JP2002002069A - Image forming apparatus, process cartridge and set value memory medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, a process cartridge used therein and a set value memory medium wherein a printing mode is automatically switched among a toner saving mode, an energy saving mode and a paper saving mode by a simple operation of a user by eliminating a bothersome setting operation by a user using a printer or a PC. SOLUTION: There is disclosed the image forming apparatus wherein the process cartridge having a set value changing trigger for changing an image forming condition is detachably loaded. The image forming apparatus comprises a set value memory means for storing the image forming condition of the image forming apparatus as a set value, a trigger detecting means for detecting a set value changing trigger, a set value changing means that changes the set value stored in the set value memory means to a set value corresponding to the predetermined set value changing trigger.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a computer, an image forming apparatus as a facsimile output device, a process cartridge used in the image forming apparatus, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many printers and copiers are available as printers and copiers as output devices for computers and facsimile machines, in which a process cartridge having a consuming member such as a toner cartridge or an ink jet cartridge is detachably mountable. For example, a plurality of types of process cartridges such as "5,000 print cartridges" and "15,000 print cartridges" are sold. Image forming apparatuses such as printers and copiers are provided with these process cartridges. After the mounting, the control corresponding to the process cartridge is performed.

Further, in the conventional electrophotographic printer, there has been a tendency to form an image with a relatively large amount of toner in order to output a high quality original document. On the other hand, in recent years, TCO (Total Cost
There is a tendency to save on own shipping, and printers with a cost reduction function such as a toner saving mode are generally used.

The printer with the cost reduction function is designed so that a user can select a toner saving mode, an energy saving mode, or a paper saving mode by inputting from a client PC (personal computer). Also, as another method, the user inputs from the operation unit of the printer,
The printer is designed to be able to select toner saving, energy saving, and paper saving modes.

On the other hand, most of the images printed out from the printer are draft images for proof work, and can be sufficiently used even in a toner saving mode which is not sufficient in image quality. Not a few offices use the toner saving mode.

However, the switching of the printer driver to the toner saving mode must be performed using a client PC connected to the printer. When a plurality of client PCs are connected via a network and share one printer, switching to the toner saving mode must be performed on each of the connected client PCs. It was difficult to ensure thoroughness. There is also a method of switching the operation mode of the printer to the toner saving mode at once, but it is sometimes difficult for a user who is not used to handling the printer operation section.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to eliminate a troublesome operation environment setting operation performed by a user using a printer or a PC, and automatically perform a toner saving mode, an energy saving mode, and a simple operation by the user. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be switched to a paper saving mode or the like, and to provide a process cartridge used in the image forming apparatus or a storage medium for setting a work environment.

[0008]

The object of the present invention is achieved by the following constitution.

1. An image forming apparatus having at least a process cartridge having a set value change trigger for changing an image forming condition, wherein the set value storage unit stores the image forming condition as a set value, An image forming apparatus comprising: trigger detection means for detecting a change trigger; and set value change means for changing a set value stored in the set value storage means to a set value corresponding to the set value change trigger. apparatus.

[0010] 2. The image forming apparatus has a dot image generating unit, one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a dot density of the dot image, and the set value change trigger is a trigger corresponding to the decrease amount of the dot density. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

3. The image forming apparatus is a client PC
And a font generating means for outputting a character in a font in response to a character output request from a client PC through the connecting means, wherein one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a font. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the set value change trigger is a trigger corresponding to a predetermined font.

4. The image forming apparatus has a power consumption saving unit, one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a setting of the power consumption saving unit, and the set value change trigger corresponds to starting or stopping of the power consumption saving unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to the item 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a trigger.

5. The image forming apparatus has a double-sided printing unit, one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a setting of the double-sided printing unit, and the set value change trigger is a trigger corresponding to activation or stop of the double-sided printing unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

6. The image forming apparatus has a reduced layout unit, one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a setting of the reduced layout unit, and the set value change trigger is a trigger corresponding to activation or stop of the reduced layout unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

[0015] 7. The image forming apparatus is a client PC
Connecting means for connecting to the client PC, the signal generating means for generating a set value change signal based on the trigger detection by the trigger detecting means, and transmitting the set value change signal to the client PC via the connecting means. Setting value change signal transmission means, wherein at least when the trigger detection means detects a setting value change trigger, the setting value change means generates the setting value change signal and transmits the signal to the client PC. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above items 1 to 6, wherein

8. At least a process cartridge having a setting value change trigger for changing an image forming condition, which is used in an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is detachable, wherein the process cartridge automatically changes an image forming condition of the image forming apparatus. A process cartridge having a set value change trigger for starting a program.

9. The process cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the set value change trigger is a protrusion that can be detected in the image forming apparatus.

10. 9. The process cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the set value change trigger is an information storage medium readable by the image forming apparatus.

11. The setting value trigger can switch to non-execution of activation of a program for automatically changing image forming conditions of the image forming apparatus.
11. The process cartridge according to any one of items 10 to 10.

[12] At least a setting value storage medium for storing an image forming condition as a setting value in a detachable image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus stores the image forming condition as a setting value, and a setting value storage unit. Storage medium reading means for reading setting values stored in the medium,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a set value changing unit configured to change a set value stored in the set value storage unit to a set value of an image condition stored in the set value storage medium in advance.

13. The image forming apparatus includes a dot image generating unit, wherein one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a dot density of the dot image, and the set value storage medium stores a decrease amount of the dot density as a set value. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image forming apparatus is a storage medium.

14. The image forming apparatus includes a font generating unit, one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a font, and the set value storage medium is a storage medium that stores a predetermined font as a set value. 13. The image forming apparatus according to the above item 12, wherein

[15] The image forming apparatus has a power consumption saving unit, one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a setting of the power consumption saving unit, and the set value storage medium sets a start or stop of the power consumption saving unit to a set value. 13. The image forming apparatus according to the item 12, wherein the storage medium is a storage medium that stores the information as an image.

16. The image forming apparatus has a double-sided printing unit, one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a setting of the double-sided printing unit, and the set value storage medium stores the start or stop of the double-sided printing unit as a set value. 13. The image forming apparatus according to 12, wherein the storage medium is a storage medium.

17. The image forming apparatus has a reduced layout unit, one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a setting of the reduced layout unit, and the set value storage medium stores a start or stop of the reduced layout unit as a set value. 13. The image forming apparatus according to 12, wherein the storage medium is a storage medium.

18. The image forming apparatus is a client P
C connecting means for connecting to C, a signal generating means for generating a set value change signal based on the set value of the image forming condition stored in advance in the set value storage medium read by the storage medium reading means, and And a setting value change signal transmitting unit for transmitting the setting value change signal to the client PC through the setting value changing unit. Read out the set value, and cause the client PC to transmit the set value change signal via the signal generation means, the set value change signal transmission means, and the connection means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

19. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the image forming apparatus has a process cartridge, and the set value storage medium is mounted in the process cartridge in advance.

20. 20. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a setting value storage medium mounting unit capable of attaching and detaching the setting value storage medium.

21. At least a setting value storage medium storing an image forming condition as a setting value is a setting value storage medium used in a detachable image forming apparatus, wherein the setting value storage medium sets an image forming condition of the image forming apparatus to the setting value. A setting value storage medium having a program for automatically changing the image condition setting value stored in a value storage medium.

22. 22. The setting value storage medium according to claim 21, wherein the setting value storage medium is a memory attached to a process cartridge of the image forming apparatus.

23. 22. The setting value storage medium according to the item 21, wherein the setting value storage medium is a memory card.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. The image forming apparatus of the present invention automatically changes the image forming conditions (also referred to simply as a mode) of the image forming apparatus by attaching a process cartridge or a storage medium to the image forming apparatus. You can convert to saving mode. The present invention relates to the process cartridge,
Alternatively, the storage medium is provided with a set value change trigger for converting the set value of the image forming condition into (for example, the toner saving mode), and when the process cartridge or the storage medium is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the set value change is performed. The detection is performed by the detection unit or the reading unit of the image forming apparatus reading the trigger and changing the set value of the image forming condition of the image forming apparatus.

[0033]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge having a set value change trigger for changing image forming conditions is detachable.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100
A process cartridge 11 having a set value change trigger 12, a trigger detecting means 13 for detecting the set value change trigger, a set value changing means 14 for changing the set value, and a set value storage means for storing image forming conditions as set values. 15, signal generating means 16 for generating a set value change signal, set value change signal transmitting means 17 for transmitting a set value change signal, connecting means 18 for connecting to a client PC, dot image generating means 1
9, a font generating unit 20, a power saving unit 21, a double-sided printing unit 22, and a reduced layout unit 23.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a process cartridge 11 having a set value change trigger used in the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the entire structure of the process cartridge 11 having a set value change trigger, and FIG.
7 is an enlarged view of a setting value change trigger 12. FIG.

The process cartridge integrally includes at least one of a developing unit, a charging unit, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a cleaning unit for the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and is detachably mounted to the main body of the image forming apparatus. It is a cartridge. For example, it is possible to use a process cartridge described in JP-A-12-13068.

In this embodiment, three dip switches are provided so as to protrude from the side of the cartridge.
These triggers are for switching execution / non-execution (ON / OFF) of the toner saving mode, the energy saving mode, and the paper saving mode, respectively.

The operation process of the printer will be described below, taking as an example the case where the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 is an electrophotographic printer and the process cartridge of FIG. 2 is a toner cartridge used in the printer. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation process of the printer.

Printer Operation Process (1) The user sets the dip switch (toner saving trigger) of the “toner saving mode” shown in FIG.
Using the “toner saving cartridge” set to N, it is mounted on the image forming apparatus.

(2) When the "toner saving cartridge" is mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the trigger detecting means 13 of the printer (O / O of each switch is detected by the optical sensor shown in FIG.
N / OFF) detects ON / OFF of the dip switch mounted on the cartridge.

(3) When the dip switch ON of the toner saving trigger is detected, the program of the set value changing means 14 is started (an example of the set values: recording dot thinning, development bias value change, font used, etc.).

(4) In order to automatically change the setting value of the printer driver incorporated in the client PC 51, a setting value change signal (toner saving cartridge) generated by the signal generation means 16 for generating a setting value change signal Is transmitted to each client PC 51 via the setting value change signal transmitting means 17 and the connecting means 18 connected to the client PC 51.

(5) The client PC that has received the set value change signal starts an automatic set value change program of the printer driver (examples of set values: recording dot thinning, edge smoothing, font replacement setting, halftone processing, etc.) ).

(6) In order to notify the user that the setting value has been changed, a notification of the setting value change is displayed on the display unit of the client PC.

(7) If the user wants to cancel the toner saving mode and print in the normal print mode, the user issues an instruction to cancel the toner saving mode on the print setting screen of the client PC.

(8) When the user uses the “energy saving mode cartridge” with the “energy saving mode” dip switch (energy saving trigger) turned on, for example, the waiting time in the standby state is 5 minutes, and the backlight of the display unit is turned off. In addition, setting values such as a decrease in recording speed are changed.

(9) When the user uses the “paper saving cartridge” in which the DIP switch (paper saving trigger) of the “paper saving mode” is turned ON, for example, set values for double-sided printing, 2 in 1 printing, reduced printing, etc. Changes are made.

Here, the image forming apparatus is an apparatus capable of forming an image-like image by transferring a coloring material to a recording medium such as paper or film, and more specifically, an electrophotographic photosensitive member. An electrostatic latent image is formed thereon, the electrostatic latent image is developed imagewise with toner, and then fixed by heat or the like. Ink is ejected to the recording medium and the ink is transferred imagewise onto the recording medium, or the arranged heating elements are energized based on an electric signal to generate heat, and the generated heat causes the ink on the ink sheet in contact with the There is an ink thermal method that melts or sublimates the image and transfers it imagewise to the recording medium. It is based on an electric signal transmitted from an electronic device such as a copying machine or computer that copies the read original. Printer for forming an image, there is a facsimile device for forming an image based on an electric signal transmitted through the public telephone line.

The image forming conditions are the operating conditions of each component, means, and device that operate when the image forming apparatus of the present invention performs a series of image forming operations. Fonts used, developing bias value in the developing device, fixing temperature in the fixing device, continuous energizing time in the standby state, double-sided printing, 2 in 1 printing, 4 in 1 printing, reduced printing, display unit backlight off, recording speed reduction, etc.

The set value change trigger is a means for discriminating execution / non-execution of the change of the image forming condition. For example, a physical switch position, energization / insulation of members, presence / absence of a protrusion, object Any form, such as a length, a numerical value in electronic information, and a plug, may be any as long as it can identify at least two states.

The trigger detecting means is means for detecting the set value change trigger. If the trigger is a physical trigger, an optical, physical, or electrical detecting means (for example, an energizing tester, an optical tester, Reflection sensors, oil pressure sensors, etc.), and electronic triggers, such as optical, magnetic, and electrical detection means (eg, optical pickups, scanners, magnetic heads, connector terminals). Can be.

The set value changing means is means for changing the set value stored in the set value storage means to a set value corresponding to the detected set value change trigger. Here, the set value corresponding to the set value change trigger means a set value of an image condition preset in the set value change trigger. For example, it is a set value or the like that indicates a reduction amount of the recording dot density.

The set value storage means is a means for storing the set values of the various image forming conditions, and controls the image forming apparatus based on the stored set values.

The set value change signal is a signal for notifying the client PC that the set value has been changed. When the set value is changed, a set value change signal is generated. The client PC, which has been transmitted to the client PC via the set value change signal transmitting means and has received the set value change signal, displays on a display or the like that the set value has been changed.

The connection means for connecting to the client PC is a general term for circuits, firmware, and software for physically and logically connecting the image forming apparatus of the present invention to the client PC. When connecting via a network, they are a network connection board and software for network connection.

The dot image generating means is the client P
C is an information processing unit that generates image-like image data (also referred to as bitmap image data) composed of dots (dots) based on the print data transmitted from C. Is to reduce the number of dots making up by performing thinning and the like,
For example, the method described in JP-A-6-9123 can be used, which contributes to a reduction in the amount of toner used.

The font generating means is an information processing means for outputting characters in font in response to an output request from a client device, and is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-171791.

Font replacement is to automatically replace a font specified in a document created by a user on an application on a client PC with a predetermined font to form an image. For example, font replacement is performed on an application. In the document, a font with a line width of 4 dots,
In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the font is automatically replaced with a font having a line width of 2 dots, thereby reducing the amount of toner used per character.

The power consumption saving means is a means for saving power consumption in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. More specifically, when the continuous energizing time in the standby state becomes longer than a certain time, the power is supplied to the fixing device. , And control such as turning off the backlight of the display unit.

The double-sided printing means is means for printing on both sides of a recording sheet.
It is possible to use the means described in the above item, contributing to the reduction of paper consumption.

The reduced layout is to reduce an image of one page which should be originally printed on one sheet of recording paper, and lay out two to eight pages collectively to be printed on one sheet of recording paper. , Generally 2in1, 4in1,
It is called 8 in 1 and contributes to the reduction of the amount of paper used and the amount of toner used.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge 11 having a memory as a set value storage medium for storing at least image forming conditions is detachable.

As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 100
Includes a process cartridge 1 having a set value storage medium.
1. Memory 32 and memory connector 33 as setting value storage medium, setting value storage medium reading means 31 for reading setting value storage medium, setting value changing means 1 for changing setting values
4. a set value storage unit 15 for storing image forming conditions as set values; a signal generation unit 16 for generating a set value change signal;
Set value change signal transmitting means 1 for transmitting a set value change signal
7, connecting means 18 for connecting to a client PC, dot image generating means 19, font generating means 20, power saving means 21, double-sided printing means 22, reduced layout means 2
3 are provided.

FIG. 5 shows a memory 32 as a set value storage medium for storing image forming conditions used in the image forming apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a process cartridge 11 having a memory connector 33 attached thereto.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an image forming apparatus in which at least a set value storage medium for storing image forming conditions is a memory card and the memory card is detachable.

In FIG. 6, a means for mounting the memory card 34 (storage medium mounting means: memory slot 35) is provided in the image forming apparatus. Parts other than the memory card and the memory slot in FIG. 6 are substantially the same as those in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the memory card 34 of FIG. 6 in which the toner saving mode memory card of the electrophotographic printer is used.

The operation process of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 6 is as follows, taking as an example the case where the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation process of the printer.

Printer Operation Process (1) A memory card storing the “toner saving mode” is inserted into a memory slot of the printer.

(2) When the memory card storing the “toner saving mode” is inserted into the image forming apparatus of FIG.
The set value storage medium reading means 23 reads the set value of the memory card.

(3) The read set value of the “toner saving mode” is transmitted to the set value control unit, and the program of the set value changing unit 14 in the set value control unit is started (an example of the set value: recording) Dot thinning, development bias value change, font used, etc.).

(4) In order to automatically change the set value of the printer driver built in the client PC 51 to the set value of the “toner saving mode”, the set value change signal is generated by the signal generating means 16. The set value change signal (signal notifying that the toner saving mode has been started) is transmitted to the set value change signal transmitting means 17 for transmitting the set value change signal, and the connection means 1 for connecting to the client PC 51.
8 to each client PC 51.

(5) Upon receiving the set value change signal, the client PC 51 starts an automatic set value change program of the printer driver (an example of set values: recording dot thinning, edge smoothing, font replacement setting, halftone processing) etc).

(6) Display on the display unit of the client PC to notify the user that the set value has been changed.

(7) If the user wants to cancel the toner saving mode and print in the normal mode, the user issues an instruction to cancel the toner saving mode on the print setting screen of the client PC.

(8) When the user uses the memory card in the “energy saving mode”, for example, the set values such as the waiting time in the standby state for 5 minutes, the backlight of the display unit being turned off, and the recording speed being lowered are changed.

(9) When the user uses a memory card in the “paper saving mode”, for example, double-sided printing, 2i
The setting values such as n1 printing and reduced printing are changed.

The set value storage medium is a medium in which the set values of the image forming conditions are recorded in advance, and more specifically, a recording medium on which the set values of the image forming conditions are printed, the set values of the image forming conditions, A bar-coded recording medium, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, an IC card, a memory card, etc. It is an electric and electronic recording medium.

The set value storage medium reading means for reading the set value storage medium is means for reading the set values stored in the set value storage medium in advance, and specifically, the set values are optically recorded. In such a case, an optical reading device such as an optical pickup or a scanner, a magnetic reading device such as a magnetic head when magnetically recorded, or a connector terminal when electrically recorded. It is an electric reader.

[0081]

As described above, the configuration of the present invention has been described with reference to the configuration drawing of the electrophotographic printer and its operation process flowchart. As is clear from the embodiment of the present invention, when a process cartridge having a set value change trigger of the present invention or a set value storage medium storing a set value change is used, these process cartridges can be used.
Alternatively, the user can easily set the image forming apparatus to the toner saving mode, the energy saving mode, the double-sided printing mode, etc. by simply mounting the set value storage medium on the image forming apparatus, and the user can execute these modes without troublesome operations. When using the image forming apparatus, it is possible to obtain great merits such as cost reduction of consumables such as toner and energy saving effect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge having a set value change trigger for changing an image forming condition is detachable.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process cartridge having a set value change trigger used in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an operation process of the printer.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge having a memory as a set value storage medium for storing image forming conditions is detachable.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a process cartridge provided with a memory as a set value storage medium for storing image forming conditions used in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a memory card as a set value storage medium for storing image forming conditions.

7 is a diagram showing an example of a memory card in which the memory card of FIG. 6 is a toner saving mode memory card of an electrophotographic printer.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an operation process of the printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Process cartridge 12 Set value change trigger 13 Trigger detection means 14 Set value change means 15 Set value storage means 16 Signal generation means 17 Set value change signal transmission means 18 Connection means 19 Dot image generation means 20 Font generation means 21 Power consumption saving means Reference Signs List 22 double-sided printing means 23 reduced layout means 32 memory 34 memory card 35 memory slot 51 client PC 100 image forming apparatus

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 21/00 398 H04N 1/00 107A 5C074 H04N 1/00 1/29 H 107 B41J 29/00 B 1 / 29 G03G 15/00 556 F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AQ04 AQ05 AQ06 AR03 BB10 CF01 CF14 HH03 HK11 HN15 HN20 HQ06 2H027 DA27 ED04 EF16 EJ15 FA06 FA11 FB03 FB07 FB11 FB12 ZA07 2A0 2A0 AB20 AB22 AB38 AB42 AB46 AB49 AC09 AC24 AE15 AE16 BA00 5C074 AA13 AA17 DD04 DD16 DD19 EE14 GG13 HH02

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a process cartridge having at least a set value change trigger for changing an image forming condition; and a set value storage unit for storing the image forming condition as a set value. A trigger detecting means for detecting the set value change trigger; and a set value changing means for changing a set value stored in the set value storage means to a set value corresponding to the set value change trigger. Characteristic image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus has a dot image generating means, wherein one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a dot density of a dot image, and the set value change trigger corresponds to a decrease amount of the dot density. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the trigger is a trigger for performing the operation. 3. The image forming apparatus has connection means for connecting to a client personal computer, and has a font generation means for outputting a character in a font in response to a character output request from the client personal computer through the connection means. The set value of the image forming condition is set to 1
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the fonts is a font, and the set value change trigger is a trigger corresponding to a predetermined font. 4. The image forming apparatus has a power consumption saving unit, one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a setting of the power consumption saving unit, and the set value change trigger is activated by the activation of the power consumption saving unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the trigger is a trigger corresponding to stop. 5. The image forming apparatus has a double-sided printing unit, one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a setting of the double-sided printing unit, and the set value change trigger is to start or stop the double-sided printing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the trigger is a corresponding trigger. 6. The image forming apparatus has a reduced layout unit, one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a setting of the reduced layout unit, and the set value change trigger is to start or stop the reduced layout unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the trigger is a corresponding trigger. 7. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a connection unit connected to a client personal computer; a signal generation unit configured to generate a set value change signal based on a trigger detection by the trigger detection unit; Setting value change signal transmitting means for transmitting the set value change signal to a client personal computer, wherein the set value change signal is transmitted when at least the trigger detecting means detects a set value change trigger. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to generate an image and transmit the generated image to the client personal computer. 8. A process cartridge used in an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge having a set value change trigger for changing an image forming condition is detachable, wherein the process cartridge determines an image forming condition of the image forming apparatus. A process cartridge having a set value change trigger for activating a program to be automatically changed. 9. The process cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the set value change trigger is a protrusion detectable in the image forming apparatus. 10. The process cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the set value change trigger is an information storage medium readable by the image forming apparatus. 11. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the setting value trigger can switch to non-execution of activation of a program for automatically changing image forming conditions of the image forming apparatus.
11. The process cartridge according to any one of items 10 to 10. 12. A set value storage unit for storing at least a set value storage medium for storing image formation conditions as set values, the set value storage medium storing the image formation conditions as set values. A storage medium reading means for reading the set values stored in the set value storage medium; and changing the set values stored in the set value storage means to the set values of the image conditions stored in the set value storage medium in advance. An image forming apparatus comprising: a setting value changing unit. 13. The image forming apparatus has a dot image generating means, wherein one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a dot density of a dot image, and the set value storage medium sets a reduction amount of the dot density. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image forming apparatus is a storage medium that stores a value. 14. The image forming apparatus has font generating means, one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a font, and the set value storage medium stores a predetermined font as a set value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image forming apparatus is a storage medium. 15. The image forming apparatus has a power consumption saving unit, wherein one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a setting of the power consumption saving unit, and the set value storage medium is an activation of the power consumption saving unit. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the storage medium stores stop as a set value. 16. The image forming apparatus has a double-sided printing unit, one of the set values of the image forming conditions is a setting of the double-sided printing unit, and the set value storage medium starts or stops the double-sided printing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image forming apparatus is a storage medium that stores a setting value. 17. The image forming apparatus includes a reduced layout unit, wherein one of the set values of the image forming condition is a setting of the reduced layout unit, and the setting value storage medium activates or stops the reduced layout unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image forming apparatus is a storage medium that stores a setting value. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a connection unit that connects to a client personal computer; and a setting value of an image forming condition stored in a setting value storage medium read by the storage medium reading unit in advance.
A signal generation unit configured to generate a set value change signal; and a set value change signal transmission unit configured to transmit the set value change signal to the client personal computer via the connection unit. When at least the storage medium reading unit reads the set value of the image forming condition from the set value storage medium, the set value to the client personal computer via the signal generation unit, the set value change signal transmission unit, and the connection unit 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein transmission of a change signal is performed. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image forming apparatus has a process cartridge, and the setting value storage medium is mounted in the process cartridge in advance. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said image forming apparatus has a setting value storage medium mounting means capable of attaching and detaching said setting value storage medium. 21. A setting value storage medium for use in an image forming apparatus in which a setting value storage medium for storing an image forming condition as a setting value is detachable, wherein the setting value storage medium is an image of the image forming apparatus. A setting value storage medium having a program for automatically changing a forming condition to a setting value of an image condition stored in the setting value storage medium. 22. The setting value storage medium according to claim 21, wherein the setting value storage medium is a memory attached to a process cartridge of the image forming apparatus. 23. The setting value storage medium according to claim 21, wherein the setting value storage medium is a memory card.