JP2006110833A - Printing apparatus, printing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid or reduce a stress for waiting of a user caused by an adjusting condition when such an adjusting operation as waiting for or interrupting practicing of a printing job when a printing is performed. <P>SOLUTION: In a means for practicing a printing job of a printing apparatus, when a specified adjusting operation for waiting for or interrupting practicing of the printing job by the means for practicing the printing job, is practiced, a step for obtaining a specified adjusting time stored in advance in accordance with the practiced adjusting operation, and a step for outputting adjusting information based on the obtained specified adjusting time, are practiced. By doing so, it is possible to appropriately provide the adjusting information to the user, and to avoid or reduce the stress for waiting of the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a program, and more particularly to a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a program that allow a user to appropriately recognize various adjustment times that occur in the printing apparatus.

Conventionally, a printer displays a warm-up time from power-on until printing is possible and a return time from the sleep state, which is a low power consumption state, to the state until printing is possible. Those that reduce the stress of the “state” (hereinafter referred to as standby stress) are known (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In these printers, the color material fixing device and its ambient temperature are detected, and the time (adjustment time) required until printing is possible is predicted based on the detected temperature, and the remaining time (adjustment time) thus estimated ( The remaining adjustment time) is displayed on the display unit of the printer.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-3117 JP-A-5-333655

  However, in the printer, in addition to the adjustment time that occurs before execution of the print job, an adjustment operation that generates the adjustment time may be actively performed even during execution of the print job. For example, in a color laser printer, in order to ensure good image density and gradation, the job is forcibly interrupted even during printing, based on information obtained by creating and analyzing a patch pattern etc. Thus, so-called process control for correcting settings in various processes such as exposure and development may be performed. In order to provide a good printed matter, the fixing unit may be cooled down or the transfer unit may be cleaned.

  When the user does not grasp the delay state due to such adjustment operation, the completion of the print job is delayed against the user's expectation, and the waiting stress of the user is increased. Although these adjustment operations are aggressive operations for providing a good printed matter, they are contrary to the original purpose and rather reduce the user's satisfaction. In addition, there are a wide variety of situations in which such adjustment operations are executed, and it is possible to estimate the adjustment time of each adjustment operation even if the temperature of a predetermined part is detected every time the adjustment operation is executed. However, it is not realistic to guess the adjustment time.

  Therefore, the printing apparatus, the printing method, and the program according to the present invention appropriately provide information about the adjustment time generated by the adjustment operation when the adjustment operation is executed to wait or interrupt the execution of the print job. It is an object of the present invention to avoid or reduce the stress of the user about being in a standby state. In addition, the printing apparatus, printing method, and program of the present invention provide a good printed matter without degrading user satisfaction even when an adjustment operation that waits or interrupts execution of a print job is executed. This is another purpose. Another object of the printing apparatus, printing method, and program of the present invention is to provide information about the adjustment time generated by the adjustment operation to the user by a simple process when the adjustment operation is executed. To do.

  According to the present invention, the following means are provided to solve at least one of the above problems.

The printing apparatus of the present invention includes:
A print job execution means;
Adjustment operation execution means for executing a predetermined adjustment operation for waiting or interrupting execution of a print job by the print job execution means;
Storage means for storing a predetermined adjustment time required for completion of the predetermined adjustment operation;
Adjustment information for obtaining the predetermined adjustment time stored in the storage means corresponding to the executed adjustment operation and outputting adjustment information based on the adjustment time when the predetermined adjustment operation is executed Processing means;
It is a summary to provide.

  According to the printing apparatus of the present invention, when the predetermined adjustment operation for waiting or interrupting the execution of the print job is executed, the information related to the adjustment time until the predetermined adjustment operation stored in the storage unit is completed is included. Adjustment information is output. As a result, the information about the adjustment time by the adjustment operation generated in the printing apparatus is appropriately provided to the user, so that the occurrence of the waiting stress of the user can be avoided or reduced. At the same time, it is possible to provide a good image without reducing the user's satisfaction with the printing apparatus due to such standby stress. Furthermore, since the adjustment time for a predetermined adjustment operation is stored in advance, it is not necessary to estimate or calculate the adjustment time every time the adjustment operation is executed, and thus adjustment information can be provided to the user with a simple process.

In this printing apparatus, the predetermined adjustment operation may be an operation accompanied by interruption of the print job during execution of the print job by the print job execution unit. Such an adjustment operation during execution of a print job may cause unexpected waiting stress for the user. By providing the user with the adjustment information related to the adjustment operation, the user's waiting stress can be effectively avoided or reduced. Such adjustment operations include the following (a) to (d) (a) an operation for adjusting a print image in a printing process by the print job execution means, and (b) a temperature adjustment of a predetermined part in the print job execution means. (C) Operation for adjusting the humidity of a predetermined portion in the print job execution means (d) Operation for cleaning the predetermined portion in the print job execution means, or two or more kinds can be combined .

  Further, the adjustment information processing means is a means for calculating a residual adjustment time based on the adjustment time acquired for the executed adjustment operation, and outputting the residual adjustment time included in the adjustment information. Can do. By providing the user with the remaining adjustment time, the user can easily grasp the adjustment status, and standby stress can be effectively avoided or reduced.

  Further, the adjustment information processing means may be means for outputting the content of the predetermined adjustment operation that is generated in the adjustment information. By providing the user with the contents of the adjustment operation that has occurred, the user's recognition and understanding of the adjustment operation can be promoted, and standby stress can be avoided or reduced.

  Furthermore, the adjustment information processing means is a means for outputting the adjustment information including the remaining adjustment time for the adjustment operation that requires the longest remaining adjustment time when a plurality of the predetermined adjustment operations are executed. be able to. By doing so, adjustment times for a plurality of adjustment operations are collected and provided to the user, so that even if a plurality of adjustment operations are executed, the waiting stress of the user can be avoided or reduced.

  The adjustment information processing means may be means for detecting execution of the predetermined adjustment operation. In this way, appropriate adjustment information can be promptly provided to the user by coping with the adjustment operation being performed in a timely manner, and the user's waiting stress can be avoided or reduced.

  The adjustment information processing means may be means for outputting the adjustment information to be displayed on a display unit of a print command output apparatus connected to the printing apparatus and / or the printing apparatus. In this way, adjustment information is provided to the user in a timely manner, and standby stress can be effectively avoided or reduced.

Furthermore, in any of these printing devices,
Current status information acquisition means for acquiring current status information relating to a situation provided to the print job execution means by execution of the adjustment operation after the start of the adjustment operation and before the end of the adjustment operation. ,
The adjustment information processing means includes
Estimating the remaining adjustment time required until the adjustment operation is completed based on the current status information, and based on the estimated remaining adjustment time and the adjustment time acquired from the storage unit for the adjustment operation It can be a means for outputting adjustment information. By doing so, even if the adjustment operation is continued beyond the predetermined adjustment time, information about the appropriate adjustment time can be provided to the user, so that the waiting stress of the user can be avoided or reduced.

Further, a printing method using the printing apparatus of the present invention includes:
When a predetermined adjustment operation for waiting or interrupting execution of the print job by the print job execution unit is executed in the print job execution unit of the printing apparatus,
Obtaining a predetermined adjustment time stored in advance corresponding to the executed adjustment operation;
Outputting adjustment information based on the acquired predetermined adjustment time;
It is made to include.

  According to the printing method of the present invention, information about the adjustment time due to the adjustment operation generated in the printing apparatus can be appropriately provided to the user, thereby avoiding or reducing the occurrence of waiting stress of the user. At the same time, it is possible to provide a good image without reducing the user's satisfaction with the printing apparatus due to such standby stress. Furthermore, since the adjustment time for a predetermined adjustment operation is stored in advance, it is not necessary to estimate or calculate the adjustment time every time the adjustment operation is executed, and thus adjustment information can be provided to the user with a simple process. This printing method can include a step of realizing the functions of the printing apparatus described above.

The program of the present invention
When a predetermined adjustment operation for waiting or interrupting the execution of the print job by the print job execution unit is executed in the print job execution unit of the printing apparatus,
The gist is to cause one or a plurality of computers to execute each step described in the printing method.

  If the program of the present invention is executed by one computer or if each computer is executed by sharing each step, the adjustment information about the adjustment time by the adjustment operation is provided to the user. It can be avoided or reduced, and a good image can be provided without reducing the satisfaction with the printing apparatus. In addition, adjustment information can be provided to the user with a simple process. This program may be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium (for example, hard disk, ROM, FD, CD, DVD) or the like, or a computer via a transmission medium (communication network such as the Internet or LAN). May be distributed to other computers, or may be transferred in any other form.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to examples.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system to which the present invention can be applied, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a color laser printer 20 as a printing apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a color color laser. 3 is a block diagram illustrating input / output of control signals in a controller 60 of the printer 20. FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 of the embodiment is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 12 and functions as a color laser printer 20 that functions as a printing device, and printing that outputs a print job execution command to the color laser printer 20. Client computers (hereinafter simply referred to as clients) 80a and 80b as command output devices are provided.

  The color laser printer 20 is configured as a full-color electrophotographic printing apparatus that employs a single photoreceptor system and an intermediate transfer system. As illustrated in FIG. 2, cyan (C) and magenta (M). And an exposure unit 22 that irradiates a laser on a charged photosensitive member 21 to form an electrostatic latent image by separating an image of each color separated into four colors of yellow (Y) and black (K). A developing unit 23 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member 21 as a toner image using the toner of each color supplied from the toner cartridges 32C, 32M, 32Y, and 32K of each color; The developed toner images of the respective colors are transferred onto the transfer belt 24 so as to be transferred to form a color toner image, a transport unit 27 that transports paper from the paper cassette 26, and a transport unit 27 A secondary transfer unit 28 for transferring the color toner image formed on the transfer belt 24 to the paper, a fixing unit 29 for fusing and fixing the transferred color toner image to the paper and discharging it, a display unit 31, and development A movable connection unit 30 for connecting the storage elements 33C, 33M, 33Y, and 33K attached to the toner cartridges 32C, 32M, 32Y, and 32K to read information relating to the toner color of the cartridge and the like as the device 23 rotates; And a controller 60 for controlling the entire operation of the color laser printer 20. The color laser printer 20 includes a LAN board (not shown) so as to function as a network printer. In the embodiment, the printing apparatus employing the single photoreceptor system and the intermediate transfer system has been described, but other configurations such as a tandem system having a photoreceptor and a developing device for each color may be used. Further, although not shown, the color laser printer 20 includes a heater unit and a cooler unit of a fixing belt, a toner density adjusting unit, a sensor for analyzing a patch pattern formed on the transfer belt, a temperature sensor, a toner density sensor, and the like. It is equipped with various sensors.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 60 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU 61, a RAM 62, a ROM 63, an EEPROM 74, and the like. Detection values by various temperature sensors to be detected and humidity sensors for detecting humidity in the vicinity of the fixing unit) and other input signals (for example, a print command signal by the user) are input via the signal line, and these input signals are input to these input signals. Based on the exposure device drive control unit 64, the developing device drive control unit 65, the primary transfer unit drive control unit 66, the secondary transfer unit drive control unit 67, the fixing unit drive control unit 68, the transport unit drive control unit 69, and the movable connection unit. The exposure unit 22 and the developing unit via the drive control unit 70, the display display control unit 71, and the like. 3, the primary transfer unit 25, secondary transfer unit 28, fixing unit 29, the transport unit 27, the movable connection 30, controls each unit operation of the color laser printer 20 such as the display unit 31.

  The CPU 61 can detect various adjustment operations for waiting or interrupting the execution of the print job of the printer 20. The detection of these various adjustment operations is performed by the CPU 61 based on output signals from various detection means such as the temperature and ambient temperature of each part of the printer 20, the number of prints, the remaining amount of toner, and the toner concentration. In this specification, the adjustment operation is not particularly limited, and is an operation that is performed before execution of a print job, during execution of the print job, or after completion of the print job, and waits for execution of the print job to be interrupted. , Including all the operations executed by the instruction of the CPU 61. Examples of the adjustment operation include the following.

(1) Various warm-up operations including a warm-up operation until the fixing roller of the fixing unit reaches a temperature sufficient for fixing the toner from the sleep mode after the power is turned on or in a power saving state. (2) Recording medium Various process control operations (formation of test patches and the like) performed as appropriate (before, during and after execution of a print job) for image quality control (for example, tone density control, toner density control, etc.) Analysis, toner density control, ambient temperature and / or humidity control, exposure control, development control, etc.)
(3) During printing, status management of various printing materials such as recording materials such as toner and recording media such as printing paper, management of each part of the printer 20 accompanying printing such as exposure, development, fixing, and conveyance in the printer 20; Adjustment operations performed to manage the atmosphere (temperature, humidity, etc.) in the printer 20 (for example, temperature and / or humidity control of each part, temperature control of the fixing roller (including both cool-down and warm-up)), transfer There are roller cleaning etc.)

  Among these various adjustment operations, various process control operations, which are operations for adjusting a print image in the printing process by the printer 20, operations for adjusting the temperature of a predetermined portion in the printer 20, humidity of a predetermined portion in the printer 20 An operation for adjustment and an operation for cleaning a predetermined portion in the printer 20 are typical adjustment operations. Of the various adjustment operations, the present invention is preferably applied to an adjustment operation performed by interrupting the job during execution of the print job.

  When these adjustment operations occur, the CPU 61 sets a flag Fs indicating that the printer 20 is in the adjustment state in the flag register, and indicates the type of the adjustment operation and the start time of the operation in the RAM 62. Store in the area. Further, the CPU 61 is configured to store the type of operation that has occurred and the adjustment remaining time resulting from the operation in another area of the RAM 62 by executing an adjustment information processing routine that will be described later.

  As described above, the RAM 62 stores an adjustment operation status table indicating the status of adjustment states including the start of various adjustment operations and the start times thereof. An example of the adjustment operation status table is shown in FIG. The rank in FIG. 4A is higher as the start time of the adjustment operation is earlier. In addition, an adjustment information table including the types of adjustment operations and the remaining adjustment time and adjustment end time due to these operations is also stored. An example of the adjustment information table is shown in FIG. The order in FIG. 4B is also the order in which the adjustment operation is started, as in FIG.

  The ROM 63 stores a program for controlling each part of the printer 20 and executing a print command, as well as a program for detecting the start of the adjustment operation in the printer 20 and recording these statuses. In addition, a program for processing adjustment information related to the adjustment time generated by these adjustment operations is stored.

  The EEPROM 74 stores various types of data used by the CPU 61 to determine whether or not to perform an adjustment operation, and when the predetermined adjustment operation is started, the adjustment required to end the predetermined adjustment operation Time is stored in advance as an adjustment time table. For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, warm-up after power-on, return from a low power consumption state, process control (image density adjustment by a test patch, etc.), fixing roller cool-down, transfer roller cleaning Adjustment time is set in advance for each. Each adjustment time is set to an average time required until these predetermined adjustment operations are completed. Furthermore, the EEPROM 74 also stores functions and coefficients used for estimating the adjustment time from the temperature of the fixing roller, the target reaching temperature, and the like.

  Each of the clients 80a and 80b has a controller (not shown), is connected to the color laser printer 20 via the LAN 12 so as to be able to output a print command, and also executes a print job formed in the RAM 62 of the printer 20. Information on various adjustment operations to be waited or interrupted is requested, and the acquired adjustment information can be displayed on the printer window on the displays 82a and 82b of the clients 80a and 80b.

  Next, the operation of the printer 20 of the embodiment thus configured will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the adjustment operation start processing routine in the color laser printer 20, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the adjustment information processing routine in the color laser printer 20, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the indicator as a display example of the remaining adjustment time in the display part. Hereinafter, a description will be given using a specific example of an operation during printing of a print file created in the client 80a via the LAN 12 using the printer 20. FIG.

(Adjustment operation start processing)
First, the adjustment operation start processing routine will be described. In the printer 20 that is turned on, the adjustment operation start processing routine is executed at regular intervals. Usually, the adjustment operation start routine is repeatedly executed at intervals shorter than the adjustment information processing routine described later. When the adjustment operation start routine is started, the CPU 61 monitors the state of each unit using various sensors in the printer 20 (step S100). If a state requiring adjustment is not detected, it is not necessary to start the adjustment operation, and 0 is input to the flag Fs to clear the contents of the adjustment operation status table in the RAM 62 (step S110), and this process is temporarily terminated. To do.

  On the other hand, when a state requiring adjustment is detected by a predetermined adjustment operation, 1 is input to the flag Fs to set the flag, and an instruction to start the predetermined adjustment operation is given (step S120). Further, the type and start time of this adjustment operation are stored in the adjustment operation status table of the RAM 62 (step S130), and this process is terminated.

  In the adjustment operation start processing routine, if a state that requires adjustment is detected immediately after the power is turned on or at the stage of returning from the sleep mode, the warm-up operation is started without being started even if there is a print job. When a state requiring adjustment is detected, the print job is interrupted and a process control operation is started. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, during execution of a print job, a state where image density adjustment should be performed is detected, and a process control operation for performing patch pattern formation, analysis, correction of a set value, and the like is started. It is assumed that the adjustment operation is stored in the adjustment operation status table together with the disclosure time.

(Adjustment information processing)
In the printer 20 that is turned on, the adjustment information processing routine shown in FIG. 6 is also executed at regular intervals in parallel with the adjustment operation start processing routine. This routine can be executed at a time interval that can provide the information of the remaining adjustment time with such a frequency that the execution of the adjustment operation is detected without delay and does not irritate the user. When the adjustment information processing routine is started, the CPU 61 first checks the flag Fs in the flag register (step S200).

  In step S200, when the flag Fs is not set, the adjustment operation is not performed. Therefore, the adjustment information processing is unnecessary, and the adjustment operation and the remaining adjustment time stored in the adjustment information table of the RAM 62 are cleared. At the same time, the fact that printing is possible is displayed on the display unit of the printer 20 (step S201), and this processing is terminated.

  When the flag Fs is set, the type of adjustment operation and its start time are acquired with reference to the adjustment operation status table in the RAM 62 (step S210). Further, an adjustment time corresponding to the acquired type of adjustment operation is acquired from the adjustment time table of the EEPROM 74 (step S220). In this embodiment, the process control for image density adjustment is acquired as an adjustment operation during operation, and the start time and the adjustment time (45 seconds) are acquired in steps S210 and S220.

  Next, a time TEcal at which this adjustment operation ends is calculated from the start time and adjustment time for the process control that is currently occurring, and this time is set as the adjustment operation end time TE (step S230). Here, according to the adjustment time table shown in FIG. 4, since the process control operation for density adjustment is set to 45 seconds as the adjustment time, the CPU 61 adds the adjustment time of 45 seconds to the current time. A time TEcal at which the adjustment operation ends is calculated.

Here, it is assumed that only one adjustment operation is detected. However, when two or more adjustment operations are detected, the start time and adjustment for N adjustment operations (N is an integer of 2 or more) are adjusted. Time is acquired, adjustment operation end times TEcal ₁ to _N are calculated, and TEcal that ends latest is set as TE.

  Subsequently, the remaining adjustment time TR is calculated based on the set adjustment operation end time TE (step S240). That is, the difference value between the adjustment operation end time TE and the current time is calculated as the remaining adjustment time TR of the remaining time. In this embodiment, the adjustment operation end time TE is calculated in step S230, and the remaining adjustment time TR is calculated thereafter in step S240. However, the individual operation time is calculated from the current time, the process control start time, and the adjustment time. The remaining adjustment time TRcal may be directly calculated for the adjustment operation, and the largest remaining adjustment time TRcal may be set as TR from the calculated one or more types of remaining adjustment time TRcal.

  Then, the CPU 61 outputs the adjustment operation being performed and the remaining adjustment time TR due to this adjustment operation to the adjustment information table in the RAM 62, and also displays the contents of the adjustment operation and this remaining adjustment time as indicators. It outputs to the display part 31 (step S250), and once complete | finishes this process.

  It should be noted that the CPU 61 outputs these adjustment information output requests to the adjustment information table in the RAM 62 when the client 80a makes an output request for these adjustment information. Are output and displayed in the printer window on the display 82a of the client 80a.

  Here, FIG. 7 exemplifies an indicator display about the remaining adjustment time displayed on the display unit 31 of the printer 20 or the printer window of the client 80a in step S250. When displaying the indicator of the remaining time, for example, four boxes are arranged in a bar shape, and the left box is sequentially labeled 60, 45, 30, 15 from the left, for example, the remaining time is 45 seconds. When the remaining time is 15 seconds as shown in FIG. 7 (a), when the remaining time is 15 seconds, in addition to these, as shown in FIG. 7 (b). The boxes labeled 60 and 45 can be turned off and only the box labeled 15 can be turned on. In this way, when the remaining adjustment time is roughly displayed, rounding processing of the actual remaining adjustment time TR may be appropriately performed at the time of display.

  In addition, it can be displayed simply as "Please wait for more seconds", or it can be displayed with a simple bar without the number of seconds, the remaining time is color-coded, and a symbol with color You may display by a figure, a character, etc. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, along with the information about the remaining standby time, the contents of the adjustment operation such as “Process control for image density adjustment is being executed” is displayed, so that the delay can be reduced. It becomes easier for the user to understand the reason. When two or more types of adjustment operations are performed in parallel, all adjustment operations may be displayed, or only the adjustment operation that is the basis for setting the adjustment operation end time TE is displayed. May be.

  By executing such an adjustment information processing routine at regular time intervals, the presence or absence of an adjustment operation is confirmed at each execution interval. If there is no adjustment operation, a message indicating that printing is possible or printing is resumed is displayed immediately. If there is an adjustment operation, the adjustment operation status is read and adjustment information is output.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, when an adjustment operation such as process control is started, adjustment information based on a preset adjustment time is output to the display unit 31 of the printer 20 or the display 82a of the client 80a. As a result, it is provided to the user. Therefore, it is possible to reduce or avoid the waiting stress of the user. Furthermore, since it is possible to provide the user with information about the adjustment time, which is a merit in terms of obtaining a good recorded material but is a demerit in time, by promoting the user's understanding of these adjustment operations. The user satisfaction with the printing apparatus can be ensured.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, adjustment information based on the adjustment time set in advance for the adjustment operation is output, so that adjustment information related to the adjustment time can be quickly output and provided to the user through simple processing. can do. Since the adjustment operation is started and executed under complicated control, it is difficult to individually predict the adjustment time required until the adjustment operation is completed, and it may be significantly different from the predicted value. Therefore, it is possible to effectively reduce the waiting stress of the user by setting a predetermined adjustment time in advance for the adjustment operation and providing the user with information about the approximate adjustment time.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the remaining adjustment time is output and displayed, by performing such an adjustment information processing routine, for example, at regular time intervals, the remaining adjustment time is counted down approximately at each execution interval. Therefore, information about the adjustment time is provided in a form that is easy for the user to understand and without causing stress. Further, since the content of the adjustment operation is displayed in addition to the information related to the adjustment time, the user can be promoted to understand the adjustment operation. This reduces waiting stress and ensures satisfaction with the printing apparatus.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the execution of the adjustment operation is detected every time the routine for outputting the adjustment information is executed, when the adjustment operation is completed, it is possible to promptly output that printing is possible. It has become. Furthermore, since the status of the adjustment operation is acquired every time the routine for outputting the adjustment information is executed, it can be easily detected that a new adjustment operation has been started. For example, while the process control operation is being executed, the cool-down operation may be executed, and a new adjustment operation may be added to the adjustment operation currently being continued. In such a case, the adjustment operation end time is calculated for each of these adjustment operations, and the remaining adjustment time is displayed based on the latest adjustment operation end time. The same applies to the case where the process control operation and the cool down are executed at the same time. That is, according to the present embodiment, even when a plurality of adjustment operations are executed in parallel, adjustment information obtained by integrating such adjustment operations can be promptly provided to the user. . Therefore, even in such a case, since appropriate adjustment information can be promptly provided to the user, the user's waiting stress can be effectively avoided or reduced. In order to process the adjustment times generated by such a plurality of adjustment operations, it is convenient that a predetermined adjustment time is preset in terms of simplification and speeding up of the processing.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with the adjustment information about the adjustment operation that interrupts the print job during the execution of the print job. Such adjustment operations during a job are often actively performed for good image formation, and it is easy for the user to have an impression of sudden and irregular execution. By supplying the user with adjustment information related to the adjustment time according to the operation in a timely manner, misunderstanding about the adjustment operation can be avoided and the understanding of the user can be promoted, and standby stress can be avoided or reduced.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the printer 20 corresponds to the printing apparatus of the present invention, and the photosensitive member 21, the exposure device 22, the developing device 23, the transfer belt 24, the primary belt involved in execution of a print job in the printer 20, The transfer unit 25, the transport unit 27, the secondary transfer unit 28, the fixing unit 29, and the like correspond to the print job execution unit of the present invention. The controller 60 included in the printer 20, various sensors, heaters, not shown, A temperature and humidity adjustment unit such as a fan, a toner density adjustment unit, and the like correspond to the adjustment operation execution means of the present invention, and the CPU 61 that executes an adjustment information processing routine and the like corresponds to the adjustment information processing means of the present invention. .

  In the present embodiment described above, the process control operation is described as a specific example as the adjustment operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to various adjustment operations. Further, the present invention is not limited to the adjustment operation performed by interrupting the execution of the print job, and the present invention can be applied to various adjustment operations regardless of the timing when the adjustment operation is executed, such as before and after execution of the print job. .

  In this embodiment, the adjustment information based on the adjustment time stored in advance in the EEPROM 74 is output for various adjustment operations. However, the predetermined adjustment time and the end of the predetermined adjustment time for the adjustment operation are output. Before, adjustment information based on the remaining adjustment time estimated from the actual measurement value by the sensor may be output. In this way, when the adjustment operation is continued beyond a predetermined adjustment time, the user's waiting stress can be avoided or reduced by providing the user with information about the appropriate adjustment time. In addition, the user's dissatisfaction with an adjustment time longer than the adjustment time provided in advance can be reduced, and inconvenience for the user can be avoided. By executing such an estimation time estimation process after the second half of the predetermined adjustment time, more preferably after the second half of the predetermined adjustment time and before the second half 10% to 20%, an accurate residual can be obtained. Can be provided to the user at an appropriate timing. An example of executing such processing is shown in FIG. 8 as a modified example of the adjustment information processing routine of this embodiment.

  FIG. 8 shows a modification of the adjustment information processing routine of the present embodiment shown in FIG. In this modification, the same steps as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this process, it is assumed that the printer 20 performs the fixing roller cool-down operation as the adjustment operation. First, similarly to the adjustment information processing routine of the embodiment, processing steps (step S240) until the remaining adjustment time TR is calculated are performed. Next, it is determined whether or not the remaining adjustment time TR is 20 seconds or less (step S300). If the remaining adjustment time TR is longer than 20 seconds, TR or the like is output to the adjustment information table (step S310), and this process is temporarily terminated.

  On the other hand, if the remaining adjustment time TR is 20 seconds or less, the roller surface temperature is acquired from a temperature sensor that measures the surface temperature of the fixing roller (step S320). Next, using the function for calculating the adjustment time using the temperature of the fixing roller stored in the EEPROM 74 and the coefficient used therefor, the adjustment time estimated to end the adjustment operation, that is, the remaining adjustment time (estimation) TRs. Is calculated (step S330). Next, the remaining adjustment time (estimation) TRs thus obtained is compared with TR (step S340).

  If the remaining adjustment time (estimation) TRs is larger than the remaining adjustment time TR, the remaining adjustment time (estimation) TRs is set to the remaining adjustment time TR (step S350), and the newly set remaining time is set. The adjustment information based on the adjustment time TR is output (step S310), and this process ends. If the remaining adjustment time (estimated) TRs is smaller than the remaining adjustment time TR, the process proceeds to step S310 as it is, and adjustment information based on the remaining adjustment time TR calculated in step S240 is output, and this process is terminated. To do.

  Note that in the comparison of the remaining adjustment time in step S330, TRs only when the remaining adjustment time (estimation) TRs is larger than the remaining estimation time TR by a certain amount or more, for example, when there is a difference of 5 seconds or more. It may be determined that is greater than TR.

  In this modification, the fixing roller cool-down has been described as a specific example, but the remaining adjustment time (estimation) TRs can be reduced in this way by using an appropriate sensor for various other adjustment operations. It can be calculated and processed in the same way.

  In this embodiment, the adjustment information based on the adjustment time is output to the display unit 31 of the printer 20 and also output to the adjustment information table of the RAM 62, and the adjustment information is sent to the client based on the adjustment information request signal of the client 80a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and output to the display unit of the printer 20 and output to display on the display 82a of the client 80a are not limited to this. Good.

  In this embodiment, the adjustment information processing routine is executed at regular time intervals to display the remaining adjustment time in a countdown manner. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The adjustment time may be set, and the CPU 61 may acquire the remaining time from the timer at regular intervals and appropriately display and output it.

  In this embodiment, the printer 20 performs the adjustment information acquisition processing routine. However, a computer having a print server function may execute this routine. The adjustment information processing routine may be executed by a printer driver on the client 80a side.

  In this embodiment, the adjustment information is output to the client 80a. However, the adjustment information may be output to the client 80b of another user.

  In the present embodiment, the network is via the LAN 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to a printing system consisting of only a terminal and a printer, any one of the Internet network, telephone line network, private line network, etc. It can also be applied to a network configured by combining these.

  In this embodiment, the printing apparatus is applied to the color laser printer 20. However, the printing apparatus may be applied to various printers such as a monochrome laser color laser printer and an inkjet printer, and a printing apparatus other than a printer such as a copying machine. It may also be applied to multi-function machines.

  In the above embodiment, the present invention has been described as a form of a printing apparatus. However, the form of a printing system 10 including such a printing apparatus, the form of an information management apparatus such as a print server, the form of a printing method, a printer, A program such as a driver and a printer server driver or a computer-readable storage medium storing such a program may be used.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described using the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course you get.

1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a printing system 10. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a color laser printer 20. FIG. The block diagram which shows the input / output of the control signal in the controller 60. FIG. The figure which shows an example of adjustment operation status table, adjustment information table, and adjustment time table. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjustment operation start processing in the color laser printer 20. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjustment information processing in the color laser printer 20. The figure which shows the indicator as an example of a display of residual adjustment time. The figure which shows the modification of adjustment information processing routine.

Explanation of symbols

  10 printing system, 12 LAN, 20 color laser printer, 21 photoconductor, 22 exposure device, 23 developing device, 24 transfer belt, 25 primary transfer unit, 26 paper cassette, 27 transport unit, 28 secondary transfer unit, 29 fixing unit , 30 Movable connection part, 31 Display part, 32C, 32M, 32Y, 32K Toner cartridge, 33C, 33M, 33Y, 33K Storage element, 60 controller, 61 CPU, 62 RAM, 63 ROM, 64 Exposure unit drive control part, 65 Developing device drive control unit, 66 Primary transfer unit drive control unit, 67 Secondary transfer unit drive control unit, 68 Fixing unit drive control unit, 69 Conveyance unit drive control unit, 70 Movable connection unit drive control unit, 71 Display display control unit 74 EEPROM, 80a, 80b Client computer, 82a, 82b display.

Claims (11)

A printing device,
A print job execution means;
Adjustment operation execution means for executing a predetermined adjustment operation for waiting or interrupting execution of a print job by the print job execution means;
Storage means for storing a predetermined adjustment time required for completion of the predetermined adjustment operation;
Adjustment information for obtaining the predetermined adjustment time stored in the storage means corresponding to the executed adjustment operation and outputting adjustment information based on the adjustment time when the predetermined adjustment operation is executed Processing means;
A printing apparatus comprising:   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined adjustment operation is an operation that includes interruption of a print job during execution of the print job by the print job execution unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined adjustment operation is any one of the following (a) to (d), or two or more kinds.
(A) Operation for adjusting a print image in a printing process by the print job execution unit (b) Operation for temperature adjustment of a predetermined portion in the print job execution unit (c) Operation of a predetermined portion in the print job execution unit Operation for humidity adjustment (d) Operation for cleaning a predetermined part in the print job execution means   The adjustment information processing means is means for calculating a residual adjustment time based on the adjustment time acquired for the executed adjustment operation, and outputting the residual adjustment time included in the adjustment information. The printing apparatus in any one of 1-3.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment information processing unit is a unit that outputs the content of the predetermined adjustment operation that is generated in the adjustment information.   The adjustment information processing means is means for outputting the adjustment information including a remaining adjustment time for an adjustment operation requiring the longest remaining adjustment time when a plurality of the predetermined adjustment operations are executed. The printing apparatus in any one of 1-5.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment information processing unit is a unit that detects execution of the predetermined adjustment operation.   The adjustment information processing unit is a unit that outputs the adjustment information so as to be displayed on a display unit of a printing command output device connected to the printing device and / or the printing device. The printing apparatus as described. Current status information acquisition means for acquiring current status information relating to a situation provided to the print job execution means by execution of the adjustment operation after the start of the adjustment operation and before the end of the adjustment operation. ,
The adjustment information processing means includes
Estimating the remaining adjustment time required until the adjustment operation is completed based on the current status information, and based on the estimated remaining adjustment time and the adjustment time acquired from the storage unit for the adjustment operation The printing apparatus according to claim 1, which is means for outputting adjustment information. A printing method using a printing apparatus,
When a predetermined adjustment operation for waiting or interrupting execution of the print job by the print job execution unit is executed in the print job execution unit of the printing apparatus,
Obtaining a predetermined adjustment time stored in advance corresponding to the executed adjustment operation;
Outputting adjustment information based on the acquired predetermined adjustment time;
Including a printing method. A program,
When a predetermined adjustment operation for waiting or interrupting the execution of the print job by the print job execution unit is executed in the print job execution unit of the printing apparatus,
A program that causes one or more computers to execute each step according to claim 10.

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