JP2019056809A - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form an image of a quality desired by a user. An image forming apparatus 100 includes a toner supply unit 13, an image forming unit 4, a determination unit 802, and a forming unit 803. A toner container TC is mounted on the toner supply unit 13. The image forming unit 4 forms an image on the paper P. The determination unit 802 determines whether the toner container TC is the first container TC1 or the second container TC2. When it is determined that the container is the second container TC2, the determination unit 802 determines whether the image is formed by the first quality Q1 or the image is formed by the second quality Q2, and the forming unit 803 determines whether the image is formed by the image forming unit 4 Controls the image forming unit 4 so as to form the image quality evaluation image M. The image quality evaluation image M indicates an image for evaluating the image quality Q. The first quality Q1 is higher than the second quality Q2. When the toner container TC is the first container TC1, the image forming unit 4 forms an image of the first quality Q1. [Selection diagram] Fig. 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method.

  The image forming apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 includes a control unit, and the control unit includes a non-genuine product determination unit. The non-genuine product determination unit determines whether or not the replacement part of the image forming unit is a non-genuine product. The replacement part is, for example, a toner container. When the non-genuine product determination unit determines that the replacement part of the image forming unit is a non-genuine product, the control unit prohibits the user from changing the toner density adjustment value. The toner density adjustment value indicates a value for adjusting the density of an image formed on a sheet. Specifically, the control unit sets the toner density adjustment value to a predetermined default value and forms an image. The predetermined default value is, for example, a toner density adjustment value at the time of factory shipment.

JP 2013-101194 A

  In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the toner container attached to the image forming apparatus is a non-genuine product, the change in the toner density adjustment value is prohibited. There is a possibility that it cannot be formed. Therefore, there is a possibility that an image having a quality desired by the user cannot be formed.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of forming an image having a quality desired by a user.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a mounting unit, an image forming unit, a first determination unit, a second determination unit, and a formation unit. The mounting portion is mounted with a replacement part that houses a consumable. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium by consuming the consumables. The first determination unit determines whether the replacement part mounted on the mounting unit is a first replacement part or a second replacement part different from the first replacement part. The second determination unit determines whether to form an image with a first quality or an image with a second quality when the first determination unit determines that the replacement part is the second replacement part. judge. The forming unit controls the image forming unit so that the image forming unit forms an image quality evaluation image when the first determination unit determines that the replacement part is the second replacement part. The image quality evaluation image indicates an image for evaluating image quality. The first quality is higher than the second quality. When the replacement part is the first replacement part, the image forming unit forms the first quality image.

  An image forming method according to the present invention is an image forming method executed by an image forming apparatus including a mounting portion and an image forming portion, and includes a first determination step, a second determination step, and a formation step. The mounting portion is mounted with a replacement part that houses a consumable. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium by consuming the consumables. In the first determination step, it is determined whether the replacement part mounted on the mounting part is a first replacement part or a second replacement part different from the first replacement part. In the second determination step, when it is determined that the replacement part is the second replacement part, it is determined whether an image is formed with the first quality or an image with the second quality. In the forming step, when it is determined that the replacement part is the second replacement part, the image forming unit is controlled so that the image forming unit forms an image quality evaluation image. The image quality evaluation image indicates an image for evaluating image quality. The first quality is higher than the second quality. When the replacement part is the first replacement part, the image forming unit forms the first quality image.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the image forming method of the present invention, an image having a quality desired by a user can be formed.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the control part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a screen figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a touch panel. (A) is a screen figure which shows an example of an image quality confirmation screen. (B) is a screen figure which shows an example of an adjustment confirmation screen. It is a screen figure which shows an example of the density | concentration adjustment screen displayed on a touch panel. It is a figure which shows an example of an image quality evaluation image. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process of a control part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process of a control part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process of a control part.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 9). In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is not repeated.

  First, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is a color complex machine.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 1, an image reading unit 2, a document transport unit 3, an operation panel 14, and a control unit 8. The image forming unit 1 forms an image on the paper P. The image reading unit 2 reads an image formed on the document R and generates image information. The document transport unit 3 transports the document R to the image reading unit 2. The operation panel 14 receives an operation from the user. The control unit 8 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming unit 1 includes a feeding unit 12, a transport unit L, a toner supply unit 13, an image forming unit 4, a fixing unit 16, and a discharge unit 17. The image forming unit 4 includes a transfer unit 5.

  The feeding unit 12 supplies the paper P to the transport unit L. The transport unit L transports the paper P to the discharge unit 17 via the transfer unit 5 and the fixing unit 16. The paper P corresponds to an example of “recording medium”.

  The toner supply unit 13 supplies toner to the image forming unit 4. A toner container TCc, a toner container TCm, a toner container TCy, and a toner container TCk are attached to the toner supply unit 13. The toner container TCc to the toner container TCk correspond to an example of “replacement parts”. In the following description, the toner container TCc to the toner container TCk may be collectively referred to as a toner container TC. The toner supply unit 13 corresponds to an example of a “mounting unit”.

  The toner container TCc stores cyan toner. The toner container TCc supplies cyan toner to the image forming unit 4. The toner container TCm stores magenta toner. The toner container TCm supplies magenta toner to the image forming unit 4. The toner container TCy stores yellow toner. The toner container TCy supplies yellow toner to the image forming unit 4. The toner container TCk stores black toner. The toner container TCk supplies black toner to the image forming unit 4. Cyan toner, magenta toner, yellow toner, and black toner correspond to examples of “consumables”.

  The toner container TCc includes an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag 61. The IC tag 61 is disposed on the peripheral surface of the toner container TCc. The IC tag 61 stores identification information JDc of the toner container TCc. The toner container TCm includes an IC tag 62. The IC tag 62 is disposed on the peripheral surface of the toner container TCm. The IC tag 62 stores identification information JDm of the toner container TCm.

  The toner container TCy includes an IC tag 63. The IC tag 63 is disposed on the peripheral surface of the toner container TCy. The IC tag 63 stores identification information JDy of the toner container TCy. The toner container TCk includes an IC tag 64. The IC tag 64 is disposed on the peripheral surface of the toner container TCk. The IC tag 64 stores identification information JDk of the toner container TCk. In the following description, the IC tag 61 to the IC tag 64 may be collectively referred to as the IC tag 6. Further, the identification information JDc, the identification information JDm, the identification information JDy, and the identification information JDk may be collectively referred to as identification information JD.

  A toner container TCc to a toner container TCk are detachably attached to the toner supply unit 13. The toner supply unit 13 includes a remaining amount sensor S1, a reader 71, a remaining amount sensor S2, a reader 72, a remaining amount sensor S3, a reader 73, a remaining amount sensor S4, and a reader 74.

  The remaining amount sensor S1 detects the remaining amount RTc of cyan toner stored in the toner container TCc. The reader 71 reads the identification information JDc of the toner container TCc from the IC tag 61. The remaining amount sensor S2 detects the remaining amount RTm of the magenta toner stored in the toner container TCm. The reader 72 reads the identification information JDm of the toner container TCm from the IC tag 62.

  The remaining amount sensor S3 detects the remaining amount RTy of yellow toner stored in the toner container TCy. The reader 73 reads the identification information JDy of the toner container TCy from the IC tag 63. The remaining amount sensor S4 detects the remaining amount RTk of black toner stored in the toner container TCk. The reader 74 reads the identification information JDk of the toner container TCk from the IC tag 64. In the following description, the remaining amount sensor S1 to the remaining amount sensor S4 may be collectively referred to as the remaining amount sensor S. In addition, the leaders 71 to 74 may be collectively referred to as the leader 7. The remaining amount RTc, the remaining amount RTm, the remaining amount RTy, and the remaining amount RTk may be collectively referred to as the remaining amount RT.

  The image forming unit 4 forms an image on the paper P. The transfer unit 5 includes an intermediate transfer belt 54. The image forming unit 4 transfers cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner images onto the intermediate transfer belt 54. A plurality of color toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 54, and an image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 54. The transfer unit 5 transfers the image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 54 onto the paper P. As a result, an image is formed on the paper P. The image forming unit 4 and the transfer unit 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The fixing unit 16 heats and presses the paper P, and fixes the image formed on the paper P to the paper P. The discharge unit 17 discharges the paper P to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The operation panel 14 includes a touch panel 141 and a start button 142. The touch panel 141 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays various images. The touch panel 141 includes a touch sensor and receives an operation from the user. The start button 142 is pressed when starting a job. Specifically, for example, the user presses the start button 142 when starting a print job. The print job indicates a job for forming an image on the paper P.

  The control unit 8 includes a processor 81 and a storage unit 82. The processor 81 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 82 includes a memory such as a semiconductor memory, and may include an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 82 stores a control program.

  Next, the configuration of the image forming unit 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the image forming unit 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 4 includes an image forming unit 4c, an image forming unit 4m, an image forming unit 4y, and an image forming unit 4k.

  The image forming unit 4c, the image forming unit 4m, the image forming unit 4y, and the image forming unit 4k each include an exposure unit 41, a photosensitive drum 42, a developing unit 43, a charging roller 44, and a cleaning blade 45. The configurations of the image forming unit 4c, the image forming unit 4m, the image forming unit 4y, and the image forming unit 4k are substantially the same except for the color of the supplied toner. Therefore, in the following description, the configuration of the image forming unit 4c to which cyan toner is supplied will be described, and the configuration of the image forming unit 4m, the image forming unit 4y, and the image forming unit 4k other than the image forming unit 4c will be described. Is omitted.

  The image forming unit 4c includes an exposure unit 41c (41), a photosensitive drum 42c (42), a developing unit 43c (43), a charging roller 44c (44), and a cleaning blade 45c (45).

  The charging roller 44c charges the photosensitive drum 42c to a predetermined potential. The exposure unit 41c exposes the photosensitive drum 42c by irradiating a laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 42c. The developing unit 43c has a developing roller 431c. The developing roller 431c supplies cyan toner to the photosensitive drum 42c, and develops the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image. In this way, a cyan toner image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 42c.

  The tip (upper end in FIG. 2) of the cleaning blade 45c is in sliding contact with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 42c. Cyan toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 42c is removed by the sliding contact between the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 42c and the tip of the cleaning blade 45c.

  The transfer unit 5 transfers the toner image onto the paper P. The transfer unit 5 includes a primary transfer roller 51, a secondary transfer roller 52, a driving roller 53, an intermediate transfer belt 54, and a driven roller 55. The primary transfer roller 51 transfers cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner images from the photosensitive drum 42 to the intermediate transfer belt 54. The primary transfer roller 51 includes a primary transfer roller 51c, a primary transfer roller 51m, a primary transfer roller 51y, and a primary transfer roller 51k.

  The driving roller 53 drives the intermediate transfer belt 54. The intermediate transfer belt 54 is an endless belt that is stretched around the primary transfer roller 51, the drive roller 53, and the driven roller 55. The intermediate transfer belt 54 is driven to rotate counterclockwise by the drive roller 53 as indicated by arrows D1 and D2. The driven roller 55 is driven to rotate as the intermediate transfer belt 54 rotates. The blade 56 removes toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 54.

  The secondary transfer roller 52 is pressed by the drive roller 53, and a nip portion N is formed between the secondary transfer roller 52 and the drive roller 53. The secondary transfer roller 52 transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 54 to the paper P when the paper P passes through the nip portion N.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 1-3, the structure of the control part 8 which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control unit 8.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit 8 includes an acquisition unit 801, a determination unit 802, a formation unit 803, a reception unit 804, an adjustment unit 805, a setting unit 806, and a condition storage unit 821. Specifically, the processor 81 of the control unit 8 functions as an acquisition unit 801, a determination unit 802, a formation unit 803, a reception unit 804, an adjustment unit 805, and a setting unit 806 by executing a control program. The storage unit 82 functions as the condition storage unit 821.

  The condition storage unit 821 stores a plurality of identification information JD and a plurality of image forming conditions MC in association with each other. The image forming condition MC indicates a condition for adjusting the image quality Q of the image formed on the paper P. The image forming condition MC includes, for example, a development bias voltage, a primary transfer voltage, a secondary transfer voltage, and a fixing temperature. “Development bias voltage” indicates a voltage applied between the developing roller 431 and the photosensitive drum 42. The “primary transfer voltage” indicates a voltage applied between the primary transfer roller 51 and the photosensitive drum 42. The “secondary transfer voltage” indicates a voltage applied between the secondary transfer roller 52 and the driving roller 53. “Fixing temperature” indicates the temperature of the fixing unit 16.

  The acquisition unit 801 acquires the identification information JD of the toner container TC attached to the toner supply unit 13 via the reader 7.

  Based on the identification information JD of the toner container TC, the determination unit 802 determines whether the toner container TC attached to the toner supply unit 13 is the first container TC1 or a second container TC2 different from the first container TC1. Determine. The first container TC1 indicates, for example, a dedicated product. The second container TC2 indicates, for example, a non-dedicated product. The determination unit 802 corresponds to an example of a “first determination unit”.

  The forming unit 803 controls the image forming unit 4 so that the image forming unit 4 forms the image quality evaluation image M on the paper P when the determining unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is the second container TC2. The image quality evaluation image M indicates an image for evaluating the image quality Q. The image quality evaluation image M will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The accepting unit 804 accepts an instruction to form an image on the paper P. Specifically, the accepting unit 804 accepts an instruction to form an image on the paper P when the start button 142 is pressed.

  The adjustment unit 805 adjusts the image quality Q of the image formed on the paper P by the image forming unit 4 based on the input from the user.

  The setting unit 806 reads, from the condition storage unit 821, the image formation condition MC corresponding to the identification information JD acquired by the acquisition unit 801 from among the plurality of image formation conditions MC stored in the condition storage unit 821. Set for part 4.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the toner container TC is the second container TC2, the image forming unit 4 uses the image quality evaluation image M on the paper P. Form. Therefore, the image quality Q can be adjusted based on the image quality evaluation image M. Therefore, even when the toner container TC is the second container TC2 (for example, a non-dedicated product) attached to the toner supply unit 13, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the image quality Q of the image formed on the paper P. That is, even in the case of the second container TC2 (for example, non-dedicated product) of the toner container TC attached to the toner supply unit 13, an image having a quality desired by the user can be formed.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming unit 4 forms the image quality evaluation image M on the paper P, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming unit 4 may form the image quality evaluation image M. For example, the image forming unit 4 may form the image quality evaluation image M on the photosensitive drum 42, or the image forming unit 4 may form the image quality evaluation image M on the intermediate transfer belt 54. In these cases, for example, the image quality evaluation image M may be detected and evaluated by a density sensor such as a reflection type density sensor. Further, for example, the image quality evaluation image M may be imaged and evaluated by an image pickup device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).

  Next, processing of the control unit 8 will be further described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a screen diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel 141. FIG. 4A is a screen diagram illustrating an example of the image quality confirmation screen 900.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, a message display unit 901, a YES button 902, and a NO button 903 are displayed on the image quality confirmation screen 900. The image quality confirmation screen 900 is displayed on the touch panel 141 by the determination unit 802 when the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is the second container TC2.

  The message display unit 901 displays a message to input to the user whether to form an image with the first quality Q1 or an image with the second quality Q2. Specifically, a message “The second container TC2 is installed. Do you want to form an image with the same image quality as the first container TC1?” Is displayed. If the toner container TC is the first container TC1, the image forming unit 4 forms an image of the first quality Q1. In other words, an image having the same image quality as the first container TC1 indicates an image having the first quality Q1.

  The YES button 902 is touched by the user when an image is formed with the first quality Q1. When the YES button 902 is touched, the determination unit 802 determines to form an image with the first quality Q1. The NO button 903 is touched by the user when an image is formed with the second quality Q2. When the NO button 903 is touched, the determination unit 802 determines to form an image with the second quality Q2. The first quality Q1 is higher than the second quality Q2.

  When the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC attached to the toner supply unit 13 is the second container TC2, the determination unit 802 determines whether to form an image with the first quality Q1 based on an input from the user. It is determined whether an image is formed with the second quality Q2. Specifically, when the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is the second container TC2, the determination unit 802 receives the instruction to form an image on the paper P every time the reception unit 804 receives an instruction. An image quality confirmation screen 900 is displayed on the touch panel 141. The determination unit 802 corresponds to an example of a “second determination unit”.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4A, in the embodiment of the present invention, an image is formed with the first quality Q1 or the second quality Q2 based on the input from the user. Judge whether to do. Therefore, the user can form an image having a desired quality. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

  Further, every time the receiving unit 804 receives an instruction to form an image, it determines whether to form an image with the first quality Q1 or an image with the second quality Q2, based on an input from the user. Therefore, the user can form an image having a desired quality. Therefore, user convenience can be further improved.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, every time the receiving unit 804 receives an instruction to form an image, the determination unit 802 determines whether to form an image with the first quality Q1 or the second quality Q2. Although determined, the present invention is not limited to this. When the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC attached to the toner supply unit 13 is the second container TC2, it is determined whether to form an image with the first quality Q1 or the second quality Q2. The part 802 may determine.

  For example, the determination unit 802 may determine whether to form an image with the first quality Q1 or the second quality Q2 every predetermined time (for example, 1 hour). Further, for example, every time the image forming unit 4 forms an image on a predetermined number (for example, 100 sheets) of paper P, the determination unit 802 forms an image with the first quality Q1 or the image with the second quality Q2. You may determine whether to form.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is the second container TC2, the determination unit 802 forms an image with the first quality Q1 or the image with the second quality Q2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is the second container TC2, the determination unit 802 forms the image with the first quality Q1, the image with the second quality Q2, or the third quality. It may be determined whether an image is formed in Q3. The third quality Q3 is lower than the first quality Q1 and higher than the second quality Q2. For a predetermined period after the toner container TC is replaced from the first container TC1 to the second container TC2, the high-quality toner stored in the first container TC1 and the second container TC2 are stored in the image forming unit 4 (developing unit 43). This is because the normal quality toner stored in the toner is mixed. In this state, if the determination unit 802 determines that an image is to be formed with the third quality Q3, an image with the third quality Q3 higher than the second quality Q2 can be formed without performing image quality adjustment.

  FIG. 4B is a screen diagram illustrating an example of the adjustment confirmation screen 910. When the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is the second container TC2, the adjustment confirmation screen 910 is displayed on the touch panel 141 by the determination unit 802.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, a message display unit 911, a YES button 912, and a NO button 913 are displayed on the adjustment confirmation screen 910.

  The message display unit 911 displays a message to input to the user whether or not to adjust the image quality Q of the image formed on the paper P. Specifically, a message “Do you want to adjust the image quality?” Is displayed on the message display unit 911.

  The YES button 902 is touched by the user when adjusting the image quality Q. When the YES button 902 is touched, the determination unit 802 determines to adjust the image quality Q. The NO button 903 is touched by the user when the image quality Q is not adjusted. When the NO button 903 is touched, the determination unit 802 determines that the image quality Q is not adjusted.

  When the determination unit 802 determines that the image quality Q is adjusted, the adjustment unit 805 displays an image quality adjustment screen on the touch panel 141. The adjustment unit 805 adjusts the image quality Q based on the input from the user to the image quality adjustment screen. The image quality adjustment screen includes, for example, a density adjustment screen 920 for adjusting the density of the image on the paper P. The density adjustment screen 920 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The image quality Q will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  When the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is the second container TC2, the image quality of the image formed on the paper P based on the input from the user every time the image forming unit 4 forms an image on the paper P. It is determined whether or not to adjust Q. Specifically, the determination unit 802 displays an adjustment confirmation screen 910 on the touch panel 141. The determination unit 802 corresponds to an example of a “third determination unit”.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 4B, in the embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that the toner container TC is the second container TC <b> 2, the image forming unit 4 is placed on the paper P. Each time an image is formed, it is determined whether or not to adjust the image quality Q based on the input from the user. If it is determined that the image quality Q is to be adjusted, the image quality Q is adjusted via the image quality adjustment screen based on the input from the user. Therefore, even when the toner container TC is the second container TC2, the deterioration of the image quality Q can be reliably suppressed.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is the second container TC2, every time the image forming unit 4 forms an image on the paper P, based on the input from the user. Although the determination unit 802 determines whether or not to adjust the image quality Q, the present invention is not limited to this. When the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is the second container TC2, the determination unit 802 may determine whether to adjust the image quality Q based on an input from the user.

  For example, the determination unit 802 may determine whether or not to adjust the image quality Q based on an input from the user every predetermined time (for example, one hour). For example, every time the image forming unit 4 forms an image on a predetermined number (for example, 100 sheets) of paper P, the determination unit 802 determines whether to adjust the image quality Q based on an input from the user. May be.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is the second container TC2, every time the image forming unit 4 forms an image on the paper P, based on the input from the user. Although the determination unit 802 determines whether or not to adjust the image quality Q, the present invention is not limited to this. Each time the image forming unit 4 forms an image, the determining unit 802 may determine whether or not to adjust the image quality Q. For example, the determination unit 802 may determine whether or not to adjust the image quality Q every time the image forming unit 4 forms an image on the photosensitive drum 42. Further, for example, the determination unit 802 may determine whether or not to adjust the image quality Q every time the image forming unit 4 forms an image on the intermediate transfer belt 54.

  FIG. 5 is a screen diagram illustrating an example of the density adjustment screen 920 displayed on the touch panel 141. When the determination unit 802 determines that the image quality Q is adjusted, the adjustment unit 805 displays the density adjustment screen 920 on the touch panel 141. The density adjustment screen 920 corresponds to an example of an “image quality adjustment screen”.

  As shown in FIG. 5, on the density adjustment screen 920, a light button 921, a dark button 922, a set density display portion 923, an OK button 924, and a cancel button 925 are displayed.

  The light button 921 is touched when the user decreases the image density DN. The dark button 922 is touched when the user increases the image density DN.

  The set density display unit 923 displays the set density DN. The set density display portion 923 includes a density scale 923a and an indicator IN. The density scale 923a displays an image having an image density DN as an image. For example, the density scale 923a indicates five levels of density DN. The indicator IN indicates the set density. That is, the position of the density scale 923a indicated by the indicator IN indicates the set density DN.

  When the user touches light button 921, indicator IN moves to the left. When the user touches the dark button 922, the indicator IN moves to the right.

  When the user determines the density DN displayed on the set density display unit 923, the OK button 924 is touched. When the user cancels the density DN displayed on the set density display unit 923, the cancel button 925 is touched. When the cancel button 925 is touched, the indicator IN returns to the default position (for example, the center position in the longitudinal direction of the density scale 923a).

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, in the embodiment of the present invention, since the image quality Q is adjusted based on the input from the user, the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is the second container TC2. Even if the determination is made, it is possible to reliably suppress the deterioration of the image quality Q.

  Next, the processing of the control unit 8 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the image quality evaluation image M. When the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is the second container TC2, the image quality evaluation image M is formed on the paper P by the image forming unit 4.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the image quality evaluation image M includes a patch MY1 to a patch MY9, a patch MM1 to a patch MM9, a patch MC1 to a patch MC9, and a patch MK1 to a patch MK9.

Patches MY1 to MY9 indicate rectangular patches formed only of yellow toner. The densities DY1 to DY9 of the patches MY1 to MY9 satisfy the following formula (1).
DY1>DY2>DY3>DY4>DY5>DY6>DY7>DY8> DY9 (1)
For example, “DY1> DY2” indicates that the density DY1 is higher than the density DY2. In other words, the patches MY1 to MY9 correspond to the nine tone density DN of yellow.

Patches MM1 to MM9 indicate rectangular patches formed only with magenta toner. The concentrations DM1 to DM9 of the patches MM1 to MM9 satisfy the following formula (2).
DM1>DM2>DM3>DM4>DM5>DM6>DM7>DM8> DM9 (2)
In other words, the patches MM1 to MM9 correspond to the magenta 9-tone density DN.

Patches MC1 to MC9 indicate rectangular patches formed only of cyan toner. The concentrations DC1 to DC9 of the patches MC1 to MC9 satisfy the following formula (3).
DC1>DC2>DC3>DC4>DC5>DC6>DC7>DC8> DC9 (3)
That is, the patches MC1 to MC9 correspond to the cyan grayscale density DN.

Patches MK1 to MK9 indicate rectangular patches formed only with black toner. The densities DK1 to DK9 of the patches MK1 to MK9 satisfy the following expression (4).
DK1>DK2>DK3>DK4>DM5>DK6>DK7>DK8> DK9 (4)
That is, the patches MK1 to MK9 correspond to the black nine tone density DN.

  The user places the paper P on which the image quality evaluation image M is formed on the document conveying unit 3 and causes the image reading unit 2 to read the image quality evaluation image M. The image reading unit 2 generates image quality evaluation image information MJ. The image quality evaluation image information MJ indicates the image quality evaluation image M. Next, the user instructs the control unit 8 to evaluate the image quality evaluation image information MJ. The control unit 8 evaluates the image quality Q of the image quality evaluation image M using the image quality evaluation image information MJ.

  The image quality Q includes a gamma value, density, color reproducibility, and a fog level. The “gamma value” is a numerical value indicating the gradation characteristics of an image. Specifically, the control unit 8 adjusts (gamma correction) the 9 tone density DN of each color so that the 9 tone density DN of each color matches a preset 9 tone density DNA.

  “Density” indicates the degree to which the density DNA set by the user on the density adjustment screen 920 matches the density DNB of the image formed on the paper P by the image forming unit 4.

  “Color reproducibility” indicates the degree to which the color of the image displayed on the touch panel 141 matches the color of the image formed on the paper P by the image forming unit 4. “Cover” refers to a phenomenon in which a portion that should originally be whitened becomes black.

  The control unit 8 has a function of adjusting the gamma value, density, color reproducibility, and fog level.

  When the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is the second container TC2, the forming unit 803 controls the image forming unit 4 so that the image forming unit 4 forms the image quality evaluation image M on the paper P. . Specifically, the forming unit 803 controls the image forming unit 4 so that the image forming unit 4 forms the image quality evaluation image M on the paper P every time the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on. .

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6, in the embodiment of the present invention, the image quality evaluation image M is formed every time the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on. Therefore, the image quality Q can be adjusted based on the image quality evaluation image M. Therefore, even when it is determined that the toner container TC is the second container TC2, it is possible to further reliably suppress the deterioration of the image quality Q.

  The control unit 8 has a function of adjusting the image quality Q. The image quality Q includes a gamma value, density, color reproducibility, and a fog level. Therefore, even when it is determined that the toner container TC is the second container TC2, it is possible to further reliably suppress the deterioration of the image quality Q.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that the toner container TC is the second container TC2, the image quality evaluation image M is formed every time the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If it is determined that the toner container TC is the second container TC2, the image quality evaluation image M may be formed. For example, the image quality evaluation image M may be formed every predetermined period (for example, 24 hours). For example, the image quality evaluation image M may be formed each time the image forming unit 4 forms an image on a predetermined number (for example, 1000) of paper P.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the image quality Q includes the gamma value, density, color reproducibility, and the degree of fogging, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image quality Q may include at least one of a gamma value, density, color reproducibility, and fogging degree.

Next, processing of the control unit 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts illustrating an example of processing of the control unit 8.
First, as illustrated in FIG. 7, in step S <b> 101, the control unit 8 determines whether the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on from off.
If the control unit 8 determines that the power of the image forming apparatus 100 has not been turned on from off (NO in step S101), the process enters a standby state. If the control unit 8 determines that the power of the image forming apparatus 100 has been turned on from off (YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S103.
In step S <b> 103, the acquisition unit 801 acquires identification information JD of the toner container TC attached to the toner supply unit 13.
Next, in step S105, the determination unit 802 determines whether the toner container TC is the second container TC2.

If the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is not the second container TC2 (NO in step S105), the process ends. If the determination unit 802 determines that the toner container TC is the second container TC2 (YES in step S105), the process proceeds to step S107.
In step S <b> 107, the determination unit 802 determines whether the identification information JD of the toner container TC matches any of the plurality of identification information JD stored in the condition storage unit 821. The determination unit 802 corresponds to an example of a “fourth determination unit”.
If the determination unit 802 determines that the identification information JD of the toner container TC matches any of the plurality of identification information JD stored in the condition storage unit 821 (YES in step S107), the process proceeds to step S117. If the determination unit 802 determines that the identification information JD of the toner container TC does not match any of the plurality of identification information JD stored in the condition storage unit 821 (NO in step S107), the process proceeds to step S109.
In step S109, the forming unit 803 controls the image forming unit 4 so that the image forming unit 4 forms the image quality evaluation image M on the paper P.

Next, in step S111, the image reading unit 2 reads the image quality evaluation image M formed on the paper P and generates image quality evaluation image information MJ.
Next, in step S113, the control unit 8 determines whether or not to adjust the image quality Q based on the input from the user.
If the control unit 8 determines not to adjust the image quality Q (NO in step S113), the process proceeds to step S121 in FIG. If the controller 8 determines that the image quality Q is to be adjusted (YES in step S113), the process proceeds to step S115.
In step S115, the adjustment unit 805 adjusts the image quality Q of the image formed on the paper P by the image forming unit 4 based on the input from the user, and the process proceeds to step S121 in FIG.
In the case of YES in step S107, in step S117, the setting unit 806 reads the image forming condition MC corresponding to the identification information JD of the toner container TC from the condition storage unit 821.
Next, in step S119, the setting unit 806 sets the image forming condition MC for the image forming unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S121 in FIG.

In step S121 illustrated in FIG. 8, the receiving unit 804 determines whether the start button 142 has been pressed.
If the accepting unit 804 determines that the start button 142 has not been pressed (NO in step S121), the process enters a standby state. If reception unit 804 determines that start button 142 has been pressed (YES in step S121), the process proceeds to step S123.
In step S123, the determination unit 802 displays the image quality confirmation screen 900 on the touch panel 141.
Next, in step S125, the determination unit 802 determines whether or not to form an image with the first quality Q1.
If determination unit 802 determines that an image is to be formed with first quality Q1 (YES in step S125), the process proceeds to step S127.
In step S127, the setting unit 806 sets the first image forming condition MCA for the image forming unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S131. The first image forming condition MCA indicates an image forming condition MC for forming an image with the first quality Q1.
On the other hand, when the determination unit 802 determines that an image is not formed with the first quality Q1 (NO in step S125), the process proceeds to step S129.
In step S129, the setting unit 806 sets the second image forming condition MCB for the image forming unit 4. The second image forming condition MCB indicates an image forming condition MC for forming an image with the second quality Q2.

Next, in step S131, the control unit 8 controls the image forming unit 4 so that the image forming unit 4 forms an image.
Next, in step S133, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the image forming process by the image forming unit 4 has been completed.
If the control unit 8 determines that the image forming process by the image forming unit 4 has not ended (NO in step S133), the process returns to step S131. If the control unit 8 determines that the image forming process by the image forming unit 4 has been completed (YES in step S133), the process proceeds to step S135.
In step S135, the control unit 8 determines whether or not to adjust the image quality Q based on the input from the user.
If the control unit 8 determines that the image quality Q is not adjusted (NO in step S135), the process proceeds to step S139 in FIG. If the controller 8 determines that the image quality Q is to be adjusted (YES in step S135), the process proceeds to step S137.
In step S137, the adjustment unit 805 adjusts the image quality Q of the image formed on the paper P by the image forming unit 4 based on the input from the user, and the process proceeds to step S139 in FIG.

Next, in step S139 shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the remaining amount RT of toner is substantially zero.
If the controller 8 determines that the toner remaining amount RT is not substantially zero (NO in step S139), the process proceeds to step S143. If the controller 8 determines that the toner remaining amount RT is substantially zero (YES in step S139), the process proceeds to step S141.
In step S141, the control unit 8 associates the identification information JD with the image forming condition MC and stores them in the condition storage unit 821.
Next, in step S143, the control unit 8 determines whether the power of the image forming apparatus 100 has been turned off.
When the control unit 8 determines that the power of the image forming apparatus 100 has not been turned off from on (NO in step S143), the process returns to step S121 in FIG. If the control unit 8 determines that the power of the image forming apparatus 100 has been turned off from on (YES in step S143), the process ends.

  Step S105 corresponds to an example of “first determination step”, step S125 corresponds to an example of “second determination step”, and step S109 corresponds to an example of “formation step”.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is determined that the toner container TC is the second container TC <b> 2, and the identification information JD of the toner container TC is stored in the condition storage unit 821. If it matches any of the plurality of stored identification information JD, the setting unit 806 reads the image forming condition MC corresponding to the identification information JD and sets it in the image forming unit 4. Therefore, user convenience can be further improved.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof (for example, (1) to (4) shown below). For ease of understanding, the drawings schematically show each component as a main component, and the thickness, length, number, etc. of each component shown in the drawings are different from the actual for convenience of drawing. There is a case. Moreover, the shape, dimension, etc. of each component shown by said embodiment are an example, Comprising: It does not specifically limit, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate substantially from the structure of this invention.

  (1) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the embodiment of the present invention, the “consumable” is the toner, and the “replacement part” is the toner container TC. It is not limited. An image may be formed on the paper P by consuming the “consumables”. For example, the “consumable” may be ink, and the “replacement part” may be an ink cartridge. In this case, the “image forming apparatus” is an ink jet recording apparatus.

  (2) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 100 is a color multifunction peripheral, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus 100 may form an image on the paper P. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a monochrome multifunction peripheral, or the image forming apparatus 100 may be a color printer.

  (3) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first container TC1 indicates a dedicated product and the second container TC2 indicates a non-dedicated product. It is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the first container TC1 stores “high quality” toner and the second container TC2 stores “normal quality” toner. The “high quality” toner has higher quality than the “normal quality” toner.

  (4) As described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, in the embodiment of the present invention, the image quality evaluation image M is the patch MY1 to patch MY9, the patch MM1 to patch MM9, the patch MC1 to patch MC9, and the patch MK1. -Although patch MK9 is included, this invention is not limited to this. The image quality evaluation image M may be an image for evaluating the image quality Q. For example, the image quality evaluation image M may include only the patches MK1 to MK9. In this case, the image quality Q of the monochrome image can be evaluated.

  The present invention can be used in the field of image forming apparatuses and image forming methods.

100 Image forming apparatus 1 Image forming unit 4, 4c, 4m, 4y, 4k Image forming unit 42, 42c, 42m, 42y, 42k Photosensitive drum 43, 43c, 43m, 43y, 43k Developing unit 431, 431c, 431m, 431y , 431k Developing roller 5 Transfer section 51, 51c, 51m, 51y, 51k Primary transfer roller 52 Secondary transfer roller 53 Drive roller 54 Intermediate transfer belt 13 Toner supply section (mounting section)
TC, TCc, TCm, TCy, TCk Toner container (replacement parts)
6, 61, 62, 63, 64 IC tag S, S1, S2, S3, S4 Remaining amount sensor RT, RTc, RTm, RTy, RTk Remaining amount 7, 71, 72, 73, 74 Reader 14 Operation panel 141 Touch panel 8 Control unit 81 Processor 801 Acquisition unit 802 Determination unit (first determination unit to fourth determination unit)
803 Forming unit 804 Accepting unit 805 Adjusting unit 806 Setting unit 82 Storage unit 821 Condition storage unit 2 Image reading unit 3 Document transport unit

Claims (9)

A mounting portion on which a replacement part for storing consumables is mounted;
An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium by consuming the consumables;
A first determination unit for determining whether the replacement part mounted on the mounting unit is a first replacement part or a second replacement part different from the first replacement part;
A second determination unit that determines whether to form an image with a first quality or an image with a second quality when the first determination unit determines that the replacement part is the second replacement part; ,
A forming unit that controls the image forming unit so that the image forming unit forms an image quality evaluation image when the first determination unit determines that the replacement part is the second replacement part;
The image quality evaluation image indicates an image for evaluating image quality,
The first quality is higher than the second quality,
When the replacement part is the first replacement part, the image forming unit forms the first quality image.   2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit controls the image forming unit so that the image forming unit forms the image quality evaluation image each time the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on. Forming equipment. A reception unit that receives an instruction to form an image on the recording medium;
Each time the receiving unit receives an instruction to form an image on the recording medium, the second determining unit determines whether to form an image with the first quality or to form an image with the second quality. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment unit that adjusts the image quality based on an input from a user. Display,
A third determination unit that determines whether or not to adjust the image quality based on an input from a user;
Whether the third determination unit adjusts the image quality each time the image forming unit forms an image when the first determination unit determines that the replacement part is the second replacement part. Determine whether
The adjustment unit displays an image quality adjustment screen on the display according to the determination result of the third determination unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image quality adjustment screen is a screen for adjusting the image quality based on an input from a user.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image quality includes at least one of a gamma value, density, color reproducibility, and fogging degree. A storage unit that stores identification information of a plurality of replacement parts and a plurality of image forming conditions in association with each other;
An acquisition unit for acquiring the identification information from the replacement part mounted on the mounting unit;
The plurality of identifications stored in the storage unit when the identification unit acquires the identification information and the first determination unit determines that the replacement part is the second replacement part. A fourth determination unit that determines whether the information matches any of the information;
A setting unit that reads out the image forming condition corresponding to the identification information in accordance with the determination result of the fourth determining unit and sets the image forming condition for the image forming unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming condition indicates a condition for adjusting the image quality. When the first determination unit determines that the replacement part is the second replacement part, the second determination unit forms an image with the first quality or forms an image with the second quality. Or whether to form an image with the third quality,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third quality is lower than the first quality and higher than the second quality. An image forming method executed by an image forming apparatus comprising: a mounting unit on which a replacement part for storing consumables is mounted; and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium by consuming the consumables,
A first determination step of determining whether the replacement part mounted on the mounting unit is a first replacement part or a second replacement part different from the first replacement part;
A second determination step of determining whether to form an image with a first quality or an image with a second quality when it is determined that the replacement part is the second replacement part;
A step of controlling the image forming unit to form an image quality evaluation image when the replacement part is determined to be the second replacement part; and
The image quality evaluation image indicates an image for evaluating image quality,
The first quality is higher than the second quality,
When the replacement part is the first replacement part, the image forming unit forms the first quality image.

Images