printer

Abstract

To reduce wasteful printing in carrying out continuous printing.SOLUTION: A printer 10 includes: a nozzle 25 for discharging ink; an ink tank 26 connected to the nozzle 25; a display screen 61; and a control device 70. The control device 70 is provided with: a list acquisition section 72 for acquiring a printing list LS1 of a plurality of printing images P10; an ink use amount estimation section 73 for estimating an ink use amount V10 required for printing each of the printing images P10; an ink storage amount acquisition section 74 for acquiring an ink storage amount V20 of the ink tank 26; an assignment section 81 for assigning each of the printing images 10 as printable / unprintable such that a total ink use amount V50 being the total sum of the ink use amounts V10 in carrying out continuous printing, is equal to the ink storage amount V20 or less; and a display section 82 for using first display means to display a printing image P10 assigned as printable, and for using second display means to display a printing image P10 assigned as unprintable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet printer equipped with a platen that supports a medium and an ink head that ejects ink toward the platen. The ink head is mounted on a carriage. The carriage is slidably engaged with a guide rail that extends in the main scanning direction.

[0003] In the inkjet printer, printing of one line in the main scanning direction is performed by ejecting ink from the ink head while moving the carriage and ink head in the main scanning direction. Here, printing of this one line is called scan printing. After scan printing is completed, the medium supported by the platen is transported a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction. After the medium has been transported, the next scan printing is performed. By repeatedly performing scan printing and transporting the medium, the target print image can be printed on the medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-196537 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An ink tank that stores ink is connected to the ink head. It is possible to continuously print multiple print images on a medium. For example, if the ink tank contains a large amount of ink, it is possible to continuously print multiple print images on a medium. However, if the ink tank contains a small amount of ink, the ink stored in the ink tank may run out before all of the multiple print images are printed, causing the continuous printing to stop midway. Conventionally, when continuous printing is performed, it is not possible to know, before printing, how many of the multiple print images can be printed using the ink stored in the ink tank. Therefore, if continuous printing is started when the ink tank contains only a small amount of ink, the printing may stop midway, resulting in wasted prints.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its object is to provide a printer that can reduce unnecessary printing when printing a plurality of print images continuously. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A printer according to the present invention includes an ink head having nozzles that eject ink, an ink tank connected to the nozzles and storing ink, a display device having a display screen, and a control device. The control device includes a list acquisition unit, an ink usage estimation unit, a stored ink amount acquisition unit, an allocation unit, and a display unit. The list acquisition unit acquires a print list of multiple print images to be continuously printed. The ink usage estimation unit estimates the amount of ink required for printing for each print image in the print list. The stored ink amount acquisition unit acquires the amount of ink stored in the ink tank. When the total amount of ink used during continuous printing is defined as the total amount of ink used, the allocation unit assigns either printable or unprintable to each print image in the print list so that the total amount of ink used is equal to or less than the total amount of ink stored. The display unit displays the print images assigned as printable on the display screen using a first display means, and displays the print images assigned as unprintable on the display screen using a second display means.

[0008] With this printer, the user can visually check the display screen to see which print images in the print list can be printed. Therefore, the user can know before printing which print images can be printed without running out of ink in the ink tank. Therefore, the user can start printing after knowing which print images can be printed, thereby reducing unnecessary printing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer that can reduce unnecessary printing when printing a plurality of print images continuously. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the printer taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the bottom surface of the carriage. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram relating to RIP processing. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print list. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing control up to displaying a print list screen. [Figure 8] 10 is a table showing the ink usage amount, total ink usage amount, list ink usage amount, and ink storage amount for each color of ink. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen on which a print list screen is displayed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen on which a print list screen is displayed, and a diagram showing sorting conditions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiment described here is not intended to limit the present invention in any particular way. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to designate components and parts that perform the same functions, and redundant descriptions will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] The printer 10 according to this embodiment will now be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the printer 10 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the printer 10 taken along the line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the bottom of the carriage 22 of the printer 10. In the following drawings relating to the printer 10, the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D indicate the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom of the printer 10, respectively. The symbol Y in the drawings indicates the main scanning direction. In this embodiment, the main scanning direction Y is the left-right direction. The symbol X in the drawings indicates the sub-scanning direction. In this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction X is the front-rear direction, and is a direction that intersects (here, perpendicular to) the main scanning direction Y in a plan view. However, these directions are merely defined for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the installation mode of the printer 10 or the present invention in any way.

[0013] The printer 10 is a so-called inkjet printer. However, the type of the printer 10 is not limited to the inkjet type. For example, the printer 10 may be a dot impact printer, a laser printer, or a thermal printer.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, printer 10 prints on medium 5. Medium 5 is, for example, rolled recording paper, commonly known as roll paper. However, there are no particular limitations on the type of medium 5. Medium 5 may be plain paper, inkjet printing paper, a sheet or film made of resin such as polyvinyl chloride or polyester, a plate material, a fabric such as woven or nonwoven fabric, or other medium.

[0015] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a printer body 11, a guide rail 20, a carriage 22, an ink head 24 (see FIG. 3), an ink tank 26, a head moving mechanism 30, a platen 40, a media moving mechanism 50, a display device 60, and a control device 70.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, the printer body 11 has a casing that extends in the main scanning direction Y. The printer body 11 is provided with legs 12. The legs 12 support the printer body 11. The legs 12 extend downward from the printer body 11. Note that the legs 12 are not shown in Fig. 2.

[0017] The guide rail 20 is fixed to the printer body 11. The guide rail 20 extends in the main scanning direction Y. The carriage 22 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 20. The carriage 22 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 20.

[0018] The ink head 24 shown in FIG. 3 ejects ink toward the platen 40 (more specifically, the medium 5 supported by the platen 40). The ink head 24 has a plurality of nozzles 25 formed on the bottom surface of the ink head 24 that eject ink. In one ink head 24, the plurality of nozzles 25 are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction X. The ink head 24 is mounted on the carriage 22. The ink head 24 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 20 together with the carriage 22.

[0019] The number of ink heads 24 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, there are four ink heads 24. The four ink heads 24 are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y. Here, the ink heads 24 include a first ink head 24A to a fourth ink head 24D. The nozzles 25 include a first nozzle 25A to a fourth nozzle 25D. Here, a plurality of first nozzles 25A are formed in the bottom surface of the first ink head 24A, and a plurality of second nozzles 25B are formed in the bottom surface of the second ink head 24B. Similarly, a plurality of third nozzles 25C are formed in the bottom surface of the third ink head 24C, and a plurality of fourth nozzles 25D are formed in the bottom surface of the fourth ink head 24D.

[0020] The inks ejected from each ink head 24 (more specifically, each nozzle 25) are inks of different color tones. The inks ejected from the nozzles 25 of the ink head 24 are either process color inks or special color inks. Process color inks include, for example, cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink. Special color inks are inks of colors that are difficult to express with process color inks. Special color inks include, for example, white ink, clear ink, and orange ink.

[0021] For example, first, second, third, and fourth color inks are ejected from the first nozzle 25A, second, third, and fourth nozzles 25B, 25C, and 25D, respectively. The first, second, third, and fourth color inks are inks of different hues. For example, the first color ink is cyan ink, and the second color ink is magenta ink. For example, the third color ink is yellow ink, and the fourth color ink is black ink.

[0022] The ink tank 26 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the nozzles 25 of the ink head 24 (see FIG. 3). Here, the ink tank 26 is connected to the ink head 24 via a tube (not shown) through which ink flows. The ink tank 26 stores ink to be supplied to the connected ink head 24. The ink stored in the ink tank 26 is supplied to the ink head 24 via the tube. There are no particular limitations on the type of ink tank 26. Here, the ink tank 26 is pouch-shaped.

[0023] The number of ink tanks 26 is not particularly limited. Here, the number of ink tanks 26 is four, the same as the number of ink heads 24. For example, the ink tanks 26 have a first ink tank 26A to a fourth ink tank 26D. A first nozzle 25A is connected to the first ink tank 26A, and ink of a first color (cyan ink) is stored therein. A second nozzle 25B is connected to the second ink tank 26B, and ink of a second color (magenta ink) is stored therein. A third nozzle 25C is connected to the third ink tank 26C, and ink of a third color (yellow ink) is stored therein. A fourth nozzle 25D is connected to the fourth ink tank 26D, and ink of a fourth color (black ink) is stored therein.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the ink tank 26 is housed in a tank housing portion 28 and is detachable from the tank housing portion 28. The tank housing portion 28 is fixed to, for example, the printer body 11. In this embodiment, when the ink tank 26 is removed from the tank housing portion 28, the ink tank 26 is removed from the nozzles 25 of the ink head 24. The ink tank 26 is replaceable. For example, when the amount of ink stored in the ink tank 26 falls below a predetermined amount, the ink tank 26 is removed from the nozzles 25 of the ink head 24 and replaced with a new ink tank 26.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the head movement mechanism 30 moves the carriage 22 and the ink head 24 (see FIG. 3) in the main scanning direction Y relative to the platen 40. Here, the head movement mechanism 30 has left and right pulleys 31a, 31b provided around the left and right ends of the guide rail 20, a belt 32 wound around the left and right pulleys 31a, 31b, and a scan motor 33 connected to the right pulley 31b. The carriage 22 is fixed to the belt 32. Here, when the scan motor 33 is driven, the right pulley 31b rotates, and the belt 32 runs between the left and right pulleys 31a, 31b. As a result, the carriage 22 and the ink head 24 move in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 20.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the platen 40 supports the medium 5. In this example, the medium 5 is placed on the platen 40. Printing onto the medium 5 is performed on the platen 40. The platen 40 is disposed below the guide rails 20, the carriage 22, and the ink head 24. The top surface of the platen 40 extends in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X. The front portion of the platen 40 curves downward as it extends forward, and the rear portion of the platen 40 curves downward as it extends rearward.

[0027] The medium movement mechanism 50 shown in Figure 1 is a mechanism that moves the medium 5 supported by the platen 40 in the sub-scanning direction X relative to the ink head 24. The medium movement mechanism 50 includes a grit roller 51 that is provided on the platen 40 so that a portion of it is exposed, a pinch roller 52 that presses down on the medium 5 above the grit roller 51, and a feed motor 53 connected to the grit roller 51. Here, the grit roller 51 rotates when the feed motor 53 is driven with the medium 5 sandwiched between the grit roller 51 and the pinch roller 52. The rotation of the grit roller 51 moves the medium 5 supported by the platen 40 in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0028] The display device 60 is provided in the printer main body 11. Here, the display device 60 is provided on the right side of the front of the printer main body 11. However, the display device 60 may be separate from the printer main body 11. Here, the display device 60 has a display screen 61 and an operation means 62. The display screen 61 displays information related to printing (for example, information related to the image to be printed, resolution, ink density, etc.), the status of the printer 10 during printing, etc. The operation means 62 is operated by the user. The operation means 62 is made up of various buttons (for example, a menu button, a decision button, a cancel button, a cursor button, etc.). By operating the operation means 62, the user can change, input, set, etc. the information displayed on the display screen 61.

[0029] The control device 70 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that controls printing on the media 5. The configuration of the control device 70 is not particularly limited. The control device 70 is, for example, a microcomputer. The hardware configuration of the microcomputer is not particularly limited, but it may include, for example, an I / F, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a storage device. The control device 70 is provided inside the printer main body 11. However, the control device 70 does not have to be provided inside the printer main body 11. For example, the control device 70 may be realized by a computer or the like installed outside the printer main body 11. In this case, the control device 70 is connected to a board (not shown) or the like mounted on the printer main body 11 via wired or wireless communication so as to be able to communicate.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 70 is communicatively connected to the display screen 61 and the operation unit 62 of the display device 60. The control device 70 is communicatively connected to the ink head 24 and controls the timing and amount of ink ejection from the ink head 24. The control device 70 is communicatively connected to the head moving mechanism 30 (more specifically, the scan motor 33 connected to the right pulley 31b) and the medium moving mechanism 50 (more specifically, the feed motor 53 connected to the grit roller 51). The control device 70 controls the head moving mechanism 30 to control the movement of the ink head 24 in the main scanning direction Y. The control device 70 also controls the medium moving mechanism 50 to control the movement of the medium 5 supported by the platen 40 in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0031] The configuration of the printer 10 according to this embodiment has been described above. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of RIP processing. When printing on a medium 5 using the printer 10 according to this embodiment, a print image P10 (see FIG. 5) to be printed is created. The print image P10 is an image that is printed on the medium 5 by, for example, ejecting ink from the ink head 24 onto the medium 5. The print image P10 includes not only images such as photographs, but also figures, symbols, characters, etc., or combinations of images, figures, symbols, characters, etc. The print image P10 is created in, for example, PDF (Portable Document Format) format. The print image P10 can be created using a general image creation application.

[0032] 5, for example, print image P10 is converted into print data PD1 by RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing. This print data PD1 is in a format that can be recognized and printed by printer 10, such as raster data or bitmap data. In this embodiment, printer 10 ejects ink from ink head 24 based on print data PD1 to print print image P10 on medium 5.

[0033] In this embodiment, the printer 10 is capable of continuously printing multiple print images P10. Here, "continuous printing" refers to the automatic start of printing the next print image P10 after printing the print image P10, without the user having to operate the printer 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print list LS1. For example, the print list LS1 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display screen 61 (see FIG. 1) of the display device 60. This print list LS1 lists multiple print images P10 to be continuously printed. The user can select the print images P10 to be continuously printed and add, delete, or change them in the print list LS1, for example, by operating the operation unit 62. In this embodiment, for example, the print list LS1 is arranged from top to bottom based on predetermined conditions, so that the multiple print images P10 are arranged from top to bottom in the print list LS1. The multiple print images P10 listed in the print list LS1 are printed, for example, in order from top to bottom in the print list LS1.

[0034] The amount of ink used when printing the print image P10 (hereinafter also referred to as "ink usage amount") is determined based on the print image P10 (more specifically, the print data PD1 converted by RIP processing the print image P10). Therefore, the total ink usage amount when consecutively printing the multiple print images P10 to be printed can be calculated. Also, in this embodiment, the amount of ink stored in the ink tank 26 (hereinafter also referred to as "ink storage amount") can be obtained, as will be described in detail later. Therefore, in this embodiment, before printing, the total ink usage amount is compared with the ink storage amount to determine whether the multiple print images P10 shown in the print list LS1 can be consecutively printed, and the determination result is displayed.

[0035] 4, the control device 70 includes a storage unit 71, a list acquisition unit 72, an ink usage estimation unit 73, a stored ink amount acquisition unit 74, a media usage estimation unit 75, a remaining media amount acquisition unit 76, an allocation unit 81, a display unit 82, a sorting unit 83, a first printing unit 91, and a second printing unit 92. Each of the units 71 to 92 constituting the control device 70 may be realized by one or more processors or by circuits. Each of the units 71 to 92 constituting the control device 70 may also be realized by being programmed by predetermined software.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control up to the display of the print list screen DP1. FIG. 8 is a table showing the ink usage amount V10 for each color of ink, the total ink usage amount V50, the list ink usage amount V70, and the ink storage amount V20. FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams showing the print list screen DP1 displayed on the display screen 61. Next, the procedure for displaying the print list screen DP1 shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 9, a print list LS1 is arranged on the print list screen DP1. The print list screen DP1 shows which print images P10 of the multiple print images P10 in the print list LS1 are printable and which print images P10 are not printable.

[0037] First, in step S101 of FIG. 7, the list acquisition unit 72 of FIG. 4 acquires a print list LS1 in which a plurality of print images P10 to be printed successively are listed. For example, a print list creation screen (not shown) is displayed on the display screen 61. The user operates the operation means 62 to select and confirm the print images P10 to be printed successively on the print list creation screen. Then, a print list LS1 in which the selected plurality of print images P10 are listed is created. This print list LS1 is stored in the storage unit 71 of FIG. 4. Therefore, the list acquisition unit 72 acquires the print list LS1 from the storage unit 71.

[0038] In the print list LS1 acquired by the list acquisition unit 72, the multiple print images P10 are arranged from top to bottom based on a predetermined condition. Here, the predetermined condition is not particularly limited and may be, for example, the order in which the user selected them on the print list creation screen. In this case, the print images P10 selected by the user first will be at the top. The predetermined condition may be, for example, the order in which the print images P10 are sized. Here, the multiple print images P10 are arranged from top to bottom in the print list LS1.

[0039] Next, in step S103 of FIG. 7, the ink consumption estimation unit 73 of FIG. 4 estimates the ink consumption amount V10 required for printing each print image P10 in the print list LS1. This ink consumption amount V10 may be the total amount of ink used from each ink head 24 when printing the print image P10, or it may be the amount of ink used for each nozzle 25 of the ink head 24, i.e., for each ink color. Hereinafter, the ink consumption amount V10 refers to the amount for each ink color. Herein, as shown in FIG. 8, the ink consumption amount V10 includes a first ink consumption amount V11 to a fourth ink consumption amount V14. The first ink consumption amount V11 is the amount of ink used of the first color ejected from the first nozzle 25A required to print the print image P10. The second ink consumption amount V12 is the amount of ink used of the second color ejected from the second nozzle 25B required to print the print image P10. Similarly, the third ink usage amount V13 is the usage amount of ink of the third color ejected from the third nozzle 25C required to print the print image P10, and the fourth ink usage amount V14 is the usage amount of ink of the fourth color ejected from the fourth nozzle 25D required to print the print image P10.

[0040] The method for estimating the ink usage amount V10 is not particularly limited. For example, the ink usage amount of each color can be calculated from print data PD1 (see FIG. 5) obtained by RIP-processing print image P10. The ink usage amount estimator 73 may also calculate the ink usage amount V10 from print data PD1 obtained by RIP-processing print image P10. However, it is possible that the user may not perform RIP processing in advance before the print list screen DP1 of FIG. 7 is displayed. In this way, if the user has not performed RIP processing in advance, the ink usage amount estimator 73 may calculate the ink usage amount V10 from print data PD1 that has been RIP-processed at a low resolution (for example, a resolution lower than a predetermined reference resolution). On the other hand, if the user has performed RIP processing in advance, that RIP processing is performed at full-size resolution without reducing the resolution. Therefore, if the user has performed RIP processing in advance, the ink usage amount estimator 73 may calculate the ink usage amount V10 from print data PD1 that has been RIP-processed at full-size resolution. The ink consumption amount V10 (specifically, the first ink consumption amount V11 to the fourth ink consumption amount V14) for each print image P10 estimated by the ink consumption amount estimation unit 73 is stored in the storage unit 71 of FIG.

[0041] Next, in step S105 of FIG. 7, the ink storage amount acquisition unit 74 of FIG. 4 acquires the ink storage amount V20 of the ink stored in the ink tank 26. The ink storage amount V20 may be the total amount of ink stored in each ink tank 26, or it may be the ink storage amount for each ink tank 26, i.e., for each color of ink. Hereinafter, the ink storage amount V20 will be referred to as the ink storage amount for each color of ink. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 8, the ink storage amount V20 includes a first ink storage amount V21 to a fourth ink storage amount V24. The first ink storage amount V21 is the storage amount of the ink of the first color stored in the first ink tank 26A (see FIG. 1). The second ink storage amount V22 is the storage amount of the ink of the second color stored in the second ink tank 26B (see FIG. 1). The third ink storage volume V23 is the volume of ink of the third color stored in the third ink tank 26C (see FIG. 1), and the fourth ink storage volume V24 is the volume of ink of the fourth color stored in the fourth ink tank 26D (see FIG. 1).

[0042] In this embodiment, the ink storage amount V20 is stored in advance in the storage unit 71 of Fig. 4. For example, the value of the ink storage amount V20 stored in the storage unit 71 is updated for each printing. The ink storage amount acquisition unit 74 acquires the ink storage amount V20 stored in the storage unit 71 (more specifically, the first ink storage amount V21 to the fourth ink storage amount V24).

[0043] Next, in step S107 of FIG. 7, the media usage estimation unit 75 of FIG. 4 estimates the length of the medium 5 required for printing (hereinafter also referred to as "media usage") V30 for each print image P10 in the print list LS1. Here, the medium 5 is wound in a roll, and the media usage V30 refers to the length of the medium 5 in the direction in which it is wound. Note that the method by which the media usage estimation unit 75 estimates the media usage V30 is not particularly limited. For example, the media usage V30 can be calculated from print data PD1 (see FIG. 5) obtained by RIP-processing the print image P10. The media usage estimation unit 75 may also calculate the media usage V30 from print data PD1 obtained by RIP-processing the print image P10. Note that the media usage V30 for each print image P10 estimated by the media usage estimation unit 75 is stored in the storage unit 71 of FIG. 4.

[0044] Next, in step S109 of FIG. 7, the remaining media amount obtaining unit 76 of FIG. 4 obtains the remaining length V40 of the media 5 loaded in the printer 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "remaining media amount"). Here, the remaining media amount V40 refers to the remaining length of the media 5 in the direction in which it is wound into a roll, and is the length of the media 5 in the direction in which it is wound that can be printed. In this embodiment, the remaining media amount V40 is pre-stored in the memory unit 71. For example, the value of the remaining media amount V40 stored in the memory unit 71 is updated with each printing. The remaining media amount obtaining unit 76 obtains the remaining media amount V40 stored in the memory unit 71.

[0045] Next, in step S111 of Fig. 7, the allocation unit 81 of Fig. 4 assigns either printable or unprintable status to each print image P10 in the print list LS1. In this embodiment, the total ink usage V10 when performing continuous printing is referred to as the total ink usage V50 (see Fig. 8). The total ink usage V50 is the sum of the ink usage V10 of the print images P10 assigned by the allocation unit 81 as printable, out of the multiple print images P10 in the print list LS1.

[0046] The total ink consumption amount V50 may be the sum of the amounts of ink of each color, or the amount for each color of ink. Here, the total ink consumption amount V50 is assumed to be the amount for each color of ink. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the total ink consumption amount V50 includes a first total ink consumption amount V51 to a fourth total ink consumption amount V54. The first total ink consumption amount V51 is the total first ink consumption amount V11 when performing continuous printing, and is the sum of the first ink consumption amounts V11 for the print images P10 assigned as printable. The second total ink consumption amount V52 is the total second ink consumption amount V12 when performing continuous printing, and is the sum of the second ink consumption amounts V12 for the print images P10 assigned as printable. The third total ink consumption amount V53 is the total third ink consumption amount V13 when performing continuous printing, and is the sum of the third ink consumption amounts V13 for the print images P10 assigned as printable. The fourth total ink consumption amount V54 is the total fourth ink consumption amount V14 when performing continuous printing, and is the sum of the fourth ink consumption amounts V14 of the print images P10 that are assigned as printable.

[0047] In this embodiment, the allocation unit 81 assigns whether printable or unprintable to each print image P10 in the print list LS1 so that the total ink usage amount V50 is equal to or less than the ink storage amount V20. Here, the allocation unit 81 assigns either printable or unprintable to each print image P10 in the print list LS1 so that, for example, the first total ink usage amount V51 is equal to or less than the first ink storage amount V21, the second total ink usage amount V52 is equal to or less than the second ink storage amount V22, the third total ink usage amount V53 is equal to or less than the third ink storage amount V23, and the fourth total ink usage amount V54 is equal to or less than the fourth ink storage amount V24.

[0048] Specifically, the allocation unit 81 adds the ink usage amount V10 of the print image P10 to the total ink usage amount V50, starting from the top of the print list LS1, until the total ink usage amount V50 becomes equal to or less than the ink storage amount V20. Then, the allocation unit 81 allocates the print image P10 with the ink usage amount V10 added to the total ink usage amount V50 as printable, and allocates the print image P10 with the ink usage amount V10 not added to the total ink usage amount V50 as unprintable.

[0049] For example, the print list LS1 in Fig. 6 lists the first print image P11 to the sixth print image P16 in order from top to bottom. When the ink usage amount V10 for the first print image P11 to the fourth print image P14 is added to the total ink usage amount V50, the total ink usage amount V50 is less than the ink storage amount V20. However, when the ink usage amount V10 for the first print image P11 to the fifth print image P15 is added to the total ink usage amount V50, the total ink usage amount V50 is greater than the ink storage amount V20. Therefore, in the print list LS1 in Fig. 6, the first print image P11 to the fourth print image P14 are assigned the status "printable," and the fifth print image P15 and the sixth print image P16 are assigned the status "unprintable."

[0050] After the allocating unit 81 has thus allocated printable or unprintable status to the print image P10, in step S113 of FIG. 7, the display unit 82 of FIG. 4 displays the print list screen DP1 on the display screen 61, as shown in FIG. 9. A print list LS1 is arranged on the print list screen DP1. In the print list LS1, a plurality of print images P10 are arranged from top to bottom based on predetermined conditions. The display unit 82 displays the print images P10 allocated as printable on the display screen 61 using the first display means. The display unit 82 displays the print images P10 allocated as unprintable on the display screen 61 using the second display means. Here, the first display means refers to, for example, a check mark M11, and the second display means refers to, for example, a warning mark M12. 9, the first print image P11 to the fourth print image P14 in the print list LS1 are assigned as printable, so a check mark M11 is placed next to the first print image P11 to the fourth print image P14. On the other hand, the fifth print image P15 and the sixth print image P16 in the print list LS1 are assigned as unprintable, so a warning mark M12 is placed next to the fifth print image P15 and the sixth print image P16.

[0051] 9, the print list screen DP1 has a first check box Bx11 that takes into account the ink usage amount V10 and a second check box Bx12 that takes into account the media usage amount V30. When the first check box Bx11 is checked via the operation means 62, each print image P10 is assigned a printable or unprintable status so that the total ink usage amount V50 is equal to or less than the ink storage amount V20.

[0052] In this embodiment, the total media usage amount V30 (see FIG. 7) when performing continuous printing, for example, is referred to as the total media usage amount. The total media usage amount is the sum of the media usage amounts V30 of the print images P10 allocated by the allocation unit 81 as printable among the multiple print images P10 in the print list LS1. When the second checkbox Bx12 is checked via the operation unit 62, the allocation unit 81 assigns each print image P10 as printable or unprintable so that the total media usage amount is equal to or less than the remaining media amount V40 (see FIG. 7). The allocation unit 81 adds the media usage amounts V30 of the print images P10 to the total media usage amount, starting from the top of the print list LS1, until the total media usage amount is equal to or less than the remaining media amount V40. The allocation unit 81 then allocates the print images P10 with the media usage amounts V30 added to the total media usage amount as printable, and allocates the print images P10 with the media usage amounts V30 not added to the total media usage amount as unprintable. The display unit 82 displays a check mark M11 next to the print image P10 that is assigned as printable, and displays a warning mark M12 next to the print image P10 that is assigned as unprintable.

[0053] For example, when the first check box Bx11 and the second check box Bx12 are checked, the allocation unit 81 assigns each print image P10 as printable or unprintable so that the total ink usage V50 is equal to or less than the ink storage amount V20 and the total media usage is equal to or less than the media remaining amount V40. The display unit 82 then displays a check mark M11 next to the print images P10 that are assigned as printable, and a warning mark M12 next to the print images P10 that are assigned as unprintable.

[0054] In this embodiment, the display unit 82 displays a count area AR1 on the display screen 61, as shown in FIG. 9. The count area AR1 is an area where the user inputs the number of prints for each print image P10 in the print list LS1 via the operation unit 62. For example, inputting "3" in the count area AR1 means that each print image P10 in the print list LS1 that is assigned as printable will be printed three times. In this case, printing each print image P10 requires an ink usage amount V10 equal to the number of prints. The allocation unit 81 adds the amount of ink usage V10 for each print image P10 multiplied by the number of prints input in the count area AR1 to the total ink usage amount V50, starting from the top of the print list LS1, until the total ink usage amount V50 becomes equal to or less than the ink storage amount V20. The allocation unit 81 then allocates print images P10 with ink usage V10 added to the total ink usage V50 as printable, and allocates print images P10 with ink usage V10 not added to the total ink usage V50 as unprintable. The display unit 82 displays a check mark M11 next to print images P10 allocated as printable, and a warning mark M12 next to print images P10 allocated as unprintable.

[0055] In this embodiment, if all of the print images P10 in the print list LS1 were printed, the ink color and the medium 5 that would be insufficient could be displayed on the display screen 61. For example, the total of all of the ink usage amounts V10 for the multiple print images P10 shown in the print list LS1 is defined as the list ink usage amount V70 (see FIG. 8). Here, the total of all of the first ink usage amounts V11 for the multiple print images P10 shown in the print list LS1 is defined as the first list ink usage amount V71 (see FIG. 8). In the print list LS1 of FIG. 6, the first list ink usage amount V71 refers to the total of the first ink usage amounts V11 for the first print image P11 to the sixth print image P16. Here, if the first list ink usage amount V71 is greater than the first ink storage amount V21, the display unit 82 displays a first message MS11 (see FIG. 9) on the display screen 61 indicating that there is a shortage of ink of the first color.

[0056] Similarly, for example, the total of all second ink usage amounts V12 for the multiple print images P10 shown in the print list LS1 is defined as the second list ink usage amount V72 (see FIG. 8). The total of all third ink usage amounts V13 for the multiple print images P10 shown in the print list LS1 is defined as the third list ink usage amount V73 (see FIG. 8), and the total of all fourth ink usage amounts V14 for the multiple print images P10 shown in the print list LS1 is defined as the fourth list ink usage amount V74 (see FIG. 8). Although not shown, if the second list ink usage amount V72 is greater than the second ink storage amount V22, the display unit 82 displays a second message on the display screen 61 indicating that there is a shortage of ink of the second color. In addition, if the third list ink usage amount V73 is greater than the third ink storage amount V23, the display unit 82 displays a third message on the display screen 61 indicating that there is not enough ink of the third color, and if the fourth list ink usage amount V74 is greater than the fourth ink storage amount V24, the display unit 82 displays a fourth message on the display screen 61 indicating that there is not enough ink of the fourth color.

[0057] For example, the total of all media usage amounts V30 for multiple print images P10 shown in the print list LS1 is defined as the list media usage amount. In the print list LS1 of Figure 6, the list media usage amount is the total of media usage amounts V30 for the first print image P11 to the sixth print image P16. If the list media usage amount is greater than the remaining media amount V40 (see Figure 7), the display unit 82 displays a media shortage message MS21 (see Figure 9) on the display screen 61, indicating that the length of the media 5 is insufficient.

[0058] In this embodiment, the print list LS1 can be sorted based on sorting conditions. Here, as shown in Fig. 10, a pull-down list LS2 is arranged on the print list screen DP1. The pull-down list LS2 lists the sorting conditions.

[0059] The sorting conditions include, for example, a first condition c11 to a fifth condition c15. For example, the pull-down list LS2 lists the first condition c11 to the fifth condition c15. Here, the first condition c11 refers to a condition that the print images P10 in the print list LS1 are sorted in descending order of ink usage amount V10 so that the print images P10 with the smallest ink usage amount V10 (e.g., the sum of the first ink usage amount V11 to the fourth ink usage amount V14) are placed at the top. The second condition c12 refers to a condition that the print images P10 in the print list LS1 are sorted in descending order of ink usage amount V10 so that the print images P10 with the largest ink usage amount V10 (e.g., the sum of the first ink usage amount V11 to the fourth ink usage amount V14) are placed at the top. The third condition c13 refers to a condition that the print images P10 in the print list LS1 are sorted in descending order of media usage amount V30 so that the print images P10 with the smallest media usage amount V30 are placed at the top. The fourth condition c14 is a condition that the print images P10 in the print list LS1 are sorted in descending order of media usage V30 so that the print images P10 with the largest media usage V30 are placed at the top. The fifth condition c15 is a condition that allows the user to freely select the priority and is an arbitrary condition that the user can set.

[0060] The user selects one of the first condition c11 to the fifth condition c15 in the pull-down list LS2 via the operation unit 62. The sorting unit 83 in FIG. 4 sorts the multiple print images P10 in the print list LS1 based on the selected sorting condition. For example, if the first condition c11 is selected, the sorting unit 83 sorts the print images P10 in the print list LS1 in ascending order of ink usage amount V10. The display unit 82 displays the sorted print list LS1 on the display screen 61. The allocation unit 81 then assigns printable or unprintable status to each print image P10 in the sorted print list LS1. For example, if the first check box Bx11 is checked, the allocation unit 81 assigns printable or unprintable status to each print image P10 in the print list LS1 so that the total ink usage amount V50 is equal to or less than the ink storage amount V20. Thereafter, the display unit 82 displays a check mark M11 for the print image P10 that has been assigned as printable, and a warning mark M12 for the print image P10 that has been assigned as unprintable.

[0061] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the print list screen DP1 includes a first print button BT11, a second print button BT12, and a cancel button BT13. The display unit 82 displays the first print button BT11, the second print button BT12, and the cancel button BT13 on the display screen 61. The first print button BT11 is a button that starts continuous printing of all of the print images P10 listed in the print list LS1, regardless of the results of allocation by the allocation unit 81. When the user operates the operation unit 62 to press the first print button BT11, the first printing unit 91 shown in FIG. 4 prints all of the print images P10 listed in the print list LS1. Here, the print images P10 are printed on the medium 5 in order from the top of the print list LS1, for example. The first printing unit 91 also prints each print image P10 on the medium 5 the number of times entered in the count area AR1. For example, if the ink in the ink tank 26 falls below a predetermined level during continuous printing, causing a shortage of ink, the continuous printing will be interrupted.

[0062] The second print button BT12 in FIG. 9 is a button that starts continuous printing of the print images P10 that have been assigned as printable by the allocation unit 81, among the multiple print images P10 shown in the print list LS1. The second print button BT12 is a button that starts printing of the print images P10 that have a check mark M11 on the display screen 61. When the user operates the operation unit 62 to press the second print button BT12, the second printing unit 92 in FIG. 4 prints the print images P10 that have been assigned as printable by the allocation unit 81, among the multiple print images P10 shown in the print list LS1. Here, for example, the print images P10 assigned as printable are printed on the medium 5 in order from the top of the print list LS1. The second printing unit 92 also prints each of the print images P10 assigned as printable on the medium 5 the number of times input in the count area AR1.

[0063] For example, the first printing unit 91 and the second printing unit 92 control the head movement mechanism 30 (see FIG. 1) to move the ink head 24 in the main scanning direction Y, and while the ink head 24 is moving, eject ink from the nozzles 25 of the ink head 24 toward the medium 5 supported by the platen 40, thereby printing one scan of the print image P10. After printing one scan, the first printing unit 91 and the second printing unit 92 control the medium movement mechanism 50 (see FIG. 1) to move the medium 5 supported by the platen 40 a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction X. Thereafter, printing one scan and moving the medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X are repeated until printing of the print image P10 on the medium 5 is complete.

[0064] 9 is a button for closing the print list screen DP1 without starting printing. When the user operates the operation means 62 to press the cancel button BT13, the print list screen DP1 is closed from the display screen 61 without starting printing.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes an ink head 24 (see FIG. 3) having nozzles 25 (see FIG. 3) that eject ink, an ink tank 26 connected to the nozzles 25 and storing the ink, a display device 60 having a display screen 61, and a control device 70. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 70 includes a list acquisition unit 72, an ink usage estimation unit 73, a stored ink amount acquisition unit 74, an allocation unit 81, and a display unit 82. The list acquisition unit 72 acquires a print list LS1 of multiple print images P10 to be printed consecutively, as in step S101 of FIG. 7. The ink usage estimation unit 73 estimates the ink usage amount V10 required for printing for each print image P10 in the print list LS1, as in step S103 of FIG. 7. The stored ink amount acquisition unit 74 acquires the ink storage amount V20 of the ink stored in the ink tank 26, as in step S105 of FIG. 7. As in step S111 of FIG. 7, when the total ink usage V10 during continuous printing is taken as the total ink usage V50 (see FIG. 8), the allocation unit 81 allocates either printable or unprintable status to each print image P10 in the print list LS1 so that the total ink usage V50 is equal to or less than the ink storage amount V20. As shown in FIG. 9, the display unit 82 displays the print images P10 allocated as printable on the display screen 61 using the first display means, and displays the print images P10 allocated as unprintable on the display screen 61 using the second display means. Here, the first display means, for example, displays a check mark M11 on the display screen 61. The second display means, for example, displays a warning mark M12w on the display screen 61.

[0066] This allows the user to know which print images P10 can be printed from among the print images P10 in the print list LS1 by visually checking the display screen 61. Therefore, the user can know before printing which print images P10 can be printed without running out of ink in the ink tank 26. Therefore, since the user can start printing after knowing which print images P10 can be printed, it is possible to reduce unnecessary printing.

[0067] In this embodiment, the print list LS1 lists multiple print images P10 from top to bottom based on predetermined conditions. The allocation unit 81 adds the ink usage amount V10 of each print image P10 to the total ink usage amount V50, starting from the top of the print list LS1, until the total ink usage amount V50 becomes equal to or less than the ink storage amount V20. The allocation unit 81 assigns print images P10 with ink usage amounts V10 added to the total ink usage amount V50 as printable, and assigns print images P10 with ink usage amounts V10 not added to the total ink usage amount V50 as unprintable. In this way, print images P10 are assigned printable status from top to bottom of the print list LS1. Therefore, for example, the user does not need to specify the printing priority of the print images P10 in the print list LS1, and the print images P10 can be automatically assigned printable or unprintable.

[0068] In this embodiment, the control device 70 includes a sorting unit 83 (see FIG. 4) that sorts the multiple print images P10 in the print list LS1 based on sorting conditions. This allows the multiple print images P10 in the print list LS1 to be sorted. Therefore, in the sorted print list LS1, the print images P10 can be assigned as printable in order from the top of the print list LS1. Therefore, by sorting the print images P10 in the print list LS1 so that the print images P10 that you want to assign as printable are at the top, you can prioritize the print images P10 that you want to assign as printable.

[0069] In this embodiment, the sorting conditions include a first condition c11 and a second condition c12, as shown in FIG. 10. Under the first condition c11, the print images P10 in the print list LS1 are sorted in descending order of ink usage amount V10, so that the print images P10 with the lowest ink usage amount V10 are placed at the top. Under the second condition c12, the print images P10 in the print list LS1 are sorted in descending order of ink usage amount V10, so that the print images P10 with the highest ink usage amount V10 are placed at the top. As a result, when it is desired to print many print images P10 consecutively, sorting the print images P10 in the print list LS1 according to the first condition c11 allows the print images P10 with the lowest ink usage amount V10 to be preferentially assigned for printing, and the print images P10 can be printed in order starting with the print images P10 with the lowest ink usage amount V10. On the other hand, if you want to print the print image P10 with the largest ink usage V10 first, you can rearrange the print images P10 in the print list LS1 using the second condition c12, so that the print image P10 with the largest ink usage V10 can be assigned to be printed first, and the print images P10 with the largest ink usage V10 can be printed in order.

[0070] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the display device 60 has an operation unit 62 that is operated by a user. As shown in FIG. 9, the display unit 82 displays a print list LS1 on the display screen 61. The print list LS1 displayed on the display screen 61 is configured so that the order of the print images P10 can be changed using the operation unit 62. The sorting unit 83 sorts the multiple print images P10 in the print list LS1 in the order of the print images P10 changed using the operation unit 62. This allows the user to operate the operation unit 62 to change the order of the print images P10 so that the print image P10 that the user wants to print first is at the top. Therefore, the printable image P10 that the user wants to print first can be assigned a printable priority, and printing can start from the print image P10 that the user wants to print first.

[0071] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 , the display unit 82 displays on the display screen 61 a count area AR1 in which the number of prints for a print image P10 in the print list LS1 is input using the operating device 62. The allocation unit 81 adds the total ink usage amount V50, obtained by multiplying the ink usage amount V10 of the print image P10 by the number of prints input in the count area AR1, starting from the top of the print list LS1, until the total ink usage amount V50 becomes equal to or less than the ink storage amount V20. The allocation unit 81 assigns print images P10 with ink usage amounts V10 added to the total ink usage amount V50 as printable, and assigns print images P10 with ink usage amounts V10 not added to the total ink usage amount V50 as unprintable. This allows the print image P10 to be assigned as printable or unprintable based on the number of prints. This is particularly effective when you want to print each print image P10 the same number of times.

[0072] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the ink head 24 has first nozzles 25A that eject ink of a first color and second nozzles 25B that eject ink of a second color that is different in hue from the first color. As shown in Fig. 1, the ink tank 26 has a first ink tank 26A that is connected to the first nozzles 25A and stores ink of the first color, and a second ink tank 26B that is connected to the second nozzles 25B and stores ink of the second color. As shown in Fig. 8, the ink consumption amount V10 includes a first ink consumption amount V11 of the first color ink required to print the print image P10 and a second ink consumption amount V12 of the second color ink required to print the print image P10. The ink storage amount V20 includes a first ink storage amount V21 of the first color ink stored in the first ink tank 26A and a second ink storage amount V22 of the second color ink stored in the second ink tank 26B. The total ink usage amount V50 includes a first total ink usage amount V51, which is the total first ink usage amount V11 when performing continuous printing, and a second total ink usage amount V52, which is the total second ink usage amount V12 when performing continuous printing. The allocation unit 81 assigns either printable or unprintable status to each print image P10 in the print list LS1 so that the first total ink usage amount V51 is less than or equal to the first ink storage amount V21 and the second total ink usage amount V51 is less than or equal to the second ink storage amount V21. This allows the printable status to be assigned to print images P10 when there is no shortage of ink of any color (e.g., the first color ink and the second color ink).

[0073] In this embodiment, if the first list ink usage amount V71 (see FIG. 8), which is the sum of the first ink usage amounts V11 for the multiple print images P10 shown in the print list LS1, is greater than the first ink storage amount V21, the display unit 82 displays a first message MS11 on the display screen 61, as shown in FIG. 9, indicating that there is a shortage of ink of the first color. Furthermore, if the second list ink usage amount V72 (see FIG. 8), which is the sum of the second ink usage amounts V12 for the multiple print images P10 shown in the print list LS1, is greater than the second ink storage amount V22, the display unit 82 displays a second message on the display screen 61 indicating that there is a shortage of ink of the second color. This allows the color of ink that will be in short supply when all print images P10 in the print list LS1 are printed to be known before printing by visually checking the display screen 61.

[0074] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the display unit 82 displays a first print button BT11 and a second print button BT12 on the display screen 61. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 70 includes a first print unit 91 and a second print unit 92. When the first print button BT11 is pressed by the operation unit 62, the first print unit 91 prints all of the print images P10 shown in the print list LS1. When the second print button BT12 is pressed by the operation unit 62, the second print unit 92 prints only those print images P10 that are assigned as printable by the allocation unit 81, among the print images P10 shown in the print list LS1. In this way, by pressing the first print button BT11 by the operation unit 62, the print images P10 shown in the print list LS1 can be printed in order. On the other hand, by pressing the second print button BT12 by the operation unit 62, the print images P10 that are assigned as printable among the print images P10 shown in the print list LS1 can be printed in order. Therefore, the user can select whether to print all of the print images P10 shown in the print list LS1 or to print only the print images P10 that are assigned as printable, according to his / her desire. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10 Printers 24 ink head 25 nozzles 26 Ink tank 60 Display device 61 Display screen 62 Operating means 70 Control device 72 List Acquisition Unit 73 Ink usage estimation unit 74 Ink storage amount acquisition unit 81 Allocation Section 82 Display section 83 Sorting Section 91 1st Printing Department 92 2nd Printing Department LS1 Print List P10 Printed image V10 Ink Usage V20 ink storage capacity V50 total ink usage

Claims

1. an ink head having nozzles for ejecting ink; an ink tank connected to the nozzle and storing ink; a display device having a display screen; a control device; Equipped with The control device a list acquisition unit that acquires a print list of a plurality of print images to be successively printed; an ink usage amount estimation unit that estimates the amount of ink required for printing for each of the print images in the print list; an ink storage amount acquisition unit that acquires the ink storage amount of the ink stored in the ink tank; an allocation unit that allocates either printable or unprintable to each print image in the print list so that the total ink usage amount when performing continuous printing is equal to or less than the ink storage amount; a display unit that displays the print images assigned as printable on the display screen by a first display means and displays the print images assigned as unprintable on the display screen by a second display means; Equipped with The print list includes a plurality of print images arranged from top to bottom based on a predetermined condition, the allocation unit adds the ink usage amounts of the print images to the total ink usage amount in order from the top of the print list until the total ink usage amount becomes equal to or less than the ink storage amount, and allocates the print images with the ink usage amounts added to the total ink usage amount to the printable state, and allocates the print images with the ink usage amounts not added to the total ink usage amount to the unprintable state, the control device includes a sorting unit that sorts the print images in the print list based on sorting conditions; The sorting condition is: a first condition for sorting the print images in the print list in descending order of ink usage so that the print images with the least amount of ink usage are placed at the top; a second condition for sorting the print images in the print list in descending order of ink usage so that the print images with the largest ink usage are placed at the top; A printer having

2. the display device has an operation means operated by a user, the display unit displays the print list on the display screen; The print list displayed on the display screen is configured so that the order of the print images can be changed by the operation means, The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the sorting unit sorts the print images in the print list in the order in which the print images have been rearranged by the operation unit.

3. An ink head having a nozzle for ejecting ink; an ink tank connected to the nozzle and storing ink; a display device having a display screen; a control device; Equipped with The control device a list acquisition unit that acquires a print list of a plurality of print images to be successively printed; an ink usage amount estimation unit that estimates the amount of ink required for printing for each of the print images in the print list; an ink storage amount acquisition unit that acquires the ink storage amount of the ink stored in the ink tank; an allocation unit that allocates either printable or unprintable to each print image in the print list so that the total ink usage amount when performing continuous printing is equal to or less than the ink storage amount; a display unit that displays the print images assigned as printable on the display screen by a first display means and displays the print images assigned as unprintable on the display screen by a second display means; Equipped with the display device has an operation means operated by a user, the display unit displays on the display screen a number of times area in which the number of times of printing for the print image in the print list is input by the operation means; The allocation unit adds the ink usage amount of the printed image multiplied by the number of prints entered in the number of times area to the total ink usage amount, starting from the top of the print list, until the total ink usage amount becomes less than or equal to the ink storage amount, and allocates the printed images with the ink usage amount added to the total ink usage amount as printable, and allocates the printed images with the ink usage amount not added to the total ink usage amount as unprintable.

4. The ink head is a first nozzle that ejects ink of a first color; a second nozzle that ejects ink of a second color that is different in hue from the first color; and The ink tank is a first ink tank connected to the first nozzle and storing ink of the first color; a second ink tank connected to the second nozzle and storing ink of the second color; and The ink usage amount is a first ink consumption amount of the first color ink required to print the print image; a second ink usage amount of the second color ink required to print the print image; and and The ink storage amount is a first ink storage amount of the ink of the first color stored in the first ink tank; a second ink storage amount of the second color ink stored in the second ink tank; and The total ink usage is a first total ink consumption amount, which is the total amount of the first ink consumed when performing continuous printing; a second total ink consumption amount, which is the total amount of the second ink consumed when performing continuous printing; and A printer described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the allocation unit allocates either the printable state or the unprintable state to each print image in the print list so that the first total ink usage amount is less than or equal to the first ink storage amount and the second total ink usage amount is less than or equal to the second ink storage amount.

5. The display unit If a first list ink usage amount, which is a total of the first ink usage amounts in the plurality of print images shown in the print list, is greater than the first ink storage amount, a first message is displayed on the display screen indicating that the first color ink is insufficient; The printer according to claim 4, wherein if the second list ink usage amount, which is the sum of the second ink usage amounts in the multiple printed images shown in the print list, is greater than the second ink storage amount, a second message indicating that the second color ink is insufficient is displayed on the display screen.

6. the display unit displays a first print button and a second print button on the display screen; The control device a first printing unit that prints all of the plurality of print images shown in the print list when the first print button is pressed by the operating unit; a second printing unit that, when the second print button is pressed by the operating unit, prints the print images that are assigned as printable by the assignment unit among the plurality of print images shown in the print list; 4. The printer according to claim 2 or 3, comprising:

Images