JP2005084641A - Image forming system and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an image forming system which is highly convenient for a user. <P>SOLUTION: In the case of switching from the monochromatic image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus, or switching from the color image forming apparatus to the monochromatic image forming apparatus, at least some pieces of setting information on a control program used before the switching operation remain as it is in the setting information on a control program to be used after the switching operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system and a control program.

As this type of image forming system, for example, a plurality of attaching / detaching portions to which a developing unit as an example of a developer containing body for containing a developer can be attached and detached, an image carrying body for carrying a latent image, An image forming apparatus that forms an image by developing a latent image carried on the image carrier by a developer housed in a developing unit attached to the detachable portion, and an image for the image forming apparatus 2. Description of the Related Art An image forming system or the like that includes a computer that includes a control program capable of instructing execution of formation and can communicate with the image forming apparatus is known. In these image forming systems, when image data is transmitted from a computer according to an image forming execution instruction by a control program, the developing unit is moved to position the developing unit at a developing position facing the image carrier. The latent image formed on the image carrier is developed to form a developer image, which is once transferred onto the intermediate transfer member. Then, the developer image formed on the intermediate transfer member is transferred to a medium to form an image.
JP 2002-333756 A

  In some cases, it is desired to use a color image forming apparatus as a monochrome image forming apparatus by mounting only a black developing unit containing, for example, a black developer. As an image forming apparatus for realizing such a demand, when a developing unit is attached to each of a plurality of attachment / detachment portions, a latent image carried on an image carrier by a developer accommodated in each developing unit. Can be used as a color image forming apparatus for forming a color image, and when the developing unit is attached only to one of the plurality of attaching / detaching parts, the developing unit accommodated in the developing unit An image forming apparatus that can be used as a monochromatic image forming apparatus that develops a latent image carried on an image carrier by an agent to form a monochromatic image is effective.

  In such an image forming system, a control program to be used is different when the image forming apparatus is used as a color image forming apparatus and when it is used as a single color image forming apparatus. That is, when the image forming apparatus is used as a color image forming apparatus, image formation is executed using a color control program installed in the computer, and when the image forming apparatus is used as a single color image forming apparatus. Then, image formation is executed using a monochrome control program installed in the computer.

  The color control program and the single color control program store changeable setting information (for example, information on a print medium or a paper feed unit displayed on a computer display device). This setting information has an initial setting value for each of the color control program and the single color control program, and the case where the image forming apparatus is used as a color image forming apparatus and the case where the image forming apparatus is used as a single color image forming apparatus. Thus, the image forming system executes image formation using the initial setting value of the setting information of each control program. Note that the user can change the setting information to a setting value different from the initial setting value and instruct the control program to execute image formation.

  By the way, the user often sets the changeable setting information as a specific setting value and instructs the control program to execute image formation. Then, when the image forming apparatus is switched, the setting value of the setting information of the control program used before switching the image forming apparatus is different from the initial setting value of the setting information of the control program used after switching the image forming apparatus. There is a case. Therefore, in order to execute image formation using a specific setting value different from the initial setting value of the control program used after switching the image forming apparatus after switching the image forming apparatus, the user must Must be changed to a specific setpoint. As described above, when the image forming apparatus is switched, the user may have to perform complicated operations.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to realize an image forming system that is highly convenient for the user.

The main aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of detachable portions to which a developer container for accommodating a developer is detachable and an image carrier for supporting a latent image, and each of the plurality of detachable portions is developed. When a developer container is mounted, it can be used as a color image forming apparatus that develops a latent image carried on the image carrier by a developer contained in each developer container to form a color image. And when the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of detachable parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier by the developer contained in the developer container. An image forming apparatus that can be used as a monochrome image forming apparatus that develops an image to form a monochrome image, and a control program that can instruct the image forming apparatus to execute image formation, and communicates with the image forming apparatus Computer, which has When used as the color image forming apparatus, the color control program instructs the color image forming apparatus to execute image formation using changeable setting information stored in the color control program, When used as the monochromatic image forming apparatus, the monochromatic control program uses the setting information stored in the monochromatic control program to change and instructs the monochromatic image forming apparatus to execute image formation. In the forming system,
When switching from the monochromatic image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the monochromatic image forming apparatus, the setting information of the control program used after the switching is displayed before the switching. An image forming system having at least a part of setting information of a used control program as it is.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an image forming system that is highly convenient for the user.

  At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

A plurality of detachable portions to which a developer accommodating body for accommodating the developer can be detachably attached; and an image carrier for carrying a latent image, and the developer accommodating body is attached to each of the plurality of detachable portions. In this case, it is possible to use as a color image forming apparatus that forms a color image by developing a latent image carried on the image carrier by a developer contained in each developer container. When the developer container is attached to only one of the detachable parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in the developer container. An image forming apparatus that can be used as a monochrome image forming apparatus that forms a monochrome image, and a computer that includes a control program capable of instructing the image forming apparatus to execute image formation and that can communicate with the image forming apparatus. The color image When used as an image forming apparatus, a color control program instructs the color image forming apparatus to execute image formation using changeable setting information stored in the color control program, and the monochrome image When used as an image forming apparatus, an image forming system in which a monochrome control program instructs the monochrome image forming apparatus to execute image formation using changeable setting information stored in the monochrome control program. ,
When switching from the monochromatic image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the monochromatic image forming apparatus, the setting information of the control program used after the switching is displayed before the switching. An image forming system having at least a part of setting information of a used control program.
According to such an image forming system, it is possible to realize an image forming system that is highly convenient for the user.

In this image forming system, the setting information of the color control program and the monochrome control program may include information that can be changed by the user.
According to such an image forming system, the setting value of the setting information of the control program used by the user before the switching of the image forming apparatus is changed to the initial setting value of the setting information of the control program used after the switching of the image forming apparatus, Even if the setting is different from the above, it is not necessary for the user to change the setting information of the control program after switching the image forming apparatus.

In the image forming system, the information that can be changed by the user may include medium information regarding a medium on which an image is formed.
While an image forming system can form an image by setting various pieces of information regarding a medium, a user often uses this information as a specific setting value to cause the image forming system to form an image. If the specific setting value related to the medium information of the control program used before the switching of the image forming apparatus is different from the initial setting value related to the medium information of the control program used after the switching of the image forming apparatus, the user The initial setting must be changed to a specific setting value. Therefore, the effects of the present invention and the effect that an image forming system that is highly convenient for the user can be realized are more effectively exhibited.

In the image forming system, the medium information may include information on the size of the medium.
While an image forming system can form an image on various sizes of media, a user often causes the image forming system to form an image on a specific size of media. The specific setting value related to the medium size of the control program used before switching the image forming apparatus is different from the initial setting value related to the medium size of the control program used after switching the image forming apparatus. The user must change the initial setting to a specific setting value. Therefore, the effects of the present invention and the effect that an image forming system that is highly convenient for the user can be realized are more effectively exhibited.

In the image forming system, the information that can be changed by the user may include information regarding a paper feeding unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus and accommodates a medium on which an image is formed.
In many cases, an image forming apparatus has a plurality of paper feeding units, and each paper feeding unit can accommodate media having different sizes, while the user selects a specific paper feeding unit. In many cases, the image forming system forms an image. If the specific setting value related to the paper feeding unit of the control program used before switching the image forming apparatus is different from the initial setting value related to the paper feeding unit of the control program used after switching the image forming apparatus, the user The initial setting must be changed to a specific setting value. Therefore, the effects of the present invention and the effect that an image forming system that is highly convenient for the user can be realized are more effectively exhibited.

In the image forming system, the image forming apparatus has information indicating whether the image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus or the monochrome image forming apparatus. It is good.
According to such an image forming system, when the image forming apparatus is switched according to information indicating whether the image forming apparatus is used as a color image forming apparatus or a single color image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus It is possible to detect which monochrome image forming apparatus is being used.

In the image forming system, the monochrome image forming apparatus may be configured such that when the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of detachable parts, the developer accommodated in the developer container. The monochrome image forming apparatus may form a monochrome image by developing the latent image carried on the image carrier with an agent.
According to such an image forming system, when switching to a monochrome image forming apparatus for forming a monochrome image having the highest demand as an image formed in a single color, the monochrome control program used after switching the image forming apparatus Changes in configuration information can be minimized.

And a plurality of detachable portions to which a developer accommodating body for accommodating the developer is detachable, and an image carrier for bearing a latent image, and each of the plurality of detachable portions includes a developer accommodating body. Can be used as a color image forming apparatus for developing a latent image carried on the image carrier by a developer contained in each developer container and forming a color image. When the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of detachable parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in the developer container. An image forming apparatus that can be used as a monochrome image forming apparatus that forms a monochrome image, and a computer that can communicate with the image forming apparatus, including a control program that can instruct the image forming apparatus to execute image formation , And -When used as an image forming apparatus, the color control program instructs the color image forming apparatus to execute image formation using changeable setting information stored in the color control program, and When used as a monochromatic image forming apparatus, the monochromatic control program uses the changeable setting information stored in the monochromatic control program to instruct the monochromatic image forming apparatus to execute image formation. In the system,
When switching from the monochromatic image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the monochromatic image forming apparatus, the setting information of the control program used after the switching is displayed before the switching. Having at least a part of the setting information of the control program used,
The setting information of the color control program and the single color control program has information that can be changed by the user,
The information that can be changed by the user includes medium information about a medium on which an image is formed;
The medium information has information on the size of the medium,
The information that can be changed by the user includes information relating to a paper feeding unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus and accommodates a medium on which an image is formed,
The image forming apparatus has information indicating whether the image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus or the monochrome image forming apparatus;
The monochromatic image forming apparatus is carried on the image carrier by the developer contained in the developer container when the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of attachment parts. It is also possible to realize an image forming system that is a monochrome image forming apparatus that develops the latent image formed to form a monochrome image.

And a plurality of detachable portions to which a developer accommodating body for accommodating the developer is detachable, and an image carrier for bearing a latent image, and each of the plurality of detachable portions includes a developer accommodating body. Can be used as a color image forming apparatus for developing a latent image carried on the image carrier by a developer contained in each developer container and forming a color image. When the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of detachable parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in the developer container. A control program that is provided in a computer that can communicate with an image forming apparatus that can be used as a monochrome image forming apparatus that forms a monochrome image, and that can instruct the image forming apparatus to execute image formation, The image forming apparatus is -When used as an image forming apparatus and the control program is a color control program, it is possible to perform image formation on the color image forming apparatus using changeable setting information stored in the color control program. If the image forming apparatus is used as the monochromatic image forming apparatus and the control program is a monochromatic control program, changeable setting information stored in the monochromatic control program is used. In the control program for instructing the monochrome image forming apparatus to execute image formation,
When switching from the monochromatic image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the monochromatic image forming apparatus, the setting information of the control program used after the switching is displayed before the switching. A control program characterized by having at least a part of the setting information of the used control program can be realized.

=== Example of Overall Configuration of Image Forming System ===
Next, an outline of the image forming system 700 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of the image forming system 700. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the configuration of the image forming system 700 shown in FIG. The image forming system 700 includes a laser beam printer (hereinafter also referred to as a printer) 10 as an image forming apparatus, and a computer 702 capable of communicating with the printer 10.

  The computer 702 includes a display device 704 for displaying information such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display, an input device 708 such as a keyboard 708A and a mouse 708B, and an FD (flexible drive). Reading device 710 such as device 710A, CD-ROM drive device 710B, MO (Magneto Optical) disk drive device (not shown), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) device (not shown), and internal memory such as RAM (not shown) And an external memory (not shown) such as a hard disk drive unit. The computer 702 is housed in a mini-tower type housing in this embodiment, but is not limited to this.

  The computer 702 includes an operating system, an application program 795 that operates under the operating system, and a printer driver 796 that is an example of a control program. The printer driver 796 includes an image processing unit 797, a display interface unit 801, an input interface unit 803, and a user interface processing unit 805.

  The application program 795 is a program on the computer 702 for causing the printer 10 to perform image formation. Image data AD on the application program is sent to the printer driver 796 in accordance with an image formation execution command from the application program 795.

  The image processing unit 797 receives the image data AD that can be interpreted by the application program 795, converts the image data AD into image data PD that can be interpreted by the printer 10, and sends the converted image data PD to the printer 10 together with various control signals COM. It has a function to do. That is, the image processing unit 797 of the printer driver 796 instructs the printer 10 to execute image formation after performing the above-described image processing. In order to realize the function, the image processing unit 797 performs resolution conversion, color component conversion, and the like, for example.

  The display interface unit 801 has a function of displaying various user interface windows related to image formation on the display device 704. The input interface unit 803 has a function of receiving input information input by the user using the input device 708 on the user interface window.

  The user interface processing unit 805 has a function of providing an interface between the display interface unit 801 or the input interface unit 803 and the printer 10. For example, the user interface processing unit 805 receives the input information from the input interface unit 803 and interprets the input information. Then, various control signals COM are sent to the printer 10 and the image processing unit 797. Further, it interprets various control signals COM received from the printer 10 and sends information related to display to the display interface unit 801.

  Note that the printer driver 796 included in the computer 702 is supplied in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Such recording media include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, IC cards, ROM cartridges, punch cards, printed matter on which codes such as bar codes are printed, computer internal storage devices (such as RAM and ROM). A variety of computer-readable media such as a memory) and an external storage device can be used. It is also possible to download such a computer program to the computer 702 via the Internet.

  Further, as will be described in detail later, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment, when a developing unit is attached to each of the plurality of attaching / detaching portions, is carried on the photosensitive member by toner contained in each developing unit. When the developed unit is attached to only one of the attachment / detachment portions among a plurality of attachments / detachments, it can be used as a color printer as an example of a color image forming apparatus that develops the latent image formed to form a color image. Further, it can be used as a monochrome printer which is an example of a monochrome image forming apparatus that forms a monochrome image by developing a latent image carried on a photoreceptor with toner stored in the developing unit. As for the printer driver 96, a color driver corresponding to the printer 10 used as a color printer and a monochrome driver corresponding to the printer 10 used as the monochrome printer are supplied.

  Basically, the user installs a color driver in the computer 702 when using the printer 10 as a color printer, and a monochrome driver when using the printer 10 as a monochrome printer. However, there is no problem if a monochrome driver is used when the printer 10 is used as a color printer, or a color driver is used when the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer, without considering functional restrictions.

  The color driver and the monochrome driver are different in the following points. That is, the monochrome driver has no function specific to color. For example, information specific to color is not displayed in the user interface window displayed on the display device 704 by the display interface unit 801 of the monochrome driver, and the input interface unit 803 of the monochrome driver is specific to the color. The input information is not received.

  The color driver can instruct the printer 10 to execute color image formation and monochrome image formation. That is, the display interface unit 801 of the color driver displays on the display device 704 a user interface window that allows the user to select either color image formation or monochrome image formation. The input interface unit 803 receives input information input by the user using the input device 708 on the user interface window, that is, information indicating either color image formation execution or monochrome image formation execution. Then, the image processing unit 797 receives the information via the user interface processing unit 805. If the information indicates execution of color image formation, the image processing unit 797 performs image processing for forming a color image, thereby obtaining a monochrome image. If the execution is indicated, image processing for forming a monochrome image is performed. After the image processing is completed, the processed monochrome or color image data PD is sent to the printer. Note that the monochrome driver can instruct the printer 10 only to execute monochrome image formation.

=== Example of Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus ===
Next, an outline of the printer 10 as an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. 3 and 4 are diagrams showing main components constituting the printer 10, FIG. 3 shows the main components when the printer 10 is used as a color printer, and FIG. It is the figure which showed the said main component at the time of using as a monochrome printer. The use of the printer 10 as a color printer or a monochrome printer will be described in detail later. 3 and 4, the up and down directions are indicated by arrows. For example, a sheet feeding tray 92 that is an example of a sheet feeding unit that accommodates a medium is disposed below the printer 10 and is fixed. The unit 90 is disposed on the upper part of the printer 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the printer 10 includes a charging unit 30, an exposure unit 40, a YMCK developing device 50, a primary transfer unit 60, an intermediate unit along the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 20 for carrying a latent image. A transfer body 70, a cleaning unit 75, a secondary transfer unit 80, a fixing unit 90, a notification unit for a user and the like, a display unit 95 formed of a liquid crystal panel, and these units are controlled as a printer. Has a control unit 100 for controlling the operation.

The photoreceptor 20 has a cylindrical conductive substrate and a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is rotatable around a central axis. In the present embodiment, the photoreceptor 20 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is used. Rotate clockwise as indicated by the arrow.
The charging unit 30 is a device for charging the photoconductor 20, and the exposure unit 40 is a device for forming a latent image on the photoconductor 20 charged by irradiating a laser. The exposure unit 40 includes a semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror, an F-θ lens, and the like, and is charged with a modulated laser based on image information input from a computer (not shown) such as a personal computer or a word processor. Irradiate onto the photosensitive member 20.
The YMCK developing device 50 has a plurality of detachable portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d to which a developing unit as an example of a developer container can be attached and detached, and a developing unit that is attached to and held by the detachable portion, 2 is a device for developing a latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 using toner T as an example of a developer housed in the toner.

  As described above, in the printer 10 according to the present embodiment, when a developing unit is attached to each of the plurality of attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, the toner T contained in each developing unit is used. It can be used as a color printer that develops a latent image carried on the photoreceptor 20 to form a color image, and a developing unit is provided only in one of the plurality of attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d. When mounted, it can be used as a monochrome printer that forms a monochrome image by developing the latent image carried on the photoreceptor 20 with toner T contained in the developing unit. In order to be able to form a color image at any time, a conventional printer cannot form a monochrome image unless a plurality of development units containing different color toners are attached to the YMCK development device. It has become. In contrast, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment can form a monochrome image on a medium using the mounted black developing unit 51 in a state where only the black developing unit 51 is mounted. It also operates as a printer.

  When the printer 10 is used as a color printer, as shown in FIG. 3, four developing units, that is, a black developing unit 51, are attached to the plurality of attaching / detaching portions 50 a, 50 b, 50 c, 50 d of the YMCK developing device 50. A magenta developing unit 52, a cyan developing unit 53, and a yellow developing unit 54 are mounted, and the latent image formed on the photoreceptor 20 is developed with toner T accommodated in each developing unit.

  The YMCK developing device 50 can move the positions of the four developing units 51, 52, 53, and 54 by rotating. That is, the four developing units 51, 52, 53, 54 are rotatable around the central axis 50e while maintaining their relative positions. Each time image formation for one page is completed, it is selectively opposed to the photoconductor 20 and is formed on the photoconductor 20 with the toner T accommodated in each developing unit 51, 52, 53, 54. The latent images are sequentially developed.

  On the other hand, when the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer, as shown in FIG. 4, the developing unit is attached to only one of the detachable portions of the plurality of detachable portions of the YMCK developing device 50, and the photoreceptor 20. The latent image formed above is developed with the toner T contained in the developing unit. That is, the black developing unit 51 is attached to the attaching / detaching portion 50a, which is one of the four attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d described above, and the YMCK developing device 50 rotates when performing image formation. As a result, the black developing unit 51 moves to a position facing the photoconductor 20. The latent image formed on the photoreceptor 20 is developed with the black toner T accommodated in the black developing unit 51.

The developing unit and the attaching / detaching portion according to the present embodiment are configured so that each developing unit can be physically attached only to the only attaching / detaching portion corresponding to the developing unit. That is, of the four attachment / detachment portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d, only the attachment / detachment portion 50a can be attached to the black developing unit 51, and only the attachment / detachment portion 50b can be attached to the magenta development unit 52. The unit 53 can be attached only to the detachable part 50c, and the yellow developing unit 54 can be attached only to the detachable part 50d.
Details of the YMCK developing device 50 and each developing unit will be described later.

The primary transfer unit 60 is a device for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 to the intermediate transfer body 70.
The intermediate transfer body 70 is an endless belt in which an aluminum vapor deposition layer is provided on the surface of a PET film and a semiconductive paint is formed on the surface layer and laminated. The intermediate transfer body 70 is driven to rotate at substantially the same peripheral speed as the photoconductor 20.
The secondary transfer unit 80 is a device for transferring the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 70 to a medium such as paper, film, or cloth.
The fixing unit 90 is a device for fusing the toner image transferred onto the medium to a permanent image.

  The cleaning unit 75 is provided between the primary transfer unit 60 and the charging unit 30 and has a rubber cleaning blade 76 that is in contact with the surface of the photoconductor 20. The cleaning unit 75 is disposed on the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60. After the toner image is transferred, the toner T remaining on the photoconductor 20 is scraped off and removed by the cleaning blade 76.

  3 and 4, only one of the paper feed trays 92 is displayed, but the printer 10 can be further equipped with a plurality of paper feed trays.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 100 includes a main controller 101 and a unit controller 102. Image data PD and a control signal COM are input to the main controller 101 from the computer 702 described above, and the image data PD In response to a command based on the control signal COM, the unit controller 102 controls the units and the like to form an image.

=== Operation Example of Image Forming Apparatus ===
Next, the operation of the printer 10 configured as described above will be described separately for an operation for forming a color image and an operation for forming a monochrome image. When the printer 10 is used as a color printer, the printer 10 can form not only a color image but also a monochrome image. Accordingly, the operation for forming a monochrome image described below is performed when a monochrome image is formed when the printer 10 is used as the color printer described above, and when the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer. Applies to and when forming.

<<< Color image formation >>>
First, the operation of the printer 10 when forming a color image will be described.
When the image data PD and the control signal COM from the computer 702 are input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 via the interface (I / F) 112, the photosensitive unit is controlled by the unit controller 102 based on a command from the main controller 101. The body 20, the developing roller provided in the developing unit, and the intermediate transfer body 70 rotate. The photoconductor 20 is sequentially charged by the charging unit 30 at the charging position while rotating.

The charged area of the photoconductor 20 reaches an exposure position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and a latent image corresponding to image information of the first color, for example, yellow Y, is formed in the area by the exposure unit 40. . In the YMCK developing device 50, the yellow developing unit 54 containing yellow (Y) toner is located at the developing position facing the photoconductor 20.
The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the development position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is developed with yellow toner by the yellow developing unit 54. As a result, a yellow toner image is formed on the photoreceptor 20.
The yellow toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the primary transfer position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60. At this time, a primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner T is applied to the primary transfer unit 60. During this time, the photosensitive member 20 and the intermediate transfer member 70 are in contact with each other, and the secondary transfer unit 80 is separated from the intermediate transfer member 70.

The above processing is sequentially executed for each developing unit for the second color, the third color, and the fourth color, so that four color toner images corresponding to the respective image signals are transferred to the intermediate transfer member 70. It is transcribed and superimposed. As a result, a full color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 70.
The full color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 70 reaches the secondary transfer position as the intermediate transfer body 70 rotates, and is transferred to the medium by the secondary transfer unit 80. The medium is conveyed from the paper feed tray 92 to the secondary transfer unit 80 via the paper feed roller 94 and the registration roller 96. When performing the transfer operation, the secondary transfer unit 80 is pressed against the intermediate transfer body 70 and a secondary transfer voltage is applied.
The full color toner image transferred to the medium is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 90 and fused to the medium.

  On the other hand, after the primary transfer position has passed, the photosensitive member 20 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 76 supported by the cleaning unit 75 and the toner T adhering to the surface thereof is charged to form the next latent image. Prepare for. The toner T thus scraped off is collected by a residual toner collecting unit provided in the cleaning unit 75.

<<< Monochrome image formation >>>
Next, the operation of the printer 10 when forming a monochrome image will be described.
When the image data PD and the control signal COM from the computer 702 are input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 via the interface (I / F) 112, the photosensitive unit is controlled by the unit controller 102 based on a command from the main controller 101. The body 20, the developing roller provided in the developing unit, and the intermediate transfer body 70 rotate. The photoconductor 20 is sequentially charged by the charging unit 30 at the charging position while rotating.

The charged area of the photoconductor 20 reaches the exposure position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and the exposure unit 40 forms a latent image corresponding to the image information in the area. In the YMCK developing device 50, a black developing unit 51 containing black toner is located at a developing position facing the photoconductor 20.
The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches a developable position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is developed by the black developing unit 51. As a result, a toner image is formed on the photoreceptor 20.
The toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the primary transfer position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60. At this time, a primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer unit 60. During this time, the secondary transfer unit 80 is separated from the intermediate transfer member 70.

The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 70 reaches the secondary transfer position as the intermediate transfer body 70 rotates, and is transferred to the medium by the secondary transfer unit 80. The medium is conveyed from the paper feed tray 92 to the secondary transfer unit 80 via the paper feed roller 94 and the registration roller 96. When performing the transfer operation, the secondary transfer unit 80 is pressed against the intermediate transfer body 70 and a secondary transfer voltage is applied.
The toner image transferred to the medium is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 90 and fused to the medium.

  On the other hand, after the primary transfer position has passed, the photosensitive member 20 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 76 supported by the cleaning unit 75 and the toner T adhering to the surface thereof is charged to form the next latent image. Prepare for. The toner T thus scraped off is collected by a residual toner collecting unit provided in the cleaning unit 75.

=== Overview of Development Unit ===
Next, a configuration example of the developing unit will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the developing unit, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing main components of the developing unit. Note that the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 7 represents a cross-section obtained by cutting the developing unit along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction shown in FIG. 7, the vertical direction is indicated by arrows as in FIG. 3. For example, the central axis of the developing roller 510 is lower than the central axis of the photoconductor 20. Further, in FIG. 7, the yellow developing unit 54 is shown in a state where the yellow developing unit 54 is located at the developing position facing the photoconductor 20.

The YMCK developing device 50 includes a black developing unit 51 containing black (K) toner, a magenta developing unit 52 containing magenta (M) toner, a cyan developing unit 53 containing cyan (C) toner, and yellow ( Y) A yellow developing unit 54 containing toner can be mounted, but the configuration of each developing unit is the same, so the yellow developing unit 54 will be described below.
The yellow developing unit 54 includes a developing roller 510, a seal member 520, a toner container 530, a housing 540, a toner supply roller 550, a regulating blade 560, and the like.

  The developing roller 510 carries the toner T and conveys it to a developing position facing the photoconductor 20. The developing roller 510 is made of metal and is made of an aluminum alloy such as 5056 aluminum alloy or 6063 aluminum alloy, or an iron alloy such as STKM, and is subjected to nickel plating, chrome plating, or the like as necessary. Yes. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the developing roller 510 is supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and is rotatable about the central axis. As shown in FIG. 7, the developing roller 510 rotates in a direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 7) opposite to the rotation direction of the photoconductor 20 (clockwise in FIG. 7). The central axis is below the central axis of the photoconductor 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, when the yellow developing unit 54 faces the photoconductor 20, there is a gap between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20. That is, the yellow developing unit 54 develops the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 in a non-contact state. When developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20, an alternating electric field is formed between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20.

  The seal member 520 prevents the toner T in the yellow developing unit 54 from leaking out of the apparatus and collects the toner T on the developing roller 510 that has passed through the developing position into the developing apparatus without being scraped off. The seal member 520 is a seal made of a polyethylene film or the like. The seal member 520 is supported by a seal support sheet metal 522 and is attached to the housing 540 via the seal support sheet metal 522. Further, a seal urging member 524 made of malt plain or the like is provided on the opposite side of the seal member 520 from the developing roller 510 side. The seal member 520 is developed by the elastic force of the seal urging member 524. 510 is pressed. The contact position where the seal member 520 contacts the developing roller 510 is above the central axis of the developing roller 510.

  The housing 540 is manufactured by welding a plurality of integrally molded housing parts, that is, an upper housing part 542 and a lower housing part 544. As shown in FIG. 7, the housing 540 has an opening 572 that communicates with the outside of the housing 540. The developing roller 510 described above is arranged in a state where a part of the developing roller 510 is exposed with the peripheral surface facing the opening 572 from the outside of the housing 540. Further, a regulation blade 560 described in detail later is also arranged in a state of facing the opening 572 from the outside of the housing 540.

  The housing 540 forms a toner storage portion 530 that can store the toner T. An agitating member for agitating the toner T may be provided in the toner accommodating portion 530. However, in this embodiment, each developing unit (the black developing unit 51, the magenta developing unit 52, Since the cyan developing unit 53 and the yellow developing unit 54) rotate and thereby the toner T in each developing unit is agitated, the toner accommodating portion 530 is not provided with an agitating member.

  The toner supply roller 550 is provided in the toner storage unit 530 described above, and supplies the toner T stored in the toner storage unit 530 to the developing roller 510. The toner supply roller 550 is made of polyurethane foam or the like, and is in contact with the developing roller 510 in an elastically deformed state. The toner supply roller 550 is disposed below the toner storage unit 530, and the toner T stored in the toner storage unit 530 is supplied to the developing roller 510 by the toner supply member 530 below the toner storage unit 530. The The toner supply roller 550 is rotatable about a central axis, and the central axis is below the rotation central axis of the developing roller 510. Further, the toner supply roller 550 rotates in a direction (clockwise in FIG. 7) opposite to the rotation direction of the developing roller 510 (counterclockwise in FIG. 7). The toner supply roller 550 has a function of supplying the toner T accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 530 to the developing roller 510, and peels off the toner T remaining on the developing roller 510 after the development from the developing roller 510. It also has a function.

  The regulating blade 560 applies a charge to the toner T carried on the developing roller 510 and regulates the layer thickness of the toner T carried on the developing roller 510. The regulation blade 560 has a rubber part 560a and a rubber support part 560b. The rubber part 560a is made of silicon rubber, urethane rubber or the like, and the rubber support part 560b is a thin plate having spring properties such as phosphor bronze or stainless steel. The rubber part 560a is supported by a rubber support part 560b, and the rubber support part 560b is supported by being sandwiched between a pair of blade support metal plates 562 via the blade support metal plate 562. Is attached. Further, a blade back member 570 made of malt plane or the like is provided on the side opposite to the developing roller 510 side of the regulating blade 560.

  Here, the rubber portion 560 a is pressed against the developing roller 510 by the elastic force caused by the bending of the rubber support portion 560 b. Further, the blade back member 570 prevents the toner T from entering between the rubber support portion 560b and the housing 540, stabilizes the elastic force due to the bending of the rubber support portion 560b, and provides rubber from the back of the rubber portion 560a. The rubber portion 560 a is pressed against the developing roller 510 by urging the portion 560 a toward the developing roller 510. Therefore, the blade back member 570 improves the uniform contact property of the rubber portion 560a to the developing roller 510.

  The end of the regulating blade 560 opposite to the side supported by the blade support metal plate 562, that is, the tip is not in contact with the developing roller 510, and a portion away from the tip by a predetermined distance is the developing roller. 510 is in contact with a width. That is, the regulating blade 560 is not in contact with the developing roller 510 at the edge, but is in contact with the belly. The regulating blade 560 is disposed so that the tip thereof faces the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing roller 510, and is in a so-called counter contact. The contact position where the regulating blade 560 contacts the developing roller 510 is below the central axis of the developing roller 510 and below the central axis of the toner supply roller 550.

  In the yellow developing unit 54 configured as described above, the toner supply roller 550 supplies the toner T accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 530 to the developing roller 510. The toner T supplied to the developing roller 510 reaches the abutting position of the regulating blade 560 as the developing roller 510 rotates, and when the toner T passes through the corresponding contacting position, an electric charge is applied and the layer thickness is regulated. Is done. The toner T on the developing roller 510 whose layer thickness is regulated reaches the developing position facing the photoconductor 20 by further rotation of the developing roller 510, and is formed on the photoconductor 20 under an alternating electric field at the developing position. Used for developing the latent image. The toner T on the developing roller 510 that has passed through the developing position due to further rotation of the developing roller 510 passes through the seal member 520 and is collected in the developing unit without being scraped off by the seal member 520. Further, the toner T still remaining on the developing roller 510 can be peeled off by the toner supply roller 550.

  Each of the developing units 51, 52, 53, and 54 is a storage element for storing various information related to the developing unit, such as the color information of the toner accommodated in each developing unit and the amount of toner consumed, for example, Non-volatile storage memory (hereinafter also referred to as development unit side memory) 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a such as a serial EEPROM is provided.

  The development unit side memories 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a are composed of development unit side connectors 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b provided on one side surface of the development unit, and an apparatus main body provided on the apparatus main body side (printer side). The side connector 34 is in contact with each other when necessary, and is electrically connected to the unit controller 102 of the main body control unit 100.

=== Outline of YMCK Developing Device ===
Next, an outline of the YMCK developing device 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. In this section, for the sake of convenience, the case where the developing units 51, 52, 53, and 54 are attached to the four attachment / detachment portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d will be described as an example. The present invention can also be applied to a case where the developing unit is attached to only one of the detachable portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d.

The YMCK developing device 50 has a rotation shaft 50e positioned at the center thereof. A support frame 55 for holding the developing unit is fixed to the rotation shaft 50e, and the rotation shaft 50e forms a casing of the printer 10. It spans between two frame side plates (not shown) and both ends thereof are supported. In addition, the axial direction of the rotating shaft 50e intersects the vertical direction.
The support frame 55 has four attachment / detachment portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d in the circumferential direction in which the development units 51, 52, 53, and 54 of the four colors described above are detachably held around the rotation shaft 50e. It is provided at 90 ° intervals.
A pulse motor (not shown) is connected to the rotary shaft 50e via a clutch. By driving this pulse motor, the support frame 55 is rotated, and the above four phenomenon devices 51, 52, 53, 54 are set in a predetermined manner. It can be positioned at a position.

8A, 8B, and 8C are diagrams showing three stop positions of the rotating YMCK developing device 50. FIG. 8A is a standby position when waiting for execution of image formation. FIG. 8B shows a home position position (hereinafter referred to as “HP position”) that is a stop position that is a reference position in the rotational direction of the YMCK developing device 50. FIG. 8B shows the developing unit side of the black developing unit 51 mounted on the YMCK developing device 50. FIG. 8C shows the attaching / detaching position of the black developing unit 51 where the connector 51b and the apparatus body side connector 34 provided on the apparatus body side face each other.
8B and 8C, the connector attaching / detaching position and the developing unit attaching / detaching position are shown for the black developing unit 51. However, when the YMCK developing device 50 is rotated by 90 °, the connector attaching / detaching position of each developing unit is shown. And the development unit attachment / detachment position.

  First, the HP position shown in FIG. 8A will be described. On one end side of the rotation shaft 50e of the YMCK developing device 50, an HP detection unit 31 (FIG. 5) for detecting the HP position is provided. The HP detection unit 31 includes a signal generating disk fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 50e, and an HP sensor including a photo interrupter having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The peripheral part of the disk is arranged so as to be positioned between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the HP sensor, and when the slit part formed in the disk moves to the detection position of the HP sensor, the output from the HP sensor The signal changes from “L” to “H”. The HP position of the YMCK developing device 50 is detected based on the change in the signal level and the number of pulses of the pulse motor, and the developing position of each developing unit can be positioned based on the HP position. ing.

  FIG. 8B shows a connector attaching / detaching position of the black developing unit 51 in which the pulse motor is rotated by a predetermined number of pulses from the HP position. At this connector attaching / detaching position, the developing unit side connector 51b of the black developing unit 51 attached to the YMCK developing device 50 and the apparatus body side connector 34 provided on the apparatus body side face each other, and these connectors abut against each other. Alternatively, they can be separated.

  Further explanation will be given with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing the separation position and the contact position between the development unit side connector 51b of the black development unit 51 and the apparatus main body side connector 34, and FIG. 9A is a diagram relating to the separation position. FIG. 9B is a diagram related to the contact position.

  FIG. 9A shows a state where the apparatus main body side connector 34 and the developing unit side connector 51 b of the black developing unit 51 are separated from each other. The apparatus main body side connector 34 is configured to be movable toward and away from the black developing unit 51, and moves in the direction approaching the black developing unit 51 (the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 9B) as necessary. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9B, the apparatus main body side connector 34 abuts on the development unit side connector 51 b of the black development unit 51, and the development unit side memory 51 a attached to the black development unit 51 is connected to the control unit 100. The unit controller 102 is electrically connected, and communication is performed between the development unit side memory 51 and the apparatus main body.

  Conversely, the apparatus main body side connector 34 moves away from the black developing unit 51 from the state where the apparatus main body side connector 34 and the developing unit side connector 51b of the black developing unit 51 shown in FIG. Move in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow shown in 9B. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9A, the apparatus main body side connector 34 is separated from the developing unit side connector 51 b of the black developing unit 51.

  The movement of the apparatus main body side connector 34 is realized by, for example, a mechanism (not shown) including a pulse motor, a plurality of gears connected to the pulse motor, and an eccentric cam connected to the gear. That is, when the pulse motor is rotated by a predetermined number of pulses, the mechanism moves the apparatus main body side connector 34 by a distance corresponding to the pulse number from a predetermined separation position, and the apparatus main body side connector 34 is moved. It is positioned at a predetermined contact position. Conversely, when the pulse motor is reversely rotated by a predetermined number of pulses, the mechanism moves the device body side connector 34 by a distance corresponding to the number of pulses from a predetermined contact position, and the device body side The connector 34 is positioned at a predetermined separation position.

  Further, the connector attaching / detaching position with respect to the black developing unit 51 is the developing position of the yellow developing unit 54 with the developing roller 510 of the yellow developing unit 54 and the photoconductor 20 facing each other. That is, the connector attaching / detaching position of the YMCK developing device 50 related to the black developing unit 51 is the developing position of the YMCK developing device 50 related to the yellow developing unit 54. Further, when the pulse motor rotates the YMCK developing device 50 by 90 ° counterclockwise, the connector attach / detach position of the cyan developing unit 52 and the developing position of the black developing unit 51 are reached, and every time the YMCK developing device 50 is rotated 90 °. The connector mounting / demounting position and the developing position of each developing unit are sequentially provided.

One of the two frame side plates that support the YMCK developing device 50 and form the housing of the printer 10 is provided with a detachable opening 37 through which one developing unit can pass. When the YMCK developing device 50 is rotated and stopped at the developing unit attaching / detaching position set for each developing unit, the dedicated attaching / detaching port 37, as shown in FIG. 8C, corresponds to the corresponding developing unit (here, Only the black developing unit 51) is formed at a position where it can be pulled out and removed in the direction along the rotating shaft 50e. Further, the exclusive opening 37 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer shape of the developing unit. At the developing unit attaching / detaching position, not only the developing unit is removed but also a new developing unit is inserted in the direction along the rotation shaft 50e through the exclusive attaching hole 37. The developing unit can also be mounted on the support frame 55 by making it enter. While the YMCK developing device 50 is located at a position other than the developing unit removal position, the attachment / detachment of the developing unit is restricted by the frame side plate.
A locking mechanism (not shown) is provided to securely position and fix the YMCK developing device 50 at the above position.

=== Overview of Control Unit ===
Next, the configuration of the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 100 has a main controller 101 and a unit controller 102.
The main controller 101 includes a CPU 111, an interface 112 for communicating with the computer 702, an image memory 113 for storing image data PD input from the computer 702, an electrically rewritable EEPROM 114a and RAM 114b, and various controls. And a main controller side memory 114 composed of a program ROM or the like having a program for the above.
The CPU 111 of the main controller 101 synchronizes with the CPU 120 of the unit controller 102 based on the control signal COM input from the computer 702 as well as the control of reading and reading the image data PD input through the interface to the image memory 113. To control the entire system.

  The EEPROM 114a stores model information indicating whether the printer 10 is used as a color printer or a monochrome printer. Although details will be described later, the CPU 111 receives, from the unit controller 102, mounting information on the developing unit indicating where the developing unit is mounted on the above-described four attaching / detaching units at a predetermined timing. Based on the mounting information, the model information in the EEPROM 114a is rewritten as necessary. The model information is written as 1-bit information in the EEPROM 114a. When the value is 0, a color printer is indicated, and when the value is 1, a monochrome printer is indicated.

  The unit controller 102 includes a CPU 120, an electrically rewritable EEPROM 116a, RAM, a unit controller side memory 116 including a program ROM having various control programs, and each unit (charging unit 30, exposure unit) of the apparatus main body. 40, a primary transfer unit 60, a cleaning unit 75, a secondary transfer unit 80, a fixing unit 90, a display unit 95), and drive control circuits for driving and controlling the YMCK developing device 50.

  The CPU 120 of the unit controller 102 is electrically connected to each drive control circuit, and controls each drive control circuit based on a control signal from the CPU 111 of the main controller 101. That is, each unit and the YMCK developing device 50 are detected based on a signal input from the main controller 101 while detecting the state of each unit and the YMCK developing device 50 by receiving a signal from a sensor or the like included in each unit. To control.

  The CPU 120 controls each drive control circuit based on the above-described model information. That is, when the value of the model information is 0, each unit of the printer 10 and the YMCK developing device 50 are controlled as a color printer. When the value of the model information is 1, the monochrome printer is Each unit of the printer 10 and the YMCK developing device 50 are controlled.

  The EEPROM 116a stores development unit mounting information indicating where the development unit is mounted on the above-described four attachment / detachment portions. Although details will be described later, the CPU 120 determines whether or not the development unit is attached to the attachment / detachment portion corresponding to the attached development unit after the development unit is attached / detached. Then, based on the determined result, the mounting information in the EEPROM 116a is rewritten as necessary. The mounting information is written in the EEPROM 116a as 1-bit information for each detachable section, that is, a total of 4 bits, and when the value is 0, it means that the developing unit is not mounted. A value of 1 indicates that the developing unit is installed.

  The CPU 120 included in the unit controller 102 is connected to a non-volatile storage element (hereinafter referred to as a main body side memory) 122 such as a serial EEPROM via a serial interface (I / F) 121. The main body side memory 122 stores data necessary for device control. The CPU 120 is connected not only to the main body side memory 122 but also to the development unit side memories 51 a, 52 a, 53 a, 54 a provided in the development units 51, 52, 53, 54 via the serial interface 121. In addition, data can be transferred between the main body side memory 122 and the development unit side memories 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a, and chip selection is made to each development unit side memory 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a via the input / output port 123. The signal CS can be input. Further, the CPU 120 is also connected to the HP detection unit 31 via the input / output port 123.

=== Setting information ===
Next, changeable setting information stored in the color driver and the monochrome driver will be described. This setting information is displayed on the aforementioned user interface window. Then, the user changes the setting information using the input device 708 on the user interface window. Details of the setting information will be described below.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface window displayed on the display device 704 by the monochrome driver. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface window displayed on the display device 704 by the color driver.
The setting information according to the present embodiment refers to, for example, “paper size” and “paper feeding device” shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Then, the user uses the input device 708 to input these setting information into a specific setting value (for example, “A4 210 × 297 mm” for “paper size” and “paper feeder”. "Automatic selection") can be changed.

  10 and 11 show a property dialog box which is an example of a user interface window. This property dialog box is used to refer to, change, and set various setting information. The property dialog box includes a basic setting dialog box, a layout dialog box, a page decoration dialog box, an environment setting dialog box, and the like that can be selected as shown in the Y part of FIGS. 10 and 11. In the form, the basic setting dialog box is selected.

  Further, in this property dialog box, as shown in the X part of FIGS. 10 and 11, in order to clearly indicate whether the target printer 10 is used as a color printer or a monochrome printer. Also, a device name indicating that the printer is used as a monochrome printer (for example, B1000) or a device name indicating that the printer is used as a color printer (for example, C1000) is also displayed.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the basic setting dialog box displays an area 140 for displaying information about a print medium that is a medium on which an image is formed, an area 150 for displaying information about an image, the number of copies, and the like. An area 160, an area 166 for displaying the printing direction with respect to the medium as an image, and an area 167 for listing and displaying the set contents are set. Outside these areas, an OK button 170 for confirming the set item, a cancel button 171 for canceling the setting, an apply button 172 for confirming the setting while the dialog box is displayed, and a display A help button 173 for displaying an explanation of the item being displayed is provided. The information displayed on the display device 704 includes an input operation unit capable of inputting various commands and the like by operating the input means of the computer 702, for example, the mouse 708. The input operation unit is, for example, a user interface such as a radio button, a check box, a slide bar, a select box, or a button, and can input a command to change a setting by operating or a command to execute an operation. is there.

  In an area 140 for displaying information on the print medium and the like, a size selection select box 141 in which the medium size can be selected from a pull-down menu, a direction selection radio button 142 for selecting a print direction (vertical and horizontal) for the print medium, and A paper feed selection select box 147 in which the paper feed tray can be selected from the pull-down menu and a medium selection select box 148 in which the type of print medium can be selected from the pre-down menu are arranged.

  When the user selects a desired medium size from the pull-down menu incorporated in the size selection select box 141, the size of the print medium can be set, and the set medium size is displayed in the size selection select box 141. Also, when the user selects one of the direction selection radio buttons 142 associated with two types of printing directions, vertical and horizontal, the printing direction is set. A button set by the direction selection radio button 142 is marked, and the set printing direction is displayed.

  The contents set by the size selection select box 141 and the direction selection radio button 142 are displayed in an area 166 that displays the print direction with respect to the print medium as an image. That is, in the area 166 for displaying the print direction with respect to the print medium as an image, the medium size is displayed, and a rectangle having an aspect ratio corresponding to the medium size is displayed in the direction set by the direction selection radio button 142. The letter “A”, for example, is shown in the rectangle, and the print direction is displayed.

  Further, when the user selects a desired paper feed tray from the pull-down menu incorporated in the paper feed selection select box 147, the paper feed tray can be set, and the set paper feed tray name is displayed in the paper feed selection select box 147. Is done. Further, when the user selects a desired medium type from the pull-down menu incorporated in the medium selection select box 148, the medium type can be set, and the set medium type is displayed in the medium selection select box 148. That is, for example, when automatic selection is selected in the paper feed selection select box 147 and plain paper is selected in the medium selection select box 148, plain paper is fed from a paper feed tray in which plain paper of the selected medium size is set. To be set.

  In an area 160 for displaying the number of copies to be printed, a copy number selection box 161 for setting the number of copies to be printed, an output order check box 162 for selecting whether or not to output two or more copies, and a printer A version display button 163 for displaying driver version information is arranged. In the copy selection box 161, it is normally displayed that “1” is displayed and set to output one copy. When a desired number of copies is input in the number of copies selection box 161, the set number of copies can be set to be output, and the set number of copies is displayed in the number of copies selection box 161. Also, by checking the output order check box 162, it can be set to output in units of copies, and the setting is displayed. When the user clicks the version display button 163, a dialog box indicating version information of the printer driver is displayed. Further, the contents set in the copy number selection box 161 and the output order check box 162 are also displayed in the area 166 that displays the print direction with respect to the print medium as an image.

  An area 140 for displaying information about the print medium, an area 150 for displaying information about the image, an area 160 for displaying the number of copies to be printed, an area 166 for displaying the print direction with respect to the print medium as an image, and the set contents are listed. Of the five areas 167 to be displayed, the display of areas other than the area 150 for displaying information relating to images is performed even when the printer 10 is used as a color printer. Even if it is used, it is displayed in the same manner.

  When the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer, an area 150 for displaying information related to an image of the basic setting dialog box includes a “clean mode” for outputting a high-definition image over time as a print quality and a short time. A straight line with “fast mode” for printing at both ends is displayed, a quality designation slide bar 151 provided with a marker that can be moved between them, and further detailed settings are possible. A detailed setting display button 152 for displaying items is arranged.

  On the other hand, a command for selecting whether to print a color image or a monochrome image is input to an area 150 for displaying information about the image in the basic setting dialog box when the printer 10 is used as a color printer. There are arranged a radio button 153 and a quality radio button 154 composed of two buttons for inputting a command for selecting the print quality. The quality radio button 154 has a recommendation button for printing by a printing method prepared in advance and a detailed setting button for freely setting the printing method.

When the recommended button is selected, a generally recommended printing method is selected, and a slide bar capable of selecting a two-step resolution, for example, a standard mode for printing at 300 dpi and a high quality mode for printing at 600 dpi. Is displayed.
When the recommendation button is selected, the select box 156, the setting change button 157, and the save / delete button 158 are enabled.

  In the select box 156, a plurality of printing methods such as graphic mode, photo mode, and fine mode that are already prepared to correspond to the image to be printed are displayed as a pull-down menu, and the printing method can be selected from this pull-down menu. The selected printing method is displayed in the select box 156.

  On the other hand, when the setting change button 157 is selected, the detailed setting dialog box is set to be displayed. The save / delete button 158 is set to store the contents set in the detailed setting dialog box in the memory or to delete the already stored settings.

=== Operation of Image Forming System ===
As described above, in the printer 10 according to the present embodiment, when a developing unit is attached to each of the plurality of attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d, the printer 10 is sensitive to the toner T contained in each developing unit. It can be used as a color printer that develops a latent image carried on the body 20 to form a color image, and a developing unit is attached only to one of the plurality of attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d. In this case, the toner T accommodated in the developing unit can be used as a monochrome printer that develops the latent image carried on the photoconductor 20 to form a monochrome image.

  Here, the user instructs execution of color image formation while the printer 10 is used as a color printer, and then the printer 10 is switched from a color printer to a monochrome printer, and the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer. An operation of the image forming system 700 when the user instructs execution of monochrome image formation in the state will be described. Various operations of the printer 10 described below are mainly realized by the main controller 101 or the unit controller 102 in the printer 10. In particular, in the present embodiment, it is realized by the CPU processing a program stored in the program ROM. And this program is comprised from the code | cord | chord for performing the various operation | movement demonstrated below.

  In the present embodiment, when the printer 10 is used as a color printer, the color driver described above as the printer driver 796 is used. When the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer, the printer driver 796 is used. The monochrome driver described above is used.

<<< Operation of Image Forming System When Instructing Execution of Color Image Formation When Printer 10 is Used as a Color Printer >>>
First, the operation of the image forming system 700 when the user instructs execution of color image formation while the printer 10 is used as a color printer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming system 700 when the user instructs color image formation in a state where the printer 10 is used as a color printer.

  This flowchart starts from a state in which the computer 702 and the printer 10 are already turned on and are waiting to execute image formation. Further, since the printer 10 is used as a color printer, the developing unit is attached to all of the four attaching / detaching portions described above as shown in FIG. That is, the black developing unit 51 is attached to the attaching / detaching part 50a, the magenta developing unit 52 is attached to the attaching / detaching part 50b, the cyan developing unit 53 is attached to the attaching / detaching part 50c, and the yellow developing unit 54 is attached to the attaching / detaching part 50d.

  First, the user operates the application program 795 described above to instruct the image forming system 700 to execute image formation (step S2). In response to the instruction, the image data AD on the application program is sent from the application program 795 to the image processing unit 797 of the printer driver 796. Also, at this time, the user displays information indicating execution of color image formation by the input device 708 on the user interface window displayed on the display device 704 by the display interface unit 801 of the printer driver 796 and setting information on the print medium. Is input (step S2).

  The input interface unit 803 of the printer driver 796 that has received the information indicating the execution of color image formation and the setting information related to the print medium sends this information to the interface processing unit 805, and the interface processing unit 805 processes the received information. Then, information indicating the execution of color image formation and setting information relating to the print medium and the like are transmitted to the image processing unit 797 and information indicating the execution of color image formation as the control signal COM.

The image processing unit 797 that receives the information indicating the execution of color image formation and the setting information related to the print medium as the control signal COM processes the image data AD received from the application program 795 based on the information (step S4). . That is, the image processing unit 797 performs image processing for forming a color image. After the image processing is completed, the processed color image data PD is sent to the printer 10.
Finally, the control signal COM indicating the execution of color image formation and the color image data PD are sent from the printer driver 796 to the printer 10 (step S6), and the printer driver 796 performs image formation to the printer 10 by this operation. Execution is instructed.

  The printer 10 receives color image data PD and a control signal COM indicating execution of color image formation from the computer 702 via an interface (I / F) 112. The printer 10 temporarily stores the received color image data PD in the image memory 113 in the main controller 101. Then, the CPU 111 of the main controller 101 determines whether to execute image formation based on the information of the control signal COM (step S8).

  Here, a method for determining whether the CPU 111 executes image formation will be described. As will be described in detail later, the printer 10 that is turned on has model information indicating whether the printer 10 is used as a color printer or a monochrome printer in the RAM 114b of the main controller 101. ing. The CPU 111 compares the model information with the information of the control signal COM and determines whether or not to execute image formation.

  More specifically, when the model information is information indicating a color printer and the information of the control signal COM is information indicating execution of color image formation, the CPU 111 selects execution of image formation. When the model information is information indicating a monochrome printer and the information of the control signal COM is information indicating execution of monochrome image formation, the model information is information indicating a color printer, and the control signal COM is The same applies when the information is information indicating execution of monochrome image formation.

  On the other hand, if the model information is information indicating a monochrome printer and the information of the control signal COM is information indicating execution of color image formation, the CPU 111 selects not to perform image formation. The relationship between the model information and control signal COM information and whether or not image formation is performed is as shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, since the model information is information indicating a color printer and the information of the control signal COM is information indicating execution of color image formation, the CPU 111 of the main controller 101 selects execution of image formation. To do. Then, under the control of the unit controller 102 based on the command from the main controller 101, the printer 10 performs the operation described in the section of the operation example (color image formation) of the image forming apparatus, and a color image is formed on the medium. (Step S10). At this time, the main controller 101 returns a control signal COM indicating that an image is to be formed to the computer 702 (step S12).

  The user interface processing unit 805 of the computer 702 receives the control signal COM and interprets the contents. Then, a command is given to the display interface unit 801 so as to display a message indicating that an image is to be formed. The display interface unit 801 that has received the command causes the display device 704 to display a message indicating that an image is to be formed (step S14).

<<< Switching from color printer to monochrome printer >>>
Next, switching of the printer 10 from a color printer to a monochrome printer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for switching the printer 10 from a color printer to a monochrome printer.
This flowchart starts from a state in which the printer 10 is already turned on and is waiting to execute image formation. The standby position of the YMCK developing device 50 at this time is the HP position shown in FIG. 8A.
Further, since the printer 10 before switching is used as a color printer, the development unit is mounted on all of the four attachment / detachment sections described above as shown in FIG. That is, the black developing unit 51 is attached to the attaching / detaching part 50a, the magenta developing unit 52 is attached to the attaching / detaching part 50b, the cyan developing unit 53 is attached to the attaching / detaching part 50c, and the yellow developing unit 54 is attached to the attaching / detaching part 50d.

First, when the printer 10 is electrically connected to the computer 702, the user turns off the computer, disconnects the cable that connects the two, and releases the electrical connection between the two. (Step S102).
Next, the user operates the menu button provided on the display unit 95 and the like to select the developing unit attachment / detachment instruction, thereby instructing the printer 10 to attach / detach the developing unit. At this time, the user designates and designates the developing unit to be attached / detached.

  In the present embodiment, first, an attachment / detachment instruction for the yellow developing unit 54 is selected (step S104). The unit controller 102 reads and interprets this command by the display unit drive control circuit. That is, it is determined which of the black development unit 51, the magenta development unit 52, the cyan development unit 53, and the yellow development unit 54 is the development unit to be attached / detached. In the present embodiment, since the developing unit to be attached / detached is the yellow developing unit 54, the unit controller 102 rotates the YMCK developing device 50 by rotating the pulse motor by a predetermined number of pulses, and thereby the YMCK developing device. The position 50 is shifted from the HP position to the connector attaching / detaching position of the yellow developing unit 54.

  Then, the unit controller 102 stops the YMCK developing device 50 at the connector attaching / detaching position, and moves the apparatus main body side connector 34 in the stopped state, so that the apparatus main body side connector 34 and the yellow developing unit 54 are on the developing unit side. The connector 54b is brought into contact. In this state, the developing unit side memory 54a attached to the yellow developing unit 54 is electrically connected to the unit controller 102 of the control unit 100, and communication is performed between the developing unit side memory 54a and the apparatus main body (step). S106).

After the communication is completed and the apparatus main body side connector 34 is separated from the developing unit side connector 54b, the unit controller 102 rotates the YMCK developing device 50 by rotating the pulse motor by a predetermined pulse, thereby causing the YMCK to rotate. The position of the developing device 50 is shifted from the connector attaching / detaching position of the yellow developing unit 54 to the attaching / detaching position of the yellow developing unit 54 (step S108).
In this state, the unit controller 102 displays on the display unit or the like provided in the display unit 95 that the yellow developing unit 54 is detachable and notifies the user.

  The user who has confirmed this display opens the outer cover of the printer 10 and removes the yellow developing unit 54 disposed behind the exclusive attachment / detachment port 37 from the YMCK developing device 50 through the exclusive attachment / detachment port 37 (step S110). When the user closes the exterior cover of the printer 10 after removing the yellow developing unit 54, the unit controller 102 that senses this will move the position of the YMCK developing device 50 from the attach / detach position of the yellow developing unit 54 to the yellow developing unit 54. To the connector attaching / detaching position.

  Then, the unit controller 102 stops the YMCK developing device 50 at the connector attaching / detaching position, and in this stopped state, moves the apparatus main body side connector 34 to try to communicate with the developing unit side memory provided in the developing unit. (Step S112). If the communication is successful, the unit controller 102 sets the mounting information relating to the yellow developing unit 54 in the EEPROM 116a to 1, assuming that the yellow developing unit 54 is mounted. On the other hand, if the communication fails, the unit controller 102 sets the mounting information related to the yellow developing unit 54 in the EEPROM 116a to 0, assuming that the yellow developing unit 54 is not mounted (step S114). In this embodiment, since the yellow developing unit 54 is removed in step S110, the communication fails, and the mounting information relating to the yellow developing unit 54 in the EEPROM 116a is rewritten from 1 to 0.

  After completing the above-described processing regarding the mounting information, the unit controller 102 transmits all, that is, four development unit mounting information to the main controller 101. The main controller 101 that has received the mounting information sets the above-described model information based on the mounting information (step S116).

  Here, an algorithm in which the main controller 101 sets model information based on the mounting information of the four developing units will be described. The main controller 101 sets the value of the model information in the EEPROM 114a to 1 indicating the monochrome printer when only one of the four pieces of mounting information is 1 indicating the mounting of the developing unit. If the value of two or more pieces of mounting information is 1, the value of the model information is set to 0 indicating a color printer. However, in any case, when the value of the mounting information relating to the black developing unit 51 is 0, the main controller 101 does not execute the setting operation of the model information (the printer is used as a color printer or a monochrome printer). If the black developing unit 51 to be mounted regardless of the use is not mounted, the model information is not rewritten and the previous model information value is maintained). The relationship between the value of the mounting information and the setting operation of the model information is as shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, since only the value of the mounting information related to the yellow developing unit 54 is 0 (case P in FIG. 15), the main controller 101 sets the value of the model information based on the algorithm described above. , Set to 0, indicating a color printer. However, before the yellow developing unit 54 was removed, all the developing units were installed and the value of the model information was 0 (case Q in FIG. 15). Therefore, the value of the model information is changed here. Will not be.

  Next, the procedure from step S104 to step S116 described above is performed for the cyan developing unit 53 and the magenta developing unit 52 (step S118, step S120). As a result of this implementation, the value of the mounting information relating to the cyan developing unit 53 and the magenta developing unit 52 is rewritten from 1 to 0. The value of the mounting information of each developing unit received by the main controller 101 is 1 for the black developing unit, 0 for the magenta developing unit, 0 for the cyan developing unit, and 0 for the yellow developing unit (case I in FIG. 15). Therefore, the main controller 101 rewrites the value of the model information from 0 indicating the color printer to 1 indicating the monochrome printer based on the algorithm described above.

Next, the user temporarily stops the supply of power to the printer, for example, by turning off the printer 10 (step S124). Then, the user supplies power again to the printer, for example, by turning on the printer 10 (step S126).
When power is supplied to the printer 10, the main controller 101 senses the supply and loads model information from the EEPROM 114a to the RAM 114b (step S128). Here, the value 1 indicating the monochrome printer is loaded into the RAM 114b. Then, the CPU 120 of the unit controller 102 controls each drive control circuit based on the model information loaded into the RAM 114b. That is, as a result of referring to the model information in the RAM 114b, the printer 10 starts up as a monochrome printer, and each unit of the printer 10 and the YMCK developing device 50 are controlled as a monochrome printer (step S130).

  Thereafter, the user connects the printer 10 and the computer 702 with a cable, and turns on the computer 702 for electrical connection (step S134). A user sets a printer by an operation system executed on the computer 702. At this time, the control unit 100 of the computer acquires model information from the RAM 114b of the printer 10 (step S136). Since the model information acquired at this time is 0 indicating the color printer and is different from the model information 1 stored before the power is turned on, the computer 702 detects the printer 10 as a new printer (step S138).

  The computer 702 notifies the user that a new printer has been detected. The user installs in the computer 702 a monochrome driver for operating the printer 10 as a monochrome printer, which is supplied from, for example, a CD-ROM (step S140). At this time, since the printer 10 is detected as a new printer, the monochrome driver for operating the printer 10 as a monochrome printer is deleted without deleting the color driver that has already been installed to operate the printer 10 as a color printer. A driver is installed in the computer 702. That is, when the operation of switching from the color printer to the monochrome printer is completed, the computer 702 has both a monochrome driver for operating as a monochrome printer and a color driver for operating as a color printer.

  Thereafter, the computer 702 loads the setting information of the two coexisting drivers, the monochrome driver and the color driver, and sets a part of the initial setting value of the setting information of the monochrome driver as a specific setting of the setting information of the color driver. Change to a value. Thereby, the monochrome driver setting information has at least a part of the color driver setting information as it is (step S142). A more specific description will be given with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface window displayed on the display device 704 by the color driver. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface window displayed on the display device 704 by the monochrome driver.

  When the printer 10 is used as a color printer before switching, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, the user selects the medium size in the size selection select box 141 in the basic setting dialog box by the color driver as “B5 182 × 257 mm ", the paper feed tray is set to" paper cassette 1 "in the paper feed selection select box 147, the print medium is set to" thick paper "in the medium selection select box 148, and the number of copies is set to" 2 "in the number of copies select box 161. And set.

  Thereafter, when the printer 10 is switched from the color printer to the monochrome printer, and the basic setting property dialog box is displayed on the display device 708 by the monochrome driver, each setting information is set as shown in FIG. That is, the medium size is set to “B5 182 × 257 mm”, the paper feed tray is set to “paper cassette 1”, the print medium is set to “plain paper”, and the number of copies is set to “2”. ing. As a result, the medium size, the paper feed tray, and the number of copies have inherited specific setting values of the color driver, but the printing medium has not inherited the specific setting values of the color driver.

  As described above, when the monochrome driver is selected by the user and the monochrome driver is activated, the monochrome driver setting information includes at least a part of the color driver setting information changed by the user.

<<< Operation of Image Forming System When Instructing Execution of Monochrome Image Formation When Printer 10 is Used as a Monochrome Printer >>>
Next, an operation of the image forming system 700 when the user instructs execution of monochrome image formation while the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming system 700 when the user instructs to form a monochrome image while the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer.

  This flowchart starts from a state in which the computer 702 and the printer 10 are already turned on and are waiting to execute image formation. Further, since the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer, the developing unit is attached only to one of the four attachment / detachment portions described above, as shown in FIG. That is, while the black developing unit 51 is attached to the attaching / detaching portion 50a, the developing units are not attached to the other attaching / detaching portions 50b, 50c, 50d.

  First, the user operates the application program 795 described above to instruct the image forming system 700 to execute image formation (step S202). In response to the instruction, the image data AD on the application program is sent from the application program 795 to the image processing unit 797 of the printer driver 796. At this time, the user inputs setting information related to the print medium or the like with the input device 708 on the user interface window displayed on the display device 704 by the display interface unit 801 of the printer driver 796.

  In this embodiment, since the printer driver 796 is a monochrome driver, information for allowing the user to select either color image formation execution or monochrome image formation execution is not displayed. That is, information specific to the color printer is displayed on the user interface window of the display device 704 when the printer 10 is used as a color printer, but is displayed on the display device 704 when the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer. It does not appear on the user interface window. Even if information indicating execution of monochrome image formation is not input, the interface processing unit 805 transmits information indicating execution of monochrome image formation to the printer 10 and the image processing unit 797 as a control signal COM.

The input interface unit 803 of the printer driver 796 that has received the setting information regarding the print medium or the like sends this information to the interface processing unit 805. The interface processing unit 805 processes the received information and sends the information to the image processing unit 797 as a control signal COM.
The image processing unit 797 that has received the information indicating the execution of monochrome image formation and the setting information regarding the print medium as the control signal COM processes the image data AD received from the application program 795 based on the information (step S204). . In other words, the image processing unit 797 executes image processing for forming a monochrome image. After the image processing is completed, the processed monochrome image data PD is sent to the printer 10.
Finally, the control signal COM indicating the execution of monochrome image formation and the monochrome image data PD are sent from the printer driver 796 to the printer 10 (step S206), and the printer driver 796 performs image formation to the printer 10 by this operation. Execution is instructed.

  The printer 10 receives monochrome image data PD and a control signal COM indicating execution of monochrome image formation from the computer 702 via an interface (I / F) 112. The printer 10 temporarily stores the received monochrome image data PD in the image memory 113 in the main controller 101. Then, the CPU 111 of the main controller 101 determines whether or not to execute image formation based on the determination criteria shown in FIG. 13 (step S208).

  In the present embodiment, since the model information is information indicating a monochrome printer and the information of the control signal COM is information indicating execution of monochrome image formation, the CPU 111 of the main controller 101 selects execution of image formation. To do. Then, under the control of the unit controller 102 based on a command from the main controller 101, the printer 10 performs the operation described in the section of the operation example (monochrome image formation) of the image forming apparatus, and a monochrome image is formed on the medium. (Step S210). At this time, the main controller 101 returns a control signal COM indicating that an image is to be formed to the computer 702 (step S212).

  The user interface processing unit 805 of the computer 702 receives the control signal COM and interprets the contents. Then, a command is given to the display interface unit 801 so as to display a message indicating that an image is to be formed. The display interface unit 801 that has received the command causes the display device 704 to display a message indicating that an image is to be formed (step S214).

=== Convenient Image Forming System for Users ===
As described above, in the image forming system 700 according to the present embodiment, when the color printer is switched to the monochrome printer, the setting information of the monochrome driver used after the switching is the color driver used before the switching. At least a part of the setting information. As a result, it is possible to realize an image forming system 700 that is highly convenient for the user.

  That is, as described in the section to be solved by the invention, the user often sets the setting information to a specific setting value and instructs the printer driver to execute image formation. Then, when the printer 10 is switched, the setting value of the setting information of the printer driver used before switching the printer 10 may be different from the initial setting value of the setting information of the printer driver used after switching the printer 10. . Therefore, in order to execute image formation using a specific setting value different from the initial setting value of the printer driver used after switching the printer 10 after switching the printer 10, the user specifies the initial setting value. It must be changed to the set value. As described above, when the printer 10 is switched, the user may have to perform complicated operations.

  For example, when the printer 10 is used as a color printer before switching, the user sets the size of the medium as “B5 182 × 257 mm” using the size selection select box 141 in the basic setting property dialog box displayed by the color driver. When the image forming system performs image formation and the printer 10 is switched from the color printer to the monochrome printer, the size setting select box 141 displayed by the monochrome driver has an initial setting value “A4 210 × 297 mm”. Is displayed. Therefore, when the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer, in order to execute image formation using “B5 182 × 257 mm” where the size of the medium is a specific setting value, the user must select the size on the size selection select box 141. Then, the initial setting value “A4 210 × 297 mm” must be changed to “B5 182 × 257 mm”.

  Therefore, when the color printer is switched to the monochrome printer, the monochrome driver setting information used after the switching includes at least a part of the color driver setting information used before the switching. I will do it. Thus, in the above example, since “B4 182 × 257 mm” is displayed instead of “A4 210 × 297 mm” in the size setting select box 141 displayed by the monochrome driver, the user sets the size selection select box 141 to , “A4 210 × 297 mm” need not be changed to “B5 182 × 257 mm”.

  In the above series of explanations, when the printer 10 is switched from the color printer to the monochrome printer, the setting information of the monochrome driver used after the switching is the setting information of the color driver used before the switching. The case where at least a part of the printer 10 has been described has been described. However, when the printer 10 is switched from the monochrome printer to the color printer, the setting information of the color driver used after the switching is used before the switching. Even when at least a part of the setting information of the monochrome driver is kept as it is, the above-described effect is exhibited.

  From the above, when switching from the monochrome printer to the color printer or from the color printer to the monochrome printer, the setting information of the printer driver 796 used after the switching is the printer driver 796 used before the switching. If at least a part of the setting information is included as it is, an image forming system 700 that is highly convenient for the user can be realized.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The image forming system and the like according to the present invention have been described above based on the above embodiment. However, the above embodiment of the present invention is for facilitating understanding of the present invention and limits the present invention. is not. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention includes the equivalent thereof. The present invention contains a developer (for example, toner T). A plurality of detachable parts (for example, detachable parts 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d) to which a developer container (for example, developing units 51, 52, 53, 54) is detachable, and an image carrier for carrying a latent image And a developer container mounted on each of the plurality of attachment / detachment portions, the image carrier is developed by the developer stored in each developer container. It can be used as a color image forming apparatus (for example, a color printer) that develops a latent image carried on the surface to form a color image, and is one of the plurality of attaching / detaching parts (for example, attaching / detaching part 50a). Only developer yield When a container is mounted, a monochromatic image forming apparatus (for example, a monochrome printer) that forms a monochromatic image by developing the latent image carried on the image carrier by the developer contained in the developer container. And a control program (for example, a printer driver 796) that can instruct the image forming apparatus to execute image formation, and can communicate with the image forming apparatus. A color control program (for example, a color driver) stored in the color control program when the color image forming apparatus is used. The information is used to instruct the color image forming apparatus to execute image formation, and the color image forming apparatus is used as the monochromatic image forming apparatus. For example, an image forming system (for example, a monochrome driver) that instructs the monochrome image forming apparatus to perform image formation using changeable setting information stored in the monochrome control program. , The image forming system 700).

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the printer is directly connected to the computer. However, the printer may be connected to the computer via a network. .

  In the above embodiment, the computer includes a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a liquid crystal display device, a display device such as a plasma display, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, an FD (flexible drive) device, A reading device such as a CD-ROM drive device, an MO (Magneto Optical) disk drive device, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) device, an internal memory such as a RAM, and an external memory such as a hard disk drive unit are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any of the above may not be provided. Further, for example, the printer may have a part of a computer function or mechanism.

  In the above-described embodiment, the intermediate transfer type laser beam printer is described as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to the intermediate transfer type laser beam printer, copying machine, facsimile, and other various image forming apparatuses. Applicable to the device.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus provided with the rotary developing device has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus includes a tandem developing device. Also, the present invention can be applied.

  In the above embodiment, the apparatus main body side connector is brought into contact with the developing unit side connector to perform communication between the developing unit side memory and the apparatus main body. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, the communication may be performed without contacting the member on the developing unit side and the member on the apparatus main body side.

  Also, the photosensitive member is not limited to a so-called photosensitive roller, which is configured by providing a photosensitive layer on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical conductive substrate, and is configured by providing a photosensitive layer on the surface of a belt-shaped conductive substrate. A so-called photosensitive belt may be used.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the information that can be changed by the user includes medium information regarding a medium on which an image is formed. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the information that can be changed by the user may not include medium information regarding a medium on which an image is formed.

While the image forming system 700 can set various information regarding the medium to form an image, the user can cause the image forming system 700 to form an image using the information that is a specific setting value. There are many. Therefore, if the specific setting value related to the medium information of the printer driver used before switching the printer 10 is different from the initial setting value related to the medium information of the printer driver used after switching the printer 10, the user The initial setting must be changed to a specific setting value. Therefore, the effects of the present invention and the effect that the image forming system 700 that is highly convenient for the user can be realized are more effectively exhibited.
Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the medium information includes information related to the size of the medium, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the medium information may not include information regarding the size of the medium.
While the image forming system 700 can form an image on various sizes of media, a user often causes the image forming system 700 to form an image on a specific size of media. Therefore, the specific setting value related to the medium size of the printer driver used before switching the printer 10 is different from the initial setting value related to the medium size of the printer driver used after switching the printer 10. The user must change the initial setting to a specific setting value. Therefore, the effects of the present invention and the effect that the image forming system 700 that is highly convenient for the user can be realized are more effectively exhibited.
Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the information that can be changed by the user includes information regarding the paper feed tray 92 that is provided in the printer 10 and accommodates a medium on which an image is formed. It is not limited to.
For example, the information that can be changed by the user may not include information on the paper feed tray 92 that is provided in the printer 10 and accommodates a medium on which an image is formed.
The printer 10 often has a plurality of paper feed trays, and each paper feed tray can accommodate media having different sizes, while the user selects a specific paper feed tray to select an image. In many cases, the forming system 700 forms an image. Therefore, if the specific setting value related to the paper feed tray of the printer driver used before switching the printer 10 and the initial setting value related to the paper feed tray of the printer driver used after switching the printer 10 are different, the user The initial setting must be changed to a specific setting value. Therefore, the effects of the present invention and the effect that the image forming system 700 that is highly convenient for the user can be realized are more effectively exhibited.
Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

Further, in the above embodiment, the printer 10 has information indicating whether the printer 10 is used as a color printer or a monochrome printer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is not a thing.
For example, the printer 10 may not have information indicating whether the printer 10 is used as a color printer or a monochrome printer.
However, if the printer 10 has information indicating whether the printer 10 is used as a color printer or a monochrome printer, the printer 10 is used as a color printer or used as a monochrome printer. It is possible to detect whether the printer 10 is used as either a color printer or a monochrome printer when switching the printer 10 based on the information indicating whether the printer 10 is in use.
Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the monochrome image forming apparatus has a black developing unit when the black developing unit 51 is attached only to one of the plurality of attaching / detaching parts 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d. Although the monochrome printer forms a monochrome image by developing the latent image carried on the photoconductor 20 by the toner T contained in the toner 51, the invention is not limited to this.
In other words, in the above embodiment, the developing unit attached to the one detachable portion is a black developing unit, and develops a latent image with toner stored in the black developing unit to form a monochrome image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the developing unit attached to the one detachable part is a developing unit having toner of other colors, and is latent by the toner stored in the developing unit. The image may be developed to form an image of the other color.
However, if the monochrome image forming apparatus is a monochrome printer, the monochrome image used after switching the printer 10 is also used when switching to a monochrome printer for forming a monochrome image having the highest demand as an image formed in a single color. Changes in driver setting information can be minimized.
Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of an image forming system 700. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a part of the configuration of the image forming system 700 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating main components constituting the printer 10 when the printer 10 is used as a color printer. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating main components constituting the printer 10 when the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer. 2 is a block diagram showing a control unit 100 of the printer 10. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram of a developing unit. It is sectional drawing which showed the main components of the developing unit. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a home position that is a standby position when waiting for execution of image formation and that is also a stop position serving as a reference position in the rotational direction of the YMCK developing device 50. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a connector attaching / detaching position where the developing unit side connector 51b of the black developing unit 51 mounted on the YMCK developing device 50 and the apparatus main body side connector 34 provided on the apparatus main body side face each other. FIG. 8C is a diagram showing the attachment / detachment position of the black developing unit 51. FIG. 9A is a view showing a separation position between the developing unit side connector 51 b of the black developing unit 51 and the apparatus main body side connector 34. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a contact position between the developing unit side connector 51 b of the black developing unit 51 and the apparatus main body side connector 34. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface window displayed on a display device 704 by a monochrome driver. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface window displayed on a display device 704 by a color driver. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of the image forming system 700 when a user instructs color image formation in a state where the printer 10 is used as a color printer. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between model information and control signal COM information and whether or not image formation is performed. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for switching the printer 10 from a color printer to a monochrome printer. It is the figure shown about the relationship between the value of mounting information, and the setting operation | movement of model information. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface window displayed on a display device 704 by a color driver. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface window displayed on a display device 704 by a monochrome driver. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming system 700 when the user instructs to form a monochrome image while the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Laser beam printer 20 Photosensitive body 30 Charging unit 31 HP detection part 34 Device main body side connector 37 Detachable exclusive port 40 Exposure unit 50 YMCK developing device 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d Detachable part 50e Rotating shaft 51 Black developing unit 52 Magenta developing unit 53 Cyan development unit 54 Yellow development units 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a Development unit side memories 51b, 52b, 53b 54b Development unit side connector 55 Support frame 60 Primary transfer unit 70 Intermediate transfer body 75 Cleaning unit 76 Cleaning blade 80 Secondary transfer Unit 90 Fixing unit 92 Paper feed tray 94 Paper feed roller 95 Display unit 96 Registration roller 100 Control unit 101 Main controller 102 Unit controller 111 CPU 112 interface 113 image memory 114 main controller side memory 114a EEPROM 114b RAM
116 Unit controller side memory 116a EEPROM
120 CPU 121 Serial interface (I / F)
122 Main body side memory 123 Input / output port 140 Area for displaying information about printing state 141 Size selection select box 142 Direction selection radio button 146 Area for displaying information about printing medium 147 Paper feed selection selection box 148 Medium selection selection box 150 Information about image Area 151 to perform Quality designation slide bar 151A Level axis 151B Marker 152 Detailed setting display button 153 Radio button 154 Quality radio button 156 Select box 157 Setting change button 158 Save / delete button 160 Area to display the number of copies 161 Copy number selection box 162 Output order check Box 166 Area 167 for displaying the printing direction with respect to the medium as an image Area 167 for displaying the set contents in a list 171 Cancel button 172 Apply button 173 Help button 510 Developing roller 520 Seal member 522 Seal support sheet metal 524 Seal urging member 530 Toner accommodating portion 540 Housing 542 Upper housing portion 544 Lower housing portion 550 Toner supply roller 560 Restriction blade 560a Rubber portion 560b Rubber Support unit 562 Blade support sheet metal 570 Blade back member 572 Opening 700 Image forming system 702 Computer 704 Display device 708 Input device 708A Keyboard 708B Mouse 710 Reading device 710A FD device 710B CD-ROM drive device 795 Application program 796 Printer driver 797 Image processing unit 801 Display interface unit 803 Input interface unit 805 User-in Interface processing unit AD Image data COM Control signal PD Image data T Toner

Claims (9)

A plurality of detachable portions to which a developer container for accommodating the developer is detachable, and an image carrier for carrying a latent image,
When a developer container is attached to each of the plurality of attachment / detachment portions, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in each developer container to produce a color image. It can be used as a color image forming apparatus to form,
When the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of detachable parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in the developer container. An image forming apparatus that can be used as a monochrome image forming apparatus for forming a monochrome image, and
A computer having a control program capable of instructing the image forming apparatus to execute image formation, and capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus;
When used as the color image forming apparatus, the color control program instructs the color image forming apparatus to execute image formation using changeable setting information stored in the color control program,
When used as the monochromatic image forming apparatus, the monochromatic control program uses the setting information stored in the monochromatic control program to change and instructs the monochromatic image forming apparatus to execute image formation. In the forming system,
When switching from the monochrome image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the monochrome image forming apparatus,
An image forming system, wherein the setting information of the control program used after the switching has at least a part of the setting information of the control program used before the switching. The image forming system according to claim 1,
The image forming system, wherein setting information of the color control program and the monochrome control program includes information that can be changed by a user. The image forming system according to claim 2.
The image forming system, wherein the information that can be changed by the user includes medium information about a medium on which an image is formed. The image forming system according to claim 3.
The image forming system, wherein the medium information includes information related to a size of the medium. The image forming system according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The image forming system, wherein the information that can be changed by the user includes information relating to a paper feeding unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus and accommodates a medium on which an image is formed. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Information indicating whether the image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus or the monochrome image forming apparatus;
An image forming system comprising: The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The monochromatic image forming apparatus is carried on the image carrier by the developer contained in the developer container when the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of attachment parts. An image forming system, which is a monochrome image forming apparatus that develops a latent image formed to form a monochrome image. A plurality of detachable portions to which a developer container for accommodating the developer is detachable, and an image carrier for carrying a latent image,
When a developer container is attached to each of the plurality of attachment / detachment portions, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in each developer container to produce a color image. It can be used as a color image forming apparatus to form,
When the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of detachable parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in the developer container. An image forming apparatus that can be used as a monochrome image forming apparatus for forming a monochrome image, and
A computer having a control program capable of instructing the image forming apparatus to execute image formation, and capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus;
When used as the color image forming apparatus, the color control program instructs the color image forming apparatus to execute image formation using changeable setting information stored in the color control program,
When used as the monochromatic image forming apparatus, the monochromatic control program uses the setting information stored in the monochromatic control program to change and instructs the monochromatic image forming apparatus to execute image formation. In the forming system,
When switching from the monochromatic image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the monochromatic image forming apparatus, the setting information of the control program used after the switching is displayed before the switching. Having at least a part of the setting information of the control program used,
The setting information of the color control program and the single color control program has information that can be changed by the user,
The information that can be changed by the user includes medium information about a medium on which an image is formed;
The medium information has information on the size of the medium,
The information that can be changed by the user includes information relating to a paper feeding unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus and accommodates a medium on which an image is formed,
The image forming apparatus has information indicating whether the image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus or the monochrome image forming apparatus;
The monochromatic image forming apparatus is carried on the image carrier by the developer contained in the developer container when the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of attachment parts. An image forming system, which is a monochrome image forming apparatus that develops a latent image formed to form a monochrome image. A plurality of detachable portions to which a developer container for accommodating the developer is detachable, and an image carrier for carrying a latent image,
When a developer container is attached to each of the plurality of attachment / detachment portions, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in each developer container to produce a color image. It can be used as a color image forming apparatus to form,
When the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of detachable parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in the developer container. An image forming apparatus that can be used as a monochrome image forming apparatus for forming a monochrome image
A control program provided in a computer capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus and capable of instructing the image forming apparatus to execute image formation;
When the image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus and the control program is a color control program, the color image formation is performed using changeable setting information stored in the color control program. Instruct the device to execute image formation,
When the image forming apparatus is used as the monochromatic image forming apparatus and the control program is a monochromatic control program, the monochromatic image formation is performed using changeable setting information stored in the monochromatic control program. In a control program for instructing the apparatus to execute image formation,
When switching from the monochrome image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the monochrome image forming apparatus,
The control program setting information used after the switching has at least a part of the setting information of the control program used before the switching as it is.

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