JP2009223000A - Image forming device, image forming method, image forming program, and storage medium for storing image forming program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To regulate a toner density to enhance convenience and operability. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming device or the like includes standard density information 155 correlated with application use of a print data and a toner standard density, a toner identification part 101 for identifying application use of toner, based on toner identification information imparted to a toner cartridge, a print data identification part 102 for identifying the application use of the print data, based on a content of the print data, an application use determining part 103 for determininge the consistency of the application use of the identified toner with the application use of the print data, a density acquiring part 104 for acquiring the standard density of the toner corresponding to the application use of the print data from the standard density information 155, when the application use of the toner is matched with the application use of the print data, a density setting part 105 for setting a printing density to the acquired standard density, when the application use of the toner is matched with the application use of the print data, and a printing part 106 for printing the print data at the printing density set to the standard density. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that performs printing processing of print data using toner, an image forming method, an image forming program, and a storage medium that stores the image forming program.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, toner density adjustment is performed so that printing can always be performed with a good image density, but an image is printed by exchanging with a special toner having properties different from those of normal toner. There is a case. In such a case, if printing is performed with a density setting value obtained by density adjustment in accordance with the properties of the normal toner, printing may not be performed with an appropriate density due to a difference in properties from the normal toner.

  In view of this, an image forming apparatus that recognizes the type of toner and adjusts the density differently between the one whose quality is guaranteed by the manufacturer and the other is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). Specifically, in Patent Document 1, it is identified whether or not the toner cartridge subject to density adjustment is a product whose quality is guaranteed. If the toner cartridge is a product whose quality is guaranteed, normal density adjustment processing is performed. If the quality of the product is not guaranteed, the density adjustment control for the non-guaranteed product is performed.

  Further, there is disclosed an image forming apparatus and a toner cartridge that perform density adjustment so that printing can be performed with an appropriate density even when the toner cartridge is mounted on another image forming apparatus (for example, patents). Reference 2). In this Patent Document 2, the surface potential and image density of the photosensitive member are periodically detected, and the output of charging and developing is adjusted so as to obtain an appropriate value to optimize the process control. By accumulating in the non-volatile memory of the cartridge, it is possible to obtain an optimum image output by the non-volatile memory even when it is mounted on another machine.

JP 2006-30514 A JP 2003-84513 A

  However, in the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, although it is possible to perform appropriate density adjustment depending on whether or not the manufacturer is a toner cartridge whose quality is guaranteed, the case where printing is performed using toner for a special purpose is described. It has not been. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, information is provided on the toner cartridge side so that an appropriate density can be obtained based on information stored on the toner cartridge side regardless of which image forming apparatus the toner cartridge is mounted on. Although it is possible to make adjustments, as in Patent Document 1, there is no description about the case where printing is performed using toner for special purposes. Further, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, density adjustment is performed according to the toner of the mounted toner cartridge, but the print control cannot be changed in consideration of the use of the print data.

  In other words, in the image forming apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, special-purpose print data is printed using special-purpose toner, or a special-purpose toner cartridge is mounted. When printing data other than the intended use, there is a problem that the toner density cannot be adjusted, and the toner density needs to be adjusted by the user, resulting in poor convenience and operability.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is possible to adjust the toner density even when printing print data for special use or print data other than special use using toner for special use. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, an image forming program, and a storage medium for storing the image forming program, which are improved in convenience and operability.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is a standard density storage means for storing standard density information in which the use of print data is associated with the standard density of toner at the time of printing. And toner identification means for identifying the use of the toner based on the toner identification information given to the toner cartridge containing the toner, and the print data for identifying the use of the print data based on the content of the print data to be printed When the identifying means, the use judging means for judging whether or not the use of the identified toner and the use of the print data match, and the use of the identified toner and the use of the print data match A density acquisition unit that acquires the standard density of the toner corresponding to the use of the identified print data from the standard density information; When the use of the print data matches, the use is identified by the density setting means for setting the print density, which is the toner density at the time of printing, to the acquired standard density, and the print density set to the standard density An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing unit configured to print the printed data.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a density adjusting unit that adjusts the print density at which the standard density is set by a predetermined density fine adjustment value. The printing means prints the print data whose use is identified with the adjusted print density, and the density adjusting means is a case where the use of the identified toner matches the use of the print data. When the use of the print data is not a predetermined normal use, the print density at which the standard density is set is not adjusted by the density fine adjustment value.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the use of the print data is associated with a fine-tunable range indicating a fine-tunable range with respect to the toner standard density. Fine adjustment range storage means for storing fine adjustment range information, and the fine adjustment possible range corresponding to the use of the identified print data is acquired from the fine adjustment range information, and the print in which the standard density is set The image forming apparatus further includes a density adjusting unit that adjusts the density with a predetermined density fine adjustment value within the acquired fine-tunable range, and the printing unit stores the print data whose use is identified with the adjusted print density. It is characterized by printing.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the fine adjustment that stores fine adjustment density information that associates the use of the print data with the predetermined density fine adjustment value of the standard density. The density fine adjustment value corresponding to the use of the identified print data is acquired from the density storage means and the fine adjustment density information, and the print density in which the standard density is set is obtained as the acquired density fine adjustment. The image forming apparatus further includes density adjusting means for adjusting according to a value, and the printing means prints the print data whose use is identified with the adjusted print density.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the standard density information is obtained when printing is performed in a case where the use of print data matches the use of toner and the use of print data. The standard density of the toner is associated with the standard density of the toner at the time of printing when the use of the toner and the use of the print data do not match, and the density acquisition unit is configured to associate the use of the identified toner with the print If the use of the data matches, the standard density information of the toner corresponding to the use of the identified print data and the use of the toner and the use of the print data match is acquired from the standard density information. If the use of the identified toner and the use of the print data do not match, the standard density information corresponds to the use of the identified print data, and the toner Gets the standard concentration of the toner in the case of applications with the use of the print data does not match, the concentration setting means, the print density, and sets the standard concentration obtained.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge, the use of the identified toner, and the print data When the usage matches the usage, and the usage of the print data is not a predetermined normal usage, and the remaining amount of toner has decreased below a predetermined threshold, it is considered that there is no remaining toner. And a display control means for displaying on the display section a message prompting the user to replenish toner or replace the toner cartridge when it is determined that there is no remaining toner. Is characterized in that, when the remaining amount of toner is greater than a predetermined threshold, print data for which the use is identified is printed.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge, the use of print data, And a remaining amount information storage means for storing remaining amount determination information in association with information regarding whether or not to consider that there is no remaining amount of toner, and the use of the identified toner matches the use of the print data In this case, if the remaining amount of toner has decreased below a predetermined threshold, information corresponding to the use of the print data is acquired from the remaining amount determination information, and it is determined that there is no remaining toner based on the acquired information. And a remaining amount determining means for determining whether or not to be regarded, and a display control means for displaying on the display section a message prompting the user to replenish toner or replace the toner cartridge when it is determined that there is no remaining toner. The above Printing means, when the remaining amount of the toner was increased than the predetermined threshold value, characterized in that to print the print data applications have been identified.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge, the use of the identified toner, and the print data In the case where the usage matches, if the remaining amount of toner has decreased below a predetermined threshold, the standard density of the toner corresponding to the identified usage of the print data is equal to the usage of the print data. A remaining amount determining means for determining that there is no remaining toner when the toner is darker than the standard density of the toner for normal use; Display control means for displaying on the display section to prompt the user to replace the toner cartridge, and the printing means identifies the application when the remaining amount of the toner is greater than a predetermined threshold value. Wherein the printing the print data.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method executed by the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus stores standard density information that associates the use of the print data with the standard density of the toner at the time of printing. A standard density storage means for storing, a toner identification step for identifying the use of the toner based on toner identification information given to a toner cartridge containing the toner, and the print data based on the contents of the print data to be printed A print data identification step for identifying a use of the toner, a use determination step for determining whether or not the use of the identified toner and the use of the print data match, and the use of the identified toner and the print data If the usage of the toner coincides with the standard density information, a density for obtaining the standard density of the toner corresponding to the use of the identified print data is acquired from the standard density information. A density setting step for setting a print density, which is a toner density at the time of printing, to the acquired standard density when the use of the identified toner and the use of the print data match; and the standard And a printing step of printing the print data whose use is identified with the print density set to the density.

  The invention according to claim 10 is an image forming program for executing the image forming method according to claim 9.

  The invention according to claim 11 is a storage medium for storing the image forming program according to claim 10.

  According to the present invention, when the use of the print data matches the use of the toner, the print data is printed with the standard toner density corresponding to the use of the print data. Even when printing data for various uses is performed, the toner density can be adjusted, and the convenience and operability can be improved.

  According to the present invention, the print data can be printed with an appropriate density by adjusting the print density of the toner with an appropriate density fine adjustment value.

  According to the present invention, when printing is performed when the use of the print data does not match the use of the toner, the print data is used and the use of the toner does not match the use of the print data. In order to print the print data with the standard density of toner, for example, it is possible to adjust the density of the toner that is printed the thinnest within the range that the printed matter can be recognized, and printing without using special toner as much as possible. Convenience can be improved.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, an image forming program, and a storage medium storing the image forming program according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, an example in which the image forming apparatus is applied to a printer is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, a copy machine having a function of performing printing using toner The present invention can be applied to any MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) or the like in which a plurality of functions such as a fax machine and a printer are housed in a single housing.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram including a printer according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 100 is connected to PCs (Personal Computers) 1a, 1b, and 1c, which are host computers, via a communication medium 2, and print data transmitted from the PCs 1a, 1b, and 1c is received. It receives and prints the received print data. 1 shows a state in which three PCs are connected, but the number may be increased or decreased.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 100 mainly includes a PDL (Page Description Language) analysis unit 301, a job management unit 302, and a service provision group 308. The service providing group 308 mainly includes a network management unit 303, a memory management unit 304, a print management unit 305, a system management unit 306, and an operation panel management unit 307.

  The PDL analysis unit 301 analyzes print data (PDL data) received by the printer 100 and generates a print image. That is, the PDL analysis unit 301 receives print data received from the PC or the like from the network management unit 303 through the mediation of the job management unit 302, and generates a print image on the memory secured from the memory management unit 304. Also, when generating a print image, device configuration information, such as information on the configuration of the paper feed tray and paper discharge tray, and the paper size in the paper feed tray, is required. The PDL analysis unit 301 stores these information. Obtained from the system management unit 306 by the mediation of the job management unit 302.

  The job management unit 302 performs control related to the overall PDL processing, and mainly mediates the processing required by the PDL analysis unit 301 and makes requests to other components. That is, the job management unit 302 is an intermediary for transferring print data received by the network management unit 303 to the PDL analysis unit 301, an intermediary for the PDL analysis unit 301 to acquire device information managed by the system management unit 306, and a PDL analysis unit An intermediary 301 secures a necessary memory from the memory management unit 304, and issues a print request to the print management unit 305 for a print image created by the PDL analysis unit 301.

  The service providing group 308 is a general term for components that provide various services of the network management unit 303, the memory management unit 304, the print management unit 305, the system management unit 306, and the operation panel management unit 307. These components communicate with each other to share the basic operation of the printer 100 and cooperate to respond to requests from higher layers.

  The network management unit 303 controls network controller management and processing of received data such as print data obtained from the network controller. In other words, it receives data from the network controller by controlling communication protocols such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and LPR (Line PRinter daemon protocol) that are indispensable when receiving data from the PC that is the host computer. Pass the received data to the department.

  The memory management unit 304 manages the memory and the external storage device, and allocates and releases the memory and the external storage device in response to requests from other components.

  The print management unit 305 performs control related to print processing of the print image generated by the PDL analysis unit 301. In other words, the print management unit 305 executes various processes necessary for causing the engine to print the print image stored in the memory / external storage device managed by the memory management unit 304. Issuance, issuance of post-processing execution instructions, detection of error conditions related to printing, and notification to other components.

  A system management unit 306 manages and controls device configuration information and device status of the printer 100. Here, the device configuration information is information such as information on attachment / detachment of the paper feed tray and paper discharge tray, and paper configuration in the paper feed tray. The device state is a state in which an error such as a jam or out of paper is occurring during printing, standby, or the like. In addition to notifying such information to other components, the user manages device settings (customizable items whose operation is changed by setting).

  The operation panel management unit 307 manages display of an operation panel (not shown) and panel operation by a user. That is, the operation panel management unit 307 displays a menu screen for displaying the status of the printer 100 on the operation panel and changing the device settings managed by the system management unit 306 based on requests from other components. Or display an error screen to encourage the user to take appropriate action. In addition, when an operation button is displayed on a menu screen, an error screen, or the like, the operation panel management unit 307 recognizes the pressed operation button and notifies the other components.

  Next, printing by a printer will be described. The printer prints print data for various purposes, and some of the print data requires toner for special purposes. In printing such special-purpose print data, a correct printed matter is obtained by using a dedicated toner (a special-purpose toner).

  Since printing of such special-purpose print data is not always performed, the environment on the host side (PC side) for transmitting the printer and print data cannot be dedicated to special-purpose printing, and the office In many cases, it is used by switching to a normal use such as printing a document or the like. If you want to print special-purpose print data, it will be replaced with a dedicated toner, but the special-use toner has different properties from the normal-use toner, so it will be appropriate for normal use. With the density setting adjusted to, printing with the correct density may not be possible. Therefore, if the correct density cannot be obtained, the user must reset the density correction value so as to obtain an appropriate density every time the toner is replaced. And operability will deteriorate.

  Therefore, in the printer according to the present embodiment, even when the toner is replaced with a special purpose toner, the above problem is solved by printing the print data with the standard density of the appropriate toner. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the print management unit 305 of the printer according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the print management unit 305 is connected to usage information 150 and standard density information 155, and includes a toner identification unit 101, a print data identification unit 102, a usage determination unit 103, and a density acquisition unit 104. And a density setting unit 105 and a printing unit 106.

  The usage information 150 associates the magic number embedded in the print data to be printed with the usage (ID) of the print data, and is stored in a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a memory. Yes.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of usage information. As shown in FIG. 4, the usage information 150 includes magic numbers “none”, “101”, “102”, etc. embedded in the print data, and IDs “0 (normal usage)” “1 (use A) of the print data. ) ”,“ 2 (use B) ”, and the like.

  The standard density information 155 associates the use (ID) of print data with the standard density of toner when printing print data for the use, and is stored in a storage medium such as an HDD or a memory. .

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of standard density information. As shown in FIG. 5, the standard density information 155 includes print data application IDs “0 (normal use)”, “1 (use A)”, and the standard density of toner when printing print data for the use. “5”, “7”, and the like are associated with each other. Here, the standard density of the toner is adjusted in 10 steps from 1 to 10, and this is an example in which the normal use is “5”, and the same applies to the following embodiments.

  The toner identifying unit 101 identifies the intended use of the toner based on the toner identification information given to the toner cartridge that accommodates the toner. Specifically, for example, in a printer that is supposed to be replaced with a special purpose toner, a container (toner cartridge) for storing toner, a photosensitive belt, and the like are integrated and removable as a unit. In many cases, this unit is equipped with an IC chip storing use identification information for identifying the use of the toner, and the toner identification unit 101 reads the value of the IC chip installed in the unit to determine the use of the toner. Identify.

  Here, as an example of the special application, there is MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) which is often used in North America. In MICR printing, a magnetic toner used in checks is used, so that it is a special toner having different properties from usual.

  The print data identification unit 102 identifies the use of the print data based on the content of the print data to be printed. As a method for identifying the use of the print data, there are a method for indicating its own use by embedding a magic number at the head of the print data, a method for adding a command to PJL and each printer language, and the like. For example, in the case of the magic number, the identification method will be described. The print data identification unit 102 extracts the back number embedded in the print data, refers to the usage information 150 (FIG. 4), and uses the extracted back number as a key. A search is performed to obtain the use (ID) of the print data corresponding to the back number. The print data identification unit 102 recognizes the use of the print data such as the normal use and the use A based on the acquired ID.

  The usage determining unit 103 determines whether or not the usage of the toner identified by the toner identifying unit 101 matches the usage of the print data identified by the print data identifying unit 102.

  When the use determining unit 103 determines that the use of the toner identified by the toner identifying unit 101 and the use of the print data identified by the print data identifying unit 102 match, the density acquiring unit 104 determines the standard density information. With reference to 155 (FIG. 5), the use of the identified print data is searched as a key, and the standard density of the toner corresponding to the use of the print data is acquired. For example, when the use of the print data is recognized as “2 (use B)”, the density acquisition unit 104 refers to the standard density information 155 and refers to the standard density “3” corresponding to “2 (use B)”. To get.

  The density acquisition unit 104 determines that the usage of the toner identified by the toner identification unit 101 and the usage of the print data identified by the print data identification unit 102 do not match by the usage determination unit 103. With reference to the standard density information 155 (FIG. 5), the standard density of the toner when the use of the print data is a normal use is acquired. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the density acquisition unit 104 acquires the standard density “5” corresponding to “0 (normal use)”.

  When the usage determining unit 103 determines that the usage of the toner identified by the toner identifying unit 101 matches the usage of the print data identified by the print data identifying unit 102, the density setting unit 105 By storing the standard density corresponding to the use of the print data acquired in 104 in a storage medium (not shown) such as a memory, the print density that is the toner density at the time of printing is set.

  The density setting unit 105 determines that the usage of the toner identified by the toner identification unit 101 and the usage of the print data identified by the print data identification unit 102 are not matched by the usage determination unit 103. By storing the standard density corresponding to the normal use acquired by the density acquisition unit 104 in a storage medium (not shown) such as a memory, the print density which is the toner density at the time of printing is set.

  The printing unit 106 prints print data whose use is identified at the print density set by the density setting unit 105.

  Next, toner identification processing by the printer 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a toner identification process performed by the printer according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the printer 100 is started up or when the toner cartridge is replaced, the toner identifying unit 101 identifies the use of the toner (step S1). The use of the identified toner is stored in a storage medium such as a memory.

  Next, printing processing by the printer 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a printing process performed by the printer according to the first embodiment.

  First, the print data to be printed is received from the PC by the network management unit 303 (step S10). The print data identification unit 102 identifies the use of the received print data (step S11). The usage determining unit 103 determines whether the usage of the toner identified by the toner identifying unit 101 matches the usage of the print data identified by the print data identifying unit 102 (step S12).

  When it is determined that the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data match (step S12: Yes), the density acquisition unit 104 refers to the standard density information 155 and sets the standard density corresponding to the use of the identified print data. The acquired density setting unit 105 sets the acquired standard density as the print density (step S13).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data do not match (step S12: No), the density acquisition unit 104 refers to the standard density information 155 and acquires the standard density corresponding to the normal usage. Then, the density setting unit 105 sets the acquired standard density as the print density (step S14).

  Then, the printing unit 106 prints the print data whose use is identified at the set print density (standard density) (step S15).

  As described above, when the use of toner and the use of print data match, the printer 100 according to the first embodiment performs printing by setting the standard density corresponding to the use of print data as the print density. If the use of the toner and the use of the print data do not match, printing is performed with the standard density corresponding to the normal use of the print data set as the print density. Therefore, even when printing special purpose print data using special purpose toner, by obtaining the standard density of the toner corresponding to the use of the print data, the toner density can be adjusted, Convenience and operability can be improved.

  Further, in the printer 100 according to the first embodiment, even when the special toner and the toner cartridge are replaced from the normal toner, an appropriate density standard suitable for the use of the print data can be set as the print density. The user does not need to adjust the density each time the toner cartridge is replaced, and convenience can be improved. It is also possible to prevent wasteful printing due to forgetting to set an appropriate density standard.

(Embodiment 2)
In the printer of the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data match, and if they match, the print data can be printed with an appropriate standard density corresponding to the usage. However, many printers have a density fine adjustment value as a parameter that allows the user to adjust the print density. If a density fine adjustment value is set, the density fine adjustment value is simply used as the standard density adjustment value. If used, there may be a problem in the properties of the toner. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the use of the print data is not a normal use, the density fine adjustment value is invalidated.

  The system configuration diagram including the printer according to the second embodiment and the block diagram showing the configuration of the printer are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the configuration of the print management unit 305 of the printer according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the print management unit 305 is connected to usage information 150 and standard density information 155, and includes a toner identification unit 101, a print data identification unit 102, a usage determination unit 103, and a density acquisition unit 104. A density setting unit 105, a printing unit 106, and a density adjustment unit 107. Here, the configurations and functions of the usage information 150, the standard density information 155, the toner identification unit 101, the print data identification unit 102, the usage determination unit 103, the density acquisition unit 104, and the density setting unit 105 are implemented. Since this is the same as the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The density adjustment unit 107 determines that the usage of the toner identified by the toner identification unit 101 does not match the usage of the print data identified by the print data identification unit 102 by the usage determination unit 103 or the toner It is determined that the use of the toner identified by the identification unit 101 and the use of the print data identified by the print data identification unit 102 match, and the print data identification unit 102 identifies that the use of the print data is a normal use In this case, the print density set with the standard density by the density setting unit 105 is adjusted by a predetermined density fine adjustment value set in advance.

  The density adjustment unit 107 determines that the use determination unit 103 determines that the use of the toner identified by the toner identification unit 101 and the use of the print data identified by the print data identification unit 102 match. When the print data identifying unit 102 identifies that the use of the print data is other than the normal use, the print density at which the standard density is set by the density setting unit 105 is not adjusted by a predetermined density fine adjustment value.

  In addition to the functions of the first embodiment, the printing unit 106 prints print data whose use is identified with the print density adjusted by the density adjustment unit 107.

  Next, the printing process performed by the printer 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a printing process performed by the printer according to the second embodiment. Note that the toner identification processing by the printer 100 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 6).

  First, the network management unit 303 receives print data to be printed from the PC (step S20). The print data identification unit 102 identifies the use of the received print data (step S21). The usage determination unit 103 matches the usage of the toner identified by the toner identification unit 101 with the usage of the print data identified by the print data identification unit 102, and the usage of the print data by the print data identification unit 102 is normal. It is determined whether the usage is other than the intended use (step S22).

  When it is determined that the usage of the toner matches the usage of the print data and the usage of the print data is other than the normal usage (step S22: Yes), the density acquisition unit 104 refers to the standard density information 155. The standard density corresponding to the use of the identified print data is acquired, and the density setting unit 105 sets the acquired standard density as the print density (step S23). Here, the adjustment by the density adjustment unit 107 is not performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data do not match, or if it is determined that the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data match, and the usage of the print data is a normal usage (step S22: No), the density acquisition unit 104 refers to the standard density information 155, acquires the standard density corresponding to the normal use, and the density setting unit 105 sets the acquired standard density as the print density (step S24). Then, the density adjustment unit 107 adjusts the print density set with the standard density by the density setting unit 105 with a predetermined density fine adjustment value (step S25).

  Then, the printing unit 106 prints the print data whose use is identified with the set print density or the adjusted print density (step S26).

  As described above, in the printer 100 according to the second embodiment, when the use of the toner and the use of the print data match and the use of the print data is other than the normal use, the print density set with the standard density is set. Is printed without adjusting the value with the fine density adjustment value. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, when printing print data for a special purpose other than the normal purpose, there is a problem in the print result (printed matter) by adjusting the density fine adjustment value. Can be prevented.

(Embodiment 3)
In the printer according to the second embodiment, when the use of toner coincides with the use of print data and the use of print data is not a normal use, the adjustment based on the density fine adjustment value is not performed. However, depending on the use of the print data, the allowable adjustment range is only narrow, and it may not be necessary to completely invalidate the adjustment based on the fine density adjustment value. Therefore, in this embodiment, a range in which fine adjustment of the density fine adjustment value is possible is provided for each use of the print data, and the density fine adjustment value is adjusted within the range.

  Since the system configuration diagram including the printer according to the third embodiment and the block diagram showing the configuration of the printer are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the configuration of the print management unit 305 of the printer according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the print management unit 305 is connected to usage information 150, standard density information 155, and fine adjustment range information 160, and includes a toner identification unit 101, a print data identification unit 102, and a usage determination unit. 103, a density acquisition unit 104, a density setting unit 105, a printing unit 106, and a density adjustment unit 108. Here, the configurations and functions of the usage information 150, the standard density information 155, the toner identification unit 101, the print data identification unit 102, the usage determination unit 103, the density acquisition unit 104, and the density setting unit 105 are implemented. Since this is the same as the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The fine adjustment range information 160 associates the use (ID) of the print data with the fine adjustment possible range indicating the range in which fine adjustment is possible with respect to the standard density of the toner, and is stored in an HDD or a memory. It is stored on the medium.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of fine adjustment range information. As shown in FIG. 11, fine adjustment range information 160 includes print data application IDs “0 (normal use)”, “1 (use A)”, etc., and an upper limit value (darker one) of the fine adjustment range “+3”. “+1” and the like are associated with the lower limit value (thinner) “−3” and “−1” of the fine-tunable range.

  The density adjustment unit 108 refers to the fine adjustment range information 160 (FIG. 11), searches for the use of the identified print data as a key, and acquires a fine adjustable range corresponding to the use of the print data. The density adjusting unit 108 adjusts the print density at which the standard density is set by a predetermined density fine adjustment value within the acquired fine adjustable range.

  That is, the density adjustment unit 108 adjusts the print density with the value if the density fine adjustment value is within the acquired fine adjustment range, and within the fine adjustment range if it is over. Adjustment is made according to the maximum value that can be accommodated. For example, if the fine-tunable range is −2 to +2, and the fine density adjustment value is +1, the density adjustment unit 108 adjusts the print density with the value +1 as it is, and the fine density adjustment value is +3. In the case of, the print information is adjusted by a value of +2, and if the fine density adjustment value is -3, the print information is adjusted by a value of -2. Further, as shown in the second embodiment, in the case of an application in which it is not desired to adjust the printing density, the fine adjustable range of the application may be set to 0 to 0.

  In addition to the function of the first embodiment, the printing unit 106 prints print data whose use is identified with the print density adjusted by the density adjustment unit 108.

  Next, the printing process performed by the printer 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a printing process performed by the printer according to the third embodiment. Note that the toner identification processing by the printer 100 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 6).

  First, the processing from the reception of print data from the PC to the setting of the print density based on the acquired standard density (steps S30 to S34) is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted (steps S10 to S14). reference).

  Next, the density adjustment unit 108 acquires a fine-tunable range corresponding to the use of the identified print data, and determines whether or not the density fine-adjustment value is within the acquired fine-tunable range (step S35). When the density fine adjustment value is within the acquired fine adjustment possible range (step S35: Yes), the density adjustment unit 108 adjusts the print density with the density fine adjustment value (step S36).

  On the other hand, when the density fine adjustment value is not within the acquired fine adjustment possible range (step S35: No), the density adjustment unit 108 adjusts the print density so that the density fine adjustment value is within the fine adjustment possible range. That is, the density adjustment unit 108 uses the maximum value of the darker side when the density fine adjustment value is over the darker side of the fine-adjustable range, and the lighter side of the maximum value when the density is finer. The print density is adjusted (step S37).

  Then, the printing unit 106 prints the print data whose use is identified with the set print density or the adjusted print density (step S38).

  As described above, the printer 100 according to the third embodiment performs printing by adjusting the print density at which the standard density is set with the density fine adjustment value within the fine adjustable range corresponding to the use of the print data. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the print density can be adjusted within an appropriate adjustment range, regardless of the printing data for any application.

(Embodiment 4)
In the printer according to the third embodiment, a fine-tunable range is provided for each use of print data, and the density fine adjustment value is adjusted within the range. The concentration was adjusted. However, the setting of increasing the density or decreasing the density of the entire apparatus does not necessarily indicate the same direction for all applications. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the fine density adjustment value is given for each application.

  A system configuration diagram including a printer according to the fourth embodiment and a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the print management unit 305 of the printer according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the print management unit 305 is connected to usage information 150, standard density information 155, and fine adjustment density information 165, and includes a toner identification unit 101, a print data identification unit 102, and a usage determination unit. 103, a density acquisition unit 104, a density setting unit 105, a printing unit 106, and a density adjustment unit 109. Here, the configurations and functions of the usage information 150, the standard density information 155, the toner identification unit 101, the print data identification unit 102, the usage determination unit 103, the density acquisition unit 104, and the density setting unit 105 are implemented. Since this is the same as the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The fine adjustment density information 165 associates the use (ID) of the print data with a predetermined density fine adjustment value of the standard density, and is stored in a storage medium such as an HDD or a memory.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of fine adjustment density information. As shown in FIG. 14, fine adjustment density information 165 includes print data application IDs “0 (normal use)”, “1 (use A)”, etc., and fine density adjustment values “+1”, “−1”, and the like. Are associated.

  The density adjustment unit 109 refers to the fine adjustment density information (FIG. 14), searches using the use of the identified print data as a key, acquires a density fine adjustment value corresponding to the use of the print data, and the standard density is The set print density is adjusted by the acquired density fine adjustment value.

  In addition to the functions of the first embodiment, the printing unit 106 prints print data whose use is identified with the print density adjusted by the density adjustment unit 109.

  Next, the printing process performed by the printer 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a printing process performed by the printer according to the fourth embodiment. Note that the toner identification processing by the printer 100 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 6).

  First, the network management unit 303 receives print data to be printed from the PC (step S40). The print data identification unit 102 identifies the use of the received print data (step S41). The usage determination unit 103 determines whether the usage of the toner identified by the toner identification unit 101 matches the usage of the print data identified by the print data identification unit 102 (step S42).

  When it is determined that the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data match (step S42: Yes), the density acquisition unit 104 refers to the standard density information 155 and sets the standard density corresponding to the use of the identified print data. Obtained, the density setting unit 105 sets the acquired standard density as the print density (step S43). The density adjustment unit 109 refers to the fine adjustment density information 165, acquires the density fine adjustment value corresponding to the use of the identified print data, and adjusts the print density based on the acquired density fine adjustment value (step S44).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data do not match (step S42: No), the density acquisition unit 104 refers to the standard density information 155 and acquires the standard density corresponding to the normal usage. Then, the density setting unit 105 sets the acquired standard density as the print density (step S45). The density adjustment unit 109 refers to the fine adjustment density information 165, acquires the density fine adjustment value corresponding to the normal use, and adjusts the print density based on the acquired density fine adjustment value (step S46).

  Then, the printing unit 106 prints the print data whose use is identified with the adjusted print density (step S47).

  As described above, the printer 100 according to the fourth embodiment performs printing by adjusting the print density with the fine density adjustment value corresponding to the use of each print data. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the print density can be adjusted by the fine density adjustment value, regardless of the print data for any application.

(Embodiment 5)
In the printer of the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data match, and if they match, the print data can be printed with an appropriate standard density corresponding to the usage. However, in reality, print data suitable for the intended use of the toner is not always transmitted. In particular, when using a printer shared over a network for a special purpose temporarily, all users should know the currently installed toner and decide whether to send print data. Since it is difficult to do so, print data for a use different from the use of the attached toner may be transmitted.

  Originally, it is desirable to cancel the job without printing the print data for a use that does not match the use of the toner, but the print data for a different use is intentionally transmitted, such as a test print. In some cases, job cancellation is generally not good. However, if you print without canceling the job, if you print with the same standard density as when the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data match, the special purpose toner may be expensive. As a result, there are many wasteful consumption of expensive toner. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the standard density set when the uses do not match is also stored, and printing is performed at a standard density suitable for the situation, such as setting a standard density that is thin enough to read the document.

  Since the system configuration diagram including the printer according to the fifth embodiment and the block diagram showing the configuration of the printer are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  In the present embodiment, the configuration will be described with reference to a block diagram (FIG. 3) showing the configuration of the print management unit 305 of the printer according to the first embodiment. Here, since the configurations and functions of the usage information 150, the toner identification unit 101, the print data identification unit 102, the usage determination unit 103, and the density setting unit 105 are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. To do.

  In the standard density information 155, when the use (ID) of the print data matches the use of the toner and the use of the print data, the standard density of the toner at the time of printing does not match the use of the toner and the use of the print data. In this case, the standard density of toner at the time of printing is associated with each other and stored in a storage medium such as an HDD or a memory.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of standard density information. As shown in FIG. 16, the standard density information 155 includes print data application IDs “0 (normal use)”, “1 (use A)”, etc., and the toner when the use of the toner and the use of the print data match. The standard density “5”, “7”, etc. of the toner are associated with the standard density “5”, “3”, etc. of the toner when the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data do not match.

  When the use determining unit 103 determines that the use of the toner identified by the toner identifying unit 101 and the use of the print data identified by the print data identifying unit 102 match, the density acquiring unit 104 determines the standard density information. From 155, the standard density of the toner corresponding to the use of the identified print data and when the use of the toner coincides with the use of the print data is acquired. For example, when the use of the print data is recognized as “2 (use B)”, the density acquisition unit 104 refers to the standard density information 155 and refers to the standard density “3” corresponding to “2 (use B)”. To get.

  The density acquisition unit 104 determines that the usage of the toner identified by the toner identification unit 101 and the usage of the print data identified by the print data identification unit 102 do not match by the usage determination unit 103. From the standard density information 155, the standard density of the toner corresponding to the use of the identified print data and when the use of the toner does not match the use of the print data is acquired. For example, when the use of the print data is recognized as “2 (use B)”, the density acquisition unit 104 refers to the standard density information 155 and refers to the standard density “2” corresponding to “2 (use B)”. To get.

  When the usage determining unit 103 determines that the usage of the toner identified by the toner identifying unit 101 matches the usage of the print data identified by the print data identifying unit 102, the density setting unit 105 The standard density when the use corresponding to the use of the print data acquired in 104 is matched is stored in a storage medium (not shown) such as a memory, and is set as the print density that is the toner density at the time of printing. is there.

  The density setting unit 105 determines that the usage of the toner identified by the toner identification unit 101 and the usage of the print data identified by the print data identification unit 102 are not matched by the usage determination unit 103. The standard density when the usage corresponding to the usage of the print data acquired by the density acquisition unit 104 does not match is stored in a storage medium (not shown) such as a memory, so that it is set as the print density that is the toner density at the time of printing. To do.

  Next, the printing process performed by the printer 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a printing process performed by the printer according to the fifth embodiment. Note that the toner identification processing by the printer 100 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 6).

  First, the network management unit 303 receives print data to be printed from the PC (step S50). The print data identification unit 102 identifies the use of the received print data (step S51). The usage determining unit 103 determines whether or not the usage of the toner identified by the toner identifying unit 101 matches the usage of the print data identified by the print data identifying unit 102 (step S52).

  When it is determined that the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data match (step S52: Yes), the density acquisition unit 104 refers to the standard density information 155, corresponds to the use of the identified print data, and is used. Are acquired, and the density setting unit 105 sets the acquired standard density as the print density (step S53).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data do not match (step S52: No), the density acquisition unit 104 refers to the standard density information 155, corresponds to the normal usage, and the usage is The standard density for the case where they do not match is acquired, and the density setting unit 105 sets the acquired standard density as the print density (step S54).

  Then, the printing unit 106 prints the print data whose use is identified at the set print density (standard density) (step S55).

  As described above, the printer 100 according to the fifth embodiment prints the print data with the toner standard density corresponding to the case where the use of the toner and the use of the print data match or does not match. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, a desired density can be set as the standard density of the toner when the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data do not match. This makes it possible to adjust the toner density and to prevent unnecessary consumption of expensive toner, such as printing without using special toner as much as possible, thereby improving convenience.

  It should be noted that the processing in the case where the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data in this embodiment do not match is applied to the processing related to the fine density adjustment value in the second to fourth embodiments, whereby the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data are performed. Even when printing does not match, adjustment by the density adjustment value can be made possible.

(Embodiment 6)
When the remaining amount of toner decreases, the print data may be printed slightly thin even if there is a slight difference. In normal applications, these differences are not often a problem. Sometimes it becomes. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the remaining amount of toner becomes small when printing is performed for an application other than the normal use, it is considered that there is no remaining toner.

  Since the system configuration diagram including the printer according to the sixth embodiment and the block diagram showing the configuration of the printer are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the print management unit 305 of the printer according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the print management unit 305 is connected to usage information 150, standard density information 155, and remaining amount detection sensor 190, and includes a toner identification unit 101, a print data identification unit 102, and a usage determination unit. 103, a density acquisition unit 104, a density setting unit 105, a printing unit 106, and a remaining amount determination unit 110. Here, the configurations and functions of the usage information 150, the standard density information 155, the toner identification unit 101, the print data identification unit 102, the density acquisition unit 104, and the density setting unit 105 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description is omitted. The configuration and function of the usage determining unit 103 are the same as those in the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The remaining amount detection sensor 190 is a sensor that detects the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge attached to the printer 100.

  The remaining amount determination unit 110 determines that the usage of the toner identified by the toner identification unit 101 matches the usage of the print data identified by the print data identification unit 102 by the usage determination unit 103 and print data identification In a case where the use of the print data is identified as other than the normal use by the unit 102, the remaining amount of toner detected by the remaining amount detection sensor 190 has decreased below a predetermined threshold value (toner In the case where the remaining amount is very small), it is determined that it is considered that there is no toner remaining. The remaining amount determination unit 110 determines that there is a remaining amount of toner when the remaining amount of toner detected by the remaining amount detection sensor 190 has increased beyond a predetermined threshold value.

  In addition to the functions of the first embodiment, the printing unit 106 prints print data whose use is identified when the remaining amount of toner has increased beyond a predetermined threshold.

  In addition, the operation panel management unit 307 in FIG. 2 displays an error message prompting the user to replenish the toner or replace the toner cartridge when the remaining amount determination unit 110 determines that there is no remaining toner. Is displayed.

  Next, the printing process performed by the printer 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a printing process performed by the printer according to the sixth embodiment. Note that the printing process in the present embodiment is the process performed in the “printing start” in the first to fifth embodiments.

  The remaining amount determination unit 110 determines whether the remaining amount of toner is very small based on detection by the remaining amount detection sensor 190 (step S60). When the remaining amount of toner is not very small, that is, when the remaining amount of toner is larger than a predetermined threshold (step S60: No), the printing unit 106 prints the print data whose use is identified (step S64).

  On the other hand, when the remaining amount of toner is very small, that is, when the remaining amount of toner is less than a predetermined threshold (step S60: Yes), the usage determining unit 103 determines the usage of the toner identified by the toner identifying unit 101, It is determined whether or not the use of the print data identified by the print data identifying unit 102 matches the use of the print data by the print data identifying unit 102 (step S61).

  When it is determined that the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data do not match, or when it is determined that the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data match, and the usage of the print data is a normal usage (step S61: No) The printing unit 106 prints the print data whose use is identified (step S64).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the usage of the toner matches the usage of the print data and the usage of the print data is other than the normal usage (step S61: Yes), the remaining amount determination unit 110 has no remaining amount of toner. The operation panel management unit 307 displays an error message on the operation panel (not shown) that prompts the user to replenish toner or replace the toner cartridge (step S62).

  Then, the remaining amount determination unit 110 determines whether or not the toner replenishment or the toner cartridge has been replaced by determining whether or not the remaining amount of toner has increased beyond a predetermined threshold (step S63). ). If the toner is not replenished or the toner cartridge is not replaced (step S63: No), the process waits until the toner is replenished or the toner cartridge is replaced.

  On the other hand, when the toner is replenished or the toner cartridge is replaced (step S63: Yes), the printing unit 106 prints the print data whose use is identified (step S64).

  As described above, in the printer 100 according to the sixth embodiment, when the remaining amount of toner is very small, the use of the toner matches the use of the print data, and the use of the print data is other than the normal use. An error message that prompts the user to replenish toner or replace the toner cartridge is displayed assuming that the remaining amount of toner is not present. Accordingly, printing data cannot be printed unless the toner is replenished or a new toner cartridge is installed. Therefore, printing with stable toner can be performed without always printing with toner with a small remaining amount.

(Embodiment 7)
In the sixth embodiment, it is determined that the remaining amount of toner is small and there is no toner remaining in all cases where the use of print data is other than normal use. However, such control is necessary for all uses other than normal use. It may not be. Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is detected that the remaining amount of toner is very small, whether or not to treat the toner as remaining is set for each use of the print data is set according to the use of the print data. Process.

  Since the system configuration diagram including the printer according to the seventh embodiment and the block diagram showing the configuration of the printer are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the configuration of the print management unit 305 of the printer according to the seventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, the print management unit 305 is connected to the usage information 150, the standard density information 155, the remaining amount determination information 170, and the remaining amount detection sensor 190. Mainly includes a unit 102, an application determination unit 103, a density acquisition unit 104, a density setting unit 105, a printing unit 106, and a remaining amount determination unit 111. Here, the configurations and functions of the usage information 150, the standard density information 155, the toner identification unit 101, the print data identification unit 102, the usage determination unit 103, the density acquisition unit 104, and the density setting unit 105 are implemented. Since this is the same as the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. Further, since the configuration and function of the remaining amount detection sensor 190, the printing unit 106, and the operation panel management unit 307 in FIG. 2 are the same as those in the sixth embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The remaining amount determination information 170 associates the usage (ID) of the print data with toner remaining amount information indicating whether or not it is considered that there is no remaining toner, and is stored in a storage medium such as an HDD or a memory. Has been.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of an example of remaining amount determination information. As shown in FIG. 21, the remaining amount determination information 170 includes print data usage IDs “0 (normal usage)”, “1 (use A)”, etc., and toner remaining amount information “low remaining amount” and “no remaining amount”. And the like.

  The remaining amount determination unit 111 is a case where the usage determination unit 103 determines that the usage of the toner identified by the toner identification unit 101 and the usage of the print data identified by the print data identification unit 102 match. When the remaining amount of toner detected by the remaining amount detection sensor 190 has decreased below a predetermined threshold value, the remaining amount determination information 170 is referred to, and the use of the print data is searched for as a key. Information on the remaining amount of toner corresponding to the use of the print data is acquired, and it is determined whether or not it is considered that there is no remaining toner based on the acquired remaining amount of toner information.

  Next, the printing process performed by the printer 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a printing process performed by the printer according to the seventh embodiment. Note that the printing process in the present embodiment is the process performed in the “printing start” in the first to fifth embodiments.

  The remaining amount determination unit 111 determines whether or not the remaining amount of toner is very small based on detection by the remaining amount detection sensor 190 (step S70). When the remaining amount of toner is not very small, that is, when the remaining amount of toner is larger than a predetermined threshold (step S70: No), the printing unit 106 prints the print data whose use is identified (step S75).

  On the other hand, when the remaining amount of toner is very small, that is, when the remaining amount of toner is less than a predetermined threshold (step S70: Yes), the usage determining unit 103 determines the usage of the toner identified by the toner identifying unit 101, It is determined whether or not the use of the print data identified by the print data identifying unit 102 matches (step S71).

  When it is determined that the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data do not match (step S71: No), the printing unit 106 prints the print data for which the usage is identified (step S75).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data match (step S71: Yes), the remaining toner information is referred to by referring to the remaining amount determination information 170 and the remaining toner information corresponding to the usage of the print data. It is determined whether or not it is considered that there is no amount (step S72). When it is determined that there is no remaining toner amount, that is, when it is determined that the remaining toner amount is low (step S72: No), the printing unit 106 prints the print data whose use is identified (step S72). S75).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no remaining toner (step S72: Yes), the remaining amount determination unit 111 regards that there is no remaining toner, and the operation panel management unit 307 replaces the toner or replaces the toner cartridge. Is displayed on an operation panel (not shown) (step S73).

  Then, the remaining amount determination unit 111 determines whether or not the toner replenishment or the toner cartridge has been replaced by determining whether or not the remaining amount of toner has increased above a predetermined threshold (step S74). ). If the toner is not replenished or the toner cartridge is not replaced (step S74: No), the process waits until the toner is replenished or the toner cartridge is replaced.

  On the other hand, when the toner is replenished or the toner cartridge is replaced (step S74: Yes), the printing unit 106 prints the print data whose use is identified (step S75).

  As described above, in the printer 100 according to the seventh embodiment, when the remaining amount of toner is very small, the usage of the toner coincides with the usage of the print data, and the remaining amount of toner is regarded as having no remaining toner. If it is determined that there is no remaining toner, an error message prompting the user to replenish toner or replace the toner cartridge is displayed. Therefore, even when the remaining amount of toner is very small, it is possible to perform appropriate processing as to whether or not it is considered that there is no remaining toner according to the use of the print data. In addition, when it is assumed that there is no remaining toner, print data cannot be printed unless toner is replenished or a new toner cartridge is installed, so printing with low remaining toner is not always performed, and stable quality is achieved. Printing can be performed.

(Embodiment 8)
In Embodiments 6 and 7, printing data can always be printed with stable quality, but the phenomenon that the toner becomes slightly thinner tends to occur more easily when the printing is denser. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the first to fifth embodiments, only when the standard density corresponding to the use of the print data exceeds the standard density for normal use, the remaining amount of toner is small and there is no remaining toner. It is what you regard.

  Since the system configuration diagram including the printer according to the eighth embodiment and the block diagram showing the configuration of the printer are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  In the present embodiment, the configuration will be described with reference to a block diagram (FIG. 18) showing the configuration of the print management unit 305 of the printer according to the sixth embodiment. Here, the usage information 150, the standard density information 155, the remaining amount detection sensor 190, the toner identification unit 101, the print data identification unit 102, the usage determination unit 103, the density acquisition unit 104, and the density setting unit 105. Since the configuration and functions of the printing unit 106 and the operation panel management unit 307 in FIG. 2 are the same as those in the sixth embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  When the usage determining unit 103 determines that the usage of the toner identified by the toner identifying unit 101 matches the usage of the print data identified by the print data identifying unit 102, the remaining amount determining unit 110 When the remaining amount of toner detected by the detection sensor 190 has decreased below a predetermined threshold value, the standard density of the toner corresponding to the use of the identified print data is the normal use of the print data. If the toner density is higher than the standard toner density, it is determined that the remaining amount of toner is considered to be absent.

  Next, the printing process performed by the printer 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a printing process performed by the printer according to the eighth embodiment. Note that the printing process in the present embodiment is the process performed in the “printing start” in the first to fifth embodiments.

  The remaining amount determination unit 110 determines whether or not the remaining amount of toner is very small based on detection by the remaining amount detection sensor 190 (step S80). When the remaining amount of toner is not very small, that is, when the remaining amount of toner is larger than a predetermined threshold (step S80: No), the printing unit 106 prints the print data whose use is identified (step S85).

  On the other hand, when the remaining amount of toner is very small, that is, when the remaining amount of toner is smaller than a predetermined threshold (step S80: Yes), the usage determining unit 103 determines the usage of the toner identified by the toner identifying unit 101, It is determined whether or not the use of the print data identified by the print data identifying unit 102 matches (step S81).

  When it is determined that the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data do not match (step S81: No), the printing unit 106 prints the print data for which the usage is identified (step S85).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the usage of the toner and the usage of the print data match (step S81: Yes), the remaining amount determination unit 110 determines that the standard density of the toner corresponding to the use of the identified print data is the print data. In step S82, it is determined whether or not the application is darker than the standard density of the toner in the case of normal use. When the standard density of the toner corresponding to the use of the print data is not darker than the standard density of the toner for the normal use, that is, when the density is light (step S82: No), the printing unit 106 prints the print data for which the use is identified ( Step S85).

  When the standard density of the toner corresponding to the use of the print data is higher than the standard density of the toner for normal use (step S82: Yes), the remaining amount determination unit 110 regards that there is no remaining amount of toner, and the operation panel management unit 307 Then, an error message for prompting toner replenishment or toner cartridge replacement is displayed on the operation panel (not shown) (step S83).

  Then, the remaining amount determination unit 110 determines whether or not the toner replenishment or the toner cartridge has been replaced by determining whether or not the remaining amount of toner has increased beyond a predetermined threshold (step S84). ). If the toner is not replenished or the toner cartridge is not replaced (step S84: No), the process waits until the toner is replenished or the toner cartridge is replaced.

  On the other hand, when the toner is replenished or the toner cartridge is replaced (step S84: Yes), the printing unit 106 prints the print data whose use is identified (step S85).

  As described above, in the printer 100 according to the eighth embodiment, when the remaining amount of toner is very small, the use of toner matches the use of print data, and the standard density corresponding to the use of print data is usually normal. When the density is higher than the standard density corresponding to the application, it is assumed that there is no remaining toner, and an error message is displayed prompting toner replenishment or toner cartridge replacement. Therefore, it is possible to perform appropriate processing for determining whether or not it is assumed that there is no remaining toner according to the use of the print data. In addition, when it is assumed that there is no remaining toner, print data cannot be printed unless toner is replenished or a new toner cartridge is installed, so printing with low remaining toner is not always performed, and stable quality is achieved. Printing can be performed. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to memorize whether or not it is assumed that there is no remaining amount of toner for each application, the capacity of the memory or the like can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the printer can be reduced.

  Note that the usage information 150, the standard density information 155, the fine adjustment range information 160, the fine adjustment density information 165, and the remaining amount determination information 170 described above can be applied from the outside of the printer 100. is there. For example, in the case of a printer having an SD card slot, the SD card provides usage information 150, standard density information 155, fine adjustment range information 160, fine adjustment density information 165, and remaining amount determination information 170, and a print management unit. It is also possible for 305 to refer to it. Further, by passing control data for controlling the usage information 150, the standard density information 155, the fine adjustment range information 160, the fine adjustment density information 165, and the remaining amount judgment information 170 separately from the print data via the network, the NV A method of writing in a nonvolatile storage device such as a RAM or HDD and referencing it is also conceivable.

  FIG. 24 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of the printer according to the first to eighth embodiments. As shown in the figure, the printer 100 has a configuration in which a controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire printer 100 and controls drawing, communication, and input from an operation unit (not shown). The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge (NB) 13, a system memory (MEM-P) 12, a south bridge (SB) 14, a local memory (MEM-C) 17, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 16 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 18, and the north bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15. The MEM-P 12 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b.

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the printer 100 and has a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, and AGP 15, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a program / data storage memory, and the RAM 12b is a writable / readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, or the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP 15, PCI bus, HDD 18 and MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that is the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that perform rotation of image data by hardware logic. Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. An FCU (Fax Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface 50 are connected to the ASIC 16 via a PCI bus. The operation display unit 20 is directly connected to the ASIC 16.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer, and the HDD 18 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms.

  The AGP 15 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphics processing. The AGP 15 speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 12 with high throughput. .

  Note that the image forming program executed by the printer 100 according to the first to eighth embodiments is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The image forming program executed by the printer 100 according to the first to eighth embodiments is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). ) Or the like may be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Further, the image forming program executed by the printer 100 according to the first to eighth embodiments may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. good. The image forming program executed by the printer 100 according to the first to eighth embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The image forming program executed by the printer 100 according to the first to eighth embodiments includes the above-described units (toner identification unit 101, print data identification unit 102, use determination unit 103, density acquisition unit 104, density setting unit 105, print Unit 106). As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads out and executes an image forming program from the ROM, and the respective units are loaded onto the main storage device. 101, a print data identification unit 102, an application determination unit 103, a density acquisition unit 104, a density setting unit 105, and a printing unit 106 are generated on the main storage device.

1 is a system configuration diagram including a printer according to a first embodiment; 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print management unit 305 of the printer according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of use information. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of standard density information. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of toner identification processing by the printer according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process procedure performed by the printer according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print management unit 305 of a printer according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print processing by a printer according to a second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print management unit 305 of a printer according to a third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of fine adjustment range information. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing procedure performed by a printer according to a third embodiment; FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print management unit 305 of a printer according to a fourth embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of fine adjustment density information. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process performed by a printer according to a fourth embodiment; It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of standard density information. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print processing by a printer according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print management unit 305 of a printer according to a sixth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print processing by a printer according to a sixth embodiment; FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print management unit 305 of a printer according to a seventh embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of residual amount judgment information. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process procedure performed by a printer according to a seventh embodiment; FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process performed by a printer according to an eighth embodiment; 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printer according to first to eighth embodiments.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Printer 101 Toner identification part 102 Print data identification part 103 Use judgment part 104 Density acquisition part 105 Density setting part 106 Printing part 107,108,109 Density adjustment part 110,111 Remaining quantity judgment part 150 Use information 155 Standard density information 160 Fine Adjustment range information 165 Fine adjustment density information 170 Remaining amount determination information 190 Remaining amount detection sensor 301 PDL analysis unit 302 Job management unit 303 Network management unit 304 Memory management unit 305 Print management unit 306 System management unit 307 Operation panel management unit 308 Service provision group

Claims (11)

Standard density storage means for storing standard density information in which the use of print data is associated with the standard density of toner at the time of printing;
Toner identifying means for identifying the use of toner based on toner identification information given to a toner cartridge containing toner;
Print data identifying means for identifying the use of the print data based on the contents of the print data to be printed;
Application determining means for determining whether the use of the identified toner and the use of the print data match;
A density acquisition means for acquiring, from the standard density information, a standard density of the toner corresponding to the identified use of the print data when the use of the identified toner and the use of the print data match;
If the use of the identified toner and the use of the print data match, a density setting means for setting the print density, which is the density of the toner at the time of printing, to the acquired standard density;
Printing means for printing the print data whose use is identified at the print density set to the standard density;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Density adjustment means for adjusting the print density at which the standard density is set by a predetermined density fine adjustment value;
The printing means prints the print data whose use is identified with the adjusted print density,
The density adjusting means sets the standard density when the use of the identified toner matches the use of the print data, and the use of the print data is not a predetermined normal use. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printed density is not adjusted by the density fine adjustment value. Fine adjustment range storage means for storing fine adjustment range information in which the use of the print data and the fine adjustment possible range indicating the fine adjustment range with respect to the standard density of the toner are associated with each other;
The fine-adjustable range corresponding to the use of the identified print data is acquired from the fine-adjustment range information, and the print density in which the standard density is set is determined within a predetermined range within the acquired fine-adjustable range. It further comprises a density adjusting means for adjusting by the density fine adjustment value
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints the print data whose use is identified with the adjusted print density. Fine adjustment density storage means for storing fine adjustment density information that associates the use of the print data with the predetermined density fine adjustment value of the standard density;
A density for obtaining the density fine adjustment value corresponding to the use of the identified print data from the fine adjustment density information, and adjusting the print density for which the standard density is set by the obtained density fine adjustment value An adjustment means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints the print data whose use is identified with the adjusted print density. The standard density information is printed when the use of the print data is the same as the use of the toner and the use of the print data when the use of the toner is the same as the use of the print data. The standard density of the toner is associated with
When the identified use of the toner and the use of the print data match, the density acquisition means corresponds to the use of the print data identified from the standard density information, and uses the toner and the print data. If the usage of the toner matches the usage of the print data, and the usage of the identified toner and the usage of the print data do not match, the usage of the print data identified from the standard density information And obtaining a standard density of the toner when the use of the toner and the use of the print data do not match,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the density setting unit sets the print density to the acquired standard density. A remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge;
When the use of the identified toner matches the use of the print data, and the use of the print data is not a predetermined normal use, the remaining amount of toner decreases below a predetermined threshold. The remaining amount determining means for determining that the toner is not remaining,
Display control means for displaying, on the display unit, a message that prompts the user to replenish toner or replace the toner cartridge when it is determined that there is no toner remaining;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints print data whose use is identified when the remaining amount of the toner is greater than a predetermined threshold. A remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge;
A remaining amount information storage unit that stores remaining amount determination information that associates the use of the print data with information regarding whether or not the remaining amount of toner is considered;
When the use of the identified toner and the use of the print data match, and the remaining amount of toner has decreased below a predetermined threshold, the use of the print data corresponds to the use of the print data. A remaining amount determining means for acquiring information and determining whether the acquired information indicates that there is no toner remaining;
Display control means for displaying, on the display unit, a message that prompts the user to replenish toner or replace the toner cartridge when it is determined that there is no toner remaining;
6. The print unit according to claim 1, wherein when the remaining amount of the toner is greater than a predetermined threshold, the printing unit prints print data whose use is identified. Image forming apparatus. A remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge;
In the case where the use of the identified toner matches the use of the print data, and the remaining amount of toner has decreased below a predetermined threshold value, the toner corresponding to the use of the identified print data A remaining amount determining means for determining that the remaining amount of toner is not present when the standard concentration is higher than the standard concentration of the toner when the use of the print data is a predetermined normal use;
Display control means for displaying, on the display unit, a message that prompts the user to replenish toner or replace the toner cartridge when it is determined that there is no toner remaining;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints print data whose use is identified when the remaining amount of the toner is greater than a predetermined threshold. In the image forming method executed by the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Standard density storage means for storing standard density information that associates the use of print data with the standard density of toner at the time of printing,
A toner identification step for identifying the use of the toner based on the toner identification information given to the toner cartridge containing the toner;
A print data identification step for identifying the use of the print data based on the content of the print data to be printed;
A use determining step for determining whether or not the use of the identified toner and the use of the print data match;
A density acquisition step of acquiring, from the standard density information, a standard density of the toner corresponding to the identified use of the print data when the use of the identified toner and the use of the print data match;
A density setting step for setting a print density, which is a toner density at the time of printing, to the acquired standard density when the use of the identified toner and the use of the print data match;
A printing step of printing the print data whose use is identified at the print density set to the standard density;
An image forming method comprising:   An image forming program for executing the image forming method according to claim 9.   A storage medium for storing the image forming program according to claim 10.

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