Ink quantity display device, printing method, and program

Abstract

To facilitate the adjustment work of printing setting by taking into account ink amount information according to an ink consumption amount.SOLUTION: An ink amount display device comprises: a setting window display unit which displays a setting window for performing printing setting on a screen; a calculation unit which calculates for each type of ink an ink consumption amount consumed by printing using the changed printing setting in conjunction with an operation of changing the printing setting by a user in the setting window; and an ink amount display unit which displays ink amount information according to the ink consumption amount calculated by the calculation unit on the screen for each type of ink.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ink amount display device, a printing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that predicts the amount of ink (recording material) required for the recording operation of image data and warns the user when the difference between the current amount of ink and the required amount (consumption amount) becomes less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value. Examples of the warning display include a warning message and a bar graph showing the remaining ink amount.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the remaining ink amount is low, the user replenishes the ink or changes the printing settings to continue printing. In Patent Document 1, it is disclosed that the user is proposed to change to a mode using an alternative ink (for example, a dark ink of the same color) for an ink with a low remaining ink amount (for example, a light ink). However, when printing image data that cannot be handled with the alternative ink or on a printer that does not have the alternative ink, the above mode change cannot be performed.

[0005] Also, not only when the remaining ink amount is low, but for example, when it is desired to adjust the consumption amount of expensive ink, there is a need to adjust the ink consumption amount and the remaining ink amount by adjusting the printing settings. Therefore, when a warning regarding the remaining ink amount is displayed after the user has determined the printing settings as in Patent Document 1, the user cannot immediately determine which printing settings should be changed and how to change them in order to adjust the ink consumption amount and the remaining ink amount, and the adjustment takes time.

[0006] In view of the above issues, the object of the present invention is to facilitate the adjustment of print settings that take into account ink amount information corresponding to ink consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The main invention for achieving the above objective is an ink quantity display device characterized by comprising: a setting window display unit that displays a setting window for setting print settings on a screen; a calculation unit that calculates the amount of ink consumed by printing using the changed print settings for each type of ink in conjunction with the user's action of changing the print settings in the setting window; and an ink quantity display unit that displays ink quantity information for each type of ink on the screen according to the ink consumption calculated by the calculation unit.

[0008] Other features of the present invention will be revealed in the specification and drawings described below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily adjust print settings that take into account ink amount information corresponding to ink consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of printing system 1. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of the printing process. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the job list window 20. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the settings window 30 and the ink amount display window 40. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the settings window 31 and the ink amount display window 40. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a selection window for selecting the display mode of ink quantity information. [Figure 7]Figures 7A to 7C are explanatory diagrams of the method for calculating ink consumption. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram for repeated printing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. ===Configuration of Printing System 1=== Figure 1 is a block diagram of printing system 1. The printing system 1 comprises a printing device 2 and a computer 10, and the printing device 2 and the computer 10 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other. The printing device 2 is a device that prints images on a recording medium M using ink. Examples of the printing device 2 include inkjet printers and laser printers, and are not particularly limited. Examples of the recording medium M include sheets made of various materials such as polyvinyl chloride, cloth, paper, transparent resin sheets, and metal sheets. Examples of the computer 10 include personal computers, tablet terminals, and smartphones.

[0012] The computer 10 includes an application 11, an input device 12 such as a keyboard or mouse, a receiving unit 13 that receives data from the input device 12, a display device 14 having a screen 141, a display unit 15 that processes the display on the screen 141, a print data generation unit 16, a calculation unit 17, a storage unit 18, and a communication unit 19. The input device 12 may be a touch panel of the display device 14.

[0013] Application 11 is software that creates image data for images to be printed by the printing device 2. Examples of applications 11 include document creation applications, spreadsheet applications, and image editing applications.

[0014] The print data generation unit 16 generates print data that can be printed (decoded) by the printing apparatus 2 based on the image data created by the application 11. The generated print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 by the communication unit 19. The printing apparatus 2 prints an image on the recording medium M based on the received print data.

[0015] ===Regarding Ink Quantity Display and Printing Method=== FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the printing method. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the job list window 20. FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of the setting windows 30, 31 and the ink quantity display window 40.

[0016] <<Printing Settings and Ink Quantity Display>> The user creates data of the image to be printed in the application 11 and inputs an instruction such as "create print data". When the reception unit 13 receives the instruction and the image data (S01), it registers the target image data (for example, image data A, image data B, etc.) in the job list 21 of the job list window 20 as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the user himself / herself may register the image data created in the application 11 in the job list 21. Note that the job list 21 is provided for each printing apparatus 2 (for example, machine a or machine b) connected to the computer 10. Also, not limited to the above, a configuration may be such that image data created by an application of an external device is transmitted to the computer 10.

[0017] When the user wants to change the printing settings of the image data, the user selects the target image data from the job list 21, opens the menu 22, and selects "change printing settings". When the change of the printing settings is selected, the display unit 15 displays the menu 23.

[0018] When, for example, "Color Adjustment (Level Correction)" in Menu 23 is selected by the user, the setting window display unit 151 in the display unit 15 displays a setting window 30 (Fig. 4) for performing printing settings related to color on the screen 141. In Fig. 4, a setting window 30 for changing the color tone of the image (which ink color to strengthen), brightness, contrast ratio, tone adjustment, etc. is illustrated.

[0019] Also, when "Quality Setting" in Menu 23 is selected by the user, the setting window display unit 151 displays a setting window 31 (Fig. 5) for performing printing settings related to quality on the screen 141. In Fig. 5, a setting window 31 for changing the quality to be printed (e.g., high quality, standard, or high speed), print resolution, type of ink to be used, printing method (e.g., number of passes, bidirectional printing or unidirectional printing), method of generating print data (screen, interpolation method, color setting), etc. is illustrated.

[0020] Also, when the setting window display unit 151 displays the setting windows 30 and 31, at the same time, the ink amount display unit 152 in the display unit 15 displays an ink amount display window 40 showing ink amount information on the same screen 141 (S02). The ink amount information is information corresponding to the ink consumption amount consumed by printing using the currently set printing settings. The ink amount display unit 152 displays the ink amount information for each type of ink.

[0021] In this embodiment, the types of inks for which the ink amount information is displayed are the inks used for printing the target image data. Therefore, even when the printing apparatus 2 is equipped with orange (Or) or green (Gr) ink, if the ink consumption amount is zero, the ink amount information for orange (Or) or green (Gr) is not displayed. However, this is not limiting, and the ink amount information may be displayed for all the inks installed in the printing apparatus 2.

[0022] The ink consumption is calculated by the calculation unit 17 in the computer 10. The ink consumption may be the actual ink consumption, which is the same as or approximately the same as the actual ink consumption, or it may be an estimated ink consumption calculated using a simpler method than the actual ink consumption (details will be described later).

[0023] Furthermore, the ink quantity information in this embodiment includes the ink consumption and the remaining ink quantity. The remaining ink quantity is the amount of ink currently stored in the printing device 2 that prints the target image data, minus the ink consumption calculated by the calculation unit 17. In other words, it is the amount of ink remaining after printing the target image data. The current ink quantity can be managed by well-known methods, such as installing a sensor in the ink tank or managing it by counting the number of times ink droplets are dispensed.

[0024] The ink quantity display window 40 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 includes a pie chart 41 showing the breakdown of ink consumption, a bar graph 42 showing ink consumption and remaining ink, and a detailed display 43 for the ink quantity.

[0025] Pie chart 41 is a graph that displays the ratio of ink consumption for each ink to the total ink consumption, which is the sum of ink consumption. Specifically, it is calculated as: ink consumption of each ink / total ink consumption × 100 (%). Pie chart 41 is composed of areas corresponding to the ink consumption of each ink.

[0026] For example, the pie chart 41 shown in Figure 4 reveals that cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), primer ink (Pr), gloss ink (Gl), and white (Wh) are consumed to print the image data being processed. Furthermore, pie chart 41 shows that white (Wh) ink consumption is high, while primer ink (Pr) and gloss ink (Gl) consumption is low. Primer ink is an ink that improves the adhesion between the image and the recording medium M.

[0027] Bar graph 42 is provided for each ink and displays the ratio of the remaining ink or ink consumption to 100% of the ink capacity, i.e., remaining ink or ink consumption / 100% ink capacity × 100 (%). The total area of ​​bar graph 42 corresponds to 100% of the ink capacity. Therefore, bar graph 42 consists of a blank area 421, which is the area corresponding to the amount of ink already consumed, an ink consumption area 422, which is the area corresponding to the amount of ink consumed, and an ink remaining area 423, which is the area corresponding to the remaining ink.

[0028] The detailed ink level display 43 shows the current ink level, ink consumption, and remaining ink level (ink level after printing) for each ink cartridge, displayed numerically.

[0029] Before the ink amount display window 40 is displayed, the calculation unit 17 calculates the ink consumption and remaining ink amount based on the print settings that the user set when entering the print data creation instructions. The ink consumption and remaining ink amount are displayed first. Subsequently, each time the user changes the print settings in the settings windows 30 and 31, if the ink consumption changes, the contents of the ink amount display window 40 are updated and displayed (S03 to S05).

[0030] To this end, the calculation unit 17 calculates the ink consumption for each type of ink in conjunction with the user's action of changing the print settings in the setting windows 30 and 31. Furthermore, the calculation unit 17 obtains the current ink amount stored in the storage unit 18 of the printing device 2 or the computer 10, and calculates the remaining ink amount based on the current ink amount and the calculated ink consumption. The ink amount display unit 152 displays the ink consumption and remaining ink amount calculated by the calculation unit 17 on the screen 141 for each type of ink.

[0031] For example, suppose the user changes the cyan color intensity from zero to +3 in the settings window 30 in Figure 4. In response to this action, the calculation unit 17 calculates the ink consumption and remaining ink level when the cyan color intensity is +3. The ink level display unit 152 then updates and displays the pie chart 41, bar graph 42, and detailed ink level display 43 based on the ink level information calculated by the calculation unit 17. For example, if the cyan ink consumption increases, the cyan area in the pie chart 41 will become larger, the ink consumption area 422 in the cyan bar graph 42 will become larger, and conversely, the remaining ink area 423 will become smaller. In addition, the ink level display unit 152 updates and displays the ink level information for all inks whose ink level information has changed, not just cyan ink.

[0032] The above process is repeated until the user confirms the print settings (S06). Note that the ink amount display window 40 is displayed along with setting windows that have print settings that change when modified, not limited to the setting windows 30 and 31 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.

[0033] <<Generating and printing print data>> In the settings windows 30 and 31, once the print settings to be applied to the target image data are finalized (S06), the user returns to the job list window 20 and inputs "Execute Print" from menu 22. When the receiving unit 13 receives the print execution instruction (S07), the print data generation unit 16 generates print data based on the configured print settings and image data (S08).

[0034] The print data generation unit 16 performs resolution conversion, color conversion, halftone processing, rasterization, and other processes on the target image data. Resolution conversion is the process of converting the image data to the resolution required for printing. Color conversion is the process of converting image data represented in RGB to color data of the ink ejected by the printing device 2. Halftone processing is the process of converting the data into data indicating whether or not a dot is formed for each pixel. Rasterization is the process of rearranging the data in the order to be sent to the printing device 2. In this way, on / off data for the dots to be assigned to the ink ejecting head is generated.

[0035] Furthermore, the print data generation unit 16 adds header information (for example, the name of the image data and the amount of data transported on the recording medium M) which is related to printing, to the dot on / off data to generate print data to be transmitted to the printing device 2.

[0036] When print data is generated, it is transmitted to the printing device 2 by the communication unit 19 (S09). The printing device 2 prints an image onto the recording medium M based on the received print data (S10).

[0037] ===How to calculate ink consumption=== Figure 6 shows an example of a selection window for selecting the display mode of ink amount information. Figures 7A to 7C are explanatory diagrams of the method for calculating ink consumption. The calculation unit 17 of this embodiment calculates the actual ink consumption or estimated ink consumption as the ink consumption, according to the mode selected by the user.

[0038] To that end, for example, if a user selects the printer icon 24 in the job list window 20 to open the menu 25 and selects "Change Ink Amount Information Display Mode," the display unit 15 displays a selection window (Figure 6). Then, when the reception unit 13 receives confirmation that the user has selected "High-Precision Display Mode," the calculation unit 17 calculates the actual ink consumption. When the reception unit 13 receives confirmation that the user has selected "High-Speed ​​Display Mode," the calculation unit 17 calculates an estimated ink consumption.

[0039] The following is an example of how to calculate actual ink consumption. First, the calculation unit 17 converts the target image data into "pixel value data" based on the print settings set by the user (for example, level correction values ​​for each ink, print resolution, color settings (ICC profile), etc.), just as when generating print data. Pixel value data is data that shows the pixel value (gradation value according to density) of each ink for each pixel according to the print resolution.

[0040] Next, the calculation unit 17 converts the pixel value data into "dot data" based on the print settings set by the user (for example, screen (dithering), etc.). Dot data is data that indicates the dot formation state of each ink for each pixel (whether or not dots are formed and the size of the dots formed).

[0041] Next, the calculation unit 17 calculates, based on the dot data, how many dots of each size (for example, large dots, medium dots, and small dots) will be formed. Then, the calculation unit 17 calculates the actual ink consumption based on the amount of ink required to form each size dot (ml / dot) and the number of dots formed (dots).

[0042] Next, an example of a method for calculating estimated ink consumption will be explained using Figures 7A to 7C. Note that in the figures, four types of ink (CMYK) and three dot sizes (large, medium, and small) are used, but these are not particularly limited.

[0043] First, the calculation unit 17 converts the target image data into "pixel value data" based on the print settings set by the user, similar to how actual ink consumption is calculated (Figure 7A). However, it generates the pixel value data at a print resolution lower than the set print resolution. For example, if the print resolution is set to 1440 x 720 dpi, it generates the pixel value data at a lower resolution of 72 x 72 dpi.

[0044] Next, the calculation unit 17 refers to the dot table (Figure 7B) stored in the storage unit 18 and generates dot data (Figure 7A) that shows the dot formation state for each pixel. The dot table associates the dot size and number of dots formed on a target pixel with each pixel value of each ink (for example, 0 to 255). For example, if the pixel value of the upper left pixel shown in Figure 7A is "CMYK=(1,0,0,0)", the calculation unit 17 refers to the dot table and generates dot data indicating that the dot formation state of the target pixel is that 10 small cyan dots are generated, 5 medium cyan dots are generated, and no dots of other inks (MYK) are formed.

[0045] In actual print data, the number of ink dots formed per pixel is usually 0 or 1. However, the dot data used to calculate estimated ink consumption is generated at a lower resolution than the actual print resolution, and it combines multiple pixels from actual printing into a single pixel. Therefore, as described above, dot data is generated that indicates the generation of multiple dots in a single pixel.

[0046] The dot table is pre-stored in the memory unit 18. It is also advisable to generate and store a dot table for each user-configurable print resolution. For example, even if the pixel values ​​of the target pixels are the same, if the user sets a high print resolution, more pixels will be treated as a single pixel. As a result, the dot table will consist of many relatively small dots. Conversely, if the user sets a low print resolution, fewer pixels will be treated as a single pixel. As a result, the dot table will consist of fewer relatively large dots.

[0047] After generating dot data, the calculation unit 17 calculates how many dots of each size will be formed, as shown in Figure 7C. Then, the calculation unit 17 calculates the estimated ink consumption based on the amount of ink (ml / dot) required to form each size of dot and the number of dots formed.

[0048] ===Repeated printing (overprint)=== Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of repeated printing. In the settings window 31 of Figure 5, the item for setting the number of "overprints" is shown as an example. Overprinting is a repeated printing process that prints the same image on top of each other by repeatedly printing based on the same print data. Repeated printing allows for darker printing of images. For example, if the number of overprints is set to 3, the same star images 51-53 will be printed in three layers, as shown in Figure 8.

[0049] Methods for repeated printing include returning the position of the recording medium M relative to the ink ejecting head to the origin after printing the lower layer image, and then printing the upper layer image on top of the lower layer image, or splitting the head by first printing the lower layer image with the head part facing the recording medium M. Furthermore, the printing device 2 may include a flathead type printing device in which the stage supporting the recording medium M moves relative to the head, or a roll-to-roll type printing device capable of transporting the recording medium M not only in the feeding direction but also in the reverse direction.

[0050] Furthermore, the calculation unit 17 of the computer 10 (ink amount display device) in this embodiment calculates the amount of ink consumed by one print based on the print data if repeated printing, which involves repeatedly printing the same image overlaid on the same print data, is set in the setting window 31, and calculates the ink consumption by multiplying the calculated amount of ink by the number of times repeated printing is performed.

[0051] Specifically, even when printing is repeated three times as shown in Figure 8, the calculation unit 17 first calculates the ink consumption (estimated ink consumption or actual ink consumption) required to print one of the three images 51 to 53. Then, the calculation unit 17 multiplies the calculated ink consumption (e.g., A ml) by the number of repeated printings set by the user (e.g., 3 times) to calculate the ink consumption (e.g., A × 3 ml).

[0052] ===Summary=== Embodiment 1 is a computer 10 (ink quantity display device) having a setting window display unit 151 that displays setting windows 30 and 31 for setting print settings on a screen 141, a calculation unit 17 that calculates the amount of ink consumed by printing using the changed print settings for each type of ink in conjunction with the user's action of changing the print settings in the setting windows 30 and 31, and an ink quantity display unit 152 that displays ink quantity information for each type of ink on the screen 141 according to the ink consumption calculated by the calculation unit 17.

[0053] According to Embodiment 1, the user can make appropriate print settings while taking into account ink quantity information that is updated in real time each time the print settings are changed. Furthermore, based on the ink quantity information that is updated for each type of ink, it becomes easier to determine which print settings to change and how to change them so that the ink consumption and remaining ink levels for each ink reach the desired amount. Therefore, the process of adjusting print settings while taking ink quantity information into account can be made easier. In addition, according to this embodiment, the ink consumption and remaining ink levels that result from adjusting the print settings can be obtained before printing. Therefore, it becomes easier to make estimates and order ink before printing.

[0054] In particular, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, it is preferable that the settings windows 30 and 31 and the ink level display window 40 be displayed simultaneously on the same screen 141. This makes it easier to check the changes in ink level information due to changes in print settings. It is not limited to this, for example, the ink level display window 40 could be displayed after closing the settings windows 30 and 31, but in this case, the user would need to reopen the settings window 30 if they wanted to change the print settings after checking the ink level display window 40. Therefore, with the above setup, users can change the print settings while checking the changes in ink level information, and the hassle of turning the settings windows 30 and 31 on and off is eliminated.

[0055] In addition to the processing of the settings window display unit 151, the calculation unit 17, and the ink amount display unit 152 described above, the print data generation unit 16 generates print data based on the print settings set in the settings windows 30 and 31, and the printing device 2 prints the image based on the print data. With this printing method, an image is obtained that is printed based on print settings that take ink amount information into account.

[0056] The type of ink used for displaying ink quantity information in the ink quantity display unit 152 is not particularly limited. Examples of inks include solvent-based inks, photocurable inks that harden when exposed to light such as UV inks, and particle-formed inks (toners).

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the computer 10 functions as an ink level display device, but this is not limited to this. For example, the function that the computer 10 performs as an ink level display device may be implemented by the printing device 2. In other words, the printing device 2 is the ink level display device, and the printing system may consist of the printing device 2 alone.

[0058] Embodiment 2 is the computer 10 (ink quantity display device) described in Embodiment 1, wherein the ink consumption calculated by the calculation unit 17 is displayed as ink quantity information. According to Embodiment 2, the user can directly check the change in ink consumption of each ink due to changes in print settings, making it easier to adjust the print settings. For example, the user can adjust the print settings to reduce the consumption of expensive inks, or to increase the consumption of inks they want to use more often.

[0059] Embodiment 3 is the computer 10 (ink amount display device) described in Embodiment 2, wherein the ink amount display unit 152 displays the ratio of the ink consumption of each ink to the total ink consumption in a graph (in this case, a pie chart 41) in an area corresponding to that ratio. According to Embodiment 3, the user can visually confirm the ratio of the consumption of each ink to the total ink consumption. Therefore, compared to cases where ink consumption is displayed only as numbers, it is easier to check the breakdown of the consumption of each ink and its changes, and it becomes easier to adjust the print settings taking ink consumption into account.

[0060] Preferably, the areas corresponding to each ink in the graph should be displayed in a color that corresponds to the ink color or a color that evokes the image of the ink type. For example, the area corresponding to cyan ink could be displayed in cyan, and the area corresponding to glossy ink could be displayed in light blue. This makes it easier for users to intuitively and quickly understand the breakdown of consumption for each ink.

[0061] Furthermore, the ratio of each ink's ink consumption to the total ink consumption is not limited to being displayed in pie chart 41; it may also be displayed in other formats, such as a bar graph. Also, pie charts 41 in Figures 4 and 5 are just examples and are not limited to them; for example, instead of numerical values ​​for the ratio of ink consumption, the actual ink consumption may be listed.

[0062] Embodiment 4 is a computer 10 (ink amount display device) according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, which displays the remaining ink amount as ink amount information, obtained by subtracting the ink consumption amount calculated by the calculation unit 17 from the amount of ink currently stored in the printing device 2. According to Embodiment 4, the user can easily adjust the print settings based on the change in the remaining ink amount due to changes in the print settings.

[0063] For example, you can adjust the print settings so that the ink level doesn't get too low, or so that the ink level is positive, meaning there is enough ink for printing. You can also adjust the print settings so that only certain ink levels don't decrease locally. This can extend the lifespan of cartridges, especially when multiple types of ink cartridges are combined into one.

[0064] Embodiment 5 is the computer 10 (ink amount display device) described in Embodiment 4, wherein the ink amount display unit 152 displays the ratio of the remaining ink amount and the amount of ink consumed to 100% of the ink capacity for each type of ink, in a graph (in this case, a bar graph 42) in a region corresponding to that ratio.

[0065] As shown in Embodiment 5, displaying both ink levels and ink consumption on the same graph allows users to visually confirm the relationship between ink consumption and ink levels. Therefore, compared to cases where ink consumption and ink levels are displayed only as numbers, it becomes easier to see how the relationship between ink consumption and ink levels changes due to changes in print settings, and to adjust print settings more easily. For example, if an ink with low ink levels is consuming a lot of ink, the user can adjust the print settings to reduce ink consumption.

[0066] Preferably, a portion of the graph (excluding the blank area 421) should be displayed in a color corresponding to the ink color or a color that evokes the type of ink. Furthermore, the ink consumption area 422 and the ink remaining area 423 should be displayed in different shades of the same color. For example, the cyan ink consumption area 422 could be shown in a light cyan color, and the cyan ink remaining area 423 in a dark cyan color. Additionally, the white ink consumption area 422 and ink remaining area 423 may be distinguished from the blank area 421 by adding dots or diagonal lines to the white area.

[0067] Furthermore, the ratios of remaining ink and ink consumption to 100% ink consumption are not limited to being displayed in bar graph 42; they may also be displayed in other formats, such as a pie chart. Also, the bar graph 42 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is just an example and is not limited to it; for example, numerical values ​​related to ink consumption and remaining ink may be included.

[0068] In this embodiment, both the remaining ink level and the ink consumption are displayed as ink quantity information, but it is also acceptable to display only one of them. Furthermore, the ink quantity display window 40 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is just an example and is not limited to this; for example, only a portion of the pie chart 41, bar graph 42, and detailed ink quantity 43 may be displayed, or the display method may differ.

[0069] Embodiment 6 is a computer 10 (ink amount display device) according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the calculation unit 17 generates dot data indicating the dot formation state for each pixel (for each pixel larger than the actual printing time) based on a print resolution lower than the set print resolution, and calculates the ink consumption (estimated ink consumption) from the dot data.

[0070] According to embodiment 6, for example, compared to generating print data to be used during actual printing and calculating ink consumption from that print data, or generating dot data with the same print resolution as the actual print, the number of pixels to be processed is reduced, and ink consumption can be calculated in a shorter time. Therefore, the time from when the user changes the print settings until the ink amount information corresponding to those print settings is displayed can be shortened.

[0071] Embodiment 7 has a receiving unit 13 that accepts either a high-precision display mode or a high-speed display mode. When the receiving unit 13 accepts the high-precision display mode, the calculation unit 17 generates dot data indicating the dot formation state for each pixel based on the set print resolution and calculates the ink consumption from the dot data. On the other hand, when the receiving unit 13 accepts the high-speed display mode, the calculation unit 17 generates dot data indicating the dot formation state for each pixel based on a print resolution lower than the set print resolution and calculates the ink consumption from the dot data. This is the computer 10 (ink amount display device) described in any of Embodiments 1 to 5.

[0072] According to Embodiment 7, the user can change how ink quantity information is displayed depending on the application. If the user selects the high-speed display mode, the time from changing the print settings to displaying the ink quantity information corresponding to those print settings can be shortened, as described above. Therefore, it is possible to quickly decide on print settings that take ink quantity information into account, or to shorten the time spent adjusting print settings by changing them multiple times. On the other hand, if the user selects the high-precision display mode, the actual ink consumption, which is the same as or approximately the same as the actual amount, is calculated based on dot data (number of dots and dot size) corresponding to the actual print resolution. Therefore, the user can decide on print settings based on more accurate ink quantity information.

[0073] However, it is not limited to the above. For example, the calculation unit 17 may be fixed to calculate an estimated ink consumption based on a resolution lower than the actual print resolution, or conversely, it may be fixed to calculate the actual ink consumption based on the actual print resolution.

[0074] Furthermore, the print data generation unit 16 performs processes such as assigning dot data to the print head and adding header information when generating print data. On the other hand, it is preferable that the calculation unit 17 does not perform these processes. Doing so shortens the time from when the user changes the print settings until the ink amount information corresponding to those print settings is displayed.

[0075] Embodiment 8 is a computer 10 (ink amount display device) according to any of Embodiments 1 to 7, in which, as shown in Figure 8, repeated printing based on the same print data to print the same image overlaid is set in the setting window 31, and the calculation unit 17 calculates the amount of ink consumed by one print based on the print data, and calculates the ink consumption by multiplying the calculated amount of ink by the number of times repeated printing is performed.

[0076] According to embodiment 8, ink consumption can be calculated more quickly compared to calculating the ink consumption of each of the multiple images to be printed on top of each other. Therefore, the time from when the user changes the print settings until the ink amount information corresponding to those print settings is displayed can be shortened.

[0077] Furthermore, even if only one image data is registered in the job list 21, the ink consumption calculated is not the ink consumption for printing that image data once, but rather the ink consumption for printing that image data multiple times. Therefore, users can adjust their print settings based on a more accurate ink consumption calculation that takes into account the setting for repeated printing.

[0078] ====Printer Driver (Program)=== The memory unit 18 of computer 10 stores the printer driver (program). The printer driver is a program that enables computer 10 to perform the processes described so far.

[0079] Specifically, the program causes the computer 10 to perform the following steps: the setting window display unit 151 displays a setting window on the screen for making print settings; the calculation unit 17 calculates the amount of ink consumed by printing using the changed print settings for each type of ink, in conjunction with the user's action of changing the print settings in the setting windows 30 and 31; and the ink amount display unit 152 displays ink amount information for each type of ink on the screen, corresponding to the ink consumption calculated by the calculation unit 17.

[0080] With such a program, users can obtain real-time updated ink level information for each ink cartridge each time they change print settings, making it easy to adjust print settings while taking ink level information into account.

[0081] The above-mentioned program (printer driver) may be stored on a recording medium readable by the computer 10, such as a CD-ROM, or it may be available for download to the computer 10 via various communication methods such as the internet.

[0082] The embodiments described above are presented as examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. The above configurations can be combined as appropriate, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Printing system, 2. Printing device, 10 Computers, 11 Applications, 12 Input device, 13 Reception unit, 14 display devices, 141 screens; 15 Display section, 151 Settings window display section, 152 Ink quantity display section, 16 Printing data generation unit, 17 Calculation section, 18 memory section, 19 Communications Department, 20 Job list window, 21 Job list, Menus 22 and 23, 24 icons, 25 menus, 30,31 Settings window, 40 Display window, 41 Pie chart, 42 Bar graph, 43 Detailed view,

Claims

1. A settings window display unit that shows a settings window on the screen for configuring print settings, In the aforementioned settings window, a calculation unit calculates the amount of ink consumed by printing using the changed print settings, for each type of ink, in conjunction with the user's action of changing the print settings. An ink quantity display unit that displays ink quantity information corresponding to the ink consumption calculated by the calculation unit on the screen for each type of ink, It has, The aforementioned ink quantity information is the remaining ink amount obtained by subtracting the ink consumption amount from the amount of ink currently stored in the printing device, and the ink consumption amount. The ink quantity display unit is characterized by displaying, for each type of ink, the ratio of the remaining ink amount and the amount of ink consumed relative to 100% of the ink capacity in a graph within a region corresponding to that ratio.

2. An ink quantity display device according to claim 1, The ink quantity display unit is characterized by displaying the ratio of the ink consumption of each ink to the total ink consumption in a graph within a region corresponding to that ratio.

3. An ink quantity display device according to claim 1, The ink quantity display device is characterized in that the calculation unit generates dot data indicating the dot formation state for each pixel based on a print resolution lower than the set print resolution, and calculates the ink consumption from the dot data.

4. A setting window display unit that displays a setting window on the screen for making print settings, In the aforementioned settings window, a calculation unit calculates the amount of ink consumed by printing using the changed print settings, for each type of ink, in conjunction with the user's action of changing the print settings. An ink quantity display unit that displays ink quantity information corresponding to the ink consumption calculated by the calculation unit on the screen for each type of ink, It has a receiving unit that accepts either a high-precision display mode or a high-speed display mode, The calculation unit described above, When the receiving unit receives the high-precision display mode, it generates dot data indicating the dot formation state for each pixel based on the set print resolution, and calculates the ink consumption from the dot data. An ink quantity display device characterized in that, when the receiving unit receives the high-speed display mode, it generates dot data indicating the dot formation state for each pixel based on a print resolution lower than the set print resolution, and calculates the ink consumption from the dot data.

5. A setting window display unit that displays a setting window on the screen for making print settings, In the aforementioned settings window, a calculation unit calculates the amount of ink consumed by printing using the changed print settings, for each type of ink, in conjunction with the user's action of changing the print settings. An ink quantity display unit that displays ink quantity information corresponding to the ink consumption calculated by the calculation unit on the screen for each type of ink, It has, The calculation unit described above, If repeated printing, which prints the same image over and over by repeatedly executing prints based on the same print data, is set in the settings window, An ink quantity display device characterized by calculating the amount of ink consumed in one print run based on the print data, and calculating the ink consumption amount by multiplying the calculated ink quantity by the number of times the repeated printing is performed.

6. An ink quantity display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, An ink quantity display device characterized by having a print data generation unit that generates print data based on the print settings set in the settings window.

7. A printing method characterized in that a printing device prints an image based on the print data generated by the ink amount display device described in Claim 6.

8. A program for a computer to implement each of the processes of the ink quantity display device described in any one of Claims 1 to 5.

9. A setting window display unit that displays a setting window on the screen for making print settings, In the aforementioned settings window, a calculation unit calculates the amount of ink consumed by printing using the changed print settings, for each type of ink, in conjunction with the user's action of changing the print settings. An ink quantity display unit that displays ink quantity information corresponding to the ink consumption calculated by the calculation unit on the screen for each type of ink, It has, The aforementioned ink quantity information is the remaining ink amount obtained by subtracting the ink consumption amount from the amount of ink currently stored in the printing device, and the ink consumption amount. The ink quantity display unit is characterized by displaying a graph for each type of ink, comprising an ink quantity area corresponding to the remaining ink amount and an ink consumption area corresponding to the amount of ink consumed.

10. An ink quantity display device according to claim 9, The ink quantity display unit is characterized in that, for each type of ink, it displays the remaining ink quantity area and the ink consumption area in colors corresponding to the color of the ink, but with different densities.

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