JP2010188649A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to efficiently realize desired image formation when image formation is requested even though consumables such as ink and toner are insufficient.
An image forming apparatus includes an ink remaining amount detecting unit that detects a remaining amount of each of a plurality of types of consumables used for image formation, and one or more types of consumables based on the detection result. The main control unit 111 that determines whether or not the remaining amount is insufficient, and when the remaining amount of consumables is insufficient and when an image forming instruction is received from the user, normal image forming processing is performed. An image processing unit 114 that generates drawing information using an alternative format that is different from the format to be used and that corresponds to the user's primary use defined in advance, and performs image forming processing based on the drawing information. A print engine 106 to be executed.
[Selection] Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a technique that appropriately responds to image forming needs made when consumables used for image formation are insufficient.

  For users who use an image forming apparatus such as an ink jet printer, printing applications are roughly divided into several patterns. An object of the present invention is to realize a desired print job more efficiently than before by calculating and selecting a preview screen pattern according to a user's main application in advance.

  Patent documents 1 and 2 are listed as documents in which inventions related to the present invention are described. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151820 discloses contents realized by using a print preview reflecting the status of consumables for the purpose of showing the availability of consumables such as ink and toner. The present invention is relevant in that it shows the availability of ink using a print preview. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses the content of correcting the color and printing using the detection of the remaining ink amount and the color correction table based on the ink amount for the purpose of equalizing the ink consumption amount for each color. The present invention is relevant in that the remaining ink amount is detected and used for printing.

  In an ink-jet color printer that prints a predetermined image using a plurality of colors of ink, the amount of ink used varies depending on the content of the printed image, and therefore the replacement timing of each color ink cartridge varies.

  Inkjet printers may not only achieve satisfactory image quality when the ink cartridge is low, but may also stop the machine during the printing operation. However, the user often requests printing with remaining ink without taking time and labor for ink replacement and replenishment.

  Therefore, when output cannot be performed as it is due to a shortage of colorant, processing is performed by switching to print output data that has been edited so that the colorant consumption is reduced. A technique for avoiding the difference in color reproduction is already known (for example, Patent Document 2).

  In addition, a technique that detects the amount of remaining ink, calculates and displays a print preview that can be realized based on the amount of remaining ink, and prints is already known (for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, conventional image forming apparatuses that display print previews with residual ink select different densities, color gamuts, and consumables, and have a wide range of functions, but only the current job is considered. It wasn't too much. Therefore, since more ink is substituted than usual for the current printing, the possibility that the next job can be printed is reduced. In addition, since various selections and settings are performed by the user, there is a problem that the setting is not easy.

  Although the above-described problem has been described with respect to an ink jet printer using ink, it is a common problem in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using a plurality of color toner cartridges.

  Accordingly, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that efficiently achieves desired image formation when image formation is required even though consumables such as ink and toner are insufficient. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following image forming apparatus is provided.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is based on any one of the consumables remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of each of a plurality of types of consumables used for image formation and the detection result of the consumables remaining amount detecting means. Consumables shortage determination means for determining whether or not the remaining amount of consumables is more than one type, and when the remaining amount of consumables is insufficient, and the user has received an instruction to form an image In this case, an image processing means for generating drawing information using an alternative format that is different from a format used for normal image forming processing and that corresponds to a user's main use, which is defined in advance, and the drawing And an image forming unit that executes an image forming process based on the information.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently realize desired image formation when image formation is requested even though consumables such as ink and toner are insufficient.

It is a block diagram which shows the example of the operation | use form of the image forming system which concerns on the form for implementing this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment for carrying out the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment for carrying out the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a main configuration of a print engine of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment for carrying out the present invention. FIG. 5 is a first diagram illustrating an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment for carrying out the present invention; FIG. 8 is a second diagram illustrating an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a third diagram illustrating an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment for carrying out the present invention;

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a client terminal 2. The image forming apparatus 1 and the client terminal 2 are communicably connected via a network 3.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an information processing terminal that performs image formation in response to a user operation in the image forming system according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like. This is a multifunction device that can be used as a facsimile, scanner, and copier.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a printer or a copier, and when image formation is requested even though consumables such as ink and toner are insufficient, the user's main A process of generating drawing information necessary for image formation in an alternative format corresponding to the application is executed. The function of the image forming apparatus 1 is one of the gist according to the present embodiment.

  The client terminal 2 is an information processing terminal operated by a user. The client terminal 2 is installed with a printer driver 2 a that is a software program for using the image forming apparatus 1 from the client terminal 2.

  Next, the hardware configuration of information processing terminals such as the image forming apparatus 1 and the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing terminal according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an engine for realizing a scanner, a printer, and the like in addition to the hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described as an example, but the same applies to other information processing terminals.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as an information processing terminal such as a general server or a PC (Personal Computer). That is, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 30, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 40, and an I / F 50. 80 is connected. Further, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 60 and an operation unit 70 are connected to the I / F 50.

  The CPU 10 is a calculation unit and controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1. The RAM 20 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 10 processes information. The ROM 30 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores a program such as firmware. The HDD 40 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like.

  The I / F 50 connects and controls the bus 80 and various hardware and networks. The LCD 60 is a visual user interface for the user to check the state of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation unit 70 is a user interface such as a keyboard and a mouse for the user to input information to the image forming apparatus 1.

  In such a hardware configuration, a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 30, the HDD 40, or an optical disk (not shown) is read into the RAM 20, and operates according to the control of the CPU 10, thereby configuring a software control unit. A functional block that realizes the functions of the information processing terminal such as the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured by a combination of the software control unit configured as described above and hardware.

  Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 100, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 101, a scanner unit 102, a paper discharge tray 103, a display panel 104, and a paper feed table. 105, a print engine 106, a paper discharge tray 107, and a network I / F 108.

  The controller 100 includes a main control unit 111, an engine control unit 112, an input / output control unit 113, and an image processing unit 114. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a multifunction machine having a scanner unit 102 and a print engine 106. In FIG. 3, the electrical connection is indicated by a solid arrow, and the flow of a sheet or document bundle is indicated by a broken arrow.

  The display panel 104 is an output interface that visually displays the state of the image forming apparatus 1 and is an input when the user directly operates the image forming apparatus 1 or inputs information to the image forming apparatus 1 as a touch panel. It is also an interface (operation unit). The network I / F 108 is an interface for the image forming apparatus 1 to communicate with other devices via the network 3, and uses an Ethernet (registered trademark) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface.

  The controller 100 is configured by a combination of software and hardware. Specifically, a control program such as firmware stored in a ROM 30, a nonvolatile memory, and a nonvolatile storage medium such as the HDD 40 or an optical disk is loaded into a volatile memory (hereinafter referred to as “memory”) such as the RAM 20 to control the CPU 10. The controller 100 is configured by a software control unit configured according to the above and hardware such as an integrated circuit. The controller 100 functions as a control unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1.

  The main control unit 111 plays a role of controlling each unit included in the controller 100, and gives a command to each unit of the controller 100. The engine control unit 112 serves as a driving unit that controls or drives the print engine 106, the scanner unit 102, and the like. The input / output control unit 113 inputs a signal or command input via the network I / F 108 to the main control unit 111. The main control unit 111 controls the input / output control unit 113 to access the client terminal 2 via the network I / F 108 and the network 3.

  The image processing unit 114 generates drawing information based on image information to be printed out under the control of the main control unit 111. The drawing information is information for drawing an image to be formed in the image forming operation by the print engine 106 as an image forming unit.

  The image processing unit 114 processes image data input from the scanner unit 102 and generates image data. The image data is information stored in the image forming apparatus 1 as a result of the scanner operation or transmitted to the client terminal 2 via the network I / F 108. The input / output control unit 113 displays information on the display panel 104 or notifies the main control unit 111 of information input via the display panel 104.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 operates as a printer, first, the input / output control unit 113 receives a print job via the network I / F 108. The input / output control unit 113 transfers the received print job to the main control unit 111. When receiving the print job, the main control unit 111 controls the image processing unit 114 to generate drawing information based on document information or image information included in the print job.

  When drawing information is generated by the image processing unit 114, the engine control unit 112 executes image formation on the paper conveyed from the paper feed table 105 based on the generated drawing information. As a specific aspect of the print engine 106, an image forming mechanism using an ink jet method, an image forming mechanism using an electrophotographic method, or the like can be used. A document on which image formation has been performed by the print engine 106 is discharged to a discharge tray 107.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 operates as a scanner, the input / output control unit 113 is operated in response to a scan operation instruction input from the external client terminal 2 or the like via the operation of the display panel 104 by the user or the network I / F 108. Transfers the scan execution signal to the main control unit 111. The main control unit 111 controls the engine control unit 112 based on the received scan execution signal.

  The engine control unit 112 drives the ADF 101 and conveys the document to be imaged set on the ADF 101 to the scanner unit 102. In addition, the engine control unit 112 drives the scanner unit 102 and images a document conveyed from the ADF 101. If no original is set on the ADF 101 and the original is directly set on the scanner unit 102, the scanner unit 102 images the set original under the control of the engine control unit 112.

  In the imaging operation, an imaging element such as a CCD included in the scanner unit 102 optically scans the document, and imaging information generated based on the optical information is generated. The engine control unit 112 transfers the imaging information generated by the scanner unit 102 to the image processing unit 114. The image processing unit 114 generates image information based on the imaging information received from the engine control unit 112 according to the control of the main control unit 111. Image information generated by the image processing unit 114 is stored in a storage medium attached to the image forming apparatus 1 such as the HDD 40.

  The image information generated by the image processing unit 114 is stored in the HDD 40 or the like as it is according to a user instruction, or is transmitted to an external device such as the client terminal 2 via the input / output control unit 113 and the network I / F 108. The

  Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 operates as a copying machine, the image processing unit 114 generates drawing information based on imaging information received from the scanner unit 102 by the engine control unit 112 or image information generated by the image processing unit 114. To do. Based on the drawing information, the engine control unit 112 drives the print engine 106 as in the case of the printer operation.

  Next, when image formation is requested even though the above-mentioned consumables such as ink and toner are insufficient, drawing information necessary for image formation is generated in an alternative format corresponding to the user's main application. Processing to be performed will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the configuration of the main part of the print engine 106 is shown. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, an example in which the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment forms an image by an inkjet method is illustrated. Hereinafter, similarly, the image forming apparatus 1 will be described as performing an image formation by an ink jet method, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this.

  As shown in the figure, the print engine 106 has a carriage 1061, and the carriage 1061 moves and scans in the main scanning direction, while ejecting ink droplets of each color onto a recording medium such as plain paper from the recording head 1062. Form. The recording head 1062 includes, for example, four liquid discharge heads that discharge ink droplets of each color of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K), and ink in which each color ink is sealed. A cartridge is provided.

  The ink remaining amount detection unit 1063 detects the remaining amount of ink contained in each color ink cartridge, and transmits the detected remaining amount of each ink to the engine control unit 112 as a remaining amount detection signal. The engine control unit 112 transmits the remaining amount detection signal to the main control unit 111. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 1 operates as a printer or a copier, that is, when performing an image forming operation, the remaining ink amount detection unit 1063 detects the remaining amount of expendable supplies for detecting the remaining amount of expendables used for image formation. Function as.

  Although FIG. 4 shows an example in which the consumable is ink and the types thereof are four colors (four types), the consumable may be toner or the types may be increased or decreased. In addition, since the technique itself which detects the remaining amount of such consumables is well-known, more detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The main control unit 111 that has received the remaining amount detection signal first determines whether or not there is an ink with insufficient remaining amount based on the remaining amount detection signal. That is, it is determined whether the remaining amount of one or more types of ink is insufficient. The criterion for determining the shortage of the remaining amount may be based on the absolute amount of ink, or may be a relative criterion such as a ratio of the remaining amount to the capacity of the ink cartridge. That is, the main control unit 111 functions as a consumables remaining amount shortage determining unit.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment accepts an image forming instruction from the user even when the main control unit 111 determines that the remaining amount of consumables is insufficient. However, when the output cannot be performed as it is due to a shortage of consumables, the image processing unit 114 performs image processing so that the consumption of the consumables is reduced and outputs the result. Specifically, the drawing information is generated using an alternative format different from the format used for normal image formation.

  The drawing information is generated by converting the image information obtained by scanning the document by the scanner unit 102 or the document information or image information included in the print job issued by the client terminal 2 into the drawing information using the normal or alternative format. To convert.

  The alternative format in the present embodiment corresponds to one of the following “main uses when the user prints an image”. The main uses are predefined as follows. For a user who uses an image forming apparatus such as an ink jet printer, printing applications are roughly divided into several patterns (hereinafter referred to as “main applications”). The main applications are roughly divided into the following four patterns.

1. Text document (color is irrelevant if it can be read)
2. Text document (highlighted and partly highlighted)
3. Text or photo image (to obtain color balance overall)
4). Photo image (determining image quality)

  In the case of the pattern 1, since the printing medium such as paper is often white, the characters and pictures of the text document can be printed with a low-brightness color so that the user can easily read the document. Therefore, in the alternative format, it is assumed that characters and pictures included in the document information are drawn with colors with low brightness. Further, even when the print medium is colored paper, by forming a color close to the complementary color of the paper, it is possible to print a document that can be read without the user having a hard time. Therefore, in the alternative format, it is assumed that characters and pictures included in the document information are drawn with colors close to the complementary colors of the paper. Note that the color with low lightness or a color close to the complementary color is created using a consumable that does not have a short remaining amount.

  In the case of pattern 2, the text of the document is often black, so when you want to highlight the highlight part, there are many users who select “red” in actual use, but the color has no special meaning Other colors far from black in color correlation, for example, “blue” or “green” may be used. Therefore, an alternative format is created using consumables that are color-correlated with the drawing color of the highlighted part included in the document information and are not far enough in color correlation. It shall be made by the color that can be made.

  In the case of the pattern 3, since the color balance of the document is emphasized, it can be realized by reducing the overall brightness and saturation while maintaining the desired image balance. Therefore, the alternative format is a format that lowers the overall brightness and saturation.

  In the case of Pattern 4, since the image quality is obtained, the color closest to the desired image is reproduced and printed with the current ink amount. Therefore, the alternative format is a format that draws a color closest to a desired image within a possible range using consumables whose remaining amount is not insufficient.

  These main uses may be automatically determined or an inquiry may be made to the user before execution of image formation using an alternative format. If pattern 1 is set as a default setting and the user does not select a main application, pattern 1 may be regarded as selected. The reason for setting pattern 1 as the default is that, in actual use, if the user wants to print even when normal printing is not possible, the user does not ask for the vividness of the color, but if the color does not matter if it can be read, such as printing a map or text This is because there are many.

  Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment described above will be described with reference to a flowchart. Referring to FIG. 5, a flow (part 1) of the image forming operation is shown.

  First, the main control unit 111 accepts an image formation instruction from the user by issuing a print job from the client terminal 2 or operating the display panel 104 by the user (step S101).

  Next, the ink remaining amount detection unit 1063 detects the remaining amount of consumables (step S102). The remaining amount detection signal detected by the remaining ink amount detection unit 1063 is sent to the main control unit 111. Steps S101 and S102 may be interchanged.

  Next, the main control unit 111 determines whether there is an ink cartridge with insufficient remaining amount, and if there is, notifies the user that the remaining amount is insufficient (step S103). As a notification method, in addition to displaying on the display panel 104, notification is performed using the printer driver 2a operating on the client terminal 2 via the network I / F 108.

  Next, the main control unit 111 determines whether there is an instruction to continue image formation in the alternative format (step S104). When printing is not performed in the alternative format, execution of the print job or the like is terminated.

  The printer driver 2a or the display panel 104 issues a prompt for the user to select the main application when notifying that the remaining amount is insufficient. The main control unit 111 determines whether there is a selection of a main application using this prompt (step S105).

  In some cases, the main control unit 111 reduces the drawing information drawn by the image processing unit 114 using an alternative format corresponding to the selected main usage pattern, or appropriately reduces the number of pixels. A print preview is created and displayed on the client terminal 2 or the display panel 104 (step S106).

  If there is no pattern, the first pattern (a pattern suitable for a use that can be read if no problem) is automatically set.

  When the alternative format is set, drawing information using the alternative format is generated by the image processing unit 114, and a manual image forming process is executed on the print engine 106 based on the drawing information (step S107).

  According to the embodiment described above, when image formation is requested even though consumables such as ink and toner are insufficient, image formation is required in an alternative format corresponding to the user's main use. Since the drawing information is generated, an image desired by the user can be efficiently formed.

  In addition, since main uses are defined in advance and alternative formats corresponding to the main uses are determined in advance, it is not necessary for the user to make various selections and settings, and settings are easy. In addition, since the image corresponding to the user's main application can be automatically generated and the user's print job setting time can be minimized, this embodiment can be said to be an effective means for increasing the print job efficiency.

  When the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment described above is an operation described below, image formation can be performed more efficiently. Referring to FIG. 6, the flow (part 2) of the image forming operation is shown. In FIG. 6, steps showing operations equivalent to those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the operation illustrated in FIG. 6, after the print preview, the main control unit 111 determines whether there is an image formation instruction in the ink saving consumption mode (step S <b> 201). A prompt for the user to select the ink saving consumption mode is displayed on the client terminal 2 or the display panel 104.

  If there is, the image is formed in the ink saving consumption mode (step S202). The printing operation with the alternative color when the ink remaining amount is insufficient usually prints the maximum color that can be realized with the alternative ink. For this reason, the consumption amount of the alternative ink is increased, and the total ink consumption amount is not suppressed. Since the next print job is taken into consideration with a small amount of ink, this embodiment can be said to be an effective means for increasing the print job efficiency.

  When the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment described above is an operation described below, image formation can be performed more efficiently. Referring to FIG. 7, a flow (part 3) of the image forming operation is shown. In FIG. 7, steps showing operations equivalent to those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the operation shown in FIG. 7, as a premise, the main application is set in advance for each user. The setting of the main usage for each user is held in the HDD 40 or the like. The image formation instruction is sent to the main control unit 111 with user identification information (user ID) for identifying the user. The main controller 111 refers to the HDD 40 using the user ID as a key, and reads the main application set for the user. The image processing unit 114 generates drawing information using an alternative format corresponding to the set main application.

  Since the main application is determined in advance for each user, when the main control unit 111 receives an instruction for image formation from a registered user (step S301), the processes in steps S105 and S106 in FIG. 5 are omitted.

  By having the user register the printing application in advance and omit the operation to be selected at the time of executing printing, the print job can be executed efficiently. In an actual use situation, the use of printing by a certain user is unlikely to change greatly, so this embodiment can be said to be an effective means for improving print job efficiency.

  In addition, about the specific method of user registration and user identification, since it is a well-known technique, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Terminal for clients 3 Network 10 CPU
20 RAM
30 ROM
40 HDD
50 I / F
60 LCD
70 Operation unit 80 Bus 100 Controller 101 ADF
102 Scanner unit 103 Paper discharge tray 104 Display panel 105 Paper feed table 106 Print engine 107 Paper discharge tray 108 Network I / F
111 Main Control Unit 112 Engine Control Unit 113 Input / Output Control Unit 114 Image Processing Unit 1062 Recording Head 1063 Ink Remaining Level Detection Unit

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-133938 JP 2007-292971 A

Claims (5)

Consumables remaining amount detection means for detecting the remaining amount of each of a plurality of types of consumables used for image formation;
Based on a detection result of the consumable item remaining amount detecting unit, a consumable item remaining amount determining unit that determines whether or not the remaining amount of one or more types of consumable items is insufficient;
This is an alternative format that is different from the format used for normal image formation processing when the remaining amount of consumables is insufficient and when an image formation instruction is received from the user. Image processing means for generating drawing information using an alternative format corresponding to the main use of
Image forming means for executing an image forming process based on the drawing information;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the alternative format is a format for substituting a consumable with a short remaining amount with another type of consumable that is not insufficient.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the alternative format is a format that consumes a smaller amount of consumables than required by normal image forming processing.   4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising preview control means for creating a preview based on the drawing information generated using the alternative format corresponding to the main application and presenting the preview to a user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The main application is predefined for each user,
The image processing unit generates the drawing information using the alternative format corresponding to the main application corresponding to the user identification information when the image formation instruction includes user identification information for identifying a user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.

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