. As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, when the carriage 20 carrying the ink cartridge 300 passes in the main scanning direction D1 over the detection element 90 provided in the printing device 200, the light irradiated from the light emitting element 92 is incident on the prism 361. In the prism 361, the reflection state of the light differs depending on the refractive index of the fluid in contact with the reflection surface 361f. In FIG. 4A, the ink IK in the ink storage section 305 is present to such an extent that it contacts the entire surface of the reflection surface 361f, so the light irradiated from the light emitting element 92 passes through the reflection surface 361f and is absorbed in the ink IK. On the other hand, in FIG. 4B, the remaining amount of the ink IK in the ink storage section 305 is reduced and the reflection surface 361f comes into contact with the air, so the light irradiated from the light emitting element 92 is reflected by the reflection surface 361f of the prism 361 and enters the light receiving element 94. This makes it possible to detect when the remaining amount of ink is low by measuring the light incident on the light receiving element 94.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the printing system 1000. In order to facilitate understanding of the technology, Fig. 5 shows only a portion of the configuration of the printing device 200 and the ink cartridge 300.

[0032] The memory 352 of the ink cartridge 300 includes a storage unit 356 and a processing unit 358. The storage unit 356 is a non-volatile memory that can retain information even when power is not being supplied. Specifically, the storage unit 356 includes a hardware configuration in which word lines and bit lines are wired in a matrix. The processing unit 358 is a CPU serving as a processor. The processing unit 358 executes processing based on information received from the printing device 200 and information stored in the storage unit 356. At least a portion of the processing unit 358 may be configured as a hardware circuit.

[0033] 6 is a block diagram showing information stored in the storage unit 356. The storage unit 356 stores ink amount information Ii and threshold information It. The ink amount information Ii is information relating to the amount of ink contained in the ink cartridge 300. In this embodiment, the ink amount information Ii is information indicating the ink consumption amount Qc, which is the accumulated amount of ink supplied from the ink cartridge 300 to the printing device 200 and consumed by the printing device 200. The processing unit 358 receives the amount of ink consumed by the printing device 200 from the printing device 200 each time the printing device 200 performs printing, maintenance, or the like, and updates the ink amount information Ii.

[0034] The threshold information It is information that indicates a threshold for the amount of ink. In this embodiment, the threshold information It is information that indicates a threshold Pc for the ink consumption amount Qc. The threshold information It is initially set as the threshold Pc at the time of shipment from the factory, and is used when the processing unit 358 executes a comparison process Sc, which will be described later. The units of the ink consumption amount Qc and the threshold Pc are both percentages (%), with 100% being the same amount as the capacity of the ink storage unit 305. The threshold information It is set to, for example, 90%. The units of the ink consumption amount Qc and the threshold Pc may also be mass (g).

[0035] In addition to the ink amount information Ii and the threshold information It, various other information is stored in the storage unit 356. Ink end information, which will be described later, is also stored in the storage unit 356.

[0036] Fig. 7A is a flowchart showing the processing of the printing device 200. Fig. 7B is a flowchart showing the processing of the memory 352. The flowcharts shown in Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B constitute a flowchart showing the processing of the entire printing system 1000.

[0037] First, the processing of the printing device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 7A. In step S110, the main control unit 120 recognizes that the ink cartridge 300 has entered an ink-out state. The ink-out state is a state in which the ink in the ink storage unit 305 of the ink cartridge 300 has run out, the printing device 200 is unable to perform printing or maintenance, and the ink cartridge 300 cannot be used. The ink-out state is detected by the detection element 90 of the printing device 200, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. In this embodiment, step S110 includes not only a case in which the detection element 90 actually detects the ink-out state, but also a case in which the main control unit 120 recognizes the ink-out state due to a firmware defect in the printing device 200 or a malfunction of the detection element 90.

[0038] In step S120, the main control unit 120 writes ink end information, as detection information indicating that the ink cartridge 300 has reached an ink end state, to the device side storage unit 190. For example, the main control unit 120 sets an ink end flag in the device side storage unit 190.

[0039] In step S130, the communication processing unit 110 transmits the ink end information to the memory 352 via the bus 400.

[0040] Note that steps S120 and S130 may be executed simultaneously, or step S120 may be executed after step S130 is executed.

[0041] Next, the processing of the memory 352 after step S130 in FIG. 7A will be described with reference to FIG. 7B. In step S210, the processing unit 358 receives ink end information from the printing device 200. In step S220, the processing unit 358 reads the ink amount information Ii and the threshold information It from the storage unit 356. In step S230, the processing unit 358 executes a process of comparing the ink amount information Ii with the threshold information It. Specifically, the processing unit 358 executes a process of comparing the ink consumption amount Qc indicated by the ink amount information Ii with the threshold Pc indicated by the threshold information It. The process executed in step S230 is referred to as a comparison process Sc.

[0042] In step S230, the processing unit 358 judges whether the result of the comparison process Sc satisfies a predetermined writing condition. In this embodiment, the writing condition is that the ink consumption amount Qc is equal to or greater than the threshold value Pc. If the processing unit 358 judges that the ink consumption amount Qc is equal to or greater than the threshold value Pc, in step S240, the processing unit 358 writes ink end information to the storage unit 356. The process executed in step S240 is also referred to as a writing process Sw. On the other hand, if the processing unit 358 judges that the ink consumption amount Qc is less than the threshold value Pc in step S230, in step S250, the processing unit 358 does not write ink end information to the storage unit 356. The process executed in step S250 is also referred to as a writing restriction process Sr.

[0043] When step S250 is executed, in step S260, the processor 358 transmits erroneous transmission notification information to the printing device 200 notifying that the ink end information has been erroneously transmitted by the printing device 200.

[0044] Returning to Fig. 7A, the processing of the printing device 200 after steps S240 and S260 in Fig. 7B will now be described. In step S140, the communications processing unit 110 determines whether or not erroneous transmission notification information has been received from the memory 352. If erroneous transmission notification information has been received, in step S150 the main control unit 120 erases the ink end information stored in the device-side storage unit 190. Specifically, the ink end flag set in step S120 is cleared. On the other hand, if erroneous transmission notification information has not been received, the main control unit 120 ends the processing.

[0045] According to this embodiment, if the processing unit 358 determines in step S230 that the ink consumption amount Qc is equal to or greater than the threshold value Pc, the ink in the ink cartridge 300 has been consumed by more than the threshold value Pc, so there is a high probability that the ink end information received from the printing device 200 was sent correctly by the printing device 200. On the other hand, if the processing unit 358 determines in step S230 that the ink consumption amount Qc is less than the threshold value Pc, the ink in the ink cartridge 300 has not been consumed by more than the threshold value Pc, so there is ink remaining in the ink cartridge 300, and there is a high probability that the ink end information received from the printing device 200 was sent erroneously by the printing device 200. Therefore, before writing the ink end information, the memory 352 compares the ink consumption Qc indicated by the ink amount information Ii with the threshold Pc indicated by the threshold information It, and if the result meets the above-mentioned write condition, it writes the ink end information to the storage unit 356, and if the write condition is not met, it does not write the ink end information to the storage unit 356, thereby preventing the ink end information from being unintentionally written to the memory 352 due to a malfunction of the printing device 200, such as in the firmware or the ink end sensor. Also, if the memory 352 determines that the ink consumption Qc is less than the threshold Pc, it restricts the writing of the ink end information, thereby preventing the ink cartridge 300 from being unusable due to the erroneous recording of ink end information.

[0046] 2. Second embodiment The memory 352 of the second embodiment includes a storage unit 356a instead of the storage unit 356 of the first embodiment. 8 is a block diagram showing information stored in the storage unit 356a. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numbers, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0047] In the second embodiment, the information indicated by the ink amount information Ii and threshold information It stored in the memory unit 356a differs from that in the first embodiment. The ink amount information Ii is information indicating the remaining ink amount Qr, which is the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 300. The threshold information It is information indicating the threshold Pr of the remaining ink amount Qr. The remaining ink amount Qr and threshold Pr are both in percentage (%), with 100% being the same amount as the amount contained in the ink storage unit 305 at the time of shipment from the factory. The threshold information It is set to 10%, for example. The remaining ink amount Qr and threshold Pr may also be in mass (g).

[0048] 9 is a flow chart showing the processing of the memory 352 in the second embodiment. Note that the processing of the printing device 200 in the second embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The processing of the memory 352 in the second embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment in step S230a. In step S230a, the processing unit 358 executes processing to compare the remaining ink amount Qr indicated by the ink amount information Ii with the threshold value Pr indicated by the threshold value information It. The processing executed in this step S230a is also referred to as a comparison process Sc, similar to step S230 in the first embodiment.

[0049] In step S230a, the processor 358 determines whether the result of the comparison process Sc satisfies a predetermined write condition. In this embodiment, the write condition is that the remaining ink amount Qr is less than the threshold value Pr. If the processor 358 determines that the remaining ink amount Qr is less than the threshold value Pr, then in step S240, the processor 358 writes ink end information to the memory unit 356a. On the other hand, if the processor 358 determines in step S230a that the remaining ink amount Qr is equal to or greater than the threshold value Pr, then in step S250, the processor 358 does not write ink end information to the memory unit 356a.

[0050] According to this embodiment, if the processor 358 determines in step S230a that the remaining ink amount Qr is less than the threshold value Pr, there is a high probability that the ink end information received from the printing device 200 was sent correctly by the printing device 200, since there is less ink remaining in the ink cartridge 300 than the threshold value Pr. On the other hand, if the processor 358 determines in step S230a that the remaining ink amount Qr is equal to or greater than the threshold value Pr, there is a high probability that the ink end information received from the printing device 200 was sent erroneously by the printing device 200, since there is more ink remaining in the ink cartridge 300 than the threshold value Pr. Therefore, before writing the ink end information, the memory 352 compares the remaining ink amount Qr indicated by the ink amount information Ii with the threshold value Pr indicated by the threshold value information It, and if the result meets the above-mentioned write condition, it writes the ink end information to the storage unit 356a, and if the write condition is not met, it does not write the ink end information to the storage unit 356a, thereby preventing the ink end information from being unintentionally written to the memory 352 due to a malfunction of the printing device 200, such as in the firmware or the ink end sensor. Also, if the memory 352 determines that the remaining ink amount Qr is equal to or greater than the threshold value Pr, it restricts the writing of the ink end information, thereby preventing the ink cartridge 300 from being erroneously recorded and becoming unusable.

[0051] 3. Third embodiment Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a part of a printing system 1000b in the third embodiment. In addition to the printing system 1000 shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the printing system 1000b in the third embodiment includes a waste ink tank 500 as a liquid storage container, a suction pump 510, and a capping mechanism 520. The waste ink discharged during maintenance of the print head 22 is collected in the waste ink tank 500. During maintenance of the print head 22, the capping mechanism 520 is attached to the nozzle face of the print head 22, and negative pressure is generated in the capping mechanism 520 by the suction pump 510. The sucked waste ink is collected in the waste ink tank 500 via a tube.

[0052] The waste ink tank 500 is provided with a detection element 90b. The detection element 90b detects the amount of waste ink in the waste ink tank 500, and may be, for example, a detection element equipped with a light emitting element and a light receiving element as shown in Figures 1 and 2, or a temperature sensor, an electrode sensor, a sensor for detecting the liquid level, or the like.

[0053] The memory 352 of the third embodiment includes a storage unit 356b instead of the storage unit 356 of the first embodiment. 11 is a block diagram showing information stored in the storage unit 356b. The storage unit 356b stores ink amount information Ii and threshold information It. In this embodiment, the ink amount information Ii is information indicating the waste ink amount Qd, which is the accumulated amount of waste ink discharged from the printing device 200 and collected in the waste ink tank 500. Every time the printing device 200 performs maintenance or the like, the processing unit 358 receives from the printing device 200 the amount of waste ink discharged from the printing device 200 and updates the ink amount information Ii.

[0054] In this embodiment, the threshold information It is information indicating a threshold value Pd of the waste ink amount Qd. The threshold information It is initially set as the threshold value Pd at the time of shipment from the factory, and is used when the processing unit 358 executes a comparison process Sc, which will be described later. The units of the waste ink amount Qd and the threshold value Pd are both percentages (%), with 100% being the same amount of waste ink that can be contained in the waste ink tank 500. The threshold information It is set to, for example, 90%. The units of the waste ink amount Qd and the threshold value Pd may also be mass (g).

[0055] In addition to the ink amount information Ii and threshold information It, various other information is stored in the storage unit 356b. Ink full information, which will be described later, is also stored in the storage unit 356b.

[0056] Fig. 12A is a flowchart showing the processing of the printing device 200 in the third embodiment. Fig. 12B is a flowchart showing the processing of the memory 352 in the third embodiment. The flowcharts shown in Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B constitute a flowchart showing the processing of the entire printing system 1000b.

[0057] First, the processing of the printing device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 12A. In step S110b, the main control unit 120 recognizes that the waste ink tank 500 is in an ink-full state. The ink-full state is a state in which the waste ink tank 500 is filled with waste ink, the printing device 200 is unable to perform maintenance, and the waste ink tank 500 is unable to be used. The ink-full state is detected by the detection element 90b of the printing device 200, for example, as shown in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, step S110b includes not only a case in which the detection element 90b actually detects the ink-full state, but also a case in which the main control unit 120 recognizes the ink-full state due to a firmware defect in the printing device 200 or a malfunction of the detection element 90b.

[0058] In step S120b, the main control unit 120 writes ink-full information, as detection information indicating that the waste ink tank 500 is in an ink-full state, to the apparatus-side storage unit 190. For example, the main control unit 120 sets an ink-full flag in the apparatus-side storage unit 190.

[0059] In step S130b, the communication processing unit 110 transmits the ink-full information to the memory 352 via the bus 400.

[0060] Note that steps S120b and S130b may be executed simultaneously, or step S120b may be executed after step S130b is executed.

[0061] Next, the processing of the memory 352 after step S130b in FIG. 12A will be described with reference to FIG. 12B. In step S210b, the processing unit 358 receives ink-full information from the printing device 200. In step S220b, the processing unit 358 reads out the ink amount information Ii and the threshold information It from the storage unit 356b. In step S230b, the processing unit 358 executes a process of comparing the ink amount information Ii with the threshold information It. Specifically, the processing unit 358 executes a process of comparing the amount of waste ink Qd indicated by the ink amount information Ii with the threshold Pd indicated by the threshold information It. The process executed in step S230b is also called a comparison process Sc, similar to step S230 in the first embodiment.

[0062] In step S230b, the processing unit 358 judges whether the result of the comparison process Sc satisfies a predetermined writing condition. The writing condition in this embodiment is that the waste ink amount Qd is equal to or greater than the threshold value Pd. If the processing unit 358 judges that the waste ink amount Qd is equal to or greater than the threshold value Pd, then in step S240b, the processing unit 358 writes ink-full information to the storage unit 356b. The process executed in step S240b is also called a writing process Sw, similar to step S240 in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the processing unit 358 judges that the waste ink amount Qd is less than the threshold value Pd in ​​step S230b, then in step S250b, the processing unit 358 does not write ink-full information to the storage unit 356b. The process executed in step S250b is also called a writing restriction process Sr, similar to step S250 in the first embodiment.

[0063] When step S250b is executed, in step S260b, the processor 358 transmits erroneous transmission notification information to the printing device 200 notifying that the ink full information has been erroneously transmitted by the printing device 200.

[0064] Returning to Fig. 12A, the processing of the printing device 200 after steps S240b and S260b in Fig. 12B will now be described. In step S140b, the communications processing unit 110 determines whether or not erroneous transmission notification information has been received from the memory 352. If erroneous transmission notification information has been received, in step S150b, the main control unit 120 erases the ink full information stored in the device-side storage unit 190. Specifically, the ink full flag set in step S120b is cleared. On the other hand, if erroneous transmission notification information has not been received, the main control unit 120 ends the processing.

[0065] According to this embodiment, if the processor 358 determines in step S230b that the amount of waste ink Qd is equal to or greater than the threshold value Pd, then the amount of waste ink collected in the waste ink tank 500 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Pd, and therefore the ink-full information received from the printing device 200 is likely to have been sent correctly by the printing device 200. On the other hand, if the processor 358 determines in step S230b that the amount of waste ink Qd is less than the threshold value Pd, then the amount of waste ink Qd does not reach the threshold value Pd, and therefore not enough waste ink is collected in the waste ink tank 500, and therefore the ink-full information received from the printing device 200 is likely to have been sent erroneously by the printing device 200. Therefore, before writing the ink-full information, the memory 352 compares the waste ink amount Qd indicated by the ink amount information Ii with the threshold value Pd indicated by the threshold value information It, and if the result meets the above-mentioned write condition, it writes the ink-full information to the storage unit 356b, and if the write condition is not met, it does not write the ink-full information to the storage unit 356b, thereby preventing the ink-full information from being unintentionally written to the memory 352 due to a malfunction of the printing device 200, such as in the firmware or the ink-full sensor. Also, if the memory 352 determines that the waste ink amount Qd is less than the threshold value Pd, it restricts the writing of the ink-full information, thereby preventing the ink-full information from being erroneously recorded and the waste ink tank 500 from becoming unusable.

[0066] 4. First Modification Fig. 13A is a flowchart showing the processing of the printing device 200 in the first modified example. Fig. 13B is a flowchart showing the processing of the memory 352 in the first modified example. The flowcharts shown in Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B constitute a flowchart showing the processing of the entire printing system 1000 in the first modified example. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same numbers, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0067] In the first modified example, instead of step S260 in the first embodiment in which erroneous transmission notification information is transmitted to the printing device 200, execution result information is transmitted to the printing device 200. The execution result information is information indicating whether or not the ink end information has been written to the memory unit 356.

[0068] Steps S110, S120, and S130 in Fig. 13A and steps S210, S220, and S230 in Fig. 13B are the same as those in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13B, when the processing unit 358 determines that the ink consumption amount Qc is equal to or greater than the threshold value Pc in step S230 and writes the ink end information to the storage unit 356 in step S240, the processing unit 358 transmits, for example, "1" as the execution result information indicating that the ink end information has been written to the storage unit 356 in step S261. On the other hand, when the processing unit 358 determines that the ink consumption amount Qc is less than the threshold value Pc in step S230 and does not write the ink end information to the storage unit 356 in step S250, the processing unit 358 transmits, for example, "0" as the execution result information indicating that the ink end information has not been written to the storage unit 356 in step S262.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 13A, when the main control unit 120 of the printing device 200 receives the execution result information in step S141, the main control unit 120 determines in step S160 whether the processing unit 358 of the memory 352 has written the ink end information to the storage unit 356 based on the execution result information received from the memory 352. When it is determined that the ink end information has been written to the storage unit 356, the main control unit 120 determines the ink end state of the printing system 1000 in step S161. Specifically, it determines that the ink cartridge 300 has become unusable without updating the ink end information stored in the device-side storage unit 190. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S160 that the ink end information has not been written to the storage unit 356, the main control unit 120 erases the ink end information stored in the device-side storage unit 190 in step S162. Specifically, the main control unit 120 cancels the ink end flag set in step S120.

[0070] According to this modified example, the printing device 200 recognizes that the ink cartridge 300 has become unusable at the stage at which it sends the ink end information to the memory 352, but it is possible to control the printing device 200 more accurately by making a judgment based on the execution result information received from the memory 352. Also, by the memory 352 sending the execution result information to the printing device 200, the printing device 200 is notified as to whether writing has been performed, and the printing device 200 can receive this information and perform appropriate control.

[0071] 5. Second Modification Fig. 14A is a flowchart showing the processing of the printing device 200 in the second modified example. Fig. 14B is a flowchart showing the processing of the memory 352 in the second modified example. The flowcharts shown in Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B constitute a flowchart showing the processing of the entire printing system 1000 in the second modified example. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same numbers, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0072] In the second modified example, the printing device 200 executes processing to update the threshold information It stored in the storage unit 356 of the memory 352, independently of the processing of the printing system 1000 shown in the first embodiment. In this modified example, a case where the printing device 200 executes maintenance will be described.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 14A, in step S170, the main control unit 120 performs maintenance of the print head 22. The main control unit 120 may perform the maintenance spontaneously or based on an instruction from the user. In step S171, the main control unit 120 generates execution count information, maintenance information, and evaporation amount information. The execution count information is information indicating the number of times the main control unit 120 has performed the maintenance. The execution count information is updated every time the main control unit 120 performs the maintenance. The maintenance information is information indicating the amount of ink consumed by the main control unit 120 performing the maintenance. The device-side storage unit 190 stores in advance the amount of ink consumed according to the type of maintenance. The main control unit 120 generates the maintenance information by reading the amount of ink according to the type of maintenance performed from the device-side storage unit 190. The evaporation amount information is information indicating the amount of ink evaporated from the ink cartridge 300. The amount of evaporation is calculated, for example, from destination country data, temperature data, seasonal data, time-based data, and the like (not shown) stored in the device-side storage unit 190 .

[0074] In step S172, the main control unit 120 generates threshold update information based on the execution count information, the maintenance information, and the evaporation amount information. The main control unit 120 generates threshold update information when the number of times maintenance has been performed exceeds a predetermined number, when maintenance that consumes a large amount of ink has been performed, when the cumulative amount of ink consumed by maintenance exceeds a predetermined amount, when the amount of evaporation exceeds a predetermined value, or when a predetermined situation that is a combination of these cases is reached. The threshold update information may be a new threshold or may be the difference from the current threshold. In step S173, the communication processing unit 110 transmits the threshold update information to the memory 352.

[0075] 14B, in step S270, the processing unit 358 receives threshold update information from the printing device 200. In step S271, the processing unit 358 updates the threshold information It stored in the storage unit 356 based on the received threshold update information. If the threshold update information is information indicating a new threshold, the processing unit 358 rewrites the threshold information It to information indicated by the threshold update information. If the threshold update information is a difference from the threshold Pc indicated by the threshold information It before the update, the processing unit 358 calculates a new threshold and updates the threshold information It.

[0076] After the processing in FIGS. 14A and 14B is completed, when the printing system 1000 executes the processing in the first embodiment, the processing is performed based on the threshold information It updated in step S271.

[0077] According to this modified example, the amount of ink stored in the device-side storage unit 190 of the printing device 200 according to the type of maintenance is estimated to be slightly more than the amount of ink actually consumed by the maintenance in order to prevent ink from being discharged without ink. The more maintenance is performed, the greater the difference between the actual amount of ink consumed by the maintenance and the ink consumption amount written in the ink cartridge 300. Therefore, the printing device 200 sends threshold update information to the memory 352, and the memory 352 updates the threshold information It, making it possible to accurately write ink end information according to the actual amount of ink.

[0078] In this modified example, an example in which maintenance is performed has been described, but the same process may be performed when printing is performed.

[0079] 6.Third Modification Fig. 15A is a flowchart showing the processing of the printing device 200 in the third modified example. Fig. 15B is a flowchart showing the processing of the memory 352 in the third modified example. The flowcharts shown in Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B constitute a flowchart showing the processing of the entire printing system 1000 in the third modified example. The same components as those in the second modified example are designated by the same numbers, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0080] This modification is different from the second modification in that the step of generating threshold update information executed by the printing device 200 in the second modification is executed by the memory 352. After the printing device 200 generates the execution count information, the maintenance information, and the evaporation amount information in step S171, the printing device 200 transmits this information to the memory 352 in step S174.

[0081] In step S272, the processing unit 358 receives the execution count information, maintenance information, and evaporation amount information from the printing device 200. In step S273, the processing unit 358 generates threshold update information based on the execution count information, maintenance information, and evaporation amount information, similar to the operation of the main control unit 120 in step S172 of the second modified example. In step S274, the processing unit 358 updates the threshold information It stored in the storage unit 356 based on the generated threshold update information.

[0082] According to the third modification, the memory 352 that receives various information related to maintenance can update the threshold value by itself. Also, it can write the ink end information accurately according to the actual amount of ink.

[0083] 7. Fourth Modification

[0084] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing information stored in the storage unit 356c in the fourth modified example. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same numbers, and duplicated descriptions are omitted. The storage unit 356c in the fourth modified example differs from the first embodiment in that it stores comparison processing control information Is. The comparison processing control information Is is information indicating whether the processing unit 358 executes the comparison processing Sc in step S230 of FIG. 17 described later. The comparison processing control information Is includes comparison processing valid information or comparison processing invalid information. The comparison processing valid information is information indicating that the processing unit 358 executes the comparison processing. The comparison processing invalid information is information indicating that the processing unit 358 does not execute the comparison processing Sc. For example, in the storage unit 356c, the comparison processing valid information is stored as "1" and the comparison processing invalid information is stored as "0".

[0085] The comparison process control information Is is set to either comparison process valid information or comparison process invalid information at the time of shipment from the factory. Furthermore, the main control unit 120 of the printing device 200 transmits either comparison process valid information or comparison process invalid information to the memory 352 as the comparison process control information Is. When the processing unit 358 of the memory 352 receives the comparison process control information Is from the printing device 200, the processing unit 358 updates the comparison process control information Is stored in the storage unit 356c to the received comparison process control information Is.

[0086] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing of the memory 352 in the fourth modified example. The processing of the memory 352 in the fourth modified example differs from the first embodiment in that step S215 is performed between step S210 and step S220. When ink end information is received from the printing device 200 in step S210, the processing unit 358 judges whether the comparison process Sc is valid or invalid in step S215. Specifically, the processing unit 358 checks whether the comparison process control information Is stored in the storage unit 356c is comparison process valid information or comparison process invalid information. When the processing unit 358 judges that the comparison process Sc is valid, the processing unit 358 performs the processing of step S220. That is, the comparison process Sc is executed. When the processing unit 358 judges that the comparison process Sc is invalid, the processing unit 358 performs the processing of step S240. That is, the comparison process Sc is not executed.

[0087] According to the fourth variant, the memory 352 controls whether or not to execute the comparison process Sc based on the comparison process control information Is received from the printing device 200, so that the comparison process Sc can be omitted if it is not required depending on the individual specifications of the ink cartridge 300.

[0088] In the third modified example, it is possible to execute the same function as in this embodiment by using the threshold update information. Specifically, by setting the threshold update information to update the threshold Pc to 0% in percentage units, it is possible to adjust step S230 in FIG. 7B so that ink end information is not written at all.

[0089] 8. Fifth Modification In the first embodiment, the processing unit 358 of the memory 352 receives an individual consumption amount, which is the newly consumed amount of ink, from the printing device 200 each time the printing device 200 consumes ink, and updates the ink amount information Ii in the storage unit 356. In this modified example, when updating the ink amount information Ii, the processing unit 358 compares the received individual consumption amount with a threshold value and determines whether to update the information based on the comparison result. The threshold value is changed based on the operating state of the printing device 200 when the ink is consumed. Note that, as in the first embodiment, the ink amount information Ii indicates the ink consumption amount Qc, which is the accumulated amount of ink consumed by the printing device 200, and the processing unit 358 updates the ink amount information Ii by adding the received individual consumption amount to the ink consumption amount Qc.

[0090] For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the storage unit 356 of the memory 352 stores a table T1 that associates the operating state of the printing device 200 with a threshold value. The table T1 includes, as operation information that indicates the operating state of the printing device 200, ink color information that indicates the color of the ink consumed, capacity information that indicates the size of the installed ink cartridge 300, maintenance type information related to the type of maintenance, color information that indicates whether color printing or monochrome printing is performed, and medium size information that indicates the size of the printing medium PM, and the threshold value is determined according to the combination of these pieces of information. Note that in FIG. 18, only black is illustrated as the ink color information, and only L size is illustrated as the capacity information, but threshold values ​​are similarly determined for other colors and other sizes. The individual consumption amount and threshold value are expressed as a percentage (%), with 100% being the same amount as the capacity of the ink storage unit 305, and the threshold value is set to a value larger than the individual consumption amount expected in that operating state. Note that the individual consumption amount and threshold value may be expressed in mass (g). The maintenance type information is operation information used when the printing device 200 performs maintenance such as initial filling and cleaning, and the color information and medium size information are operation information used when the printing device 200 performs printing. When performing maintenance, more ink is consumed than when printing is performed, so the threshold value is set to a large value. In particular, when initial filling is performed, a large amount of ink is consumed, so the threshold value is the largest, and for the two types of cleaning with different strengths, threshold values ​​according to the strengths are set. In addition, when printing, a threshold value according to the size of the printing medium PM is set, and for black ink, since more ink is consumed in monochrome printing than in color printing, the threshold value for monochrome printing is larger than that for color printing.

[0091] When the printing device 200 performs an operation that consumes ink, such as printing or maintenance, it instructs the memory 352 to update the ink amount information Ii, and transmits the individual consumption amount to be consumed and the above-mentioned operation information. The processing unit 358 acquires the transmitted individual consumption amount and operation information, determines a threshold value according to the operation state based on the acquired operation information and table T1, and compares the acquired individual consumption amount with the threshold value. Then, if the result of the comparison shows that the acquired individual consumption amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it determines that a malfunction has occurred in the printing device 200, does not update the ink amount information Ii, and only performs an update if the acquired individual consumption amount is less than the threshold value.

[0092] 19 is a flow chart showing the processing of the memory 352 when an instruction to update the ink amount information Ii is received. When an instruction to update the ink amount information Ii is received from the printing device 200, the processing unit 358 of the memory 352 operates according to the flow in FIG.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 19, in step S310, the processor 358 acquires from the printing device 200 the individual consumption amount and operation information transmitted together with the update instruction.

[0094] In step S320, the processing unit 358 determines a threshold value corresponding to the motion state based on the acquired motion information and the table T1 stored in the storage unit 356.

[0095] In step S330, the processing unit 358 compares the acquired individual consumption amount with a threshold value and determines whether the individual consumption amount is less than the threshold value. If the individual consumption amount is less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S340, and if the individual consumption amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S350.

[0096] If the acquired individual consumption amount is less than the threshold value and processing proceeds to step S340, processing unit 358 reads out ink amount information Ii stored in storage unit 356 at that time, and updates ink amount information Ii by adding the acquired individual consumption amount to the ink consumption Qc represented by this ink amount information Ii. Then, updated ink amount information Ii is stored in storage unit 356, and processing ends.

[0097] On the other hand, if the acquired individual consumption amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value and processing proceeds to step S350, the processing unit 358 does not update the ink amount information Ii, but notifies the printing device 200 that the transmitted individual consumption amount is an abnormal value, and then ends processing. When the printing device 200 receives this notification, it performs an operation in accordance with the notification. For example, the main control unit 120 of the printing device 200 executes a recovery sequence to eliminate the abnormal state. Alternatively, the main control unit 120 may notify the user by displaying a message on the display unit 210 to the effect that an abnormality has occurred.

[0098] With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the ink amount information Ii from being updated based on an erroneous individual consumption amount due to a malfunction of the printing device 200.

[0099] It is also possible to make it possible to disable the above-mentioned update control using a threshold value, i.e., the control for determining whether or not to update the ink amount information Ii depending on the result of comparing the individual consumption amount with the threshold value. For example, when the processing unit 358 receives from the printing device 200 an instruction to update the ink amount information Ii together with information indicating that the update control is disabled, the processing unit 358 may unconditionally update the ink amount information Ii without comparing it with the threshold value. Alternatively, the update control may be performed only in the case of maintenance, and disabled in the case of printing.

[0100] Furthermore, the timing at which the printing device 200 issues an instruction to update the ink amount information Ii may be before or after an operation involving the consumption of ink. However, if the ink amount information Ii is updated after an operation, the information will not be updated if an abnormality occurs, such as a power supply being stopped during the operation, and the stored ink consumption amount Qc may end up being significantly less than the actual cumulative consumption amount. For this reason, when performing maintenance that consumes a relatively large amount of ink, it is desirable to update the information before the operation based on the expected individual consumption amount. On the other hand, when performing printing that consumes a relatively small amount of ink, the ink amount information Ii may be updated after printing based on the actual individual consumption amount.

[0101] Furthermore, updating of the ink amount information Ii, i.e., the process of adding the individual consumption amount to the ink consumption amount Qc, is not limited to an aspect in which the processing unit 358 of the memory 352 performs the process, but an aspect in which the printing device 200 acquires the ink amount information Ii from the memory 352 and updates the ink amount information Ii may also be adopted. In this case, the printing device 200 transmits the updated ink amount information Ii to the memory 352 and stores it in the storage unit 356.

[0102] In addition, in this modification, ink color information, capacity information, maintenance type information, color information, and medium size information are exemplified as operation information that contributes to the determination of the threshold value, but the operation information is not limited to these. For example, information indicating the environmental temperature and information indicating the number of days elapsed since the ink cartridge 300 was started to be used may be included. If the appropriate threshold value differs depending on the number of days elapsed or changes in the environment, the threshold value in the table T1 may be updated according to these changes. In this case, the printing device 200 instructs the memory 352 to update the threshold value based on an instruction from the user or a detection result of the detection of the change in the environment, and transmits the new threshold value to the memory 352. Then, the processing unit 358 of the memory 352 updates the threshold value in the table T1 stored in the storage unit 356 to the received threshold value.

[0103] 9. Other Forms Although the above first to fifth modified examples have been explained based on the first embodiment, they can also be applied to the second and third embodiments.

[0104] The printing system 1000 in the first embodiment described above is a so-called on-carriage type in which the ink cartridge 300 is attached to the holder 21 of the printing device 200, but the printing system 1000 is not limited to this. For example, the present disclosure is also applicable to a so-called off-carriage type printing system in which the ink cartridge is attached to a position other than the holder of the printing device and ink is supplied to the print head via a supply tube.

[0105] The present disclosure may be realized in various forms other than the printing device, the liquid storage container, and the memory, for example, in the form of a control method for the printing device, the liquid storage container, or the memory, a computer program for implementing the control method, a non-transitory recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, etc.

[0106] Not all of the multiple components of each embodiment of the present disclosure described above are essential, and in order to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve some or all of the effects described in this specification, it is possible to change, delete, replace with new components, or delete some of the limitations of some of the multiple components as appropriate. In addition, in order to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve some or all of the effects described in this specification, it is also possible to combine some or all of the technical features included in one embodiment of the present disclosure described above with some or all of the technical features included in the other embodiment of the present disclosure described above to form an independent embodiment of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 20...carriage, 21...holder, 22...print head, 30...cable, 40...paper feed motor, 45...paper feed roller, 50...carriage motor, 55...carriage drive belt, 90, 90b...detection element, 92...light emitting element, 94...light receiving element, 100...processor, 110...communication processing unit, 120...main control unit, 190...device side memory unit, 200...printing device, 210...display unit, 220...interface unit, 300...ink cartridge, 303...case, 305...ink storage unit, 330...ink supply port, 340...lever, 350...circuit board, 352...memory, 354...terminal, 356, 3 56a, 356b, 356c...memory unit, 358...processing unit, 360...prism unit, 361...prism, 361f...reflective surface, 400...bus, 500...waste ink tank, 510...suction pump, 520...capping mechanism, 600...computer, 1000, 1000b...printing system, D1...main scanning direction, D2...sub-scanning direction, IK...ink, Ii...ink amount information, It...threshold information, Is...comparison processing control information, PM...printing medium, Qc...ink consumption, Qr...remaining ink amount, Qd...waste ink amount, Pc, Pr, Pd...threshold, Sc...comparison processing, Sr...write restriction processing, Sw...write processing, T1...table.

Claims

1. A memory provided in a liquid storage container that is attached to a printing device, a storage unit that stores ink amount information relating to the amount of ink contained in the liquid container and threshold value information relating to a threshold value of the ink amount; a processing unit that performs processing based on information received from the printing device and information stored in the storage unit, The processing unit includes: When detection information indicating that the liquid storage container is in an unusable state is received from the printing device, a comparison process is executed to compare the ink amount information with the threshold information. If a result of the comparison process satisfies a predetermined write condition, the detection information is written to the storage unit; If the result of the comparison process does not satisfy the write condition, the detection information is not written to the storage unit. memory.

2. 2. The memory of claim 1, the liquid storage container is an ink cartridge that stores the ink to be supplied to the printing device, the ink amount information is information indicating an ink consumption amount, which is a cumulative amount of the ink supplied from the liquid storage container to the printing device and consumed by the printing device; the threshold information is information indicating a threshold value of the ink consumption amount, the detection information is ink-out information indicating that the liquid storage container has reached an ink-out state, the writing condition being that the ink consumption amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value; memory.

3. 2. The memory of claim 1, the liquid storage container is an ink cartridge that stores the ink to be supplied to the printing device, the ink amount information is information indicating an ink remaining amount, which is the amount of the ink remaining in the liquid storage container, the threshold information is information indicating a threshold value of the remaining ink amount, the detection information is ink-out information indicating that the liquid storage container has reached an ink-out state, the writing condition being that the remaining amount of ink is less than the threshold value; memory.

4. 2. The memory of claim 1, the liquid storage container is a waste ink tank that collects waste ink discharged from the printing device, the ink amount information is information indicating a waste ink amount which is an accumulated amount of the waste ink, the threshold information is information indicating a threshold value of the amount of waste ink, the detection information is ink-full information indicating that the liquid storage container is in an ink-full state, the writing condition is that the amount of waste ink is equal to or greater than the threshold value; memory.

5. A memory according to any one of claims 1 to 4, When the processing unit does not write the detection information to the storage unit, the processing unit transmits erroneous transmission notification information to the printing device, the erroneous transmission notification information notifying the printing device that the detection information has been erroneously transmitted by the printing device. memory.

6. A memory according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the processing unit transmits to the printing device execution result information indicating whether the detection information has been written to the storage unit; memory.

7. A memory according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The processing unit updates the threshold information based on threshold update information received from the printing device. memory.

8. A liquid storage container mounted on the printing device, comprising the memory according to claim 1 .

9. A printing system including a printing device and a liquid container having a memory and attached to the printing device, The memory includes: a storage unit that stores ink amount information relating to the amount of ink contained in the liquid container and threshold value information relating to a threshold value of the ink amount; a processing unit that performs processing based on information received from the printing device and information stored in the storage unit; having the printing device transmits to the memory detection information indicating that the liquid storage container is in an unusable state; The processing unit includes: When the detection information is received from the printing device, a comparison process is executed to compare the ink amount information with the threshold information. If a result of the comparison process satisfies a predetermined write condition, the detection information is written to the storage unit; If the result of the comparison process does not satisfy the write condition, the detection information is not written to the storage unit. Printing system.

10. 10. The printing system of claim 9, the ink amount information is information indicating an ink consumption amount, which is a cumulative amount of the ink supplied from the liquid storage container to the printing device and consumed by the printing device; the threshold information is information indicating a threshold value of the ink consumption amount, the detection information is ink-out information indicating that the liquid storage container has reached an ink-out state, the writing condition being that the ink consumption amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value; Printing system.

11. A printing system according to claim 9 or 10, When the printing device transmits the detection information to the memory, the printing device stores the detection information; When the processing unit does not write the detection information to the storage unit, the processing unit transmits erroneous transmission notification information to the printing device, notifying the printing device that the detection information has been erroneously transmitted by the printing device; When the printing device receives the erroneous transmission notification information from the memory, the printing device performs a process of erasing the detection information stored in the printing device. Printing system.

12. A printing system according to claim 9 or 10, When the printing device transmits the detection information to the memory, the printing device stores the detection information; the memory transmits to the printing device execution result information indicating whether the detection information has been written to the storage unit; The printing device includes: When the execution result information is received and it is determined that the memory has written the detection information to the storage unit, it is determined that the liquid container has become unusable; receiving the execution result information, and when determining that the memory has not written the detection information to the storage unit, erasing the detection information stored in the printing device; Printing system.

13. A printing system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, the printing device transmits threshold update information for updating the threshold information stored in the storage unit; When the processing unit receives the threshold update information, the processing unit updates the threshold information to the threshold update information. Printing system.

14. A printing system according to any one of claims 9 to 13, the printing device transmits to the memory comparison process control information indicating whether the processing unit executes the comparison process; the comparison process control information includes comparison process valid information indicating that the processing unit executes the comparison process or comparison process invalid information indicating that the processing unit does not execute the comparison process, The processing unit includes: When the comparison process validity information is received, the comparison process is executed when the detection information is received; When the comparison process invalidation information is received, the comparison process is not executed even if the detection information is received. Printing system.

Images