JP2010002555A - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stably provide mechanical performance that a user regards as important by correcting the reference value of service life of a component in an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus 100, a control part 11 counts the number of adjustment performing times of each adjustment item performed in response to instructions by an operation part 20 in each lifetime managing check cycle set in advance, decides the mechanical performance that the user regards as important on the basis of the number of adjustment performing times of each adjustment item, and corrects the reference value of the service life of each of components related to the mechanical performance which is decided that the user regards as important. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus has a component counter and a life reference value (a count value expected to reach the life) for each component. Then, when the counter value exceeds or approaches the life reference value for each component, a notification is given, and the component is replaced by a user, a serviceman, or the like.

The life reference value for each part is assumed by the manufacturer, but a technique for correcting the life reference value determined by the manufacturer according to the actual wear condition of the part is also known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique that includes an input unit that inputs an actual wear level of a component, and corrects the life reference value based on the wear level input by the user from the input unit.
JP 2005-14354 A

  By the way, the lifetime reference value of each component assumed by the manufacturer is not necessarily a value that satisfies the user's needs satisfactorily. For example, for users who place importance on image quality, there may be cases where the image quality desired by the user cannot be obtained with the life reference value assumed by the manufacturer. Further, for users who place importance on image position accuracy, the position accuracy desired by the user may not be guaranteed with the life reference value assumed by the manufacturer.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can stably provide machine performance that is emphasized by a user by correcting the life reference value of a component.

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention provides:
With replaceable parts,
A storage unit for storing a life reference value indicating a life time of each component;
An operation unit for specifying adjustment items and instructing the execution of adjustments;
The number of adjustments performed in response to an instruction from the operation unit is counted for each adjustment item, and the machine performance that the user attaches importance to is determined based on the number of adjustments performed for each adjustment item within a certain period. A control unit that corrects the life reference value of each part related to the machine performance judged to be important;
Is provided.

In order to solve the above problems, the program of the present invention provides:
A computer used in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of replaceable parts,
A storage unit for storing a life reference value indicating a life time of each component;
An operation unit for specifying adjustment items and instructing execution of adjustments,
The number of adjustments performed in response to an instruction from the operation unit is counted for each adjustment item, and the machine performance that the user attaches importance to is determined based on the number of adjustments performed for each adjustment item within a certain period. A control unit that corrects the life reference value of each part related to the machine performance judged to be important,
To function as.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to stably provide the mechanical performance that is regarded as important by the user by correcting the component life reference value.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main control board 10, an operation unit 20, a scanner unit 30, a communication unit 40, a printer unit 50, a reader / writer unit 60, and the like.

  The main control board 10 includes a control unit 11, a nonvolatile memory 12, and the like.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. Various processing programs are stored in the ROM of the control unit 11, and the CPU of the control unit 11 reads out various programs stored in the ROM and expands them in the RAM, and each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the expanded programs. To control the operation.

For example, when image data is input from the scanner unit 30 or the communication unit 40, the control unit 11 performs various image processing on the input image data and outputs the image data to the printer unit 50 page by page to form an image. Make it. Examples of the image processing include conversion processing of R, G, B image data input from the scanner unit 30 into C, M, Y, K image data, and an image input from the host device 200 via the communication unit 40. Examples include a process of converting data into Y, M, C, and K image data in a data format that can be formed by the image forming apparatus 100 using a predetermined page description language.
The control unit 11 increments the total print count value 125 stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 by 1 each time the printer unit 50 forms an image of image data for one page.
The control unit 11 also stores components stored in the RFID tags 70 attached to the units U1 to Un by the reader / writer unit 60 every time the printer unit 50 performs image formation of one page of image data. Each print count value is incremented by one. Note that the print count value of the RFID tag 70 may be updated all at once after the end of a job (a series of image formations instructed from the host device 200 via the operation unit 20 or the communication unit 40).

Moreover, the control part 11 performs the component lifetime correction control setting process mentioned later according to operation of the operation part 20 (refer FIG. 8).
In addition, the control unit 11 executes an adjustment item execution number counting process, which will be described later, according to the operation of the operation unit 20, and performs the adjustment item execution number (adjustment of the nonvolatile memory 12) instructed to be performed through the operation unit 20. The number of executions by item 123) is incremented by 1 (see FIG. 9).
Further, every time the job ends, the control unit 11 executes a component replacement check process described later (see FIG. 10), and checks a component that has reached the replacement timing. When the execution of the component life correction control is set, the control unit 11 executes a component life correction control process (see FIG. 11) described later, and the number of executions by adjustment item 123 stored in the nonvolatile memory 12. Based on the machine performance (for example, emphasis on machine performance related to image quality (referred to as image quality)), emphasis on machine performance related to image position accuracy (referred to as position accuracy), Machine durability is emphasized (referred to as durability)), and the life reference value determined for each part by the manufacturer is corrected according to the machine performance emphasized by the user. Hereinafter, the machine performance item emphasized by the user is referred to as a user importance item.

  The nonvolatile memory 12 stores various data according to instructions from the control unit 11. For example, the nonvolatile memory 12 stores a component life management related item table 121, a component life value correction table 122, an adjustment item execution count 123, a replacement message cancel count 124, a total print count value 125, a component life correction control flag 126, and the like. is doing.

  The component life management related item table 121 is a table showing adjustment items related to component life management, more specifically, adjustment items related to image quality and adjustment items related to position accuracy, among various adjustments performed in the image forming apparatus 100. . FIG. 2 shows an example of the component life management related item table 121. FIG. 2 shows that gamma adjustment, color registration adjustment, front / back magnification adjustment, and offset adjustment are adjustment items related to component life management, and that gamma adjustment and color registration adjustment are adjustment items related to image quality. Color registration adjustment, front / back magnification adjustment, and offset adjustment are adjustment items related to position accuracy.

  The component life value correction table 122 is a table that stores a correction coefficient for the life reference value of each component for each user-important item. FIG. 3 shows an example of the component life value correction table 122. In the component life value correction table 122, each component (for example, “developer”) mounted on the printer unit 50 is classified according to a user's priority items (“image quality priority”, “position accuracy priority”, “durability priority”). , “Band electrode”, “intermediate transfer belt”...)) Are stored. As shown in FIG. 3, in the component life value correction table 122, a correction coefficient of less than 1 is set for the component related to the mechanical performance related to the image quality (image quality related component) in “emphasis on image quality”. In the “positional accuracy emphasis”, a correction coefficient of less than 1 is set for a part (positional accuracy related part) related to the mechanical performance related to the positional accuracy. Further, a correction coefficient exceeding 1 is set for all components in “emphasis on durability”.

The adjustment item-specific execution count 123 is an area for storing a count value of the adjustment execution count for each adjustment item used for managing the component life, out of the adjustment items that can be instructed from the operation unit 20.
The replacement message cancel count 124 is an area for storing a count value of the number of times the display of the component replacement message screen displayed on the LCD 22 is canceled in the operation unit 20.
The total print count value 125 is an area for storing the number of pages printed by the printer unit 50 (referred to as a print count value).
The component life correction control flag 126 stores a flag indicating a setting content indicating whether or not to perform the component life correction control.

  In addition, the nonvolatile memory 12 stores information for identifying the components mounted on each unit U1 to Un.

The operation unit 20 includes an operation unit control unit 21, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 22, a touch panel 23, a numeric keypad 24, and the like.
The operation unit control unit 21 is configured by a CPU or the like, and receives display signals from the control unit 11 and performs display control on the LCD 22. In addition, an operation signal input from the touch panel 23 on the LCD 22 is output to the control unit 11.

The LCD 22 is a display unit that displays various operation screens, image status display, operation status of each function, and the like in accordance with display signal instructions input from the operation unit control unit 21.
The touch panel 23 is installed so as to cover the upper surface of the LCD 22, detects a desired input position pressed by an operation using a user's finger or the like, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 11.
The numeric keypad 24 is composed of numeric keys and the like, and outputs a press signal accompanying the user's key operation to the control unit 11.

In the present embodiment, the LCD 22 displays an operation screen for the user to select an adjustment item and instruct execution.
FIG. 4 shows an example of an operation screen for the user to specify (select) an adjustment item and instruct execution of the adjustment. FIG. 4A shows an example of an adjustment item selection screen 221 for the user to select an adjustment item. FIG. 4B shows an example of the adjustment value input screen 222 displayed on the LCD 22 when the adjustment item is selected in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the adjustment item selection screen 221 displays a list of adjustment items that can be manually adjusted by the user. The list of adjustment items is divided into large categories according to adjustment purposes such as image quality related items and position accuracy related items. Each adjustment item is displayed as operation buttons B1 to Bn (B1 to B4 are shown here) for instructing the selection of the adjustment item, and the operation buttons B1 to Bn on which the adjustment items are displayed are pressed. As a result, the adjustment item is selected. The adjustment item selection screen 221 further displays an “OK” button 221 a and a “Cancel” button 221 b. When the “OK” button 221a is pressed in a state where any one of the operation buttons B1 to Bn is selected, an adjustment value input screen for inputting an adjustment value for the adjustment item under the control of the operation unit control unit 21. 222 is displayed. On the adjustment value input screen 222, at least an adjustment value input field 222a for inputting an adjustment value, an “OK” button 222b, and a “cancel” button 222c are displayed. When the numeric key 24 is operated to input an adjustment value into the adjustment value input field 222a and the “OK” button 222b is pressed, the control unit 11 controls the adjustment item selected based on the input adjustment value. Adjustment is performed.

  The LCD 22 displays a component life correction control setting screen 223 for the user to set whether or not to perform component life correction control. FIG. 5 shows an example of the component life correction control setting screen 223. As shown in FIG. 5, in the component life correction control setting screen 223, a “Yes” button 223 a for performing setting for performing the component life correction control and “No” for performing setting for not performing the component life correction control are performed. "Button 223b.

  The scanner unit 30 includes a platen glass, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and a light source. The reflected light of the light scanned from the light source to the original is imaged by the CCD and set at a predetermined position by photoelectric conversion. The read original image is read as R, G, and B signals, and the read analog image signal is converted into R, G, and B image data and output to the control unit 11.

  The communication unit 40 is an interface connectable to a transmission medium connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The communication unit 40 is configured by a communication control card such as a LAN card, for example, and transmits / receives various data to / from an external device such as the host device 200 connected to the communication network via a communication line such as a LAN cable. .

The printer unit 50 forms a toner image on a sheet based on the image data input from the control unit 11 by an electrophotographic process.
FIG. 6 shows a main configuration of the printer unit 50. As shown in FIG. 6, the printer unit 50 exposes the photosensitive drums 51 </ b> Y, 51 </ b> M, 51 </ b> C, and 51 </ b> K to a laser based on the image data input by the control unit 11 and writes a latent image on the photosensitive drum. 40Y, 40M, 40C, 40K, image forming units 50Y, 50M, 50C, 50K that form toner images of each color Y, M, C, K, and image forming units 50Y, 50M, 50C, 50K An intermediate transfer belt 56 as an intermediate transfer body onto which the toner image is temporarily transferred, a registration roller 58 that conveys the paper to the secondary transfer roller 59 in synchronization with the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 56, A secondary transfer roller 59 for secondary transfer of the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 56, a fixing unit 63 for fixing the toner image on the paper, and paper discharge. It is configured to include a paper roller 67, a.

  The image forming unit 50Y includes a photosensitive drum 51Y, a developing device 52Y, a charger 53Y, a cleaner 54Y, and a primary transfer roller 55Y. The same applies to the image forming units 50M, 50C, and 50K.

  Here, a printing operation in the printer unit 50 will be described. First, in the image forming unit 50Y, the photosensitive drum 51Y rotates, the surface thereof is charged by the charger 53Y, and a latent image of the Y data image is formed on the charged portion by exposure of the laser light source of the laser unit 40Y. . The latent image portion is developed by the developing device 52Y to form a yellow toner image. The toner image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 56 by the pressure contact of the primary transfer roller 55Y. The toner image is a yellow image corresponding to the image data to be output. The toner that has not been primarily transferred is removed by the cleaner 54Y.

  Similarly, in the image forming units 50M, 50C, and 50K, magenta toner images, cyan toner images, and black toner images are similarly formed and transferred. The intermediate transfer belt 56 is also rotated by the rotation of the roller 57, the primary transfer rollers 55Y, 55M, 55C, and 55K, and the secondary transfer roller 59, and the YMCK toner images are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 56. The Further, the paper is conveyed one by one from one of the paper feed trays 66A to 66C by rotation of any of the paper feed rollers 68A to 68C, and is conveyed to the secondary transfer roller 59 by rotation of the registration roller 58.

  When the sheet passes through the pressure contact portion of the secondary transfer roller 59, the YMCK toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 56 is secondarily transferred to the sheet. The sheet on which the YMCK toner image is transferred passes through the fixing unit 63. By the pressurization and heating of the fixing unit 63, the YMCK toner image is fixed on the paper to form a color toner image. The paper on which the image has been formed is discharged by a paper discharge roller 67.

  In the case of forming images on both sides, the paper on which an image is formed on one side (front side) is sent to the duplex conveyance unit 65 by the conveyance path switching plate 64 and the surface is reversed by the duplex conveyance unit 65 to form an image. The sheet is conveyed to the secondary transfer roller 59 by the registration roller 58 so that an image is formed again on the non-exposed surface (back surface), and an image is formed. The paper on which images are formed on both sides and the toner is fixed is conveyed to a paper discharge tray 69 by a paper discharge roller 67.

  After the image is formed on the paper, the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 56 is removed by the belt cleaning 62. Further, a positive polarity current and a negative polarity current are alternately switched from a power source (not shown) to the secondary transfer roller 59 and allowed to flow for a predetermined time, whereby toner remaining on the secondary transfer roller 59 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 56. Retransfer is performed, and the secondary transfer roller 59 is cleaned.

  Each unit of the printer unit 50 described above is driven by various motors (not shown) according to commands from the control unit 11.

  Here, the above-described printer unit 50 is configured using one or a plurality of detachable units U1 to Un. The units U1 to Un are obtained by collecting one or a plurality of parts into individual assemblies. For example, the components constituting each of the laser units 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K are combined, the optical units for each color Y, M, C, and K, and the components that constitute the image forming units 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K. The image forming unit for each color Y, M, C, K is summarized. When the parts of the printer unit 50 are exchanged, a service unit or the like pulls out a unit on which the parts to be exchanged are mounted and exchanges the parts to be exchanged.

In the present embodiment, an RFID tag 70 is attached to each unit U <b> 1 to Un attached to the printer unit 50. As shown in FIG. 7, the RFID tag 70 stores a life reference value, a corrected life reference value, a print count value, replacement work history information, and the like for each component mounted on the unit.
The life reference value is a value predetermined by the manufacturer as the life time (replacement time) of each component. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the life reference value of each component is represented by a print count value until each component reaches the life.
The replacement work history information is written using an RFID reader / writer when a serviceman replaces a part.
The print count value is reset to 0 for the replaced part when the service person replaces the part. Further, every time an image for one page is formed by the printer unit 50, the print count value of all components is incremented by 1 by the reader / writer unit 60.

  The reader / writer unit 60 includes an RFID control unit 61, antenna drive circuits 621 to 62n, and antennas 631 to 63n. The antenna drive circuits 621 to 62n and the antennas 631 to 63n correspond to the units U1 to Un, respectively. The RFID control unit 61 controls the antenna driving circuits 621 to 62n based on an instruction from the control unit 11, and performs data transmission / reception by wireless communication with the RFID tags 70 of the units U1 to Un via the antennas 631 to 63n. Then, data is read from and written to the RFID tags 70 of the units U1 to Un.

Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described.
First, setting of component life correction control will be described.
FIG. 8 shows a flow of component life correction control setting processing executed by the control unit 11. This process is a process that is executed when the setting of whether or not to execute the component life correction control is instructed from the menu screen displayed on the LCD 22.

 First, the component life correction control setting screen 223 is displayed on the LCD 22, and when an instruction to perform component life correction control is input by pressing the “ON” button 223a from the screen (step S1; YES), the nonvolatile memory The component life correction control flag 126 of the memory 12 is set to ON (step S2), and the adjustment item execution count 123, replacement message cancel count 124, and total print count value 125 of the nonvolatile memory 12 are reset (step S3). Then, this process ends.

  On the other hand, when an instruction not to perform the component life correction control is input from the component life correction control setting screen 223 by pressing the “OFF” button 223b (step S1; NO), the component life correction control flag 126 is turned OFF. It is set (step S4), and this process ends.

  Next, the adjustment item execution number counting process executed by the control unit 11 will be described. FIG. 9 shows the flow of the adjustment item execution count process. This process is a process executed when an instruction to perform adjustment is given from the menu screen displayed on the LCD 22 of the operation unit 20.

  First, the adjustment item selection screen 221 is displayed on the LCD 22, an adjustment item is selected from the screen, and then the adjustment value input screen 222 is displayed and an adjustment value is input (step S11). Is adjusted (step S12).

  Next, the component life management related item table 121 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the executed adjustment item is an adjustment item related to component life management (step S13). If it is determined that the performed adjustment item is an adjustment item related to component life management (step S13; YES), the number of executions of the adjustment item in the number of executions by adjustment item 123 is incremented by 1 (step S14). The process ends. If it is determined that the performed adjustment item is not an adjustment item related to component life management (step S13; NO), this process ends.

  Next, the component replacement check process executed by the control unit 11 will be described. FIG. 10 shows a flow of parts replacement check processing. This processing is executed when one job is completed by the printer unit 50.

  First, the component life correction control flag 126 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the component life correction control flag 126 is set to ON (step S21). If it is determined that the component life correction control flag 126 is set to OFF (step S21; NO), the process proceeds to step S24.

  If it is determined that the component life correction control flag 126 is set to ON (step S21; YES), the total print count value 125 of the nonvolatile memory 12 is referred to and it is determined whether or not the life management check time has come. The For example, when the life management check cycle is every 100,000 pages printed, it is determined that the life management check time has come when the total print count value 125 exceeds 100,000. If it is determined that the life management check time has not come (step S22; NO), the process proceeds to step S24.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the life management check time has come (step S22; YES), a component life correction control process is executed (step S23).

FIG. 11 shows a component life correction control process executed by the control unit 11 in step S23 of FIG.
In the component life correction control process, first, based on the adjustment item-specific execution count 123 stored in the nonvolatile memory 12, it is determined whether or not the user attaches importance to the machine performance related to the image quality (step S101). . Specifically, when the number of executions 123 by adjustment item is referred to and the number of adjustment executions of the adjustment items related to image quality defined in the component life management related item table 121 exceeds a predetermined reference number, the user Therefore, it is determined that the machine performance related to the image quality is regarded as important. As shown in FIG. 2, when there are a plurality of image quality-related adjustment items, for example, when the total number of executions of each item exceeds the reference number, the user attaches importance to the machine performance related to the image quality. It is judged that

If it is determined that the user attaches importance to the mechanical performance related to the image quality (step S101; YES), the life reference value of the image quality related component group is shortened and corrected based on the component life value correction table 122 (step S102). The process proceeds to step S107.
In step S102, first, the life reference value of each component is read from the RFID tag 70 attached to each unit U1 to Un via the reader / writer unit 60. Next, the life reference value of each part is multiplied by a correction coefficient corresponding to “image quality emphasis” stored in the part life value correction table 122 to calculate a corrected life reference value. Then, the calculated corrected life reference value is written to the RFID tag 70 of the unit on which each component is mounted via the reader / writer unit 60. Note that, as described above, the “image quality emphasized” correction coefficient stored in the component life value correction table 122 is set to less than 1 so that the life reference value of the image quality related component is shortened. Accordingly, the life reference value of the image quality related component is shortened and corrected.

  If it is determined in step S101 that the user does not place importance on the mechanical performance related to the image quality (step S101; NO), the user determines the position accuracy based on the number of executions 123 by adjustment item stored in the nonvolatile memory 12. It is determined whether or not the machine performance according to the above is emphasized (step S103). Specifically, when the number of executions 123 for each adjustment item is referred to and the number of adjustments for adjustment items related to position accuracy defined in the component life management related item table 121 exceeds a predetermined reference number, It is determined that the user attaches importance to the machine performance related to the position accuracy. As shown in FIG. 2, when there are a plurality of adjustment items related to position accuracy, for example, when the total number of executions of each item exceeds the reference number, the user can improve the machine performance related to position accuracy. It is judged that importance is attached.

When it is determined that the user attaches importance to the mechanical performance related to the position accuracy (step S103; YES), the life reference value of the position accuracy related component group is shortened and corrected based on the component life value correction table 122 (step S103). S104), the process proceeds to step S107.
In step S104, first, the life reference value of each component is read from the RFID tag 70 attached to each unit U1 to Un via the reader / writer unit 60. Next, the life reference value of each component is multiplied by a correction coefficient corresponding to “positional accuracy emphasis” stored in the component life value correction table 122 to calculate a corrected life reference value. Then, the calculated corrected life reference value is written to the RFID tag 70 of the unit on which each component is mounted via the reader / writer unit 60. As described above, the “positional accuracy-oriented” correction coefficient stored in the component life value correction table 122 is set to less than 1 so that the life reference value of the position accuracy related component is shortened. Therefore, the life reference value of the position accuracy related component is corrected to be shortened.

  If it is determined in step S103 that the user does not place importance on the machine performance related to the position accuracy (the machine performance related to the image quality and the machine performance related to the position accuracy do not place importance) (step S103; NO), the nonvolatile memory 12 is determined based on the exchange message cancel count 124 stored in FIG. 12 (step S105). Specifically, the adjustment item-specific execution count 123 is referred to, and when the adjustment execution count of all the adjustment items is 0 and the exchange message cancel count 124 exceeds a predetermined reference count, the user It is judged that the durability of the machine is important.

If it is determined that the user attaches importance to the durability of the machine (step S105; YES), the life reference values of all parts are extended and corrected based on the part life value correction table 122 (step S106), and the processing is performed. The process proceeds to step S107.
In step S106, first, the life reference value of each component is read from the RFID tag 70 attached to each unit via the reader / writer unit 60. Next, a correction coefficient corresponding to “durability-oriented” stored in the component life value correction table 122 is multiplied by the life reference value of each component to calculate a corrected life reference value. Then, the calculated corrected life reference value is written to the RFID tag 70 of the unit on which each component is mounted via the reader / writer unit 60. As described above, the “durability-oriented” correction coefficient stored in the component life value correction table 122 is set to 1 or more so that the life reference value of each component is extended. Therefore, the life reference value of each component is extended and corrected.

  If it is determined that the user does not place importance on the durability of the machine (step S105; NO), the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, the adjustment item-specific execution count 123, exchange message cancellation count 124, and total print count value 125 stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 are reset, and the process proceeds to step S24 in FIG.

  In step S24 of FIG. 10, it is determined whether there is a part that has reached the replacement timing. Specifically, the life reference value, the corrected life reference value, and the print count value of each component are read from the RFID tag 70 attached to each unit U1 to Un via the reader / writer unit 60. Next, for each component, the life reference value (or the corrected life reference value if a corrected life reference value exists) is compared with the print count value, and the print count value is compared to the life reference value (corrected life reference value). If the value is equal to or greater than the corrected life reference value), it is determined that the part has reached the replacement timing.

  If it is determined that there is no part that has reached the replacement timing (step S24; NO), this process ends. If it is determined that there is a component that has reached the replacement timing (step S24; YES), a component replacement message screen (not shown) is displayed on the LCD 22 of the operation unit 20 (step S25). On the parts replacement message screen, a message such as “Replace the following parts”, a part name to be replaced, a unit name, an “OK” button for instructing to perform the part replacement, without performing part replacement. A “cancel” button or the like for instructing to cancel the display of the message is displayed.

  When the cancel button is pressed on the component replacement message screen displayed on the LCD 22 (step S26; YES), the replacement message cancel count 124 is incremented by 1 (step S27), and this process ends.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 100, the control unit 11 counts the number of adjustments performed for each adjustment item performed according to an instruction from the operation unit 20 for each predetermined life management check cycle. Then, based on the number of adjustments performed for each adjustment item, the machine performance that is emphasized by the user is determined, and the life reference value of each component related to the machine performance that is determined to be important by the user is corrected.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100, it is possible to stably provide the machine performance that is regarded as important by the user by correcting the component life reference value.

  For example, the control unit 11 determines that the user attaches importance to the machine performance related to the image quality when the number of adjustments of the adjustment item related to the image quality exceeds a predetermined reference value, and determines the machine related to the image quality. Shorten the life reference value of each component related to performance. Therefore, when the user attaches importance to image quality, the replacement time of the image quality-related parts is corrected before the replacement time assumed by the manufacturer, so that the desired image quality cannot be obtained at the replacement time assumed by the manufacturer. Even in such a case, it is possible to stably provide the image quality requested by the user.

  Further, the control unit 11 determines that the user attaches importance to the mechanical performance related to the position accuracy when the number of adjustments of the adjustment item related to the image position exceeds a predetermined reference value, and the position accuracy is determined. The life reference value of each part related to the machine performance related to is shortened and corrected. Therefore, when the user places importance on the position accuracy of the image, the replacement time of the position accuracy-related parts is corrected before the replacement time assumed by the manufacturer. Even if it is not possible to obtain, it is possible to stably provide the positional accuracy requested by the user.

  In addition, the control unit 11 counts the number of times a display cancel instruction for prompting replacement of a part is input by the operation unit 20, and the number of executions of all the adjustment items in the adjustment item-specific execution number 123 is 0, and When the number of cancel instructions input exceeds a predetermined reference value, it is determined that the user attaches importance to the durability of the component, and the life reference value of each component is extended and corrected. Therefore, when the user places importance on the durability of the machine, the user can use the parts longer than the replacement time assumed by the manufacturer.

  The control unit 11 determines whether or not each of the parts has reached the life time based on the life reference value corrected in accordance with the machine performance requested by the user. Is displayed on the LCD 22, the user can replace the parts at an appropriate time according to the machine performance requested by the user.

  The description in the above embodiment is a preferred example of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, in the component life correction control process in the above embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not the user emphasizes the mechanical performance related to the image quality. Although it is determined whether or not the performance related to accuracy is emphasized, the order of processing is not limited to this. For example, it is determined whether or not the user places importance on the mechanical performance related to the position accuracy, and if the machine performance related to the position accuracy is not emphasized, whether or not the user attaches importance to the performance related to the image quality. You may make it judge. First, it is determined whether or not the user emphasizes the mechanical performance related to the image quality. When the mechanical performance related to the image quality is emphasized, the life reference value of the image quality related component is shortened and then corrected. Regardless of the determination result of importance, it is determined whether the user attaches importance to the machine performance related to position accuracy. You may make it perform shortening correction. In this case, a part that is an image quality related part and a position accuracy related part may be controlled so as to be multiplied by respective correction coefficients emphasizing image quality and position accuracy.

  In the component life correction control process in the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not the user places importance on image quality, position accuracy, and durability. However, the user places importance on only one of the machine performances. It may be determined whether or not the life reference value of the corresponding part is corrected according to the determination result.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the life reference value, the corrected life reference value, and the print count value of each component are managed by the RFID tag 70. However, when the unit is mounted, the life is stored in the RFID tag 70. The life reference value, the corrected life reference value, and the print count value of each component may be read out and stored in the nonvolatile memory 12, and each value may be managed by the nonvolatile memory 12.

  In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each apparatus constituting the image forming apparatus 100 can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the component life management related item table memorize | stored in the non-volatile memory of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the component lifetime value correction table memorize | stored in the non-volatile memory of FIG. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the adjustment item selection screen displayed on LCD of FIG. 1, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the adjustment value input screen displayed on LCD of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the component life correction control setting screen displayed on LCD of FIG. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the printer part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of data storage of the RFID tag of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the component lifetime correction control setting process performed by the control part of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the adjustment item implementation frequency count process performed by the control part of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the components replacement | exchange check process performed by the control part of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the component lifetime correction | amendment control processing performed by the control part of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 10 Main control board 11 Control part 12 Non-volatile memory 121 Component lifetime management related item table 122 Component lifetime value correction table 123 Execution frequency by adjustment item 124 Exchange message cancellation frequency 125 Total print count value 126 Component lifetime correction control flag 20 Operation unit 21 Operation unit control unit 22 LCD
23 Touch Panel 24 Numeric Keypad 30 Scanner Unit 40 Communication Unit 50 Printer Unit 60 Reader / Writer Unit 61 RFID Control Units 621 to 62n Antenna Drive Circuits 631 to 63n Antenna 70 RFID Tag

Claims (12)

With replaceable parts,
A storage unit for storing a life reference value indicating a life time of each component;
An operation unit for specifying adjustment items and instructing the execution of adjustments;
The number of adjustments performed in response to an instruction from the operation unit is counted for each adjustment item, and the machine performance that the user attaches importance to is determined based on the number of adjustments performed for each adjustment item within a certain period. A control unit that corrects the life reference value of each part related to the machine performance judged to be important;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The control unit determines that the user attaches importance to the mechanical performance related to the image quality when the number of adjustments of the adjustment item related to the image quality within the certain period exceeds a predetermined reference value, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the life reference value of each component related to the mechanical performance is shortened and corrected.   The control unit determines that the user attaches importance to the mechanical performance related to the position accuracy when the number of adjustments of the adjustment item related to the image position within the certain period exceeds a predetermined reference value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the life reference value of each component related to the mechanical performance related to the position accuracy is corrected to be shortened. With a display,
The control unit determines whether or not each of the parts has reached the life time based on the life reference value or the corrected life reference value, and information prompting replacement of the part when the life time has been reached The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image is displayed on the display unit. The operation unit is further configured to be able to input a display cancel instruction for prompting replacement of the component,
The control unit counts the number of cancellations of display prompting replacement of the component instructed by the operation unit, the number of adjustments performed for all the adjustment items within the predetermined period is zero, and the number of cancellations 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the value exceeds a predetermined reference value, it is determined that the user attaches importance to the durability of the component, and the life reference value of each component is extended and corrected. The operation unit is further configured to be able to set whether or not to perform correction control of the life reference value,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit corrects the life reference value of each component when execution of correction control of the life reference value is set. A computer used in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of replaceable parts,
A storage unit for storing a life reference value indicating a life time of each component;
An operation unit for specifying adjustment items and instructing execution of adjustments,
The number of adjustments performed in response to an instruction from the operation unit is counted for each adjustment item, and the machine performance that the user attaches importance to is determined based on the number of adjustments performed for each adjustment item within a certain period. A control unit that corrects the life reference value of each part related to the machine performance judged to be important,
Program to function as.   The control unit determines that the user attaches importance to the mechanical performance related to the image quality when the number of adjustments of the adjustment item related to the image quality within the certain period exceeds a predetermined reference value, The program according to claim 7, wherein the life reference value of each part relating to the machine performance according to the above is shortened and corrected.   The control unit determines that the user attaches importance to the mechanical performance related to the position accuracy when the number of adjustments of the adjustment item related to the image position within the certain period exceeds a predetermined reference value. The program according to claim 7, wherein the life reference value of each part related to the mechanical performance related to the position accuracy is shortened and corrected. With a display,
The control unit determines whether or not each of the parts has reached the life time based on the life reference value or the corrected life reference value, and information prompting replacement of the part when the life time has been reached Is displayed on the display unit. The program according to any one of claims 7 to 9. The operation unit is further configured to be able to input a display cancel instruction for prompting replacement of the component,
The control unit counts the number of cancellations of display prompting replacement of the component instructed by the operation unit, the number of adjustments performed for all the adjustment items within the predetermined period is zero, and the number of cancellations The program according to claim 10, wherein when the value exceeds a predetermined reference value, it is determined that the user attaches importance to the durability of the component, and the life reference value of each component is extended and corrected. The operation unit is further configured to be able to set whether or not to perform correction control of the life reference value,
The said control part is a program as described in any one of Claims 7-11 which performs correction | amendment of the life reference value of each said component, when implementation of the correction control of the said life reference value is set.

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