JPS648083A - Ink ribbon use condition display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To inform the operator of the residual amount of an ink ribbon and perform a document-printing process effectively and smoothly, by displaying the amount of the ink ribbon used or the remaining amount of the ribbon, in a thermal transfer printer not provided with a ribbon run-out detecting mechanism. CONSTITUTION:Before the start of printing, the number of dots to be printed horizontally in a printing range is first calculated from data on an objective document to be printed and line modification data on the document. Next, the amount of a ribbon to be used in printing is calculated, based on the above- mentioned number of dots and a constant determined according to a non-printing consumption of the ribbon which is characteristics of a printer device and is found beforehand. Then, a printing process is carried out, and data on the amount of the ribbon used in carrying out the process is updated. The updated amount of the ribbon used is sent to a display controller, and the amount of the ribbon used which is displayed on a format setting screen is updated. In this case, the total amount of the ink ribbon being mounted is displayed on the screen together with the amount of the ribbon used, so that the remaining amount of the ribbon at present can be easily recognized.