JP2006251102A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which efficiently reduces developer consumption while maintaining fine image quality. <P>SOLUTION: A color copying apparatus 10 performs toner saving processing for recording a color image on a sheet while reducing the consumption of developers in accordance with the residuals of developers of respective colors in the case of recording the color image on the sheet on the basis of color image data by using the developers of the plurality of colors, for instance, toner saving processing for reducing the consumption of all toners at a toner saving ratio set for the residual of the toner whose residual is least out of the residuals of respective color toners. Therefore developer consumption can be efficiently and inexpensively reduced while maintaining fine image quality. <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 efficiently reduces the amount of developer used while improving image quality.

  In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a laser printer, a digital copying machine, and a plain paper facsimile apparatus, various systems have been proposed in order to reduce a developer such as toner (hereinafter referred to as toner).

  For example, a method for generating a mask pattern in dot units, superimposing the mask pattern on image data and capturing a logical product, reducing the number of pixels to reduce toner consumption, and determining the recording density of the pixels themselves in advance For example, there is a method of changing the recording density.

  The applicant first creates a toner save pattern corresponding to the resolution set by the host or the resolution when the original is read, and assigns the created toner save pattern to the print output data. Thus, a print control apparatus that reduces toner consumption while suppressing deterioration in image quality by performing toner save is proposed (see Patent Document 1).

  Conventionally, a technique for starting toner saving when the remaining amount of toner is reduced has been proposed (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-213028 JP-A-8-202212

  However, the above prior arts need to be improved in order to reduce the consumption of the developer inexpensively and efficiently.

  That is, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, since a toner save pattern is generated according to the resolution, the circuit configuration may be complicated and expensive. Since toner saving is performed only when the remaining amount of toner is reduced, the amount of toner reduction is insufficient, and there is a need for improvement in order to substantially reduce toner consumption.

  Therefore, the present invention performs development efficiently and inexpensively while improving image quality by performing developer reduction processing that appropriately reduces the amount of developer used according to the remaining amount of developer of each color. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that reduces the amount of agent used and saves resources.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus for recording and outputting a color image on paper based on color image data using a plurality of color developers, and a remaining amount of the developer for each color. Accordingly, the above object is achieved by performing a developer reduction recording process in which the amount of the developer used is reduced and the color image is recorded and output on the paper.

  In this case, for example, as described in claim 2, when the remaining amount of the developer of any one color among the developers of the respective colors becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the image forming apparatus The developer reduction recording process may be executed.

  For example, as described in claim 3, the image forming apparatus has a developer reduction rate set in advance with respect to the remaining amount of developer of each color, and as the developer reduction recording process, According to the remaining amount of developer with the smallest remaining amount among the developers of the respective colors, developer reduction recording for reducing the usage amount of all the developers at the reduction rate set for the remaining amount Processing may be performed.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 4, in the image forming apparatus, the plurality of developers are cyan, magenta, yellow, and black developers, and the developer that is equal to or less than the specified amount is cyan, When the developer is either magenta or yellow, the black and white image may be recorded and output without performing the developer reduction recording process.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 5, the image forming apparatus is configured to change the developer reduction rate and reduce the developer according to the color image data according to an image type such as a photographic image or a character image. The recording process may be switched between valid / invalid.

  Further, for example, in the image forming apparatus, the prescribed amount may be set as appropriate.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 7, the image forming apparatus may be capable of appropriately setting a reduction rate of the developer.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when a color image is recorded and output on a sheet based on color image data using a plurality of color developers, the developer according to the remaining amount of each color developer Since the developer reduction recording process that records and outputs color images on paper by reducing the amount of toner used, the amount of developer used can be reduced efficiently and inexpensively while improving the image quality. Resources can be saved.

  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 3 are diagrams showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a system configuration of a network system 1 and a color copying apparatus to which an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied. 10 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of an example of FIG.

  In the network system 1, a color copying apparatus 10 and a plurality (one in FIG. 1) of terminals T are connected to a network NW. The color copying apparatus 10 is connected to each terminal T via the network NW. In response to the print request, print processing is performed based on the print data of the print request, and image data of the read original is transmitted to the terminal T.

  The color copying apparatus 10 includes a printer unit 11, a scanner unit 12, an input / output unit 13, a printer controller 14, and the like.

  The printer controller 14 includes a printer I / F 15, a scanner I / F 16, an input / output I / F 17, a host I / F (HOST I / F) 18, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 19, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 20, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 21, a code conversion unit 22, an automatic gradation correction control unit 23, and the like. Main components of the printer controller 14 are connected by a bus 24.

  The printer unit 11 is connected to the printer I / F 15 of the printer controller 14 and the like, according to control from a copier controller (not shown) mounted on the printer controller 14 and the color copying apparatus 10 via the printer I / F 15 and the like. Various operations such as an image read by the scanner device 12 and an image sent from the terminal T via the network NW are performed on the image printing, and cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) , Black (K) color developer is used and recorded on paper in full color. In particular, the printer unit 11 of the color copying apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment uses four color toners of CMYK as a developer, and records and outputs a full color image on a sheet by electrophotography.

  The scanner unit 12 is connected to a scanner I / F 16 or the like of the printer controller 14, and is controlled via a scanner I / F 16 or the like from a copier controller (not shown) mounted on the printer controller 14 or the color copying apparatus 10. An original image reading operation is performed to read a color original in color.

  The input / output unit 13 is an operation display unit such as a liquid crystal display, various buttons, and a touch panel. The input / output unit 13 receives input from the copier controller mounted on the printer controller 14 or the color copying apparatus 10 via the input / output I / F 17 of the printer controller 14. Depending on the control, the display operation of the liquid crystal display, the input contents of the liquid crystal display and various buttons, etc. are transferred to each controller. The liquid crystal display displays various status information, selection items, and the like of the color copying apparatus 10 and has a touch panel function, accepts input from the screen, and outputs it to the printer controller 14 and the copier controller. The various buttons also include operation buttons for performing various settings of the numeric keypad and the color copying apparatus 10.

  The printer I / F 15 is an I / F that connects the printer controller 14 and the printer unit 11, transfers control information from the printer controller 14 to the printer unit 11, and print mode, print image data, and the like from the printer unit 11 to the printer controller 14. Transfer to.

  The scanner I / F 16 is an I / F that connects the printer controller 14 and the scanner device 12, transfers control information from the printer controller 14 to the scanner device 12, and transfers read image data and the like from the scanner device 12 to the printer controller 14. Etc.

  The input / output I / F 17 is an I / F that connects the printer controller 14 and the input / output unit 13, transfers the display control information from the printer controller 14 to the input / output unit 13, and the printer controller for the input contents in the input / output unit 13. 14 or the like.

  A network NW is connected to the host / F 18, and the host / F 18 connects the printer controller 14 and the terminal T via the network NW. That is, the host / F 18 receives a print request or image data from the terminal T, or transmits a control signal from the printer controller 14.

  The ROM 20 stores various programs such as a basic program of the color copying apparatus 10 and a developer save control processing program to be described later, dither data of various printing modes, γ data of each color, and other fonts used for printing a text portion of a printed document. Etc. are stored.

  The CPU 19 operates based on a program stored in the ROM 20, operates by extracting various necessary data from the RAM 21 and the ROM 20, and transfers to the printer unit 11 based on image data received via the host / F 18. The control code is calculated, and the operation screen display and setting process of the input / output unit 13 is performed.

  The RAM 21 stores variable data, and the RAM 21 is used to store γ data and correction values of each color updated by automatic gradation correction, various setting data used in the developer saving process described later, and the like. It is also used as a work area for the CPU 19.

  The code conversion unit 22 converts the image data into various image modes as necessary.

  The automatic gradation correction control unit 23 generates image data based on γ data stored in the ROM 20 or correction values stored in the RAM 21.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The color copying apparatus 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment performs toner save processing in which the toner save rate is controlled according to the remaining amount of toner that is a developer.

  In the color copying apparatus 10, for example, toner save rate data as shown in FIG. 2 is stored in the ROM 20 or RAM 21, and this toner save rate data has an output value (density value) with respect to an input value of image data. The toner save rate that reduces the amount of toner consumed by suppressing is shown, and during printing where normal toner save does not take place, the output value changes along the input value in a state along the curve A. When the toner save function is valid, the output value changes along one of the curve B, the curve C, the curve D, and the curve E according to the remaining amount of toner of the CMYK four color toners that is the least. This saves toner. This curve B is a toner save curve when the remaining amount of toner is 80 to 100%, 90% of the toner is saved, and curve C is a toner save curve when the remaining amount of toner is 60 to 80%. % Toner save is applied, curve D is a toner save curve when the toner remaining amount is 40-60%, 70% toner save is applied, and curve E is when the toner remaining amount is 0-40%. The toner save curve takes 60% toner save.

  These toner save rates can be appropriately set by the user from the operation display unit of the input / output unit 13L. For example, when the toner save rate is always suppressed to 80% regardless of the remaining amount of toner. In addition, an infinite combination can be set as appropriate.

  Then, the color copying apparatus 10 executes toner save control processing as shown in FIG. That is, when there is an image print request from the terminal T (Step S101), the color copying apparatus 10 checks the remaining amount of toner for each color of CMYK (Step S102), and the remaining amount of toner for all colors is sufficient. If there is, a normal printing process without toner save is performed (step S103), and the process ends.

  In step S102, if at least one of the CMYK toners is less than the specified amount, the CCU 19 checks the remaining amount of black K toner (step S104).

  If the black K toner is less than the specified amount in step S104, the CCU 19 determines the type of image data as necessary (setting), for example, normal printing in which toner image is not saved, and other parts. (Text portion or the like) performs a distribution process for performing toner save (step S105), performs toner save printing based on the data subjected to the distribution process (step S106), and ends the process.

  In step S104, when the amount of black K toner is larger than the specified amount, the CCU 19 checks whether the print data is a monochrome image or a color image (step S107). Normal printing without toner saving is performed (step S108), and the process ends.

  In step S107, if the print data is a color image, the CCU 19 proceeds to step S105 to perform distribution processing for performing toner saving (step S105), and toner save based on the data subjected to the distribution processing. Printing is performed (step S106), and the process is terminated.

  As described above, the color copying apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment uses a plurality of color developers, and records and outputs a color image on paper based on the color image data, according to the remaining amount of developer for each color. Thus, a developer reduction recording process for recording and outputting a color image on a sheet by reducing the amount of the developer used is performed.

  Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of developer used efficiently and inexpensively while improving the image quality, and it is possible to save resources.

  Further, the color copying apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment executes the toner saving process when the remaining amount of any one of the toners of each color is equal to or less than a preset specified amount.

  Therefore, the toner save process can be automatically performed according to the remaining amount of toner, and the remaining printable number of sheets can be increased.

  Further, in the color copying apparatus 10 of this embodiment, a toner reduction rate (toner save rate) is set in advance with respect to the remaining amount of toner of each color, and the remaining amount of toner of each color is the most as toner save processing. In accordance with the remaining amount of toner with a small amount of toner, toner save processing is performed to reduce the use amount of all toners at a toner save rate set for the remaining amount of toner.

  Therefore, the toner save process can be always performed according to the remaining amount of toner, and the remaining number of printable sheets can be increased.

  In the color copying apparatus 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of toners are cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toners, and the toner that is equal to or less than the specified amount is cyan, magenta, or yellow toner. For black and white images, the black and white images are recorded and output without toner save processing.

  Therefore, necessary black and white images can be appropriately recorded and output, and the visibility of the images can be improved as much as possible.

  Further, the color copying apparatus 10 of the present embodiment changes the toner reduction rate and switches between valid / invalid of the toner save process according to the image type of the color image data such as a photographic image and a character image.

  Therefore, for example, toner save processing is invalidated for parts where reproducibility is important, such as photographic parts, and toner save processing is performed for parts that do not pose a significant problem even if there is a slight change in color, such as text. Effectively, the toner can be efficiently saved while improving the reproducibility and quality of the image.

  Further, the color copying apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can appropriately set the specified amount, and can appropriately set the toner reduction rate (toner save rate).

  Therefore, the toner consumption and the image quality can be set according to the user's usage environment, the purpose of use of the image, and the like, and the usability can be improved.

  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 a color image forming apparatus such as a color printer, a color copying apparatus, or a color composite apparatus that always reduces the consumption of developer while considering image quality and reduces running cost.

1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a network system to which an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied and a block configuration of an example of a color copying apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a toner save rate according to a toner remaining amount. 2 is a flowchart showing developer saving processing by the color copying apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network system 10 Color copying apparatus 11 Printer part 12 Scanner part 13 Input / output part 14 Printer controller 15 Printer I / F
16 Scanner I / F
17 Input / output I / F
18 Host I / F (HOST I / F)
19 CPU
20 ROM
21 RAM
22 Code conversion unit 23 Automatic gradation correction control unit 24 Bus

Claims (7)

  In an image forming apparatus that records and outputs a color image on paper based on color image data using a plurality of color developers, the usage amount of the developer is reduced according to the remaining amount of each color developer. An image forming apparatus that performs developer reduction recording processing for recording and outputting the color image on the paper.   The image forming apparatus executes the developer reduction recording process when the remaining amount of the developer of any one of the colors becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount set in advance. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1.   In the image forming apparatus, a developer reduction rate is set in advance with respect to the remaining amount of the developer of each color, and as the developer reduction recording process, development with the least remaining amount of the developer of each color is performed. The developer reduction recording process for reducing the usage amount of all the developer at the reduction rate set for the remaining amount is performed according to the remaining amount of the developer. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 2.   In the image forming apparatus, the plurality of developers are cyan, magenta, yellow, and black developers, and the developer that is not more than the specified amount is one of cyan, magenta, and yellow. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the black and white image is recorded and output without performing the developer reduction recording process.   The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the color image data changes the developer reduction rate and switches between valid / invalid of the developer reduction recording process according to an image type such as a photographic image or a character image. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the prescribed amount can be set as appropriate. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reduction rate of the developer can be set as appropriate.

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