JP2006227121A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can form images as intended by a user, in a simple and easy manner, when a developer of a prescribed color among developers of a plurality of colors runs short. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1, when forming a color image corresponding to input image data by using developers of a plurality of colors based on the input image data, stores a color which cannot be produced when a shortage of developer of the color as unproduceable color data into an internal memory of the body control section 100. Further, when the prescribed number of developers among the developers of the plurality of colors cannot be used, the image forming apparatus 1 selects the optimum color from among the colors which can be produced by combining the remaining developers and forms an image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that easily forms an image intended by a user when a predetermined color developer of a plurality of colors of developer has run out.

  In a color image forming apparatus, for example, in a full-color electrophotographic image forming apparatus, conventionally, four color toners of black B, yellow Y, cyan C, and magenta M are generally used. By performing the formation, it has become possible to reproduce photographs and images more faithfully.

  However, conventionally, in an image forming apparatus, if any one of the colors cannot be used due to insufficient toner (insufficient developer), abnormality of a developing portion of a predetermined color, etc., the image forming apparatus itself cannot print. It was almost.

  Conventionally, when full color coloring is not possible due to lack of toner, abnormalities in the developing machine, etc., the colored portion of the document is processed by whitening, shadowing, shadow extraction, halftone characters, underline, and combinations thereof. A technique for substituting is proposed (see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, a technique has been proposed in which when there is a toner unit that is zero or not set, an efficient operation is performed by controlling the allocation of memory used in each module (see Patent Document 2).

JP-A-10-111624 JP 2002-108140 A

  However, in the above prior art, when the developer of a specific color is lost or insufficient, the intention of the user is emphasized by emphasizing the specific range by performing a process such as making it stand out from other parts by coloring. Although it is possible to obtain an image close to that of the image or to effectively use the memory, it is not possible to reproduce the output image faithfully to the original, and there is a need for improvement. In addition, in the conventional technology, a warning is given to the user if there is no toner after confirming the presence or absence of toner. As there was only image processing, there was a need for improvement.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, when an image is formed by using a plurality of color developers, an optimal color is generated as the color of the input image data when a predetermined number of color developers become unusable. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving usability by quickly and easily knowing whether it is possible.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus that forms a color image according to the input image data using a plurality of color developers based on the input image data. The above object is achieved by storing, in the storage means, a color that cannot be generated when there is no developer of that color in the storage unit as color data that cannot be generated.

  In this case, for example, as described in claim 2, the image forming apparatus includes a process cartridge for each color in which at least the photosensitive member and the developing unit are integrally stored in the case, and the process cartridge includes The storage means for storing the non-generateable color data for the color of the process cartridge is mounted and mounted on the image forming apparatus to provide the non-generated color data in the storage means to the image forming apparatus. You may do.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 3, the image forming apparatus includes various units that can be used and exchanged for each color of the developer in the image forming process, and each color corresponding to each unit corresponds to the unit. A storage unit that stores a color that cannot be generated when there is no color developer as non-generationable color data is mounted for each unit, and the unit is mounted in the image forming apparatus, whereby the storage unit The non-generateable color data may be provided to the image forming apparatus.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 4, the image forming apparatus generates a combination of the remaining developers when a predetermined number of developers among the developers of the plurality of colors are not usable. An image may be formed by selecting an optimum color from among the possible colors.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 5, the image forming apparatus includes a process cartridge for each color in which at least the photosensitive member and the developing unit are integrally housed in a case and can be attached and detached, and the multi-color process is performed. When a predetermined number of process cartridges among the cartridges cannot be used, an image is formed by selecting an optimum color for the input image data from colors that can be generated by combining the remaining process cartridges. May be.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 6, the image forming apparatus includes various units that can be used and replaced for each color of the developer in the image forming step, and a unit of a predetermined number of colors among the units. When an image is not usable, an image is formed by selecting an optimum color for the input image data from among colors that can be generated by combining the colors of the developer corresponding to the remaining units. Good.

  Further, for example, when the predetermined number of developers out of the plurality of developers become unusable, the image forming apparatus warns the user to that effect. Alternatively, the user may be prompted to select whether or not to continue image formation and perform processing according to the selection.

  Further, for example, when the predetermined number of developers among the plurality of developers becomes unusable, the image forming apparatus becomes unusable. Whether or not to continue the image formation by alerting the user only when the color that could not be generated is included in the color of the input image data targeted for image formation. The user may be prompted to select whether or not to perform processing according to the selection.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when a color image corresponding to the input image data is formed using a plurality of colors of developer based on the input image data, the developer of that color is provided for each color. Colors that cannot be generated when there is no color are stored in the storage means as color data that cannot be generated, so when the developer of a predetermined number of colors becomes unusable, the optimum color for the color of the input image data Whether or not can be generated can be quickly and easily known, and usability can be improved.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, since the Example described below is a suitable Example of this invention, various technically preferable restrictions are attached | subjected, However, The scope of the present invention limits this invention especially in the following description. As long as there is no description of the effect, it is not restricted to these aspects.

  1 to 11 are diagrams showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 to which an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied. .

  In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feed unit 10, a transport belt mechanism unit 20, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), and the like disposed along a transport belt mechanism unit 20 in a main body housing 2. The process cartridges 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K for each color of cyan (C) and black (K), a writing unit 40, a fixing unit 50, a paper discharge unit 60, and the like are provided. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit that controls each unit, a motor, a drive mechanism unit that transmits a drive source to each unit driven by the motor, and various units that operate in each color image forming process.

  The paper feed unit 10 includes paper feed cassettes 11 and 12, paper feed rollers 13 and 14, a conveyance roller 15, a registration roller pair 16, and the like in which a plurality of paper P as transfer papers are loaded. The paper feed unit 10 separates the paper P in the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 one by one by the paper feed rollers 13 and 14 and a separating member (not shown) and sends them to the transport roller 15. The paper P is conveyed to the top. The registration roller pair 16 includes a paper feed clutch and the like, adjusts the timing of the fed paper P, and sends the paper P to the transport belt mechanism unit 20 at a predetermined timing.

  A manual paper feed table 17 is attached to the side surface of the main body housing 2, and the paper P set on the manual paper feed table 17 is separated and sent one by one by a paper feed roller 17a to be conveyed. The roller 15 conveys it to the registration roller pair 16.

  The transport belt mechanism unit 20 includes a transport belt 21, a plurality of rollers 22, a tension roller 23, and the like, and the transport belt 21 is stretched around the plurality of rollers 22. At least one of the rollers 22 is rotationally driven by a driving mechanism such as a motor (not shown) under the control of the control unit, so that it is rotationally driven in the counterclockwise direction (direction indicated by arrow A) in FIG. The transport belt 21 sequentially transports the paper P sent out from the paper supply unit 10 to the process cartridges 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K for each color, and the process cartridges 30Y, 30M, and 30C for each color to the transported paper P. At 30C and 30K, a yellow toner image, a magenta toner image, a cyan toner image, and a black toner image are sequentially formed on the paper P, respectively. Although not shown, the transport belt mechanism unit 20 includes a neutralization unit that neutralizes charges on the transport belt 21 and a cleaning unit 24 that cleans the transport belt 21 by removing toner remaining on the transport belt 21. Yes.

  The process cartridges 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K for the respective colors are provided with a charging unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a cleaning unit, a static eliminating unit, and the like around the photoreceptors 31Y to 31K. It is stored in the cartridge case. As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridges 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K are independent from each other, and can be pulled out and exchanged as shown for the process cartridge 30Y in FIG.

  The process cartridges 30Y to 30K are uniformly charged by the charging unit with the photoconductors 31Y to 31K that are rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG. When the modulated laser (writing light) is irradiated onto the photosensitive members 31Y to 31K for the respective colors to form the electrostatic latent images, the developing units are applied to the photosensitive members 31Y to 31K on which the electrostatic latent images are formed. Then, toners of respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are attached to form toner images of the respective colors. In the process cartridges 30Y to 30K, when the paper P is transported between the transport belt 21 and the photoconductors 31Y to 31K, the transfer portions respectively disposed on the back surface of the transport belt 21 apply a transfer potential. Then, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images on the photoreceptors 31Y to 31K are sequentially superimposed on the paper P and transferred. After the toner images have been transferred, the photoreceptors 31Y to 31K are cleaned of residual toner by the cleaning unit, neutralized by the neutralizing unit, and then charged again by the charging unit to perform the next image forming operation.

  The paper P on which the color image is formed by transferring the toner images of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) as described above is electrostatically conveyed on the conveyor belt 21. In the state of being adsorbed by the toner, the toner is further transported by the transport belt 21, separated from the transport belt 21, and transported to the fixing unit 50.

  The writing unit 40 irradiates the photoconductors 31Y to 31K with the laser beam modulated by the image data for each color from the laser light emitting unit. That is, the writing unit 40 performs a color conversion process in an image processing unit (not shown) based on the intensity level of a color separation image signal sent from a personal computer (not shown), a scanner unit (not shown), or the like. ), Magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are converted into image data of each color, and based on this image data, each writing unit 40 modulates the laser light emitted from its laser emission unit. To do. The writing unit 40 writes the latent image in the main scanning direction, which is the axial direction of the photoconductors 31Y to 31K, by rotating the polygon mirror, and the photoconductors 31Y to 31K rotate to rotate the photoconductors 31Y to 31Y. The latent image is written in the sub-scanning direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the 31K axis.

  The fixing unit 50 transfers the toner image of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and heats the paper P conveyed by the conveyance belt 21 with a heater. The toner of each color is fixed on the paper P by being heated and pressed by the fixing roller and the pressure roller, and sent to the paper discharge unit 60.

  The paper discharge unit 60 includes a plurality of paper discharge rollers 61, a switching claw 62, and the like. By rotating the switching claw 62 by a predetermined angle, the paper P is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 2a at the top of the main body housing 2. The paper is ejected by switching the paper ejection direction between the direction (indicated by arrow B in FIG. 1) and the post-processing apparatus (not shown in FIG. 1) (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body control unit 100, and the process cartridges 30 </ b> Y to 30 </ b> K include a storage element (storage unit) 35, a control unit 36, and an output control unit 37. A control board 38 provided and a toner remaining amount detection unit 39 for detecting the remaining amount of toner of each color are provided. This control board 38 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a case 31 of process cartridges 30Y to 30K. Is attached. For example, the harness from the control board 38 is connected to the main body control unit 100 via a connection part with the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 such as a drawer connector of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K.

  In the storage element 35, when there is no toner of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K or when the process cartridges 30Y to 30K cannot be used due to operation failure, data of a type of color that cannot be generated (non-generated color data), for example, As shown in FIG. 6, in FIG. 6, FIG. 6A shows the types of colors that cannot be generated when there is no black (K) toner, and FIG. Y) is a type of color that cannot be generated when there is no toner, FIG. 6C is a type of color that cannot be generated when there is no cyan (C) toner, and FIG. M) shows the types of colors that cannot be generated when there is no toner. For example, the non-generateable color data recorded in the storage element 35 of the black (K) process cartridge 30K is color data that cannot be generated without the black (K) toner. Without the toner of (), it is impossible to output all types of colors recorded in the non-generateable color data of the storage element 35 of the black process cartridge 30K.

  The control unit 36 of the process cartridges 30 </ b> Y to 30 </ b> K receives a toner remaining amount signal detected by the toner remaining amount detection unit 39, and the control unit 36 based on the detection result of the toner remaining amount detection unit 39. A toner remaining signal, a warning display signal indicating that the toner remaining amount is low and the time for replacement is approaching, and the type of color that cannot be generated when the toner of that color runs out is read from the storage element 35 and the generation is not possible. Warning information such as possible color information is output to the main body control unit 100.

  Further, the control unit 36 outputs various usage data of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K to the output control unit 37, and the output control unit 37 uses the units (process cartridges 30Y to 30K) based on the various data. Whether or not it is possible is determined, and an availability signal is output to the main body control unit 100. For example, when a signal indicating that the remaining amount of toner is sufficient is input from the control unit 36, the output control unit 37 outputs a usable signal to the main body control unit 100, and the process cartridge 30Y runs out of remaining toner. When a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred in ˜30K is input, the main body control unit 100 outputs an unusable signal to the main body control unit 100.

  The main body control unit 100 includes an internal memory (storage means), and the internal memory is necessary for executing the basic program as the image forming apparatus 1, the non-generateable color countermeasure processing program of the present invention, and each of these programs. Various kinds of data, in particular, non-generated color data similar to non-generated color data recorded in the storage elements of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K may be stored for each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

  The main body control unit 100 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 based on a program in the internal memory, executes basic processing as the image forming apparatus 1, and executes non-generation-problem handling processing described later. Warning display on the display of the operation display section, lighting / flashing processing of warning lamps such as LEDs, processing for selecting an optimum color, processing for notifying warning information to a personal computer that has requested printing (not shown), process cartridge 30Y -30K operation / operation stop processing is performed.

  The color data that cannot be generated is not limited to storage in the storage elements of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K, the internal memory of the main body control unit 100, and the like. For example, it can be used and replaced for each developer color in the image forming process. Colorless data may be stored for each of various units.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when one or more of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K becomes unusable due to lack of toner or the like, or a unit related to a specific color becomes unusable, the process becomes unusable. A warning that clearly indicates the color of the cartridges 30Y to 30K units that cannot be generated is given, and image formation is performed in which the color is complemented with another color.

  That is, each of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K determines whether or not each process cartridge 30Y to 30K can be used based on the amount of toner remaining from the toner remaining amount detecting unit 39. To the main body control unit 100 and cannot be generated when there is no toner of the color of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K that has become unusable and is stored in advance in the storage element 35 of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K. Color data that cannot be generated is output to the main body control unit 100. In addition, when each unit becomes unusable due to malfunction or the like, it outputs an unusable sign to the main body control unit 100 and the color of the unusable unit stored in advance in the storage element of the unit. When the toner is not present, non-generateable color data that is non-generateable color data is output to the main body control unit 100.

  The main body control unit 100 makes it impossible to generate color data when the process cartridges 30Y to 30K and units cannot be used, and the color toners of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K and units that have become unusable cannot be used. When (non-generateable color data) is acquired from the storage element 35 of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K or the storage element of the unit, non-generateable color handling processing is executed based on the non-generateable color data.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when image data (output data) is sent from an external device such as a computer, the main body control unit 100 accepts the image data (step S101), and the process cartridge 30Y. It is checked whether or not there is a toner color that cannot be used because an unusable signal is input from 30K or from the unit (step S102).

  When there is no unusable toner color in step S102, the main body control unit 100 sends the received image data to the writing unit 40 to perform normal image formation, and ends the processing (step S103).

  If there is an unusable toner color in step S102, the main body control unit 100 displays a warning message on the display of an external device such as a personal computer that has issued a print request, or displays the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. A warning is generated by a method such as displaying a warning message on the display of the printing unit, and whether or not printing is continued is confirmed (step S104). In this confirmation of printing, for example, an inquiry message such as “Black toner cannot be used. Therefore, the image cannot be faithfully reproduced but will be output” is displayed, and whether or not to continue the output as it is to the user. Make an inquiry. The type of warning is not limited to the above message. For example, all the colors that cannot be output are taught, and a message stating "Do you want to continue output?", That is, there are colors that cannot be generated by the user. A warning or the like for selecting whether to continue the output may be given.

  When the user selects to continue printing regardless of the warning in step S104, the main body control unit 100 sends the received image data to the writing unit 40 to perform normal image formation, and ends the processing. (Step S103).

  In step S104, when the user selects to cancel printing in response to the warning, the main body control unit 100 ends the process without printing the received image data.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment uses a plurality of color developers based on input image data to form a color image corresponding to the input image data. A color that cannot be generated when there is no developer is stored in the internal memory of the main body control unit 100 as color data that cannot be generated.

  Accordingly, when a predetermined number of colors of developer becomes unusable, it is possible to quickly and easily know whether or not an optimal color for the color can be generated in the input image data. Can be improved.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 with the process cartridges 30 </ b> Y to 30 </ b> K having the storage element 35 storing non-generationable color data for the colors of the process cartridges 30 </ b> Y to 30 </ b> K. As a result, the non-generateable color data in the storage element 35 is provided to the image forming apparatus 1.

  Accordingly, when a predetermined number of colors of developer becomes unusable, it is possible to quickly and easily know whether or not an optimal color for the color can be generated in the input image data. Since it is only necessary to collect non-generated color data from the storage elements 30Y to 30K, it is not necessary to store / process a large amount of data in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, and the cost of the image forming apparatus 1 itself can be reduced.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is generated when there is no developer of the corresponding color for each color corresponding to the color of the unit in various replaceable units used for the developer color in the image forming process. A storage element that stores a color that cannot be generated as non-generateable color data is mounted in each unit, and the unit is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1 so that non-generated color data in the storage element is image-formed. The device 1 is provided.

  Therefore, when any unit stops moving for some reason and a color corresponding to the unit stops appearing, it is possible to easily determine a color that cannot be generated without the color and to store the unit. Since it is only necessary to collect the color data that cannot be generated from the elements, it is not necessary to store / process a large amount of data in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, and the cost of the image forming apparatus 1 itself can be reduced.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment is optimal from among colors that can be generated by combining the remaining developers when a predetermined number of developers among a plurality of color developers cannot be used. An image is formed by selecting a color.

  Accordingly, when the user wants to output data or an image, it can be output at any time, and the period during which the image forming apparatus 1 cannot be used can be shortened as much as possible. Further, since a color close to the color of the input image data is output, image degradation can be suppressed.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment combines the remaining process cartridges 30Y to 30K when a predetermined number of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K among the plurality of color process cartridges 30Y to 30K cannot be used. An image is formed by selecting an optimum color for the input image data from among the colors that can be generated.

  Therefore, even if one of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K has reached the end of its service life or the like, it can be used without stopping the image forming apparatus 1, and usability can be improved. Further, since a color close to the color of the input image data is output, image degradation can be suppressed.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the remaining units are used when a predetermined number of color units among the various units that can be used and replaced for each developer color in the image forming process cannot be used. The image is formed by selecting the optimum color for the input image data from the colors that can be generated by combining the developer colors corresponding to the above.

  Therefore, even if one of the units stops moving due to a failure or the like, the image forming apparatus 1 can be used without being stopped, and the usability can be improved. Further, since a color close to the color of the input image data is output, image degradation can be suppressed.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment warns the user when a predetermined number of developers out of a plurality of developers cannot be used, and determines whether to continue image formation. The user is prompted to make a selection, and processing is performed according to the selection.

  Therefore, user dissatisfaction due to image degradation can be eliminated, and image formation can be performed as necessary to improve the usability of the image forming apparatus 1.

  In the above description, the image forming apparatus 1 immediately generates a warning when an unusable signal is input from the process cartridges 30Y to 30K or the unit and there is an unusable toner color. The generation timing is not limited to the above timing. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the received image data cannot be generated due to the presence of the unusable color. A warning may be generated only when a color that cannot be generated is included in the image data. In FIG. 8, the same processing steps as those in FIG. 7 are given the same step numbers.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, when image data (output data) is sent from an external device such as a computer or a scanner unit, the main body control unit 100 accepts the image data (step S101), and the process cartridge It is checked whether or not there is a toner color that cannot be used because an unusable signal is input from 30Y to 30K or from the unit (step S102).

  When there is no unusable toner color in step S102, the main body control unit 100 sends the received image data to the writing unit 40 to perform normal image formation, and ends the processing (step S103).

  If there is a toner color that cannot be used in step S102, the main body control unit 100 includes the storage element 35 of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K that are disabled in the output data (accepted image data). It is checked whether or not the non-generateable color data stored in the storage element of another replaceable unit or the internal memory of the main body control unit 100 is included (step S201), and when there is no unusable color in the output data The received image data is sent to the writing unit 40 to perform normal image formation, and the process is terminated (step S103).

  If there is an unusable color in the output data in step S201, the main body control unit 100 displays a warning message on the display of an external device such as a computer that has requested printing, or operates the image forming apparatus 1. A warning is generated by a method such as displaying a warning message on the display of the display unit, and whether or not printing is continued is confirmed (step S104).

  When the user selects to continue printing regardless of the warning in step S104, the main body control unit 100 sends the received image data to the writing unit 40 to perform normal image formation, and ends the processing. (Step S103).

  In step S104, when selected by the user who has made printing in response to the warning, the main body control unit 100 ends the process without printing the received image data.

  In this way, it is possible to output the image after confirming and understanding the color output by the user, and it is possible to eliminate the dissatisfaction of the user due to the image deterioration. In addition, if there are no uncreatable colors in the original color, the image can be output without changing from the normal state, and the user is not warned. Can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the process cartridges 30Y to 30K or units of the corresponding color are stored in the storage elements 35 of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K, the storage elements of other replaceable units, or the internal memory of the main body control unit 100. Is stored as non-generateable color data, but the content stored in the storage element or internal memory is not limited to this non-generateable color data. As shown in FIG. 9, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan for each surface color (brown, purple, black, etc.) that can be generated by combining the colors of the process cartridges 30Y-30K. Stores color data that can be generated by mixing which color of (C) and black (K) and which color can be generated. It may be so.

  In this case, when any one of black (K), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) becomes unusable, the main body control unit 100 generates color data that can be generated as shown in FIG. Next, the type of color that cannot be output is determined. Next, the color that cannot be generated from the “color-coded distribution diagram” shown in FIG. Start searching for the closest color from the first group. Next, when there is no color closest to the first group, the main body control unit 100 searches for a color close to the second group, and when not in the second group, a color close to the third group. Then, the main body control unit 100 selects and outputs the closest color from the colors that can be generated.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the process cartridges 30Y to 30K and units of the corresponding color are stored in the storage elements 35 of the process cartridges 30Y to 30K, the storage elements of other replaceable units, or the internal memory of the main body control unit 100. Is stored as non-generateable color data, but the content stored in the storage element or internal memory is not limited to this non-generateable color data. As shown in FIG. 11, in the case of the image forming apparatus 1 that uses toners of four colors (K, Y, C, M), W, X, Y, and Z correspond to K, Y, C, and M, respectively. If there are 4 colors (KYCM), 3 colors (XYZ is 3 colors in KYCM), 2 colors (XY is 2 colors in KYCM), 1 color (any one of KYCM) In this case, the list is stored in a table, which toner is unusable and which toner is usable, and a group of colors that can be generated is selected from the table data. Then, after selecting a group of colors, an optimum color may be selected from the “color classification distribution diagram” of FIG. 10 and output.

  The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.

  The present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus that forms an image with a color similar to the color of the original drawing when one or a plurality of process cartridges or units cannot be used.

1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus to which an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a process cartridge portion of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a state in which the process cartridge of FIG. 2 is pulled out. FIG. 2 is a main circuit block diagram of the image forming apparatus and process cartridge of FIG. 1. The perspective view of the process cartridge in the state where the control board is attached. The figure which shows an example of the non-production | generation color data memorize | stored in the memory element etc. of the process cartridge. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a non-generating color handling process by the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another process of non-generationable color handling processing by the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. The figure which shows an example of the color data which can be produced | generated memorize | stored in the memory element etc. of the process cartridge. The figure which shows an example of a color-coded distribution chart in the case of looking for the color nearest to the color which became impossible to produce | generate from the distribution group to which the color which became impossible to produce | generate belongs. The figure which shows an example of the non-generationable color data of the color kind which cannot be produced | generated by the combination of each color memorize | stored in the memory element etc. of the process cartridge.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Main body housing | casing 2a Paper discharge tray 10 Paper feed part 11,12 Paper feed cassette 13,14 Paper feed roller 15 Conveyance roller 16 Registration roller pair 17 Manual feed table 17a Paper feed roller P Paper 20 Conveyance belt mechanism Unit 21 Conveying belt 22 Roller 23 Tension roller 24 Cleaning unit 30Y, 30M, 30C, 30K Process cartridge 31Y to 31K Photoconductor 35 Storage element 36 Control unit 37 Output control unit 38 Control board 39 Toner remaining amount detection unit 40 Writing unit 50 Fixing unit 60 Paper discharge unit 61 Paper discharge roller 62 Switching claw 100

Claims (8)

  In an image forming apparatus that uses a plurality of colors of developer based on input image data and forms a color image according to the input image data, the image forming apparatus generates each color when there is no developer of that color. An image forming apparatus, wherein a color that cannot be generated is stored in a storage unit as non-generated color data.   The image forming apparatus includes at least a photosensitive member and a developing unit that are integrally housed in a case and includes a detachable process cartridge for each color, and the process cartridge stores the color data that cannot be generated for the color of the process cartridge. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage unit configured to provide the image forming apparatus with the non-generateable color data stored in the storage unit. .   The image forming apparatus includes various units that can be used and replaced for each color of the developer in the image forming process, and cannot be generated when there is no developer of the color for each color corresponding to each unit. A storage unit that stores colors as non-generated color data is mounted for each unit, and the unit is mounted in the image forming apparatus, whereby the non-generated color data in the storage unit is stored in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is provided.   The image forming apparatus selects an optimum color from colors that can be generated by combining the remaining developers when a predetermined number of the developers among the plurality of colors of developers are not usable. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image is formed.   The image forming apparatus includes a process cartridge for each color in which at least a photosensitive member and a developing unit are integrally stored in a case, and a predetermined number of process cartridges among the plurality of color process cartridges cannot be used. 4. An image is formed by selecting an optimum color for the input image data from among colors that can be generated by combining the remaining process cartridges in a state. The image forming apparatus described.   The image forming apparatus includes various units that can be used and replaced for each color of the developer in the image forming process, and when the units of a predetermined number of colors among the units are in an unusable state, the remaining units 4. The image is formed by selecting an optimum color for the input image data from among colors that can be generated by combining the colors of the developer corresponding to the above. 5. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus warns the user when a predetermined number of developers out of the plurality of developers become unusable and prompts the user to select whether or not to continue image formation. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein processing is performed in accordance with the selection. In the image forming apparatus, when a predetermined number of developers out of the plurality of developers becomes unusable, a color that cannot be generated because the developer becomes unusable is image formed. Only when it is included in the color of the input image data that is the target of the image, the user is warned to that effect, and is prompted to select whether or not to continue image formation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

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