JP2010160219A - Image forming apparatus and connection test method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress the use of consumables while reducing the memory requirement in the connection test between a plurality of control sections. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes a connection means, transmission means, measurement means and determination means. The connection means connects a first control section and a second control section. The transmission means transmits image data through the connection means. The measurement means measures the number of pixels of image data received through the connection means. The determination means determines whether or not the first control section and the second control section are connected in a correct manner based on the result of the comparison between the number of pixels measured and a predetermined threshold value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a connection test between a plurality of control units.

  Various inspections are performed in the manufacturing and assembly processes of the image forming apparatus. For example, with respect to a printer engine, inspection including an actual print test is performed after a consumable such as a process cartridge or a transfer material is mounted. When the inspection is passed, the completed image forming apparatus is shipped by combining the controller unit and the printer engine control unit. Also at the time of shipment, the print test is executed again.

  In these print tests, the person inspecting judges whether the printed image is good or bad by visual observation, and executes a connection confirmation between the printer engine control unit and the controller unit. Particularly in video signal connection confirmation, consumables are mounted and printing is actually executed, and the connection confirmation is performed by visually judging whether the printed image is good or bad.

On the other hand, a method for confirming the connection of a video signal without mounting consumables has been proposed (Patent Document 1). In this method, both the controller unit and the printer engine control unit hold the same image data, and the video data transmitted from the controller unit is compared with the image data stored in the printer engine control unit. A signal connection check has been performed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-26913

  According to Patent Document 1, since connection confirmation is performed by comparing image data, there is an advantage that consumables are not used wastefully. However, since both the controller unit and the printer engine control unit need to store the same image data, an extra memory is required. In addition, since the image data requires a relatively large storage capacity, an increase in cost cannot be avoided.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve at least one of such problems and other problems. For example, an object of the present invention is to provide a connection test method capable of reducing the required amount of memory while suppressing the use of consumables.

  The present invention can be applied to, for example, an image forming apparatus including a plurality of control units. The image forming apparatus further includes a connection unit, a transmission unit, a measurement unit, and a determination unit. The connecting means connects the first control unit and the second control unit. The transmission unit transmits the image data via the connection unit. The measuring unit measures the number of pixels of the image data received through the connecting unit. The determination unit determines whether the first control unit and the second control unit are correctly connected based on a result of comparing the measured number of pixels with a predetermined threshold value.

  According to the present invention, since one of a plurality of control units only needs to be able to transmit image data, the required amount of memory is reduced. In addition, since connection confirmation is executed based on the number of print pixels of the transmitted image data, the use of consumables is suppressed.

  An embodiment of the present invention is shown below. The individual embodiments described below will help to understand various concepts, such as the superordinate concept, intermediate concept and subordinate concept of the present invention. Further, the technical scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the claims, and is not limited by the following individual embodiments.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of the image forming apparatus. Here, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is employed as an example of the image forming apparatus. The image forming method may be, for example, any of an electrophotographic method, an electrostatic recording method, a magnetic recording method, an ink jet method, a sublimation method, and an offset printing method. The image forming apparatus may be commercialized as, for example, a printing apparatus, a printer, a copier, a multifunction machine, or a facsimile.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is an image forming apparatus including a plurality of control units. The image forming apparatus 100 outputs image light based on the image signal transmitted from the controller unit 101, forms an electrostatic latent image, develops the electrostatic latent image, forms a visible image, and performs color visible The image is transferred to the transfer material 2 and the color visible image on the transfer material 2 is fixed. The printer engine (image forming unit) includes photoreceptors 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, chargers 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K, developing devices 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K, toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and intermediate. A transfer body 12, a paper feed unit 1, a transfer unit, and a fixing unit 13 are provided. Note that the suffix YMCK of the reference number corresponds to the developer colors yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. The photosensitive members 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, the chargers 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K, and the developing devices 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K are process cartridges 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. It is mounted on.

  The photoconductors 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are configured by applying an organic optical transmission layer to the outer periphery of an aluminum cylinder, and rotate when a driving force of a driving motor is transmitted. The chargers 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K charge the corresponding photoreceptors 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. Each charger is provided with sleeves 7YS, 7MS, 7CS, and 7KS. The scanner units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K output light beams according to image data. The surfaces of the photoconductors 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are selectively exposed with a light beam to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing devices 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K develop the electrostatic latent images using different color developers to form toner images (visible images). Each developing device is provided with sleeves 8YS, 8MS, 8CS, and 8KS.

  The intermediate transfer body 12 is in contact with the photoreceptors 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, and a visible image is transferred from each of the photoreceptors 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. The intermediate transfer body 12 transfers the color visible image to the transfer material 2 in the secondary transfer portion constituted by the transfer roller 9a. The transfer roller 9a contacts the intermediate transfer body 12 via the transfer material 2 while the color visible image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 12, but is separated from the intermediate transfer body 12 when the transfer is completed.

  The fixing unit 13 is a device that fixes the color visible image to the transfer material 2 while conveying the transfer material 2. The fixing unit 13 includes a fixing roller 15 that heats the transfer material 2 and a pressure roller 14 that presses the transfer material 2 against the fixing roller 15. The fixing roller 15 and the pressure roller 14 are formed in a hollow shape, and heaters 16 and 17 are incorporated therein. That is, the transfer material 2 holding the color visible image is conveyed by the fixing roller 15 and the pressure roller 14 and is applied with heat and pressure. As a result, the toner is fixed on the surface of the transfer material 2. After the visible image is fixed, the transfer material 2 is discharged to the paper discharge unit and the image forming operation is completed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the system configuration of the image forming apparatus. The controller unit 101 communicates with the host computer 102, the reader unit 103, and the video interface unit 110 of the printer engine control unit 104. In particular, the video interface unit 110 functions as a connection unit that connects the first control unit and the second control unit.

  The controller unit 101 receives image information and a print command from the host computer 102 or the reader unit 103, analyzes the image information, and converts it into bit data. Further, the controller unit 101 transmits a print reservation command to the printer engine control unit 104 in accordance with the print command. When the printer engine control unit 104 is ready for printing, the controller unit 101 transmits a print start command to the printer engine control unit 104. Further, the controller unit 101 transmits video signals S 1-1, S 1-2, S 1-3, and S 1-4 to the printer engine control unit 104. The video signal S1-1 corresponds to yellow, the video signal S1-2 corresponds to magenta, the video signal S1-3 corresponds to cyan, and the video signal S1-4 corresponds to black.

  The CPU 111 of the printer engine control unit 104 prepares for execution of printing according to the received print reservation command. For example, the CPU 111 causes the fixing control unit 117 to adjust the temperature of the heaters 16 and 17, causes the paper control unit 116 to start feeding the transfer material 2, and causes the drive control unit 115 to rotate the intermediate transfer body 12. Or start it. The CPU 111 waits for a print start command from the controller unit 101. When the CPU 111 receives the print instruction, the CPU 111 outputs a / TOP signal serving as a reference timing for the output of the video signal S1 to the controller unit 101, and starts a printing operation according to the print reservation command.

  The ASIC is provided with a laser lighting count circuit 180. The laser lighting count circuit 180 detects the amount of laser lighting in the video signal S1 for one page transmitted from the controller unit 101, and counts printing pixels that are pixels to which toner is to be attached. The RAM 121 is a storage device that the CPU 111 uses as a work area. The ROM 120 stores a control program and the like.

<Count of printing pixels>
The CPU 111 includes a printing pixel number counting unit 130. The print pixel number counting unit 130 is a function realized by the CPU 111 executing the control program, but may be realized as a logic circuit outside the CPU 111. Note that the number of print pixels may be simply referred to as the number of pixels.

  The controller unit 101 converts the image data from the host computer 102 or the reader unit 103 into a control signal for the laser lighting amount and lighting timing to generate a video signal S1, and transmits the video signal S1 to the printer engine control unit 104.

  The printer engine control unit 104 includes a printing pixel number counting unit 130 in addition to the laser lighting counting circuit 180. The print pixel number counting unit 130 acquires and stores the number of print pixels counted by the laser lighting count circuit 180.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the laser lighting count circuit 180. The laser lighting count circuit 180 is composed of a synchronous digital circuit. However, the system clock is not shown.

  The D-type flip-flop 181 receives the video signal S1 input from the controller unit 101 and converts it into a synchronization signal. The sample timing generator 184 receives a horizontal enable signal S2 indicating an image area in the scanning direction of the laser beam and a vertical enable signal S3 indicating an image printing area in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the laser beam. The horizontal enable signal S2 is generated by a control logic circuit (not shown) provided in the printer engine control unit 104 based on the horizontal synchronization signal. Similarly, the vertical enable signal S3 is generated by a control logic circuit (not shown) provided in the printer engine control unit 104 in accordance with the paper transport timing.

  The gate 182 becomes high (HIGH) when the synchronization signal generated by synchronizing the video signal S1 at the timing determined by the sample timing generation unit 184 is ON. The counter 183 counts the number of times that the gate 182 has become high (HIGH) within the predetermined image area, that is, the number of times that the video signal has been turned on.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the timing of each signal and the number of print pixels. Regarding the main scanning direction, each of the scanner units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K outputs a BD (beam detection) signal for each scanning. The video signal is output in synchronization with the video clock. On the other hand, for the sub-scanning direction, a / TOP signal is output for each page. As shown in FIG. 4, a BD signal is output a plurality of times before a next / TOP signal is output from a certain / TOP signal. The / TOP signal is used by the controller unit 101 as the reference timing for outputting the video signal S1.

  When the printer engine control unit 104 receives all the video signals for the page from the controller unit 101, the CPU 111 reads out the count value from the counter 183 and writes it in the print pixel number counting unit 130.

  In the printing pixel number counting unit 130 of this embodiment, the number of printing pixels when the entire surface of toner is attached to a LETTER size transfer material is counted as 56045. The reason for this figure is as follows.

Resolution: 600 (dpi), * 1 inch = 25.4 (mm)
LETTER size: 216 (mm) x 279 (mm)
Number of printing pixels = (600 × 216 × 279) / (25.4 × 25.4)
= 56045 (1).

<Check video signal connection>
If the detachable process cartridges 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are missing or the transfer material 2 is not present in the paper feeding unit 1, the printer engine control unit 104 is not ready for printing. As described above, the controller unit 101 cannot transmit a print start command to the printer engine control unit 104 unless the printer engine control unit 104 is ready for printing. Further, the printer engine control unit 104 cannot output the / TOP signal unless it receives a print start command. Therefore, in the present embodiment, data for instructing / confirming that the operator confirms the connection of the video signal S 1 is stored in the RAM 121.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of confirmation data for confirming the connection of the video signal S1. This confirmation data is 1 byte for convenience of explanation. The most significant bit (MSB) is a bit for displaying a connection confirmation result. 0 means failure (NG) and 1 means success (OK). The seventh bit is a bit for designating an image pattern. 0 means a white image. 1 means a black image. The least significant bit (LSB) is a bit indicating whether or not the video signal connection confirmation is maintained. 0 means that connection is not confirmed. 1 means to check the connection.

  When the connection confirmation of the video signal S1 is performed, the operator instructs the controller unit 101 from the operation unit a connection confirmation instruction and an image pattern (eg, all white, all black) to be used at that time. The controller unit 101 stores identification information (0 or 1) indicating the image pattern specified in the image pattern instruction bit of the confirmation data. Further, the controller unit 101 stores “1” in the video signal connection confirmation instruction bit of the confirmation data. This “1” indicates that the operator has instructed the connection confirmation transition of the video signal S1. The controller unit 101 reads the instructed image data from the internal memory, converts it into a video signal, and outputs it.

  For example, when image data for attaching toner to the entire surface of a LETTER size transfer material is designated, the confirmation data is 00000011. The controller unit 101 transmits this confirmation data to the printer engine control unit 104. The confirmation data when using all white image data is 00000001.

  When the CPU 111 of the printer engine control unit 104 receives the confirmation data, it analyzes the contents. If the confirmation data means execution of connection confirmation, the CPU 111 shifts to a connection confirmation mode for the video signal S1. When the transition is completed, the printer engine control unit 104 outputs a / TOP signal to the controller unit 101. The controller unit 101 starts outputting a video signal related to the designated image data.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the connection confirmation processing of the video signal S1 transmitted from the printer engine control unit 104 to the controller unit 101. It is assumed that the controller unit 101 transmits confirmation data for instructing to shift to the connection confirmation mode to the printer engine control unit 104. Therefore, the controller unit 101 functions as an instruction unit that instructs the printer engine control unit to start a connection test between the printer engine control unit and the controller unit. The printer engine control unit 104 that controls the printer engine is a first control unit. The controller unit 101 that supplies image data to the printer engine control unit is a second control unit. In the first embodiment, whether or not the first control unit and the second control unit are correctly connected is determined based on whether or not the measured number of print pixels satisfies a predetermined criterion. The determination unit is mounted on the printer engine control unit 104.

  In step S600, the CPU 111 of the printer engine control unit 104 determines whether or not the confirmation data received via the video interface unit 110 indicates that the connection confirmation mode for the video signal S1 is to be entered. When the CPU 111 shifts to the connection confirmation mode, the CPU 111 suppresses the execution of image formation using the consumable item even when the image data is received. That is, the CPU 111 prohibits the transfer material transfer, the scanner unit operation, and the process cartridge operation. Therefore, the consumable item is not used during the connection confirmation. As described above, when the CPU 111 is instructed to start a connection test, the CPU 111 functions as a suppression unit that suppresses execution of image formation using a consumable item even when image data is received. When transitioning to the connection confirmation mode, the process proceeds to step S601.

  In step S601, the CPU 111 analyzes the confirmation data and specifies image data designated by the operator. In step S <b> 602, the CPU 111 notifies the controller unit 101 of identification information (image pattern) representing the designated image data via the video interface unit 110. Here, as the first image data, the controller unit 101 is notified of an image pattern that causes toner to adhere to the entire surface of the LETTER size transfer material.

  In step S <b> 603, the CPU 111 of the printer engine control unit 104 transmits a / TOP signal to the controller unit 101. In step S604, the controller unit 101 determines whether a / TOP signal has been received. When the / TOP signal is received, the process proceeds to step S605.

  In step S <b> 605, the controller unit 101 transmits a video signal of image data corresponding to the image pattern designated from the printer engine control unit 104 to the printer engine control unit 104. The image data may be stored in advance in the memory of the controller unit 101 or may be generated by an image data generator. As described above, the controller unit 101 functions as a transmission unit that transmits image data through the connection unit.

  In step S <b> 606, the CPU 111 of the printer engine control unit 104 determines whether image data has been received from the controller unit 101. When the image data is received, the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S607, the print pixel number counting unit 130 counts the number of print pixels of the image data. This counting method is as described with the laser lighting count circuit 180. As described above, the print pixel number counting unit 130 and the laser lighting count circuit 180 function as a measurement unit that measures the number of pixels of image data received via the connection unit.

  In step S608, the CPU 111 of the printer engine control unit 104 compares the number of print pixels of the image data designated in advance with the controller unit 101 with the number of print pixels of the received image data to determine whether the number of print pixels is an appropriate value. Determine whether or not. In this embodiment, the operator designates an image pattern for causing the toner to adhere to the entire surface of the LETTER size transfer material in the controller unit 101. Therefore, for example, if the number of print pixels of the received image data is 53243 or more in consideration of a measurement error of 5%, the CPU 111 determines that the reception of the image data from the controller unit 101 is successful. On the other hand, if the number of print pixels is less than 53243, the CPU 111 determines that the printing has failed. If it has failed, the process advances to step S611, and the CPU 111 sets 00000011 in the confirmation data (status data) and transmits it to the controller unit 101. The controller unit 101 displays a message indicating that the video signal connection confirmation has failed on the display. Note that the failure may be notified by sound. On the other hand, if successful, the process proceeds to step S609. As described above, the standard relating to the entire black image is that at least the number of print pixels is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value.

  In step S609, the CPU 111 reads the data of the number of successful image data receptions stored in the RAM 121, increments the current value by one, and updates the data. In step S610, the CPU 111 determines whether the number of successful image data receptions stored in the RAM 121 is less than 2. In this embodiment, the connection confirmation is executed using a plurality of different image data (eg, all white and all black). Therefore, when the number of successful image data receptions is 2 or more, the connection confirmation is successful. Become.

  Here, since the test relating to the first image data has only succeeded, it is determined in step 610 that the number of successful image data receptions is less than 2. In this case, the process returns to step S600. This time, since it has already shifted to the video signal connection confirmation mode, the process proceeds to step S601.

  In step S601, the CPU 111 specifies an image pattern indicating the second image data designated by the operator. The CPU 111 sets an image pattern of a white image as confirmation data as the second image data. That is, the confirmation data is 000000001. In step S602, the CPU 111 notifies the controller unit 101 of confirmation data.

  In step S <b> 603, the printer engine control unit 104 transmits a / TOP signal to the controller unit 101. In step S604, the controller unit 101 receives the / TOP signal. In step S <b> 605, the controller unit 101 transmits a video signal of image data designated by the printer engine control unit 104 to the printer engine control unit 104. As described above, the controller unit 101 functions as means for transmitting the first image data and the second image data as image data designated in advance. The first image data is image data for attaching a color material to the entire surface of a print medium having a predetermined size (entire black). The second image data is image data (entire white) that does not attach any color material to the entire surface of a print medium of a predetermined size.

  In step S <b> 606, the printer engine control unit 104 receives image data from the controller unit 101. In step S <b> 607, the CPU 111 counts the number of print pixels of the image data using the print pixel number counting unit 130. As described above, the CPU 111, the print pixel number counting unit 130, and the like function as means for measuring the first print pixel number relating to the first image data and the second print pixel number relating to the second image data.

  In step S608, the printer engine control unit 104 determines whether the number of print pixels is zero. Note that the threshold for the number of print pixels differs for each designated image. For example, the ROM 120 stores an image pattern of image data and a threshold value in association with each other. The CPU 111 reads a threshold value corresponding to the designated image pattern and sets it as a determination condition. If it is a full white image, the number of print pixels should be zero. However, if there is a problem with the connection of the video signal, the number of print pixels becomes a value other than zero. Therefore, if the number of print pixels is not 0, the process proceeds to step S611. In step S <b> 611, the CPU 111 transmits confirmation data (00000001) indicating that the connection has failed to the controller unit 101. If the number of print pixels is 0, the process proceeds to step S609. Note that the threshold for the entire white image can also be based on the fact that the number of print pixels is 2802 or less, considering a measurement error of 5%. As described above, the reference for the entire white image is that at least the number of printing pixels is equal to or less than the predetermined second threshold value.

  In step S609, the CPU 111 reads the data of the number of successful image data receptions stored in the RAM 121, increments the current value by one, and updates the data. In step S610, the CPU 111 determines whether the number of successful image data receptions stored in the RAM 121 is less than 2. When the number of successful image data receptions is 2 or more, the connection confirmation is successful. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S612. As described above, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the first control unit and the second control unit are correctly connected based on whether or not the measured number of print pixels satisfies a predetermined criterion. It functions as a determination means for determining. Further, the CPU 111 functions as a determination unit that determines whether the first control unit and the second control unit are correctly connected based on the result of comparing the measured number of pixels with a predetermined threshold value. .

  In step S612, the CPU 111 creates confirmation data (10000001) indicating that the connection is successful, and transmits the confirmation data to the controller unit 101. The controller unit 101 displays on the display a message indicating that the video signal connection confirmation is successful. The success may be notified by sound.

  The determination processing according to steps S608 and S610 is based on the comparison result between the first pixel number and a predetermined first threshold value, and the comparison result between the second pixel number and a predetermined second threshold value. This is a process for determining whether the first control unit and the second control unit are correctly connected. For example, if both the first print pixel number and the second print pixel number satisfy the respective standards, it means that the first control unit and the second control unit are correctly connected. . Also. If at least one of the first print pixel number and the second print pixel number does not satisfy the respective criteria, it means that the first control unit and the second control unit are not correctly connected. More specifically, when the first number of pixels is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the second number of pixels is equal to or less than the second threshold, the first control unit and the second control unit are correctly It is determined that it is connected. On the other hand, if the first number of pixels is less than the first threshold value or the second number of pixels is greater than the second threshold value, the first control unit and the second control unit are not properly connected. Determined.

<Reason for using two types of image data>
The reason for using the image data (entire black) for making toner on the entire surface of the transfer material of the LETTER size and the image data of the white image in the connection confirmation of the video signal S1 will be described. In general, when only white image data is used, the measurement result of the number of print pixels is zero. This is because the number of printing pixels depends on the number of times of laser lighting. In general, a toner image is developed at a portion exposed by laser light. Therefore, when forming a full white image, exposure with a laser beam is not executed. That is, the measurement result of the number of print pixels is zero.

  At this time, if a defect such as disconnection occurs in the signal line for transmitting the video signal S1, the measurement result of the number of print pixels becomes zero. Therefore, it is not possible to correctly determine whether or not the video signal S1 can be connected only with the entire white image data. Therefore, connection confirmation is appropriately executed by using full black image data and full white image data as a plurality of different types of image data.

  According to the present invention, if one of a plurality of control units can transmit image data, connection confirmation can be executed. Therefore, the required amount of memory is reduced as compared with the conventional method. In addition, since connection confirmation is executed based on the number of print pixels of the transmitted image data, the use of consumables is suppressed. That is, consumables such as the process cartridges 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K and the transfer material 2 are not used. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to check the video signal connection between the printer engine control unit and the controller unit at low cost.

  In particular, in this embodiment, a plurality of image data is actually transmitted through a signal line, the number of print pixels is measured, and it is determined whether or not the measurement result satisfies a standard. The reason for using a plurality of image data is to improve the accuracy of connection confirmation.

  Further, image data for attaching a color material to the entire surface of a print medium having a predetermined size is used as the first image data, and an image in which no color material is attached to the entire surface of the print medium having a predetermined size is used as the second image data. Data is used. Since the accuracy of the connection confirmation is likely to be lowered only with the image data of the white image, the accuracy of the connection confirmation can be increased by using the image data of the entire black image. Note that the entire black image data and the entire white image data are not essential. It is sufficient to use a plurality of image data with different numbers of printing pixels.

  In the present embodiment, the printer engine control unit 104 executes connection confirmation determination. However, as described in the second embodiment, this determination may be executed by the controller unit 101.

[Embodiment 2]
In the second embodiment, the controller unit 101 functions as the determination unit described above. The printer engine control unit 104 is a first control unit, and the controller unit 101 is a second control unit. Further, the operator inputs a connection confirmation instruction for the video signal S <b> 1 from the operator panel of the controller unit 101. The controller unit 101 performs a connection confirmation determination of the video signal S1, and displays the result of the connection confirmation of the video signal S1 on the operator panel of the controller unit 101. The image data to be used and the determination method are the same as those in the first embodiment.

<Check video signal connection>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing video signal S1 connection confirmation between the printer engine control unit 104 and the controller unit 101. In this embodiment, it is assumed that an image pattern indicating the entire black image data is first selected by the operator, and then an image pattern indicating the image data of the white image is selected by the operator.

  In step S700, the controller unit 101 determines whether or not the operator has instructed to shift to the connection confirmation mode of the video signal S1. When the video signal S1 connection confirmation mode is entered, the process proceeds to step S701. In step S701, the controller unit 101 notifies the printer engine control unit 104 of confirmation data for shifting the printer engine control unit 104 to the connection confirmation mode of the video signal S1. The confirmation data is 00000011.

  In step S702, the CPU 111 of the printer engine control unit 104 analyzes the content of the received confirmation data, and determines whether or not an instruction to shift to the connection confirmation mode of the video signal S1 is given. If migration is instructed, the process proceeds to step S703. In step S <b> 703, the CPU 111 transmits a / TOP signal to the controller unit 101.

  In step S704, the controller unit 101 determines whether a / TOP signal has been received. When the / TOP signal is received, the process proceeds to step S705. In step S705, the controller unit 101 generates a video signal of image data designated by the operator. The image data may be stored in advance in the ROM of the controller unit 101. The first image data is assumed to be full black image data. In step S <b> 706, the controller unit 101 transmits a video signal corresponding to the designated image data to the printer engine control unit 104.

  In step S707, the CPU 111 of the printer engine control unit 104 determines whether an image data signal has been received. If received, the process proceeds to step S708. In step S <b> 708, the CPU 111 uses the laser lighting count circuit 180 and the print pixel number counting unit 130 to count the number of print pixels of the received image data. In step S <b> 709, the CPU 111 transmits the measured number of print pixels to the controller unit 101.

  In step S710, the controller unit 101 determines whether the number of print pixels received from the printer engine control unit 104 is appropriate. The controller unit 101 compares the received print pixel number with the print pixel number of the image data transmitted to the printer engine control unit 104. As described above, the number of print pixels of the image data transmitted to the printer engine control unit 104 is 53243 in consideration of a measurement error of 5%. Therefore, the controller unit 101 determines that the number of print pixels is appropriate if the received number of print pixels is equal to or greater than the threshold (53243). If the number of print pixels is not appropriate, the process proceeds to step S713. In step S713, the controller unit 101 displays a message indicating that the connection confirmation has failed on an operator panel (not shown). On the other hand, if the number of print pixels is appropriate, the process proceeds to step S711. Thus, the controller unit 101 determines whether or not the first control unit and the second control unit are correctly connected based on whether or not the measured number of print pixels satisfies a predetermined criterion. It functions as a determination means for determining whether or not.

  In step S <b> 711, the controller unit 101 counts up image data reception success count data stored in the RAM included in the controller unit 101. Counting up is accomplished by incrementing the currently stored value by one. In step S712, the controller unit 101 determines whether the number of successful image data receptions is less than 2. If it is not less than 2, the process proceeds to step S714, and the controller unit 101 displays a message indicating that the connection confirmation is successful on the operator panel. On the other hand, if it is less than 2, the process returns to step S700, and a connection test relating to the second image data is executed.

  That is, steps S700 to S704 are executed for the image data of the entire white image. In step S705, the controller unit 101 generates a video signal of image data for forming an entire white image designated by the operator on a transfer material. In step S <b> 706, the controller unit 101 transmits a video signal to the printer engine control unit 104.

  In step S707, the CPU 111 of the printer engine control unit 104 receives an image data signal. In step S <b> 708, the CPU 111 uses the laser lighting count circuit 180 and the print pixel number counting unit 130 to count the number of print pixels of the received image data. In step S <b> 709, the CPU 111 transmits the measured number of print pixels to the controller unit 101. In this way, the CPU 111 and the video interface unit function as a transfer unit that transfers the measured number of print pixels to the controller unit 101.

  In step S710, the controller unit 101 determines whether the number of print pixels of the received image data is appropriate. As described above, the threshold is zero. Therefore, the controller unit 101 determines whether or not the number of print pixels of the received image data is zero. If the number of print pixels of the received image data is not 0, the process proceeds to step S713. On the other hand, if the number of print pixels of the received image data is 0, the process proceeds to step S711.

  In step S711, the controller unit 101 increments the image data reception success count data stored in the RAM by one. If the connection confirmation is successful for all black and white image data, the image data reception success count data is 2.

  In step S712, the controller unit 101 determines whether the image data reception success count data is not less than 2. If it is less than 2, the process returns to step S700. If not less than 2, the process proceeds to step S714. In step S714, the controller unit 101 displays a message indicating that the connection confirmation is successful on the operator panel.

  Thus, also in this embodiment, it becomes possible to exhibit the same effect as that of the first embodiment. Since connection confirmation can be executed if one of the plurality of control units includes image data, the required amount of memory is reduced as compared with the conventional method. In addition, since connection confirmation is executed based on the number of print pixels of the transmitted image data, the use of consumables is suppressed.

[Embodiment 3]
In the first and second embodiments, the case where two types of image data are used as image data has been described. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which image data for attaching a half amount of toner to a LETTER size transfer material is used. That is, the image data is a halftone image. In this case, the number of print pixels is 28022. Further, the criterion is that the number of print pixels counted from 26621 to 29514, which is set in consideration of measurement error ± 5%, is satisfied.

<Check video signal connection>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a video signal S1 connection confirmation process between the printer engine control unit 104 and the controller unit 101.

  In step S800, the CPU 111 of the printer engine control unit 104 determines whether or not the mode has shifted to the connection confirmation mode for the video signal S1 based on the confirmation data received from the controller unit 101. When the connection confirmation mode is entered, the process proceeds to step S801.

  In step S801, the CPU 111 sets an image pattern indicating predetermined image data as confirmation data. This confirmation data is set to 00000101. Assume that the image pattern instruction bit shown in FIG. 5 is extended to 2 bits. In step S <b> 802, the CPU 111 transmits the confirmation data to the controller unit 101. The predetermined image data corresponds to, for example, an image formed by adhering a half amount of toner to a LETTER size transfer material as compared with the entire black surface. The number of print pixels of this image data is 28022. In step S <b> 803, the printer engine control unit 104 transmits a / TOP signal to the controller unit 101.

  In step S804, the controller unit 101 receives the / TOP signal. In step S <b> 805, the controller unit 101 transmits the video signal S <b> 1 of the image data designated from the printer engine control unit 104 to the printer engine control unit 104.

  In step S806, the printer engine control unit 104 stands by until image data is received from the controller unit 101. If received, the process proceeds to step S807. In step S <b> 807, the CPU 111 uses the printing pixel number counting unit 130 to count the number of printing pixels of the received image data. In step S808, the CPU 111 determines whether the number of print pixels of the received image data is appropriate. For example, the CPU 111 compares the number of print pixels of the image data designated in the controller unit 101 with the number of print pixels of the received image data. If the number of print pixels of the received image data is 26621 or more and 29514 or less, the CPU 111 determines that the reception of the image data is successful. Then, the process proceeds to step S809. In step S809, the CPU 111 transmits confirmation data (eg, 10000101) indicating that the connection is successful to the controller unit 101. The controller unit 101 displays a message indicating that the connection confirmation is successful on the operator panel.

  On the other hand, if the number of print pixels of the received image data does not satisfy the reference range, the CPU 111 determines that reception of the image data has failed. That is, the process proceeds to step S810. In step S810, the CPU 111 transmits confirmation data (eg, 00000101) indicating that the connection has been successful to the controller unit 101. The controller unit 101 displays a message indicating that the connection confirmation has failed on the operator panel.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using only one halftone image data, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained. Needless to say, even if an image having a 100% density is formed on a half area of the transfer material, the same result as that of a halftone image can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, steps S808 to S810 have been described as being executed by the printer engine control unit 104. However, similarly to the second embodiment, the controller unit 101 may execute steps S808 to S810. However, in this case, the printer engine control unit 104 needs to transfer the measured number of print pixels to the controller unit 101.

1 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a system configuration of an image forming apparatus. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a laser lighting count circuit 180. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the timing of each signal, and the number of printing pixels. It is a figure which shows an example of the confirmation data for confirming the connection of video signal S1. 6 is a flowchart showing a connection confirmation process of a video signal S1 transmitted from the printer engine control unit 104 to the controller unit 101. 6 is a flowchart showing video signal S1 connection confirmation between the printer engine control unit 104 and the controller unit 101; 5 is a flowchart showing a video signal S1 connection confirmation process between the printer engine control unit 104 and the controller unit 101.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 .... Paper feed part 2 .... Transfer material 5 .... Photoconductor 7 .... Charging means 8 .... Developer 9 ... Transfer roller 10 .... Scanner part 12 .... Intermediate transfer member 13 .... Fixing part 101 ... Controller 102 ··· Host computer 103 · · Reader 104 · · Printer engine controller 111 · · CPU
120 ... ROM
121..RAM
130 ..Print pixel count section

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus including a plurality of control units,
Connection means for connecting the first control unit and the second control unit;
Transmitting means for transmitting image data via the connection means;
Measuring means for measuring the number of pixels of the image data received via the connecting means;
Determination means for determining whether the first control unit and the second control unit are correctly connected based on a result of comparing the measured number of pixels with a predetermined threshold value. An image forming apparatus. The transmission means is means for transmitting first image data and second image data as the image data,
The measuring means is a means for measuring a first pixel number relating to the first image data and a second pixel number relating to the second image data;
The determination means is based on a comparison result between the first pixel number and a predetermined first threshold value, and a comparison result between the second pixel number and a predetermined second threshold value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether the first control unit and the second control unit are correctly connected. The first image data is image data for attaching a color material to the entire surface of a print medium of a predetermined size,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second image data is image data in which no color material is attached to the entire surface of a print medium having a predetermined size. The determination means includes
When the first number of pixels is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the second number of pixels is equal to or less than the second threshold, the first control unit and the second control unit Judge that it is connected correctly,
When the first pixel number is less than the first threshold value or the second pixel number is greater than the second threshold value, the first control unit and the second control unit are correctly connected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus determines that it has not been performed. The first control unit is a printer engine control unit that controls a printer engine;
The second control unit is a controller unit that supplies image data to the printer engine control unit,
The transmission means is mounted on the controller unit,
The measuring means is mounted on the printer engine control unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit is mounted in the printer engine control unit. The first control unit is a printer engine control unit that controls a printer engine;
The second control unit is a controller unit that supplies image data to the printer engine control unit,
The transmission means is mounted on the controller unit,
The measuring means is mounted on the printer engine control unit,
The determination means is mounted on the controller unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printer engine control unit further includes a transfer unit that transfers the measured number of pixels to the controller unit. The controller unit is
Instructing means for instructing the printer engine control unit to start a connection test between the printer engine control unit and the controller unit,
When the printer engine control unit is instructed to start the connection test, the printer engine control unit includes suppression means for suppressing execution of image formation using consumables even when the image data is received. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6. A connection test method for a plurality of control units connected to each other in an image forming apparatus,
Transmitting image data via connection means for connecting the first control unit and the second control unit;
Measuring the number of pixels of the image data received via the connection means;
Determining whether the first control unit and the second control unit are correctly connected based on a result of comparing the measured number of pixels with a predetermined threshold value. Characteristic connection test method.

Images