JP2017001359A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device in which a set value which is intrinsic to a device and is stored in an external memory is imported into the image formation device corresponding to the set value.SOLUTION: An image formation device which is a destination of importing is specified by collating ID of the image formation device with an ID corresponding to a set value which is intrinsic to an element of the image formation device and is stored in an external memory. By providing a configuration in which a set value that is intrinsic to an element is not imported into other than the specified image formation device, only the specified image formation device operates based on the set value, for recording a suitable image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that records an image on a recording medium.

  Image forming apparatuses such as electrophotographic copying machines and printers are widely used. Some of these image forming apparatuses input various settings from an operation panel and function according to the purpose. In addition, such an image forming apparatus is connected to a network such as the Internet, and can receive image data from a remote computer and print the image data.

  Further, in recent image forming apparatuses, the number of items to be set is increased with the increase in functionality and functionality. For example, in the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-199665, there are many items in which a service person or a user inputs setting values to the device as initial settings when the device is installed or at the time of replacement. It has been solved. This reduces the setting work by preparing a reference machine and importing information on setting values extracted therefrom to a desired device. Further, the value exported from the image forming apparatus can be imported to the image forming apparatus to be installed.

JP 2010-199665 A

  However, the setting value includes a setting value unique to the image forming apparatus. For example, element-specific setting values for accurately controlling the elements included in the device, such as values for correcting subtle differences in the diameter of the rollers that transport the recording paper and layout errors during manufacturing. is there.

  The element-specific setting value cannot use a value exported from another device. In the conventional technique, the exported setting value can be imported to another device. Whether the imported setting value is a setting value completely corresponding to the image forming apparatus is determined by the user, and if the user makes a mistake, a completely different setting value is imported. If an incorrect value is imported, a problem occurs in image quality.

  The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that imports an apparatus-specific setting value stored in an external memory into an image forming apparatus corresponding to the setting value.

  An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a recording unit that records an image on a recording medium based on image data, a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium, a control unit that controls the conveying unit and the recording unit, and the control An internal memory for storing setting values required for control of the control means, an export means for storing the setting values included in the control means and stored in the internal memory in an external memory, and And import means for storing the setting value stored in the external memory in the internal memory, the control means based on the setting value stored in the internal memory. In the image forming apparatus that controls the recording unit and the conveying unit and records an image on the recording medium based on the image data, the recording unit or the conveying unit Element setting values for controlling the constituent elements included in the control means by the control means are included in the setting values stored in the internal memory, and the image forming apparatus is unique to the apparatus connected to the control means. A holding unit for holding a number is fixed, and the setting value stored in the external memory includes ID data for identifying the image forming apparatus, and the control unit imports the setting value from the external memory. In this case, ID data included in the setting value stored in the external memory is acquired, compared with the device unique number held by the holding means, and if the values match, the setting value stored in the external memory Is imported to the internal memory, and if there is a discrepancy, a predetermined part of the set values stored in the external memory is stored in the internal memory. Characterized in that it does not import the setting value or stored in the external memory to import into.

  According to the present invention, the element-specific setting value of the image forming apparatus stored in the external memory can be imported into the image forming apparatus corresponding to the setting value, and the image forming apparatus that operates based on the imported setting value A suitable image can be recorded.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the device specific information. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a means for determining an apparatus. FIG. 4 is a first flowchart for explaining the operation. FIG. 5 is a second flowchart for explaining the operation. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the image forming apparatus.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a host computer 2 connected to a network. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a printing unit 9 that records an image on a recording medium, such as an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus 1 prints the image data sent from the host computer 2, that is, the print job, on paper or a plastic film. The host computer 2 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 through a network 13 such as the Internet. A mail server 14 that can be used by the host computer 2 and the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the network 13.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes an I / F 3 that is an interface with an external device, and is connected to a host computer 2 via a network 13. The control unit 4 controls the entire apparatus. The control unit 4 operates according to programs and set values stored in the ROM 6, RAM 7 or HDD 8. The ROM 6 is a non-volatile storage unit that stores programs, various setting values, and the like. The RAM 7 is a storage unit that temporarily stores data for operations of the control unit 4 and temporarily stores work areas and various setting values. The HDD 8 is a hard disk device. The HDD 8 stores image data sent from the host computer 2, bitmap data converted to be printed by the printing unit 9, programs, various setting values, temporary data, and the like. Used as The operation panel 5 is input / output means including an LCD for display and keys for input. The operation panel 5 may be a touch panel that is input by touching a predetermined position on the screen. The scanner 10 is a reading device that reads a document and converts it into electronic data. The read electronic data is stored in the HDD 8. The electronic data can be printed by the printing unit 9 and transmitted to the host computer 2.

  The setting value memory 11 stores device-specific information such as a correction value for eliminating the difference between the printing unit 9 and the driving unit of the scanner 10 for each device. The control unit 4 acquires apparatus-specific information stored in the setting value memory 11 and controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 to prevent variations in accuracy such as recording and sheet conveyance for each apparatus. The correction value in the set value memory 11 can be said to be data unique to the apparatus.

  Device-specific information stored in the set value memory 11 can be written into the memory card 12 under the control of the control unit 4. Further, device-specific information stored in the memory card 12 can be read and written to the set value memory 11 under the control of the control unit 4. Further, the device specific information can be stored in an external device such as the host computer 2. The memory card 12 is a device that can be inserted and removed including a non-volatile memory such as an SD memory or a USB memory. The host computer 2 can edit device-specific information. This is because it is necessary to rewrite the values corresponding to the components such as the rollers replaced by the component replacement, and the values can be easily changed by editing with a computer. The device unique information includes a device unique number.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the device specific information. The image forming apparatus 1 has different sheet transport accuracy and the like for each machine body due to variations in parts and manufacturing positions. The user does not want a non-uniform apparatus in which the printed matter varies depending on the machine used, and a uniform quality apparatus is desired.

  For this reason, it is necessary to correct for each machine that affects the quality of the conveyance unit, the recording unit, and the like. For example, even if the paper conveyance amount is designed to be 1.00 mm for each rotation of the motor, the actual conveyance amount may be different due to the influence of component accuracy, mounting accuracy, and the like. For example, if the actual measurement is 1.01 mm, it is necessary to correct the difference of 0.01 mm. In this way, the characteristics of each machine are measured in advance at the time of manufacture, and are stored in the set value memory 11 as device specific information.

  For example, the setting value memory 11 stores a plurality of values in association with a data type 20, a data length 21, an attribute 22, a data name 23, and data 24, respectively. The data type 20 is data for distinguishing whether the data is related to the scanner or the data related to the transport unit. This is because some models use different functions. The data length 21 is the data length of the data 24. Indicates a valid data length. The attribute 22 is information that enables the model to be identified when the model is different. The data name 23 is name data of the data 24. Differences such as models and available functions can be identified.

  For example, only the attribute 22 having a value of 1 can be written in the set value memory 11. For example, an attribute 22 having a value of 1 indicates that the information can be applied to any model. In such a case, it can be rewritten regardless of the model.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a means for determining an apparatus. For example, when a substrate that controls the image forming apparatus fails and a memory that stores a setting value unique to the element for controlling the element included in the apparatus also fails, the replacement of the substrate and the apparatus It is necessary to store the setting value unique to the element in the memory. Therefore, it is necessary to write device-specific information corresponding to the image forming apparatus including elements that require specific information, such as a drive unit.

  Means for discriminating an image forming apparatus including an element that requires unique information such as a drive unit is required. For example, a sticker with a unique number is attached to the apparatus. A method of sticking a sticker on which a two-dimensional symbol such as a barcode corresponding to the unique number is written is conceivable. It is conceivable that the bar code or the like is read and entered, and compared with the unique number of the device included in the data to be imported. If they match, the import is performed, and if they do not match, the import is not controlled.

  Further, for example, a switch 31 is provided in the device, and ON / OFF of the individual switch 32 is fixed so as to correspond to a unique number that is different for each device. This is connected to the control unit 4, and the state of the switch 31 is read at the input port 30 of the control unit 4. The unique number of the image forming apparatus can be acquired from the read value. Even if the board of the control unit 4 is replaced, by connecting to the switch 31 that is fixed and provided in the apparatus, the unique number of the apparatus can be definitely acquired with the newly installed board. The switch 31 is a storage means similar to a kind of memory. It is also conceivable to store the unique number in a storage means such as a ROM fixed for each device instead of the switch 31. The control unit 4 may read the unique number from these storage means.

FIG. 4 is a first flowchart for explaining the operation. The operation when the control unit 4 is replaced will be described. The control unit 4 needs to newly acquire the device specific information of the device.
First, in step S1, device-specific information is acquired from an external device such as the memory card 12 or the host computer 2.

Next, the unique number of the device is input. Preferably, the switch 31 is connected to the control unit 4 to acquire the device unique number. In this way, an accurate device unique number can be acquired.
Next, the unique number of the device in the obtained device unique information is compared with the unique number of the input device. If they match, the process proceeds to step S4, and if they do not match, the process ends.

  In step S <b> 4, the device specific information acquired from the external device is written into the set value memory 11. In this way, an accurate device unique number can be acquired, so that it is possible to prevent erroneous import.

FIG. 5 is a second flowchart for explaining the operation. This is processing for exporting the contents of the setting value memory 11 to an external device such as the memory card 12.
First, in step S10, device specific information is acquired from the set value memory 11.
Next, in step S11, the unique number of the device indicated by the switch 31 connected to the control means 4 is acquired.

Next, in step S12, it is determined whether or not the control unit 4 has a setting for delivery by mail. If so, the process proceeds to step S13. If not, the process proceeds to step S14.
In step S <b> 13, an e-mail containing information including the device unique information acquired from the setting value memory 11 and the unique number acquired from the switch 31 is generated and transmitted. The mail destination is a mail distribution destination set in advance. The ROM 6, RAM 7 or HDD 8 stores in advance settings such as mail delivery destinations and content instructions.

  In step S14, information including the device unique information acquired from the setting value memory 11 and the unique number acquired from the switch 31 is written into the memory card 12 connected to the I / F 3. Further, although the information from the switch 31 is used as the unique number of the device, the unique number obtained by a reliable method can be used. For example, a barcode may be read and the value entered. When inputting, it can input via I / F3. It can also be entered from the keyboard.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that records an image on a recording medium by attaching and fixing toner on the recording medium based on job data, that is, image data. As the recording medium, paper, a thin sheet-like resin, or the like is used.
A reading unit for reading a document is provided in the upper part of the apparatus, a recording part for recording an image on a recording medium in the middle part of the apparatus, and a paper feeding part in the lower part of the apparatus.

  The paper feed unit can store roll paper 40 in which paper is wound around a paper tube. A flange 41 is fixed to both ends of the roll paper 40, and the flange 41 is rotatably mounted on the rollers 42 and 43. The roll paper 40 is pulled out by the first roller 44. The drawn paper 45 is supplied to the recording unit of the image forming apparatus 1 by the first roller 44. The first roller 44 includes a drive roller and a pinch roller. The pinch roller is rotatably pressed by the drive roller and rotates with the rotation of the drive roller. The roll paper 40 is sandwiched between the two rollers and conveyed along with the rotation of the drive roller.

  The sheet 45 is transported along the transport path 46. A cutter device 47 is provided at the destination of conveyance along the conveyance path 46. The conveyed paper is cut by the cutter device 47. A second roller 48 for conveying the paper is provided at the tip of the cutter device 47. Further, the sheet is transported along the transport path 49, and a third roller 50 is provided at the end of the transport path 49. Similar to the first roller 44, the second roller 48 and the third roller 50 include a driving roller and a pinch roller, and convey the paper while pinching it.

  In the recording unit of the image forming apparatus 1, the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 52 is refreshed by the static eliminator 51, the charge is charged by the charger 53, and then data sent from a host computer such as a personal computer is received. The image is rasterized by a RIP controller substrate (not shown), and the image is drawn on the surface of the photosensitive drum 52 by the LED head 54 in the form of an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is developed with toner supplied from the developing sleeve 56 of the developing device 55, and a toner image is formed on the electrostatic latent image portion on the surface of the photosensitive drum 52.

  The paper 45 sent out from the paper supply unit and reaches the recording unit sticks to the photosensitive drum 52 by an electrostatic force, receives the transfer bias and pressure of the transfer roller 57 from the back surface, and the toner on the photosensitive drum 52 is transferred to the paper. Is done. The sheet 45 on which the toner has been transferred is peeled off from the photosensitive drum 52 by receiving the separation bias of the separation unit 58. A small amount of untransferred toner remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 52 after the toner is transferred to the paper 45. Therefore, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 52 is scraped off by the cleaner blade provided in the cleaner 59 and is stored in the cleaner 12. The cleaner blade is a rubber blade that contacts the photosensitive drum 52 with an appropriate pressure.

  The sheet 45 on which the toner is transferred from the photosensitive drum 52 is conveyed by the conveyance belt 60. A paper suction fan is provided inside the transport belt 60, and the paper 45 is transported while being sucked by the suction holes on the surface. The sheet 45 is conveyed to a fixing device 61 after passing through a conveyance belt 60 having a role of assisting conveyance. The toner image transferred to the paper 45 passes between the high-temperature fixing roller 62 and the pressure roller 63 of the fixing device 61 and is fixed to the paper by receiving heat and pressure. It is discharged to the outside of the apparatus through a roller and a driven roller.

  The reading unit is transported in the direction of the arrow by a document transport roller 65 that transports the document. The conveyed document is converted into electronic data, that is, image data is generated by the reading sensor 66. The document converted into electronic data is stored in the HDD 8. Further, the document converted into electronic data can be recorded on the paper 45 by the printing unit 9.

  The present invention can be applied to an ink jet printer, an electrophotographic printer, a copying machine, and the like.

1 Image forming apparatus 2 Host computer 3 I / F
4 Control unit 5 Operation panel 6 ROM
7 RAM
8 HDD
9 Printing section 10 Scanner 11 Setting value memory 12 Memory card 13 Internet 14 Mail server 30 Input port 31 Switch

Claims (4)

Recording means for recording an image on a recording medium based on the image data;
Conveying means for conveying the recording medium;
Control means for controlling the conveying means and the recording means;
An internal memory that is included in the control means and stores setting values necessary for the control of the control means;
Export means included in the control means for storing the set values stored in the internal memory in an external memory;
Import means included in the control means for storing the set value stored in the external memory in the internal memory, the control means based on the set value stored in the internal memory In the image forming apparatus for controlling the recording unit and the conveying unit and recording an image on the recording medium based on the image data,
Element setting values for controlling the constituent elements included in the recording means or the conveying means by the control means are included in the setting values stored in the internal memory,
The image forming apparatus is fixed with a holding means for holding a device unique number connected to the control means,
The set value stored in the external memory includes ID data for determining the image forming apparatus,
When the setting value is imported from the external memory, the control means obtains ID data included in the setting value stored in the external memory and compares it with the device unique number held by the holding means. If the values match, the setting value stored in the external memory is imported to the internal memory. If the values do not match, a predetermined part of the setting values stored in the external memory is imported. An image forming apparatus, wherein the setting value is imported into an internal memory or the setting value stored in the external memory is not imported.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit has a sticker on which the apparatus unique number is recorded with a barcode attached to the image forming apparatus.   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits a mail including the set value and the device unique number stored in the internal memory to a mail address stored in the internal memory in advance. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 2.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the mail is transmitted, the setting value and the apparatus specific number included in the content of the mail to be transmitted are stored in the external memory.

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