JP2006272551A - Image forming apparatus and method of controlling the apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

In an image forming apparatus, it is possible to switch ON / OFF of execution of density adjustment processing (patch processing), and at the same time, it is highly versatile to reliably eliminate erroneous operations by general users. Provide a framework.
An image forming unit that executes an image forming operation and a density detection result of a patch image formed by the image forming unit adjust an image forming condition for executing the image forming operation to a predetermined optimum condition. An image forming apparatus comprising: a condition control unit; and a control unit that controls execution of the image forming unit and the condition control unit. The image forming apparatus is a special unit in place of a normal unit with respect to a predetermined portion. The control unit causes the image forming unit to execute without executing the condition control unit on condition that the special unit is set in the image forming apparatus. And
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that adjusts image forming conditions based on a density detection result of a patch image, and a control method therefor.

  In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and facsimile machines, a small test image (patch image) having a predetermined image pattern is formed as needed, and the image density is adjusted by a density sensor. A predetermined image quality can be stably obtained by detecting and adjusting the operation condition (image forming condition) of each part of the apparatus based on the detection result.

  For example, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the apparatus warms up immediately after the apparatus is turned on or immediately after the sleep mode is canceled, and when the apparatus is completed, the density adjustment process is subsequently executed. To do. In this density adjustment processing, the optimum values of the charging bias and the developing bias as density control factors that affect the image quality are calculated based on the density detection result of the solid image or halftone image formed as the patch image. Then, by setting the charging bias and the developing bias to the optimum values thus obtained, the optimum image forming conditions can be obtained. An image can be formed with good and stable image quality by executing the image forming operation under the optimized image forming conditions.

Further, in this type of image forming apparatus, in order to notify the operator such as a user or an operator of the state of the apparatus, a status sheet describing the operation parameters of each part of the apparatus and the result of self-diagnosis processing is output as necessary. There is something that was configured.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2001-75318 (FIG. 3)

  Here, depending on the use situation of the apparatus, it may be preferable to omit the density adjustment processing (patch processing) as described above. For example, when performing maintenance work on the apparatus, by omitting the density adjustment process, it is possible to avoid a delay in the first print time until the completion of the density adjustment process and to save toner consumed in the density adjustment process. , Work efficiency can be improved. Further, in the maintenance work, in order to confirm the current state, there is a case where it is desired to output the status sheet by using the result of the previous density adjustment process as it is without newly performing the density adjustment process.

  From this point of view, it is possible to switch on / off execution of density adjustment processing. For example, when a maintenance worker performs maintenance work, printing can be executed without the density adjustment processing. It is desirable to make it.

  However, if the density adjustment process can be omitted when the maintenance worker performs a predetermined operation, a general user other than the maintenance worker may unintentionally execute such an operation. . In that case, if printing should be performed after the density adjustment processing is executed, printing is executed in a state where the processing is omitted, and thus sufficient image quality cannot be obtained.

  As one method for avoiding such an erroneous operation by a general user, for example, the density adjustment processing is turned ON / OFF only when the opening / closing state of the cover is in a special state that cannot be used by a general user. It is conceivable that the switching operation can be executed.

  However, even though it is in a “normally impossible state”, the possibility of an erroneous operation by a general user cannot be completely eliminated unless it is impossible to execute a predetermined operation in that state. Further, in the first place, because of the configuration of the apparatus, since such a cover and the like can take various forms, there is a problem that it is difficult to adopt the above configuration as a general-purpose framework.

  Therefore, the present invention is a general-purpose image forming apparatus that can switch on / off the execution of density adjustment processing (patch processing) and can reliably eliminate erroneous operations by general users regarding the switching. The purpose is to provide a high quality framework.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has an image forming unit that executes an image forming operation, and a predetermined optimum image forming condition for executing the image forming operation based on a density detection result of a patch image formed by the image forming unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a condition control unit that adjusts to a condition; and a control unit that controls execution of the image forming unit and the condition control unit. Instead, a special unit can be set, and the control unit executes the image forming unit without executing the condition control unit on condition that the special unit is set in the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by making it.

  According to such a configuration, since it is configured to prohibit the execution of patch processing on the condition that a special unit that is not normally acquired by a general user is set, the general user erroneously omits the execution of the condition control means and The possibility of executing the forming means can be practically zero.

  Preferably, the normal unit related to the predetermined part is a developing unit. In general, the structure of the developing unit is often common to many image forming apparatuses (ie, high versatility). Therefore, a special unit that can be set in place of the developing unit also has high versatility. I can say that. As a result, the configuration of the present invention that controls whether or not the condition control means can be executed using such a highly versatile special unit is also a highly versatile framework.

  Preferably, the special unit stores information indicating execution prohibition of the condition control processing (hereinafter referred to as “execution prohibition information”) in a state readable by the image forming apparatus. When the execution prohibition information can be read from the unit related to the predetermined part set in the image forming apparatus, it is determined that the special unit is set.

  Specifically, the control unit determines that the execution prohibition information can be read from the unit related to the predetermined part when the execution prohibition information can be read from the storage unit included in the unit related to the predetermined part. can do.

  Alternatively, the control means can determine that the execution prohibition information has been read from the unit related to the predetermined part when it is detected that the unit related to the predetermined part has a predetermined physical shape. .

  Preferably, the control means determines whether the special unit is set when the power is turned on, and turns off the power when it is determined that the special unit is set. Until the condition control means is executed, and the image forming means is executed without executing the condition control means.

  Or, the control means, when a unit related to the predetermined part is replaced, means for determining whether the special unit is set, and when determining that the special unit is set, at least Means for executing the image forming means without executing the condition control means once.

  Preferably, when the image forming unit is executed without executing the condition control unit, the user is notified that the condition control unit is not executed. Specifically, it is conceivable that information indicating that the condition control unit is not executed is included in an image to be formed. Furthermore, the information indicating that the condition control unit is not executed may be configured to include information on the preset image forming conditions stored in the image forming apparatus.

  The special unit according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that executes an image forming operation, and an image forming condition for executing the image forming operation based on a density detection result of a patch image formed by the image forming unit. A special unit for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a condition control unit that adjusts the image forming unit; and a control unit that controls the execution of the image forming unit and the condition control unit. Instead of a normal unit configured to be settable in the image forming apparatus, information indicating that execution of the condition control unit is prohibited can be set in the image forming apparatus and read by the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by being.

  The control method of the present invention is a control method of an image forming apparatus configured to be able to set a special unit in place of a normal unit for a predetermined part, and based on the density detection result of a patch image formed by an image forming unit, A condition control step for adjusting an image forming condition when the image forming unit performs an image forming operation to a predetermined optimum condition; and the condition control step on condition that the special unit is set in the image forming apparatus. And an execution control step for controlling so as not to be executed.

  The control method of the present invention can be implemented by a computer, and a computer program therefor is installed or loaded into a memory in the image forming apparatus through various media such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, and a communication network. can do.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, execution of density adjustment processing (patch processing) can be switched ON / OFF, and erroneous operation by a general user can be reliably eliminated regarding the switching. A highly versatile framework that can be provided.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. In this image forming apparatus, when an image signal is given to the main controller 11 of the control unit 1 from an external device such as the host computer 100, the main controller 11 analyzes the image signal and performs various image processing. The image processed signal is supplied to the engine controller 12. Then, the engine controller 12 controls each unit of the engine unit EG based on the firmware stored in the flash memory 123, and corresponds to the image signal on the sheet S such as a copy sheet, a transfer sheet, a sheet, and an OHP transparent sheet. Form an image. This image forming apparatus uses a function of superposing four color toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) to form a full color image, and uses only black (K) toner. A function to form a monochrome image.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the engine unit EG includes a photosensitive unit 2, a rotary developing unit 3 (a yellow developing unit (hereinafter referred to as “Y developing unit”) 3Y, and a magenta developing unit (“M developing unit”). 3M, cyan development unit (“C development unit”) 3C, black development unit (“K development unit”) 3K, etc., intermediate transfer unit 4, fixing unit 5, exposure unit 8, firmware reading unit 10, etc. It is comprised including. Of these, the units 2, 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K, 4, 5, and 8 are detachable from the apparatus main body 6, and the photoreceptor is in a state where each unit is set in the apparatus main body 6. The photosensitive member 21 of the unit 2 rotates in the arrow direction D1 in FIG. The Y developing unit 3Y, the M developing unit 3M, the C developing unit 3C, and the K developing unit 3K store toner, which is a consumable item, and the functions of units other than the developing unit may deteriorate with age. In this respect, it can be grasped as a consumable unit.

  The photoconductor unit 2 contains a photoconductor 21, a charging unit 22, and a cleaning unit 23, which are detachably attached to the apparatus main body 6 integrally. The charging unit 22 is applied with a charging bias from a charging bias generation unit (not shown), and can uniformly charge the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 21. The cleaning unit 23 is provided on the upstream side of the charging unit 22 in the rotation direction D1 of the photosensitive member 21. The cleaning unit 23 scrapes off toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 21 after the primary transfer. The surface of the body 21 can be cleaned.

  The light beam L is irradiated from the exposure unit 8 toward the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 21 charged by the charging unit 22. The exposure unit 8 is electrically connected to a laser driver (not shown) provided in the engine controller 12, and is controlled according to a drive signal supplied from the laser driver, so that the light beam L is applied onto the photosensitive member 21. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the photoconductor 21 by exposure.

  The electrostatic latent image formed in this way is developed with toner by the rotary developing unit 3. The rotary developing unit 3 is determined in advance by rotating each developing unit (Y developing unit 3Y, M developing unit 3M, C developing unit 3C, K developing unit 3K) provided rotatably around the axis, and each developing unit. And a mechanism 33 for positioning at a plurality of positions (for example, a development position with respect to the photosensitive member 21 and a communication position with the firmware reading unit 10).

  When one of the developing units is positioned at the developing position by the mechanism unit 33 of the rotary developing unit 3, the toner stored in the unit housing of the developing unit is conveyed while being carried on the developing roller 31. Then, by applying a predetermined developing bias to the developing roller 31, the toner carried / conveyed by the developing roller 31 adheres to the photosensitive member 21, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized. In this way, a toner image of the selected color is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 21.

  FIG. 1 shows a state in which the K developing unit 3K is positioned at the developing position, and the developing roller 31 provided in the K developing unit 3K is disposed to face the photoconductor 21.

  The toner image developed by the developing unit 3 as described above is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 41 of the intermediate transfer unit 4 in the primary transfer region TR1. That is, the intermediate transfer unit 4 includes an intermediate transfer belt 41 that is stretched over a plurality of rollers, and a drive unit (not shown) that rotationally drives the intermediate transfer belt 41, and transfers a color image to the sheet S. In this case, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive member 21 are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 to form a color image. On the other hand, when a single-color image is transferred to the sheet S, Only the black toner image formed in this step is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 41 to form a single color image.

  The image thus formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is secondarily transferred onto the sheet S taken out from the cassette 9 in a predetermined secondary transfer region TR2. Then, the sheet S on which the toner image is transferred is introduced into a fixing unit 5 including a heater (not shown), and the toner is fixed to the sheet S by applying pressure while heating. The sheet S on which an image has been formed in this manner is conveyed to a discharge tray provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 6.

  Here, in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, in order to detect the density of the patch image, the density sensor PS is arranged to face one roller on which the intermediate transfer belt 41 is stretched. The density sensor PS measures the image density of the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 41 as necessary. Based on the measurement results, this apparatus uses the operating conditions of each part of the apparatus that affect the image quality, such as the developing bias applied to each developing unit, the intensity of the light beam L, and the gradation correction characteristics of the apparatus. Adjustments are being made.

  The density sensor PS is configured to output a signal corresponding to the image density of a predetermined area on the intermediate transfer belt 41 using, for example, a reflection type photosensor. The engine controller 12 can detect the image density of each part of the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 41 by periodically sampling the output signal from the density sensor PS while rotating the intermediate transfer belt 41 in a circular manner. .

  In the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, as each developing unit, for example, a developing unit to which a small IC chip 32 is attached by a screw, an adhesive, or the like can be used. Similarly, the photoconductor unit 2 to which the IC chip 32 is attached can be used.

  In the IC chip 32, data such as the manufacturing lot and usage history of the developing unit, the remaining amount of the built-in toner, and the like are stored in the internal semiconductor circuit. Various data stored in the IC chip 32 is read out wirelessly by the reading unit 10 at a predetermined timing, and is used for predetermined control processing in the engine controller 12 or the like. Such an IC chip 32 and reading unit 10 can be configured using conventional data carrier technology.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the special substitute unit 3X can be set in the apparatus main body 6 instead of the normal developing unit. This special alternative unit 3X has the same shape as the developing unit in principle, and an IC chip 32 is attached like the developing unit. In the IC chip 32 of the special substitution unit 3X, information indicating execution prohibition of processing (patch processing) for adjusting the image forming condition based on the patch image (hereinafter referred to as “patch execution inhibition data”) as data unique to the special substitution unit. Is at least remembered.

  As will be described later, in the present embodiment, when it is desired to omit the execution of patch processing, for example, in maintenance work, the execution of patch processing can be prohibited by setting the special alternative unit 3X in the image forming apparatus. The special replacement unit 3X is a special unit that is assumed to be used mainly for maintenance work and the like as described above, so that it cannot be generally obtained by general users. In other words, a person in charge for performing maintenance work, etc. It should be managed and distributed so that only it can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the special substitution unit 3X does not store toner therein. However, depending on the design, the toner may be stored therein so that the image forming operation can be executed using the special alternative unit 3X. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the developing unit and the special alternative unit, both are collectively referred to as a developing unit or the like.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The main controller 11 includes a host interface 111, a CPU 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, an engine interface 115, and the like. The main controller 11 is configured to perform communication processing with the host computer 100 through the host interface 111, and receives an image signal, a predetermined program, and the like transmitted from the host computer 100. The received image signal and the like are temporarily stored in the RAM 114.

  The CPU 112 is electrically connected to the operation panel 13 attached to the apparatus main body 6 via an input / output port (not shown). The operation panel 13 is provided with a plurality of switches 131 for the user to give various commands to the CPU 112, and a display unit 132 for displaying messages, printing status, etc. to the user. The operation panel 13 functions as a man-machine interface.

  The ROM 113 stores a program for the main controller 11 in advance, and the CPU 112 and a logic circuit (not shown) operate according to the program to perform various image processing on the received image signal. be able to. For example, RGB data indicating the gradation level of the RGB component of each pixel in the image corresponding to the image signal is converted into CMYK data indicating the gradation level of the corresponding CMYK component. In addition, after tone correction is performed on CMYK data of each pixel, halftoning processing such as error diffusion, dithering, and screen is further performed to generate, for example, 8-bit halftone CMYK data per pixel. To do. The halftone CMYK data is used to create a video signal for pulse width modulation of the exposure laser pulse of each color image, and the video signal is output to the engine controller 12 via the engine interface 115.

  On the other hand, the engine controller 12 includes a main interface 121, a CPU 122, a flash memory 123, a RAM 124, and the like as shown in FIG. The main interface 121 is for communicating with the main controller 11 and receives commands and data transmitted from the main controller 11 via the main interface 121.

  The flash memory 123 is a rewritable memory and stores firmware. However, it is desirable to store a portion of the firmware that is not a rewrite target in a write protected area of the flash memory 123.

  The CPU 122 executes the firmware stored in the flash memory 123 to control each unit of the engine unit EG, and the image corresponding to the image signal is applied to the sheet S such as copy paper, transfer paper, paper, and OHP transparent sheet. Printing processing, patch processing for adjusting image forming conditions, processing for controlling whether or not to execute patch processing (patch processing execution control processing), and the like are executed. In addition to these processes, the CPU 122 executes general processes included in the image forming apparatus, such as firmware rewriting processes.

  Hereinafter, the patch execution control process and the patch process in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In addition, each process (including the partial process to which the code | symbol is not provided) can be arbitrarily changed in order within the range which does not contradict a process content, or can be performed in parallel (this point is a deformation | transformation). The same applies to examples).

(Patch execution control processing: FIGS. 3 and 4)
When the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, as one of the initial operations, the CPU 122 executes a patch execution control process (S100 to S114).

  First, the CPU 122 initially sets a control flag (hereinafter referred to as “patch control flag”) relating to execution of patch processing to indicate “executable” (S100).

  Next, the CPU 122 selects one of the developing units or the like (S101), and controls the mechanism unit 33 of the rotary developing unit 3 to position the selected developing unit or the like at the communication position (S102). Here, the communication position is a position at which the data stored in the IC chip 32 can be read wirelessly by the reading unit 10 when the developing unit or the like to which the IC chip 32 is attached is at the communication position. is there.

  Next, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the selected developing unit or the like includes the IC chip 32 (S103).

  If it is determined that the IC chip 32 is not provided, the CPU 122 determines whether or not there is an unselected developing unit (S104). If there is still an unselected development unit or the like, the process returns to S101, and if all have been selected, the process proceeds to S109.

  For example, even if the reading unit 10 provided at a position communicable with the IC chip 32 included in the set developing unit or the like is controlled to emit an electromagnetic wave (charge wave) and a predetermined number of times is tried, the IC chip 32 If the response signal is not obtained, it may be determined that the developing unit or the like does not include the IC chip 32 (including the case where the IC chip 32 does not function normally).

  On the other hand, when determining that the IC chip 32 is provided, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the selected developing unit is the special alternative unit 3X (S105). For example, the CPU 122 controls the reading unit 10 to wirelessly read data stored in the IC chip 32 included in the selected developing unit or the like. When the read execution data includes patch execution prohibition data, it is determined that the data is the special alternative unit 3X.

  If it is determined that it is the special alternative unit 3X (when it is determined that the patch execution prohibition data is included), the CPU 122 sets the patch control flag to indicate “execution denied” (S106).

  Next, the CPU 122 waits for the special alternative unit 3X to be replaced with a normal developing unit (S107). As described above, the special alternative unit 3X does not store toner in the interior, and therefore it is impossible to perform an image forming operation while the toner is set. In addition, when waiting, for example, the main controller 11 may be configured to output a message or the like prompting the display unit 132 to replace the special substitute unit 3X.

  When the developing unit or the like is replaced, the CPU 122 selects the replaced developing unit or the like (S108), and returns to S102. It should be noted that whether or not the development unit has been replaced may be determined with reference to such a flag, for example, by setting up an electrical flag when the development unit or the like is removed.

  On the other hand, when determining that it is not the special alternative unit 3X (when patch execution prohibition data is not included), the CPU 122 determines whether or not there is an unselected developing unit (S104). If there is an unselected developing unit or the like, the process returns to S101, and if all the developing units have been selected, the process proceeds to S109.

  Next, the CPU 122 determines the state of the patch control flag (S109).

  If it is determined that the patch status flag is “executable”, the CPU 122 executes patch processing to be described later (S110), and then waits for an image forming operation execution instruction (S111).

  When the CPU 122 receives an instruction for an image forming operation (S111: With instruction), the image forming condition stored in the nonvolatile memory or the like in the engine controller 12 (in this case, the image forming condition set by the patch processing in S110) The image forming operation is executed (S112). After the end of the image forming operation, the process returns to S111.

  The image forming operation is the same as the conventional one. That is, when an image signal is given to the main controller 11 of the control unit 1 from an external device such as the host computer 100, the main controller 11 analyzes the image signal, performs various image processing, and then performs the image processing. A signal is provided to the engine controller 12. The engine controller 12 controls each unit of the engine unit EG based on the firmware stored in the flash memory 123 to display an image corresponding to the image signal on a sheet S such as copy paper, transfer paper, paper, and an OHP transparent sheet. Form.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the patch status flag is “execution rejected”, the CPU 122 waits for an image forming operation execution instruction without executing the patch processing (S113).

  When the CPU 122 receives an instruction for an image forming operation (S113: with an instruction), the image forming conditions stored in the nonvolatile memory or the like in the engine controller 12 (in this case, the image set by the previously executed patch process) The image forming operation is executed using the image forming conditions (the image forming conditions or the default image forming conditions) (S114). After the end of the image forming operation, the process returns to S113.

  Here, when the image forming operation is executed in S114, it is desirable to present to the user that the patch processing is not executed. For example, the main controller 11 is notified that the engine controller 12 is not executing patch processing, and the display unit 132 is displayed that the main controller 11 is not executing patch processing. Alternatively, the image signal may be corrected so that the engine controller 12 or the main controller 11 includes information (characters, symbols, images, etc.) indicating that patch processing has not been executed in the image to be formed. Furthermore, in this case, it is also conceivable to include information on preset image forming conditions stored in a nonvolatile memory or the like in the engine controller 12 in the information displayed on the display unit 132 or the information included in the image.

(Patch processing: Fig. 5)
In patch processing, in order to maintain the image quality to be formed, patch image is formed while changing various image forming conditions and the image density is detected, and the image forming condition is determined based on the detection result. It is a process to adjust. In the patch processing of the present embodiment, the development bias and exposure power are adjusted as control factors that affect the image quality among the operation parameters that determine the operation conditions of each part of the apparatus. In addition to the above two, various parameters are known as operation parameters that function as control factors, and there are many known techniques for the principle and control method of image quality control using them. Therefore, the patch processing may be configured by adopting such other control factors and known techniques according to the design.

  For each toner color, the CPU 122 calculates an optimum development bias, that is, an optimum value of the development bias to be applied to the development roller 31 of each development unit during the image forming operation. Specifically, one toner color is selected (S200), and a patch image of a predetermined pattern is formed at each bias value while changing and setting the development bias in multiple stages for that toner color (S201). Then, the image density of each patch image is detected by the density sensor PS (S202). At this time, if the output from the density sensor PS is abnormal, that is, shows a value greatly deviating from the value corresponding to the density assumed from the setting value of the developing bias, the CPU 122 has an abnormality in the apparatus. It is determined that there is an error, and predetermined error processing is executed.

  When the image density of each patch image is obtained, the relationship between the development bias and the image density can be determined from these values. Based on this relationship, the value of the development bias that matches the predetermined target density based on the relationship. That is, the optimum developing bias is obtained (S203). However, if the optimum value is not within the variable range of the developing bias in the apparatus, the value closest to the calculated optimum value in the variable range is set as the optimum developing bias.

  The processing from S200 to S203 is repeated until the processing is completed for all toner colors (S204). Thereby, an optimum developing bias for each toner color is obtained.

  Subsequently, for each toner color, an optimum exposure power, that is, an optimum value of the intensity of the light beam L when an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the toner color is formed on the photosensitive member 21 is calculated (S205 to S209). . The processing here is the same as the optimum development bias calculation processing (S200 to S204) described above except that the control factor is exposure power instead of the development bias, but if necessary, the patch image to be formed is changed. The image pattern may be different. In this case, it is preferable to use the optimum value obtained previously as the setting value of the developing bias. Thus, when the optimum developing bias and optimum exposure power are obtained for all toner colors, a set of these optimum values is stored in the nonvolatile memory or the like in the engine controller 12 as the optimum image forming condition at that time (S210). The patch process ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since it is configured to prohibit the execution of patch processing on the condition that a special alternative unit that is not normally acquired by a general user is set, the general user erroneously omits the patch processing and images The possibility of executing the forming operation can be practically zero. In general, the structure of the developing unit is often common to many image forming apparatuses (that is, high versatility). Therefore, a special alternative unit that can be set in place of the developing unit also has high versatility. It can be said that it has. As a result, the configuration of this embodiment that uses such a highly versatile special alternative unit to control the execution of patch processing is also a highly versatile framework.

(Modification 1)
In the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not the special alternative unit 3X is set only when the power is turned on. Therefore, once the patch processing is not executed (that is, the state where “execution denied” is set in the patch control flag), the state continues until the power is turned off.

  On the other hand, the present modification is configured such that even if the patch processing is not executed once, it is possible to shift to a state where the patch processing is executed and the image forming operation is executed without turning off the power.

  6 and 7 show flowcharts of the patch execution control process in the first modification.

  In the patch execution control process of Modification 1, the steps S300 to S309 are the same as S100 to S109 in the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  If the CPU 122 determines that the patch status flag is “executable” in S309, the CPU 122 executes patch processing (S310), and then waits for an instruction to execute the image forming operation (S311).

  When the CPU 122 receives an instruction for an image forming operation (S311: With instruction), the image forming conditions stored in the nonvolatile memory or the like in the engine controller 12 (in this case, the image forming conditions set by the patch processing in S310) The image forming operation is executed (S312). After the end of the image forming operation, the process returns to S311.

  If the development unit or the like is replaced while waiting for the execution instruction of the image forming operation (S311: replaced), the CPU 122 proceeds to S301 to select an unselected development unit or the like (including the replaced development unit). Recursively.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the patch status flag is “execution rejected”, the CPU 122 waits for an image forming operation execution instruction without executing the patch processing (S313).

  When the CPU 122 receives an instruction for an image forming operation (S313: With an instruction), the image forming conditions stored in the nonvolatile memory or the like in the engine controller 12 (in this case, the image set by the previously executed patch processing) The image forming operation is executed using the forming conditions (or the default image forming conditions) (S314).

  Next, when the patch control flag is set to “execution denied”, the CPU 122 sets “executable” (S315) and recursively returns to S313.

  If the developing unit or the like is replaced while waiting for the execution instruction of the image forming operation (S313: replaced), the CPU 122 proceeds to S301 to select an unselected developing unit or the like (including the replaced developing unit). Recursively.

  In this modification, even after the power is turned on once, when the developing unit or the like is replaced, it is determined whether or not the special alternative unit 3X is set again. When “execution denied” is set in the patch control flag, the image forming operation is executed at least once without executing the patch processing, and then the patch control flag is returned to “executable” in S315. With this configuration, when “execution denied” is set in the patch control flag and the patch processing is not executed, the patch control flag is “executed” if the development unit or the like is not replaced as it is. However, since the process branch (S109) based on the patch control flag does not pass, the state where the patch process is not executed can be continued. On the other hand, as a result of setting “execution denied” in the patch control flag, when the patch processing is not executed, the patch control flag returns to “executable” when the image forming operation is executed at least once. After that, if the developing unit is replaced and only the normal developing unit is set, the process branches in S109, and the process proceeds to a state where the patch process is executed without turning off the power and the image forming operation is executed. be able to.

(Modification 2)
In the above embodiment, the special alternative unit 3X does not store toner therein. However, in this modification, the special alternative unit 3X stores toner therein as in the case of a normal development unit ( The processing when the image forming operation can be executed using the special alternative unit 3X will be described.

  8 and 9 show flowcharts of the patch execution control process in the second modification.

  When the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, as one of the initial operations, the CPU 122 executes a patch execution control process (S400 to S409).

  First, the CPU 122 selects one of the developing units or the like (S400), and controls the mechanism unit 33 of the rotary developing unit 3 to position the selected developing unit or the like at the communication position (S401).

  Next, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the selected developing unit or the like includes the IC chip 32 (S402).

  If it is determined that the IC chip 32 is not provided, the CPU 122 determines whether or not there is an unselected developing unit (S403).

  On the other hand, when determining that the IC chip 32 is provided, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the selected developing unit is the special alternative unit 3X (S404).

  When determining that it is not the special substitute unit 3X, the CPU 122 proceeds to the process of S403.

  If it is determined in S403 that there is still an unselected development unit or the like, the process returns to S400.

  On the other hand, when all the development units have been selected, the CPU 122 determines that only the normal development unit is set (no special medium unit 3X is set in any place), and performs the patch processing. This is executed (S405), and then an execution instruction for the image forming operation is awaited (S406).

  When the CPU 122 receives an instruction for an image forming operation (S406: With an instruction), the image forming condition stored in the nonvolatile memory or the like in the engine controller 12 (in this case, the image forming condition set by the patch processing in S405) The image forming operation is executed (S407). After the end of the image forming operation, the process returns to S406.

  When the developing unit or the like is replaced while waiting for the execution instruction of the image forming operation (S406: replaced), the CPU 122 proceeds to S400 to select an unselected developing unit or the like (including the replaced developing unit or the like). Recursively.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S404 that the unit is the special substitute unit 3X, the CPU 122 waits for an image forming operation execution instruction without executing the patch processing (S408).

  When the CPU 122 receives an instruction for an image forming operation (S408: With instruction), the image forming condition stored in the nonvolatile memory or the like in the engine controller 12 (in this case, the image set by the previously executed patch processing) The image forming operation is executed using the forming conditions (or the default image forming conditions) (S409). After the end of the image forming operation, the process returns to S408.

  When the developing unit or the like is replaced while waiting for the execution instruction of the image forming operation (S408: exchanged), the CPU 122 selects S400 that has not been selected (including the replaced developing unit). Recursively.

  In this modification, since the image forming operation can be executed while the special alternative unit 3X is set, the step of changing the special alternative unit 3X to a normal developing unit can be omitted and the patch execution control process can be configured. In addition, since it is possible to control whether or not the patch processing can be executed based on the determination as to whether or not the special alternative unit 3X is set, there is no need to provide a patch control flag.

(Other)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and applied. For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the special substitute unit 3X is set in the image forming apparatus instead of the developing unit, whether or not patch processing can be executed is controlled based on information recorded in the special substitute unit 3X. However, instead of a removable unit (for example, 2, 4, 5, 8, etc.) in another part, a special alternative unit 3X ′ is set, and a patch is based on information recorded in the special alternative unit 3X ′. It is good also as a structure which controls execution of processing.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the IC chip 32 of the special alternative unit 3X is accessed to read the patch execution prohibition data wirelessly, and the execution of the patch process is controlled based on the patch execution prohibition data. The present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. For example, when a developing unit is set, a connector is provided so as to be mechanically engaged with the apparatus main body, and the patch execution prohibition data is read from the storage means of the special alternative unit 3X in a physically connected state. May be. For example, the patch execution prohibition data may not be electrically recorded. For example, the special alternative unit 3X is provided with a physical shape that a normal developing unit does not have in a range that does not hinder the setting to the image forming apparatus, and is mechanically or using an appropriate sensor. A configuration may be adopted in which presence or absence of a physical shape is detected, and whether or not patch processing can be executed is controlled based on the detection result. In this case, detecting the physical shape provided in the special alternative unit 3X corresponds to reading information indicating patch execution prohibition recorded in the special alternative unit 3X.

  For example, in the above embodiment, a four-cycle type image forming apparatus that performs development for each color has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the present invention can be applied to a tandem type image forming apparatus that develops each color simultaneously. However, in this case, it is necessary to provide a reading unit corresponding to each color developing unit, or to provide a mechanism for driving the reading unit to a position where it can communicate with each developing unit.

  Further, for example, the present invention may be applied to an image forming apparatus other than a laser printer, and an image forming apparatus in which an ink jet image forming apparatus, a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, a so-called dumb printer or a host-based printer is limited in firmware functions The present invention can be applied to all image forming apparatuses.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the patch execution control process in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the patch execution control process in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the patch process in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the patch execution control process in the modification 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the patch execution control process in the modification 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the patch execution control process in the modification 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the patch execution control process in the modification 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control unit, 11 ... Main controller, 12 ... Engine controller, 123 ... Flash memory, 2 ... Photosensitive unit, 3 ... Rotary developing part, 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K ... Developing unit, 32 ... IC chip, 33 ... Mechanism part, 10 ... reading unit

Claims (13)

An image forming means for performing an image forming operation;
Condition control means for adjusting the image forming condition when executing the image forming operation to a predetermined optimum condition based on the density detection result of the patch image formed by the image forming means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls execution of the image forming unit and the condition control unit;
The image forming apparatus is configured to be able to set a special unit in place of a normal unit for a predetermined part,
The image forming apparatus characterized in that the control means executes the image forming means without executing the condition control means on condition that the special unit is set in the image forming apparatus. Information indicating execution prohibition of the condition control processing (hereinafter referred to as “execution prohibition information”) is recorded in the special unit in a state readable by the image forming apparatus.
The control unit determines that the special unit is set when the execution prohibition information can be read from a unit related to the predetermined part set in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to 1.   The control means determines that the execution prohibition information can be read from the unit related to the predetermined part when the execution prohibition information can be read from the storage means included in the unit related to the predetermined part. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.   The control means determines that the execution prohibition information can be read from the unit related to the predetermined part when it is detected that the unit related to the predetermined part has a predetermined physical shape. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. The control means includes
Means for determining whether or not the special unit is set when the power is turned on;
And a means for executing the image forming means without executing the condition control means until the power is turned off when it is determined that the special unit is set. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4. The control means includes
Means for determining whether or not the special unit is set when the unit relating to the predetermined part is replaced;
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that executes the image forming unit without executing the condition control unit at least once when it is determined that the special unit is set. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The user is notified that the condition control unit is not executed when the image forming unit is executed without executing the condition control unit. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image to be formed includes information indicating that the condition control unit is not executed.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the information indicating that the condition control unit is not executed includes information on the preset image forming conditions stored in the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the normal unit related to the predetermined part is a developing unit. An image forming unit that executes an image forming operation; and a condition control unit that adjusts an image forming condition for executing the image forming operation to a predetermined optimum condition based on a density detection result of a patch image formed by the image forming unit. A special unit for an image forming apparatus comprising a control means for controlling execution of the image forming means and the condition control means,
The special unit is
Instead of the normal unit configured to be settable in the image forming apparatus, the predetermined part can be set in the image forming apparatus,
A special unit, wherein information indicating prohibition of execution of the condition control unit is recorded in a state readable by the image forming apparatus. A control method of an image forming apparatus configured to be able to set a special unit instead of a normal unit for a predetermined part,
A condition control step of adjusting an image forming condition when the image forming unit executes an image forming operation to a predetermined optimum condition based on a density detection result of a patch image formed by the image forming unit;
A control method comprising: an execution control step for controlling the condition control step not to be executed on condition that the special unit is set in the image forming apparatus. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 12.

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