JP2008265111A - Image forming apparatus, and print control method and program of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which does not forbid use immediately when a nongenuine consumable unit is attached but can limit print action only when there is a risk of malfunction causing a disadvantage for the user. <P>SOLUTION: A genuine/nongenuine judging means 261 judges whether a consumable unit is genuine or not, and a number of print sheet judging means 261 judges whether the cumulative value of the number of print sheets or a numerical value per unit period exceeded a reference value or not. When a judgment is made that the consumable unit is nongenuine and the cumulative value of the number of print sheets or a numerical value per unit period exceeded a reference value, a control means 261 limits print action by an imaging means 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) which is a multi-function digital multifunction peripheral in which these functions are integrated, a print control method for the image forming apparatus, and a print control program.

  In the image forming apparatus as described above, a consumable unit such as a toner cartridge or an imaging unit is used. These consumable units have consumables such as toner consumed by repeated printing operations for printing data to be printed, and photosensitive drums whose performance deteriorates due to repeated printing operations. When all the items are consumed or when the product reaches the end of its life, it is replaced with a new consumable unit.

  Regarding the consumable unit of the image forming apparatus, there are a genuine product provided by the manufacturer of the image forming device and a non-genuine product provided by a third party called a third party. A non-genuine product is often manufactured by filling a consumable unit of a genuine product that has been used with a new consumable product manufactured by a third party or by replacing it with a new consumable product. For example, in the case of a toner cartridge, a genuine toner cartridge that has run out of toner is often collected by a third party, refilled with toner that is produced independently, and shipped as a compatible product.

  Generally, consumables manufactured by a third party may vary in quality compared to genuine products, and there may be a problem in matching with an image forming apparatus to be mounted.

Therefore, conventionally, there has been provided a technique for prohibiting printing when a non-genuine consumable unit is mounted on an image forming apparatus (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-195705 A

  However, even if there is a problem with consumables manufactured by a third party, if the number of printed sheets is small, there is little risk of problems that would be detrimental to the user, such as failure of the image forming apparatus and performance degradation. When the number of sheets increases or a large amount of printing is performed in a short period of time, it is considered that there is a high possibility that a problem will occur.

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 may impede the user's free selection because printing is prohibited regardless of the number of printed sheets when a non-genuine product is mounted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when a non-genuine consumable unit is mounted, the use is not immediately prohibited, but there is a risk of causing a disadvantage that causes a disadvantage to the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, a print control method for the image forming apparatus, and a print control program capable of restricting a printing operation only when it comes out.

  The above problem is solved by the following means.

  (1) Whether or not the consumable unit that has a consumable unit that is exchangeably mounted and is consumed by the repetition of the printing operation is a genuine product and a non-consumable product unit that performs a printing operation for printing data to be printed on paper. A genuine / non-genuine discriminating means for discriminating whether the product is a genuine product, a counting means for counting the number of printed sheets as the number of times of the printing operation, and a cumulative value or a numerical value per unit period of the counted printed number The number of printed sheets determining means for determining whether or not the value has been exceeded and the genuine / non-genuine determining means determine that the consumable unit is a non-genuine product, and the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets or the numerical value per unit period is An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that restricts a printing operation by the image forming unit when it is determined that the reference value is exceeded.

  (2) The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the limitation of the printing operation is prohibition of printing.

  (3) The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the restriction of the printing operation is restriction of an executable printing mode and / or restriction of a printing speed.

  (4) a step of determining whether a consumable unit that is mounted in a replaceable manner and has a consumable unit that is consumed by repetition of a printing operation for printing print target data on paper is a genuine product or a non-genuine product; A step of counting the number of printed sheets that is the number of times of the printing operation, a step of determining whether a cumulative value of the counted number of printed sheets or a numerical value per unit period exceeds a reference value, and the consumable unit And a step of restricting a printing operation when it is determined that the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets or the numerical value per unit period exceeds a reference value. A print control method for an image forming apparatus.

  (5) a step of determining whether a consumable unit that is mounted in a replaceable manner and has a consumable that is consumed by repetition of a printing operation for printing print target data on paper is a genuine product or a non-genuine product; A step of counting the number of printed sheets that is the number of times of the printing operation, a step of determining whether a cumulative value of the counted number of printed sheets or a numerical value per unit period exceeds a reference value, and the consumable unit Is determined to be a non-genuine product and the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets or the numerical value per unit period is determined to exceed a reference value, the step of restricting the printing operation is performed. A print control program to be executed by a computer.

  According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (1), when it is determined that the mounted consumable unit is a non-genuine product and the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets or the value per unit period exceeds the reference value, In this case, the printing operation is limited only when there is a risk that a malfunction that adversely affects the user, such as a failure of the image forming apparatus or a decrease in performance, may occur. For this reason, the occurrence of these defects can be effectively suppressed, and non-genuine consumable units can be used in the same way as genuine products until the cumulative number of printed sheets or the value per unit period exceeds the reference value. Since it can be used, the user can make a free choice in consideration of price and quality.

  According to the invention described in item (2) above, if the consumable unit installed is a non-genuine product and the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets or the numerical value per unit period exceeds the reference value, printing is performed. Operation is prohibited.

  According to the invention described in (3) above, if the consumable unit installed is a non-genuine product and the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets or the numerical value per unit period exceeds the reference value, it is executed. Possible printing mode restrictions and / or printing speed restrictions are imposed.

  According to the invention described in (4) above, if it is determined that the consumable unit is a non-genuine product, and the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets or the numerical value per unit period exceeds the reference value, the printing operation Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of problems that are disadvantageous to the user. Also, until the cumulative number of printed sheets or the value per unit period exceeds the reference value, the non-genuine consumable unit can be used in the same way as the genuine product, so the user is free to consider the price and quality. You can make a choice.

  According to the invention described in (5) above, the process for determining whether the consumable unit mounted in a replaceable manner is a genuine product or a non-genuine product, the process for counting the number of printed sheets, which is the number of printing operations, is counted. Processing to determine whether the cumulative number of printed sheets or the numerical value per unit period has exceeded the reference value, and if the consumable unit is determined to be a non-genuine product and the numerical value exceeds the reference value, printing is performed. Processing for restricting the operation can be executed by the computer of the image forming apparatus.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) which is a multifunction digital multi-function peripheral is used as the image forming apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a scanner unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a paper feeding unit 4, a paper discharge tray 5, and the like.

  The scanner unit 2 includes a CCD sensor 6 and reads a document set on an automatic document feeder or platen glass (both not shown).

  The image forming unit 3 performs a printing operation of printing image data of a document read by the scanner unit 2 or print data transmitted from the outside on a sheet. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 10Y 10M, 10C and 10K, toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C and 8K, an intermediate transfer belt 7, an exposure unit 14, a polygon mirror 15, a transport roller 18, a secondary transfer roller 19, a fixing device 20, and the like.

  The imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are for forming an electrostatic latent image with a toner to form a toner image. Yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K ) For each color. Each of the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K includes a rotatable photosensitive drum 11, a charger 13 that charges the photosensitive drum 11, and an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. A developing device 12 or the like for forming a toner image by attaching toner is provided, and these components are configured as one unit.

  The photosensitive drums 11 and the like included in the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are consumables that gradually deteriorate in performance due to repeated printing operations and eventually reach the end of their lives. For this reason, each of the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is a consumable unit that is replaced with a new imaging unit when the consumable reaches the end of its life, and is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 in a replaceable manner. The replacement is performed by opening the front door 21 of the image forming apparatus 1. Each imaging unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is provided with a memory chip 22, and information about the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is registered in the memory chip 22, respectively. .

  The toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K store toners corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. Supply to imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C and 10K.

  The toner of each color accommodated in the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K is a consumable that is consumed by repeating the printing operation. Therefore, each of the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K is a consumable unit that can be replaced with a new toner cartridge when the toner runs out, and can be replaced by opening the front door 21 of the image forming apparatus 1. It is attached to. Each of the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K is provided with a memory chip 9 in which information about the toner cartridge is registered, which will be described in detail later.

  The intermediate transfer belt 7 primarily transfers the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 11 of the four imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K in a superimposed state. And the driven roller 17 and is driven to rotate in a fixed direction by the rotation of the driving roller 16.

  The exposure unit 14 forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by irradiating the charged photosensitive drum 11 of each imaging unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K with laser light.

  The polygon mirror 15 deflects the laser light emitted from the exposure unit 14 and scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 11.

  The transport roller 18 transports the paper supplied from the paper supply unit 4 to the secondary transfer position. The secondary transfer roller 19 transfers the toner image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 7 onto the sheet conveyed by the conveying roller 18, and the fixing device 20 is transferred to the sheet. The toner image is fixed.

  The paper feed unit 4 stores paper for each type, and when a print instruction is given, the paper is taken out from the paper feed unit 4 one by one and conveyed to the secondary transfer position by the conveyance roller 18.

  The recording paper on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 20 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 5.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an MFP controller unit 26, an engine control unit 27, a storage unit 28, a backup memory 29, an operation panel, in addition to the scanner unit 2, the image forming unit 3, and the front door 21 described above. A part 30 and a front door opening / closing sensor 31 are provided.

  Since the scanner unit 2, the image forming unit 3, and the front door 21 have already been described, description thereof will be omitted.

  The MFP controller unit 26 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 in an integrated manner, and includes a CPU 261, a ROM 262, and the like.

  The CPU 261 implements control performed by the MFP controller unit 26 by executing a program stored in the ROM 262. Specifically, in addition to controlling the scanner unit 2, the engine control unit 27, the storage unit 28, the operation panel unit 30 and the like, in this embodiment, the following control is performed. That is, the CPU 261 has a counter function, counts the number of printed sheets every time a printing operation is performed by the image forming unit 3, and stores the accumulated value in the backup memory 29.

  The CPU 261 determines whether the consumable units such as the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K and the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K that are mounted are genuine products based on information from the engine control unit 27. Determine if it is a non-genuine product. In this embodiment, the genuine product refers to a product provided by a manufacturer of the image forming apparatus, and the non-genuine product refers to a product provided by a third party other than the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus.

  Further, the CPU 261 has a clock function so that the elapsed time since the start of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 can be known. When it is determined that at least one of the mounted consumable units is not a genuine product, From the accumulated value of the number of printed sheets stored in the backup memory 29 and the elapsed period, the number of printed sheets within a certain period, for example, the average number of printed sheets per month since the start of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is calculated. Save in the memory 29. Further, it is determined whether or not the calculated number of printed sheets exceeds the reference value, and based on the result, the printing operation for the image forming unit 3 is controlled via the engine control unit 27.

  The ROM 262 stores programs executed by the CPU 261 and other data.

  The engine control unit 27 communicates with the MFP controller unit 26 and controls the printing operation by the image forming unit 3 in accordance with a command from the MFP controller unit 26. In this embodiment, when the front door opening / closing sensor 31 that detects opening / closing of the front door 21 transmits a signal indicating that the front door 21 has been opened / closed, the engine control unit 27 transmits the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M. , 8C and 8K memory chips 9, and further, the reproduction information described later is read by communicating with the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K memory chips 22, and the read reproduction information is sent to the CPU 261. Yes.

  The storage unit 28 includes a recording medium such as a hard disk or a non-volatile memory, and stores image data of the original read by the scanner unit 2, other data, various programs, and the like.

  As described above, the backup memory 29 stores a cumulative value of the number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 1 and a calculated value of the number of printed sheets within a certain period.

  The operation panel unit 30 is used by the user to perform input operations and provide various screens and messages to the user. The operation panel unit 30 includes a key input unit including a plurality of keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, and a mode setting screen. And a touch panel display (not shown) for displaying messages and the like. In this embodiment, when a consumable unit such as a toner cartridge is a non-genuine product, a warning screen is displayed on the display unit.

  The front door opening / closing sensor 31 is a sensor that detects the opening / closing operation of the front door 21, and transmits an opening / closing detection signal to the engine control unit 27 when the opening / closing operation of the front door 21 is detected.

  Next, address mapping of the memory chip 9 provided in the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in the memory address mapping 91 of FIG. 3, the memory chip 9 is composed of three types of storage areas with different addresses, and each can store information of up to 8 bits.

  The storage area of addresses 00h to 1Fh is an area (ROM area) in which subsequent writing is prohibited when data is written at the time of manufacture, and is only readable (ROM area), and is filled with a model identification code indicating the type of the toner cartridge. A color identification code indicating the color of the toner being stored, a filling amount identification code indicating the amount of toner being filled, and the like are stored.

  The storage area at addresses 20h to 2Fh is an area (RAM area) in which the image forming apparatus 1 can be freely written, and is a temporary area mainly related to the state during the printing operation such as the rotation speed of a toner supply screw (not shown). Information is written.

The storage area of addresses 30h to 3Fh is an area (OTP area) that can be rewritten only once by the image forming apparatus 1, and the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, or 8K have been used up in the past and are empty due to the consumption of the toner contained therein. Reproduction information indicating whether or not has been written is written. In the reproduction information, if the toner cartridge has never been emptied in the past, all bits are set to “1”. It is configured to be rewritten. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 reads the reproduction information, and when all the bits are “1”, the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the toner cartridge is a genuine product, and all the bits are “0”. In this case, since it is considered that the toner cartridge once emptied is filled with toner manufactured by a third party, it is determined that the toner cartridge 8 is a non-genuine product. Note that the memory mapping of the memory chip 22 provided in the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is the same as that of the memory chip 9 of the toner cartridge, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.
[Operation of Image Forming Apparatus 1]
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. In this embodiment, when the user opens and closes the front door 21, the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the consumable unit has been replaced, and the mounted consumable unit is a genuine product or a non-genuine product. It is determined whether it is a product, and permission / prohibition of the printing operation is determined based on the determination result.

  In the following example, only the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K will be described as determining whether they are genuine products or non-genuine products, but only the imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K. The determination may be performed, or both the toner cartridge and the imaging unit may be determined.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation from when the user opens / closes the front door 21 to when permission / prohibition of the printing operation is determined.

  When the user opens / closes the front door 21, the opening / closing operation is detected by the front door opening / closing sensor 31 (step S <b> 50), and an opening / closing detection signal is transmitted to the engine control unit 27. The engine control unit 27 that has received the open / close detection signal reads the reproduction information stored in the memory chips 9 of the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K (step S51), and sends the reproduction information to the CPU 261 of the MFP controller unit 26. (Step S52).

  The CPU 261 that has received the reproduction information performs the following operation according to an operation program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 262. That is, first, it is determined whether each of the toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K is a genuine product or a non-genuine product based on the reproduction information, and it is also determined whether all the toner cartridges are genuine products (step S53). .

  When it is determined that all are genuine products (YES in step S53), the process proceeds to step S57 to determine permission for printing operation.

  On the other hand, if at least one of the toner cartridges is a non-genuine product (NO in step S53), a warning screen indicating that fact is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel unit 30 (step S54).

  As a result, the user can know that a non-genuine toner cartridge is installed.

  Next, the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets is obtained from the backup memory 29, and the monthly average number of printed sheets is calculated by dividing this cumulative value by the number of operating months of the apparatus (step S55), and the calculated numerical value is preset. It is determined whether or not a reference value (for example, 1000 sheets) has been exceeded (step S56). The reference value is based on whether or not a non-genuine toner cartridge may be used to cause a failure that affects the reliability of the image forming apparatus 1 such as a failure, performance degradation, image quality degradation, or the like. Is set. Specific numerical values may be appropriately set according to the model of the image forming apparatus 1 and the like.

  When the calculated value is equal to or less than the reference value (NO in step S56), since the number of printed sheets per month is small, there is no possibility of causing a disadvantage that would be disadvantageous to the user even if used as it is. Determine permission to operate. On the other hand, if the calculated value exceeds the reference value (YES in step S56), since the number of printed sheets per month is large, there is a risk of causing a problem that disadvantages the user. (Step S58).

  When the decision to permit or prohibit the printing operation is made, the engine control unit 27 controls the image forming unit 3 according to the determination, and the printing operation is executed or prohibited.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when the monthly average number of printed sheets is equal to or less than the reference value, in other words, when only a small amount of printing is performed, there is less possibility of causing a disadvantage to the user. Printing using a toner cartridge is permitted. On the other hand, since a large amount of printing was performed in a short period of time, if the monthly average number of printed sheets exceeds the standard value, there is a risk of causing a problem that disadvantages the user. Printing is prohibited. Thereby, even when a non-genuine consumable unit having a variation in quality is used, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem that disadvantages the user.

  In the above-described embodiment, it is determined whether the toner cartridge is a genuine product or a non-genuine product based on whether or not the toner in the cartridge has been emptied once. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any standard may be used as long as it can discriminate between genuine and non-genuine products.

  In the above embodiment, it is configured to determine whether or not the consumable unit is a genuine product when the front door 21 is opened and closed, and to perform control based on the determination. However, the timing of determination and control is not limited to this. It is good also as a structure performed when this is actually mounted | worn.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when a non-genuine product is mounted, the determination as to whether or not to prohibit the printing operation is made based on the average monthly number of printed sheets during the operation period of the apparatus. For example, the determination may be made based on the cumulative number of printed sheets since the start of the operation of the image forming apparatus, and the printing operation may be prohibited when the cumulative number of printed sheets exceeds a reference value.

  In the above embodiment, when the consumable unit is determined to be a non-genuine product, the monthly average number of printed sheets is compared with the reference value. Compared to the above, when the average number of printed pages per month, cumulative value, etc. exceed the standard value, the genuine / non-genuine of the consumable unit installed is determined, and the printing operation is prohibited or permitted based on the result. It is good also as a structure. In addition, the number of printed sheets within a certain period of time, for example, every month, is checked, and if the numerical value exceeds the reference value, a large amount of printing is performed in a short period of time. A configuration may be adopted in which the printing operation is prohibited for the consumable unit.

  In the above-described embodiment, printing is restricted as a restriction on printing operations for non-genuine consumable units. However, the printing is not limited to this. For example, printing is prohibited in the high image quality mode and double-sided mode. Occurrence of problems may be prevented in advance by restricting executable print modes such as print prohibition and prohibition of printing on non-genuine paper, or by limiting the print speed.

  In the embodiment, the MFP is exemplified as the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is applicable to other image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine and a printer as long as the image forming apparatus uses a consumable unit. Needless to say.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a main part of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating address mapping of a memory chip provided in a toner cartridge used in the present embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus 2 ... Scanner part 3 ... Image forming part 4 ... Paper feed part 8Y ... Yellow toner cartridge 8M ... Magenta toner cartridge 8C ... Cyan toner Cartridge 8K Black toner cartridge 21 Front door 26 MFP controller 27 Engine control unit 28 Storage unit 29 Backup memory 30 Operation panel unit 31 ..Front door opening / closing sensor 261 CPU
262 ... ROM

Claims (5)

Image forming means for performing a printing operation for printing print target data on paper;
Genuine / non-genuine discrimination means for discriminating whether a consumable unit having a consumable that is replaceably mounted and consumed by repetition of the printing operation is a genuine product or a non-genuine product,
Counting means for counting the number of printed sheets which is the number of times of the printing operation;
A number-of-printing-sheet determining unit that determines whether the cumulative value of the counted number of printed sheets or the numerical value per unit period exceeds a reference value;
If the genuine / non-genuine determining means determines that the consumable unit is a non-genuine product and the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets or the value per unit period is determined to exceed the reference value, Control means for restricting the printing operation by the image means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restriction of the printing operation is prohibition of printing.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the limitation of the printing operation is a limitation of an executable printing mode and / or a limitation of a printing speed. Determining whether a consumable unit that has a consumable that is replaceably mounted and that is consumed by repeated printing operations that print data to be printed on paper is genuine or non-genuine;
Counting the number of printed sheets that is the number of times of the printing operation;
Determining whether the cumulative value of the counted number of printed sheets or the numerical value per unit period exceeds a reference value;
When it is determined that the consumable unit is a non-genuine product and the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets or the numerical value per unit period is determined to exceed a reference value, the step of limiting the printing operation;
A printing control method for an image forming apparatus. Determining whether a consumable unit that has a consumable that is replaceably mounted and that is consumed by repeated printing operations that print data to be printed on paper is genuine or non-genuine;
Counting the number of printed sheets that is the number of times of the printing operation;
Determining whether the cumulative value of the counted number of printed sheets or the numerical value per unit period exceeds a reference value;
When it is determined that the consumable unit is a non-genuine product and the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets or the numerical value per unit period is determined to exceed a reference value, the step of limiting the printing operation;
Is a print control program for causing the computer of the image forming apparatus to execute.

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