JP2018069566A - Image formation apparatus and image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate investigation and resolution of a cause in a case where there is a problem in a printing result.SOLUTION: In an image formation system 1, temperature, humidity, various correction values and the like are used as printing information at the time of printing in an image formation apparatus 2, the printing information is stored together with the printing number, and printing is performed by embedding the printing number PN in image data. Consequently, in the image formation system 1, in a case where a user evaluates that there is a problem in a sheet P after printing, since the printing information at the time of printing can be later acquired on the basis of the printing number PN printed on the sheet P, a maintenance worker and the like can correctly estimate the generation cause of the problem and resolve the problem.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system, and is suitable for application to, for example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (so-called printer).

  Conventionally, in a printer, for example, a test print for printing a predetermined test pattern on a sheet is performed, and whether or not a good print result is obtained by the user visually confirming the obtained print result, that is, Whether or not it is operating normally is widely determined.

  In addition, the printer is equipped with an image sensor that reads images from paper, reads the paper on which the test pattern is printed, generates read image data, and compares it with the image data of the original test pattern. Some of them determine whether the print result is good or bad. At this time, if the printer detects the remaining amount of ink or toner, the ambient temperature, or the like, for example, by performing a determination process using these detection results, if there is a defect in the print result, It is also possible to estimate the cause and propose a solution method.

  Further, some printers are proposed to maintain a state in which the printer can operate normally by executing such a test pattern printing and printing result reading as a maintenance process periodically or every predetermined number of printed sheets. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-54912 A (FIG. 1 etc.)

  By the way, if the printer prints a document or the like according to the user's instruction, but the user determines that there is a problem with the print quality or the like with respect to the obtained print result, the test pattern is printed again to find out the cause. It may be done.

  However, in the case of an electrophotographic type printer, for example, environmental information such as ambient temperature and humidity at the time of printing is acquired, and further, density detection processing for detecting the density of transferred toner is performed, and various obtained Depending on the information, there are some which change the correction value for correcting the applied voltage to each part as needed.

  In such a printer, even if a test pattern is printed immediately after printing processing (hereinafter referred to as problem printing processing) in which it is determined that there is a problem with the printing result, each correction value and the like change. There is a case. For this reason, even if a read image obtained from the paper on which the test pattern is printed or various correction values at the time of printing are obtained, the printer obtains various correction values at the time when the problem printing process is performed. It was not possible to solve the problem.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to propose an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of easily investigating and eliminating the cause when a problem occurs in a printing result.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a printing condition indicating a condition for forming and printing an image on a medium and identification information for identifying the printing condition are stored in association with each other. A storage unit; an embedded image generating unit that generates an embedded image in which identification information is embedded in the image; an image forming unit that forms and prints an embedded image on a medium according to printing conditions; and an embedded image printed on the medium. An image reading unit that reads an embedded image as a read embedded image, an information recognition unit that recognizes identification information based on the read embedded image and recognizes the identification information, and a printing condition associated with the recognition identification information are stored And a printing condition reading unit that reads from the printing unit.

  The image forming system of the present invention is an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium and a management apparatus that manages information related to the image forming apparatus are connected via a network. A storage unit that stores a printing condition representing a condition for forming and printing an image and identification information for identifying the printing condition in association with each other, and an embedded image in which the identification information is embedded in the image. An embedded image generation unit that generates an embedded image, an image forming unit that forms and prints an embedded image on a medium according to printing conditions in the image forming apparatus, and an embedded image that is printed on the medium in the image forming apparatus An image reading unit for reading and embedding an image, an information recognition unit for recognizing identification information based on the read embedding image and using the recognition identification information, and a printing condition associated with the recognition identification information. Printing condition is read from part was provided and a reading unit.

  Since the present invention embeds identification information in an image and prints on a medium, when the user evaluates that there is a problem with the print result after printing, the image reading unit reads the embedded image and recognizes the identification information. Thus, accurate printing conditions can be acquired. For this reason, in the present invention, a maintenance worker or the like can easily investigate the cause of the problem and examine a solution based on the printing conditions.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of easily investigating and eliminating a cause when a problem occurs in a printing result.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of an image forming unit. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a management apparatus. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a printing processing procedure according to the first embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows embedding of a printing number. It is a flowchart which shows a printing information preservation | save processing procedure. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of the printing information table by 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the problem handling processing procedure by 1st Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the display of the message in a display part. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a printing processing procedure according to the second embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of the printing information table by 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the problem response processing procedure by 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the problem management processing procedure by 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[1. First Embodiment]
[1-1. Management system configuration]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment has a configuration in which an image forming apparatus 2 and a management apparatus 3 that form an image on a medium are connected to each other via a network 5.

  Incidentally, the image forming apparatus 2 is installed in, for example, a company or a home, and is used by a user (not shown). The management device 3 is installed in a maintenance center or the like that performs maintenance of the image forming apparatus 2, for example, and is used by a maintenance worker (not shown). The network 5 is connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses (not shown).

  The image forming apparatus 2 is a so-called MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), and has a printer function for forming (that is, printing) an image on paper as a medium, a function as an image scanner for reading an image, and a communication function. These combinations can operate as a printer, a copier (copy machine), a facsimile machine, and the like. When the image forming apparatus 2 functions as a printer, a desired color image can be printed on a sheet P having a size such as A3 size or A4 size.

[1-1-1. Configuration of image forming apparatus]
Next, the circuit configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus 2 is mainly configured by a control unit 11, and a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation panel unit 14, a printing unit 16, a reading unit 17, and a temperature / humidity sensor 18 are connected to the control unit 11. ing.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), performs various processes by reading and executing various programs, and comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 2. The storage unit 12 includes a nonvolatile ROM (Read Only Memory), a rewritable flash memory, a hard disk drive, and the like, a volatile RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

  The storage unit 12 stores various setting values, data, and the like in addition to various programs for executing various processes such as a printing process. For example, the storage unit 12 stores a device identification number assigned in advance to uniquely identify the image forming apparatus 2, a network address set by the user, and the like. Further, the storage unit 12 stores the cumulative number of printed sheets in the printing unit 16 and the remaining amount of consumables (toner cartridges, etc.) and is sequentially updated.

  The communication unit 13 conforms to a standard such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network) conforming to a standard such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.3u / ab or IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac. The wireless LAN is connected to the network 5 (FIG. 1). The communication unit 13 supplies various information and data received from the management apparatus 3 via the network 5 to the control unit 11 while performing predetermined modulation processing and demodulation processing, and is also supplied from the control unit 11. Various information and data are transmitted to the management apparatus 3 via the network 5. The communication unit 13 is also connected to a host device (not shown) (for example, a personal computer or a smartphone). When receiving image data and a print instruction from the host device, the communication unit 13 supplies them to the control unit 11.

  The operation panel unit 14 includes a display unit 14A that displays various types of information and an operation unit 14B that receives user operations. The display unit 14 </ b> A is a liquid crystal display panel, for example, and displays various display screens based on the control of the control unit 11. The operation unit 14B includes, for example, a touch sensor arranged on the liquid crystal display panel and a plurality of operation button groups that can be physically pressed. The operation unit 14B receives a touch operation and a press operation by the user and notifies the control unit 11 To do. In the operation panel unit 14, the liquid crystal display panel of the display unit 14A and the touch sensor of the operation unit 14B are integrated to form a so-called touch panel.

  The printing unit 16 forms a toner image based on image data using toner by an electrophotographic method, and transfers and fixes the toner image on a sheet, thereby forming an image on the sheet, that is, printing. (Details will be described later). The reading unit 17 is configured in the same manner as a so-called image scanner, images the surface of the document, generates read image data, and supplies the read image data to the control unit 11. The temperature / humidity sensor 18 detects the temperature and humidity around the image forming apparatus 2 and supplies the detected temperature and humidity to the control unit 11.

  In addition, a printing control unit 21 that controls the printing unit 16 and a reading control unit 22 that controls the reading unit 17 are provided inside the control unit 11. Among these, the print control unit 21 includes a print data creation unit 24 and a print information generation unit 25. The print data creation unit 24 appropriately edits the image data supplied from the host device, creates print data in a format suitable for the print unit 16, and supplies the print data to the print unit 16. The print information generation unit 25 collects ambient temperature and humidity at the time of printing, and setting values and correction values (details will be described later) in each unit in the print unit 16 to generate print information. .

  On the other hand, the reading control unit 22 is provided with an image data analysis unit 27. The image data analysis unit 27 performs various analysis processes such as a character recognition process on the read image data generated by the reading unit 17 and delivers the obtained analysis result to the control unit 11. Yes.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 2 has a configuration in which a reading unit 17 is disposed above the printing unit 16 and an operation panel unit 14 is attached to one end of the reading unit 17. In the following description, the right end portion in FIG. 3 is defined as the front surface of the image forming apparatus 2, and the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction when viewed from the front surface are defined.

  In the printing unit 16, various components are arranged inside a housing 30 formed in a substantially box shape. Inside the housing 30, the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the like described above are also provided. When the control unit 11 receives image data representing a print target image and a print instruction from a higher-level device (not shown) via the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 reads a print program or the like from the storage unit 12 and starts a printing process. .

  Further, the temperature / humidity sensor 18 described above is also provided on the front upper side in the housing 30. The temperature / humidity sensor 18 is provided in a location away from components that generate heat in the housing 30, while minimizing the influence of the heat generated in the housing 30, the ambient temperature and humidity, In addition, the temperature in the housing 30 can be detected.

  At the bottom of the housing 30, a paper storage cassette 31 that stores the paper P and a paper feed unit 32 that feeds the paper P stored in the paper storage cassette 31 are provided. The paper feed unit 32 is located above the front end of the paper storage cassette 31 and feeds the paper P accumulated in the paper storage cassette 31 forward and upward.

  A front transport unit 33 is provided on the front upper side of the paper feed unit 32. The front transport unit 33 includes a guide formed on the paper P along a transport path W (indicated by a one-dot chain line in the drawing), a plurality of rollers that transmit driving force to the paper P, and the like. The front transport unit 33 is disposed at the central portion of the housing 30 after the paper P delivered from the paper feed unit 32 is advanced forward and upward along the transport path W and eventually is advanced rearward and upward. Then, it is handed over to the middle transport section 34.

  The middle conveyance unit 34 includes rollers disposed on the front side and the rear side, and a transfer belt 35 that is wound around the rollers. The upper part of the transfer belt 35 is stretched in a straight line along the front-rear direction and forms a part of the transport path W. The intermediate conveyance unit 34 causes the transfer belt 35 to travel along the arrow E1 in the drawing by appropriately rotating the rollers. In this state, when the middle conveyance unit 34 receives the paper P from the front conveyance unit 33, the middle conveyance unit 34 places the paper P on the upper portion of the transfer belt 35 and advances it along the conveyance path W from the front to the rear.

  Four image forming units 36C, 36M, 36Y, and 36K are sequentially arranged from the rear side to the front side along the conveyance path W on the upper side of the middle conveyance unit 34. The image forming units 36C, 36M, 36Y, and 36K (hereinafter collectively referred to as the image forming unit 36) correspond to cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), respectively. However, only the colors are different, and both are configured similarly.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming unit 36 includes an image forming unit 51, a toner cartridge 52, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) head 53. The toner cartridge 52 contains toner as a developer, and is attached to the upper side of the image forming unit 51. The toner cartridge 52 supplies the stored toner to the toner storage unit 61 of the image forming unit 51. Incidentally, the image forming unit 51 is provided with a remaining toner sensor (not shown) for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 52.

  In addition to the toner container 61, the image forming unit 51 includes a supply roller 62, a developing roller 63, a regulating blade 64, a photosensitive drum 65, and a charging roller 66. The supply roller 62, the developing roller 63, the photosensitive drum 65, and the charging roller 66 are all formed in a cylindrical shape with the central axis extending in the left-right direction, and can rotate around the central axes. .

  The photosensitive drum 65 can be charged on the peripheral side surface. The supply roller 62, the developing roller 63, and the charging roller 66 all have conductivity on the peripheral side surface. The regulating blade 64 is made of, for example, a stainless steel plate having a predetermined thickness, and a part thereof is brought into contact with the peripheral side surface of the developing roller 63 to apply a predetermined linear pressure.

  When a driving force is supplied from a motor (not shown), the image forming unit 51 rotates the supply roller 62, the developing roller 63, and the charging roller 66 in the direction indicated by the arrow R2 (counterclockwise in the drawing), and the photosensitive member. The drum 65 is rotated in the direction of arrow R1 (clockwise in the figure). Further, the image forming unit 51 is charged by applying predetermined bias voltages to the supply roller 62, the developing roller 63, the regulating blade 64, and the charging roller 66 based on the control of the control unit 11. At this time, each bias voltage applied to the supply roller 62 and the like is a voltage obtained by adding or subtracting a correction value set by the print control unit 21 (FIG. 2) to a preset standard voltage. .

  The supply roller 62 attaches the toner in the toner storage unit 61 to the peripheral side surface by charging, and causes the toner to adhere to the peripheral side surface of the developing roller 63 by rotation. The developing roller 63 abuts the peripheral side surface against the peripheral side surface of the photosensitive drum 65 after excess toner is removed from the peripheral side surface by the regulating blade 64.

  On the other hand, the charging roller 66 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 65 in a charged state, thereby uniformly charging the peripheral side surface of the photosensitive drum 65. The LED head 53 as an exposure device has a plurality of LED chips arranged linearly in the left-right direction, and is a light emission pattern based on print data supplied from the control unit 11 (FIGS. 2 and 3). The photosensitive drum 65 is exposed by emitting light at predetermined time intervals. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral side surface of the photosensitive drum 65 in the vicinity of the upper end thereof.

  Subsequently, the photosensitive drum 65 is rotated in the direction of the arrow R <b> 1 to bring the portion where the electrostatic latent image is formed into contact with the developing roller 63. As a result, toner adheres to the peripheral side surface of the photosensitive drum 65 based on the electrostatic latent image, and the toner image based on the print data is developed.

  The transfer roller 55 is positioned directly below the photosensitive drum 65, and the upper portion of the transfer belt 35 is sandwiched between the vicinity of the upper end of the peripheral side surface and the vicinity of the lower end of the photosensitive drum 65. The transfer roller 55 is applied with a predetermined bias voltage and is rotated in the direction of the arrow R2 by a driving force supplied from a motor (not shown). Thereby, the transfer roller 55 can transfer the toner image developed on the peripheral side surface of the photosensitive drum 65 onto the paper P when the paper P is being transported along the transport path W. Incidentally, the bias voltage applied to the transfer roller 55 at this time is the same as the case of the supply roller 62 and the correction value set by the printing control unit 21 (FIG. 2) is added to the preset standard voltage or This is the subtracted voltage.

  In this way, each image forming unit 36 advances backward while sequentially transferring and superimposing the toner images of the respective colors on the paper P conveyed from the front along the conveyance path W.

  A fixing unit 39 is provided in the vicinity of the rear end of the middle conveyance unit 34 (FIG. 3). The fixing unit 39 rotates two heating rollers arranged so as to sandwich the conveyance path W from above and below in predetermined directions. As a result, the fixing unit 39 applies heat and pressure to the paper P delivered from the middle conveyance unit 34, that is, the paper P on which the four color toner images are sequentially stacked by the image forming units 36, thereby applying the toner image. Is fixed and handed over to the rear.

  A rear transport unit 40 is disposed behind the fixing unit 39. Like the front transport unit 33, the rear transport unit 40 is configured by a combination of a guide for guiding the paper P, a plurality of rollers, and the like. The sheet is discharged to a discharge tray 41 formed on the upper surface of 30.

  As described above, when executing the printing process, the image forming apparatus 2 forms a toner image after appropriately correcting the bias voltage applied to the supply roller 62 and the like in the image forming unit 36 of each color, and forms these on the paper P. Are transferred sequentially.

  Incidentally, a toner density sensor 37 for detecting the density of toner adhering to the transfer belt 35 is provided on the lower rear side of the transfer belt 35. A belt cleaning unit 38 is provided below the transfer belt 35 to remove toner adhering to the transfer belt 35.

  For example, the printing unit 16 in each image forming unit 36 based on the control of the printing control unit 21 (FIG. 3) immediately after the power is turned on or when a long time has passed since the last printing process. A toner density correction process for correcting the toner density is performed.

  Specifically, when performing the toner density correction process, the printing unit 16 reads out the density detection image stored in advance in the storage unit 12 (FIG. 2), and supplies it to the image forming units 36 from the print control unit 21. A toner image is formed. In addition, the printing unit 16 causes the transfer belt 35 to travel in the direction of the arrow E1 by the intermediate conveyance unit 34, and sequentially transfers the transfer belt 35 from the photosensitive drum 65 (FIG. 4) of each image forming unit 36.

  Subsequently, when the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 35 reaches the rear lower side, the printing unit 16 detects the toner density in the toner image by the toner density sensor 37, and the detected result is displayed on the control unit 11 (FIG. 2). Incidentally, the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 35 is then removed from the transfer belt 35 by the belt cleaning unit 38.

  Based on the detection result notified from the toner density sensor 37, the control unit 11 calculates a density correction value for correcting the toner density in each image forming unit 36 and stores it in the storage unit 12. Further, the control unit 11 calculates a correction value of each bias voltage applied to the supply roller 62 (FIG. 4) or the like according to the density correction value and stores it in the storage unit 12.

[1-1-2. Configuration of management device]
Next, the configuration of the management apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The management device 3 is connected to the network 5 (that is, the cloud) and is also called a cloud server. The management device 3 includes a control unit 71, a storage unit 72, a communication unit 73, a display unit 74, and an operation unit 75. The control unit 71 is mainly configured by a CPU (not shown) and executes various arithmetic processes according to various programs.

  Similar to the storage unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 2, the storage unit 72 includes a nonvolatile ROM, a flash memory, a hard disk drive, and the like, and a volatile RAM. The storage unit 72 stores various programs in advance in a rewritable flash memory or hard disk drive, and sequentially stores various information received from the image forming apparatus 2.

  The communication unit 73 is connected to the network 5 by a wired LAN that conforms to a standard such as IEEE 802.3u / ab. The communication unit 73 supplies various information and data received from the image forming apparatus 2 via the network 5 to the control unit 71 while performing predetermined modulation processing and demodulation processing, and is also supplied from the control unit 71. Various information and data are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 via the network 5.

  The display unit 74 is a liquid crystal display, for example, and displays various information based on the control of the control unit 71. The operation unit 75 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and receives a user operation input and notifies the control unit 71 of the operation input.

  Incidentally, the management apparatus 3 is connected to other image forming apparatuses (not shown) via the network 5 to receive information, and performs various processes according to requests from other terminal apparatuses (not shown). Can also be executed.

[1-2. Print processing]
Next, a printing process in the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. When the power is turned on, the print control unit 21 (FIG. 2) of the control unit 11 reads out and executes the print program from the storage unit 12, thereby starting the print processing procedure RT1 shown in FIG. 6, and proceeds to step SP1. Move.

  In step SP1, the print control unit 21 determines whether a print request, that is, image data and a print instruction for the image data have been received from a higher-level device (not shown) via the communication unit 13 (FIG. 2). If a negative result is obtained here, the print control unit 21 waits for a print request from the host device by repeating this step SP1.

  On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP1, the print control unit 21 moves to the next step SP2, assigns a new print number, and moves to the next step SP3. Here, the print number is information for identifying print information to be described later, and is composed of, for example, a 4-digit number. In this case, a number obtained by increasing the difference value “1” from the immediately preceding print number becomes a new print number. For convenience of explanation, the print number is also referred to as identification information below.

  In step SP3, the print control unit 21 notifies the print information generation unit 25 (FIG. 2) of the latest print number assigned in step SP2, and requests to generate print information and store it in the storage unit 12. Then, the process proceeds to the next step SP4. At this time, the print information generation unit 25 generates print information and stores it in the storage unit 12 by executing a print information generation process described later.

  In step SP4, the print control unit 21 notifies the print data creation unit 24 (FIG. 2) of the latest print number assigned in step SP2 and requests to generate print data for one page. Move to next Step SP5.

  At this time, the print data creating unit 24 first extracts one page from the image data supplied from the host device, and embeds the print number PN on the left side near the lower end of the image data as shown in FIG. Generate embedded image data. Subsequently, the print data creation unit 24 generates print data for each toner color based on the number-embedded image data, and supplies this to each image forming unit 36 (FIGS. 3 and 4) in the printing unit 16. To do.

  In response to this, the printing unit 16 performs printing in each image forming unit 36 in a state where a bias voltage having a value according to various correction values supplied from the printing control unit 21 is applied to the supply roller 62 (FIG. 4). Each toner image based on the data is generated and sequentially transferred onto the paper P. Further, the printing unit 16 fixes the toner image on the paper P by the fixing unit 39 (FIG. 3), and discharges the paper P to the discharge tray 41, thereby completing the printing of the image data for one page.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the paper P is printed with the print number embedded in the vicinity of the lower left of the image data. This is because, after printing the paper P, the print information associated with the print number PN printed on the paper P is read from the storage unit 12 so that the print information at the time when the paper P is printed can be obtained later. It means that you can know.

  In step SP5, the print control unit 21 determines whether there is a page to be printed next, that is, whether an unprinted page remains in the image data supplied from the host device. If a positive result is obtained here, the print control unit 21 proceeds to the next step SP6.

  In step SP6, the print control unit 21 determines whether the print information at this time has changed from the print information at the time of printing the previous page. Specifically, the print control unit 21 regenerates the print information at this point by the print information generation unit 25, and compares the print information stored in the storage unit in step SP3, thereby changing the print information. It is determined whether or not.

  If a negative result is obtained here, this means that even when the next page is printed, the bias voltage corrected using the same various correction values as when the previous page is printed is supplied to the supply roller 62 (FIG. 4) Application to the above. At this time, the print control unit 21 returns to step SP4 again and repeats a series of processes, thereby writing the same print number PN as the previous page for the image data of the next page and generating print data. This is printed on the paper P.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP6, this is corrected by using various correction values that are at least partially different when printing the next page compared to when the previous page is printed. In other words, the bias voltage is applied to the supply roller 62 (FIG. 4) or the like. At this time, the print control unit 21 returns to step SP2 again and repeats a series of processes, thereby assigning a new print number PN and storing new print information in the storage unit 12 to the image data of the next page. After the new print number PN is written, print data is generated and printed on the paper P.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP5, this means that printing of all pages in the image data supplied from the host device has been completed. At this time, the print control unit 21 proceeds to the next step SP7 and ends the print processing procedure RT1.

  Next, the print information storing process performed in step SP3 of the print processing procedure RT1 will be described. When the print information storage unit 25 (FIG. 2) requests the print control unit 21 to save the print information, the print information generation unit 25 starts the print information storage processing procedure RT2 shown in FIG. 8 and proceeds to step SP11.

  In step SP11, as shown in FIG. 9, the print information generation unit 25 generates a new print information table T in the storage unit 12, and proceeds to the next step SP12. The print information table T is provided with a plurality of items such as “print number”, “environment temperature”, “environmental humidity”, “internal temperature”, “media information”, and “correction information”. Incidentally, the storage unit 12 stores a plurality of print information tables T.

  In step SP12, the print information generation unit 25 stores the print number PN supplied from the print control unit 21 in the item “print number” in the print information table T, and proceeds to the next step SP13. In step SP13, the print information generation unit 25 sets the ambient temperature and humidity obtained from the temperature / humidity sensor 18 and the temperature in the housing 30 to “environmental temperature”, “environmental humidity”, and “apparatus temperature”. Each item is stored, and the process proceeds to the next step SP14.

  In step SP14, the print information generation unit 25 reads media information, which is information about the paper P, from a predetermined setting storage area in the storage unit 12, and stores it in the item of “media information” in the print information table T. Control goes to the next step SP13. This media information includes information such as the size (A4 size, A3 size, etc.), thickness, type (plain paper, envelope, etc.) of the paper P, for example. The information regarding the paper P is set in advance by the user or is obtained by detection by a predetermined sensor or the like.

  In step SP15, the print information generation unit 25 reads various correction values from a predetermined correction value storage area in the storage unit 12, and stores them in the item “correction information” in the print information table T. The correction values stored in the print information table T at this time include, for example, correction values for bias voltages applied to the supply roller 62 (FIG. 4), temperature correction values for the fixing unit 39, and the like. Thereafter, the print information generation unit 25 proceeds to the next step SP16 and ends the print information storage processing procedure RT2.

  As described above, the print information generation unit 25 is a value that may change for each printing of one page at the shortest, such as information on temperature, humidity, paper P, and various correction values. Conditions (hereinafter also referred to as “printing conditions”) are collected and used as print information, and the print number PN is associated with the print information and stored in the print information table T of the storage unit 12.

[1-3. Problem handling process]
By the way, the user of the image forming apparatus 2 instructs the image forming apparatus 2 to print image data by operating a host apparatus (not shown) such as a personal computer. At this time, the user can obtain the print result obtained by the printing process of the image forming apparatus 2, that is, in terms of the toner density and color tone, the print position of the image on the paper P, and the like on the paper P on which the image data is printed. In some cases, there is a problem or the evaluation is different from the assumption. For convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the paper P evaluated as having a problem by the user is called a problem printing paper, and the printing process performed at this time is also called a problem printing process.

  In such a case, if a maintenance worker having specialized knowledge can visually check the printing result and refer to the temperature and various correction values at the time of printing, that is, the printing information, it can be performed with high accuracy and in a short time. The cause of the problem printing process can be specified and solved. Therefore, in the image forming system 1, the image forming apparatus 2 stores the read image data obtained by reading the problem printing paper and information stored in the storage unit 12 as information necessary for identifying and eliminating the cause of the problem printing process. Print information that is currently being sent.

  Specifically, the control unit 11 (FIG. 2) of the image forming apparatus 2 displays a predetermined menu screen on the display unit 14 </ b> A of the operation panel unit 14 in a standby state where printing processing or the like is not performed. In this menu screen, there are prepared problem solving items which are items for solving a problem when the user evaluates that there is a problem with the printing result. Then, the control unit 11 starts a problem solving process procedure RT3 shown in FIG. 10, and proceeds to step SP21.

  In step SP21, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a problem solving item has been selected by the user. If a negative result is obtained here, the control unit 11 waits for selection of a problem solving item by repeating this step SP21. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP21, the control unit 11 moves to next step SP22.

  In step SP22, the control unit 11 causes the user to perform preparations and operations for reading the problem printing paper by the reading unit 17, and proceeds to the next step SP23. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 11 displays a message such as “Please set the problem print page in the scanner and press the start key” on the display unit 14 </ b> A of the operation panel unit 14. As a result, the control unit 11 prompts the user to press the start key provided on the operation unit 14B after placing the problem printing paper as a document on a predetermined document table in the reading unit 17. be able to.

  In step SP23, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the start key of the operation unit 14B has been pressed. If a negative result is obtained here, the control section 11 waits for the start key of the operation section 14B to be pressed by repeating this step SP23.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP23, this means that the user has set the problem printing paper on the document table of the reading unit 17 and has pressed the start key of the operation unit 14B. This indicates that the printing paper is ready to be read. At this time, the controller 11 proceeds to the next step SP24.

  In step SP24, the control unit 11 controls the reading unit 22 from the reading control unit 22 to read the problem printing paper to generate read image data, and proceeds to the next step SP25. The read image data generated at this time is image data in which the print number PN is embedded in the lower left part. For convenience of explanation, this is also referred to as a read embedded image below.

  In step SP25, the control unit 11 performs character recognition processing on the vicinity of the lower left side of the read image data by the image data analysis unit 27 (FIG. 2) of the read control unit 22, thereby printing the problem print sheet. Recognizing the number PN, the process proceeds to the next step SP26. For convenience of explanation, the print number PN (that is, identification information) recognized here is also referred to as recognition identification information below.

  In step SP26, the control unit 11 print information from the print information table T (FIG. 9) stored in the storage unit 12 in which the same print number PN as the print number PN recognized in step SP25 is stored. Is read and acquired, and the process proceeds to the next step SP27. In step SP27, the control unit 11 transmits the read image data and the print information together with the device identification number stored in the storage unit 12 to the management device 3 (FIG. 1), and then moves on to the next step SP28. The solution processing procedure RT3 is terminated.

  In response to this, the control unit 71 (FIG. 5) of the management apparatus 3 stores the read image data and print information received from the image forming apparatus 2 in the storage unit 72 in association with the apparatus identification number, and also displays on the display unit 74. indicate. As a result, the maintenance worker in charge of the maintenance work of the image forming apparatus 2 estimates the cause of the problem based on the read image data and the print information, and a solution method of the image forming apparatus 2 by telephone or e-mail. The user can be notified to solve the problem.

[1-4. Effect]
In the configuration described above, the image forming apparatus 2 of the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment uses the temperature, humidity, various correction values, and the like as print information when executing print processing, and sets the print number PN to this. The data is assigned and stored in the print information table T (FIG. 9) of the storage unit 12, and the print number is embedded in the image data for printing (FIG. 7).

  Therefore, in the image forming system 1, when the user evaluates that there is a problem with the printed paper P, the image forming system 1 at the time of printing is based on the print number PN printed on the paper P (that is, the problem printing paper). The print information can be read from the storage unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 2. As a result, in the image forming system 1, there is a possibility that the correction value of each bias voltage may change sequentially according to the ambient temperature and humidity in the image forming apparatus 2 and the change in the internal temperature. Accurate values such as correction values at the time of printing can be acquired afterwards. As a result, in the image forming system 1, it is possible to more accurately estimate the cause of the problem by a maintenance worker or the like, and this problem can be solved.

  From another viewpoint, the image forming system 1 allows the user to read the problem printing paper by the reading unit 17 of the image forming apparatus 2 and obtain the read image data and the printing information of the problem printing paper. , The image can be transmitted to the management apparatus 3 at a location away from the image forming apparatus 2. As a result, in the image forming system 1, the maintenance worker or the like who is also away from the image forming apparatus 2 immediately recognizes the state of the problem printing paper and confirms accurate printing information. The problem can be solved in a very short time.

  From another point of view, in the image forming system 1, since the print number PN is directly embedded in the printed paper P, it is not necessary to print a test pattern again. The read image data and the corresponding print information can be obtained.

  In the image forming apparatus 2, when generating print data based on the image data obtained from the host apparatus, the print number PN is embedded in the image data for one page and then supplied to each image forming unit 36. Print data for each color to be generated is generated (FIG. 7). For this reason, the image forming apparatus 2 does not need to add a process for transferring the toner image representing the printing number PN to the paper P and a process for fixing the toner image. The toner image of each color may be generated once by the forming unit 36 and transferred to the paper P.

  From another viewpoint, the image forming apparatus 2 collects the ambient temperature and humidity, the internal temperature, the media information about the paper P, and correction information including various correction values into one piece of print information. A unique print number PN is associated with this. For this reason, the image forming apparatus 2 may collect a large number of values such as the ambient temperature and humidity and a plurality of correction values when the printing process is executed. Can be handled by one print number. Thus, in the image forming system 1, for example, by setting the print number PN to the minimum necessary number of characters (for example, a 4-digit number), the printed paper P was not originally included in the image data. The print number PN, which is an extra character string, can be made inconspicuous as much as possible.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 2 does not change the print number PN for each sheet of paper P, but only when the print information changes. For this reason, the image forming apparatus 2 can eliminate unnecessary occupancy such as storing the same print information in a plurality of print information tables T (FIG. 9) with respect to the storage unit 12, and can suppress the necessary storage capacity as much as possible. .

  Further, the image forming apparatus 2 does not make the user visually recognize the print number PN, but recognizes it by the character recognition process based on the read image data obtained by reading by the reading unit 17. As a result, the image forming apparatus 2 can acquire an accurate print number PN without causing the user to read characters or perform an input operation using the operation unit 14B or the like. Further, since the image forming apparatus 2 performs character recognition processing on the read image data generated by reading the problem printing paper for transmission to the management apparatus 3, the user performs operations and operations for reading the print number. There is no need to let them do.

  According to the above configuration, in the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment, the temperature, humidity, various correction values, and the like are used as print information during printing by the image forming apparatus 2, and the print number PN is assigned thereto. In addition to storing it, the print number is embedded in the image data for printing. For this reason, in the image forming system 1, when the user evaluates that there is a problem with the paper P after printing, the print information at the time of printing is acquired later based on the print number PN printed on the paper P. Therefore, the cause of the problem can be estimated more accurately by a maintenance worker or the like, and this problem can be solved.

[2. Second Embodiment]
The image forming system 101 (FIG. 1) according to the second embodiment is different from the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the image forming apparatus 102 and the management apparatus replace the image forming apparatus 2 and the management apparatus 3. 103.

  The image forming apparatus 102 (FIG. 2) is different from the image forming apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a control unit 111 and a storage unit 112 instead of the control unit 11 and the storage unit 12. The other points are configured similarly. The control unit 111 includes a print control unit 121 that replaces the print control unit 21 according to the first embodiment, and performs problem-solving processing according to a procedure that is partially different from the first embodiment. The print control unit 121 performs print processing according to a procedure partially different from that of the first embodiment. Further, the storage unit 112 does not store the print information table T (FIG. 9).

  On the other hand, the management device 103 (FIG. 5) differs from the management device 3 according to the first embodiment in that it has a control unit 171 and a storage unit 172 instead of the control unit 71 and the storage unit 72, The other points are configured similarly. Similar to the storage unit 12 in the first embodiment, the storage unit 172 stores a plurality of print information tables (details will be described later).

[2-1. Print processing]
Next, a printing process in the image forming apparatus 102 will be described. When the power is turned on, the print control unit 121 (FIG. 2) of the control unit 111 reads the print program from the storage unit 112 and executes it, thereby starting the print processing procedure RT4 shown in FIG. 12 corresponding to FIG. Then, the process proceeds to step SP31. The print control unit 121 performs the same processing as steps SP1 and SP2 (FIG. 6) in steps SP31 and SP32, and then proceeds to step SP33.

  In step SP33, the print control unit 121 notifies the print information generation unit 25 (FIG. 2) of the latest print number, requests to generate print information and transmit the print information to the management apparatus 103, and then The process proceeds to step SP34. At this time, the print information generation unit 25 generates new print information in accordance with the print information storage processing procedure RT2 (FIG. 8) in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and generates the new print information together with the apparatus identification number (FIG. 2). To the management apparatus 103 via the network 5 (FIG. 1). Thereafter, the print control unit 121 executes the same processing as steps SP4 to SP6 (FIG. 6) in steps SP34 to SP36, and then proceeds to step SP37 to end the printing processing procedure RT4.

  On the other hand, when receiving the print information from the image forming apparatus 102, the control unit 171 of the management apparatus 103 generates a new print information table T2 in the storage unit 172 (FIG. 5) as shown in FIG. 13 corresponding to FIG. To do. This print information table T2 has an “apparatus management number” item added as compared with the print information table T in the first embodiment. Subsequently, the control unit 171 stores the received device management number and print information in the print information table T2.

  As described above, in the image forming system 101 according to the second embodiment, when the print information is generated in the image forming apparatus 102, the print information is transmitted to the management apparatus 103 and stored in the storage unit 72 as the print information table T2. ing.

[2-2. Problem handling process]
Next, the problem handling process will be described. The control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 102 displays the same menu screen as that of the first embodiment on the display unit 14A of the operation panel unit 14, and the problem solving processing procedure shown in FIG. 14 corresponding to FIG. RT5 is started, and the process proceeds to step SP41. In steps SP41 to SP45, the control unit 111 performs the same processing as steps SP21 to SP25, and then proceeds to the next step SP26.

  In step SP46, the control unit 111 transmits the recognized print number PN and read image data together with the device identification number stored in the storage unit 112 to the management device 103, and then proceeds to the next step SP47 to solve the problem. End RT5.

  On the other hand, the control unit 171 of the management apparatus 103 has started the problem management processing procedure RT6 shown in FIG. 15 in advance, and determines whether the apparatus management number, the print number PN, and the like have been received from the image forming apparatus 102 in step SP51. judge. If a negative result is obtained, the control unit 171 waits for reception of the device management number, the print number PN, and the like from the image forming apparatus 102 by repeating this step SP51. On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step SP51, the control unit 171 proceeds to next step SP52.

  In step SP52, the control unit 171 reads the print information table T2 in which the received device identification number and print number PN match from the storage unit 172, and proceeds to the next step SP53. In step SP53, the control unit 171 displays the contents of the read print information table T2, that is, the device management number and read image data together with the print information, on the display unit 74, and proceeds to the next step SP54 to end the problem management processing procedure RT6. To do.

  As a result, the maintenance worker who is in charge of the maintenance work of the image forming apparatus 102 estimates the cause of the problem based on the read image data and the print information as in the first embodiment, and the solution method is determined by telephone or electronic The problem can be solved by notifying the user of the image forming apparatus 102 by e-mail or the like.

[2-3. Effect]
In the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 102 of the image forming system 101 according to the second embodiment transmits the print information assigned the print number PN to the management apparatus 103 and executes the storage process 172 when executing the print processing. Is stored as the print information table T2 (FIG. 13), and the print number PN is embedded in the image data for printing (FIG. 7).

  For this reason, in the image forming system 101, when the user evaluates that there is a problem with the printed paper P, the image forming system 101 performs printing by notifying the printing number PN printed on the paper P (that is, the problematic printing paper). The print information at the time can be read from the storage unit 172 of the management apparatus 103. Thereby, in the image forming system 101, as in the first embodiment, an accurate value such as a correction value at the time when the problem printing paper is printed in the image forming apparatus 102 can be acquired afterwards. As a result, in the image forming system 101, the cause of the problem can be estimated more accurately by a maintenance worker or the like, and this problem can be solved.

  In particular, in the image forming system 101, the storage unit 172 of the management apparatus 103 stores print information transmitted from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 102 in the storage unit 172 as a print information table T2 (FIG. 13). For this reason, in the management apparatus 103, for example, when a print number PN or the like is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 102, the print information associated with the print number PN is read and similar to that in other image forming apparatuses. By reading out and presenting the print information, it can be used to investigate the cause by the maintenance worker and to solve the problem.

  In the image forming system 101, when the print number PN or the like is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 102 and the problem can be solved from the print information or the like associated with the print number PN, another image similar to the print information is displayed. If there is print information of the forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the problem by notifying the user in advance of the possibility of the problem and the solution method.

  In other respects, the image forming system 101 according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment.

  According to the above configuration, in the image forming system 101 according to the second embodiment, the temperature, humidity, various correction values, and the like are used as print information during printing by the image forming apparatus 102, and a print number PN is assigned to the print information. The data is transmitted to the management apparatus 103 and stored, and the print number PN is embedded in the image data for printing. Therefore, in the image forming system 101, if the user evaluates that there is a problem with the paper P after printing, the print information at the time of printing is acquired later based on the print number PN printed on the paper P. Therefore, the cause of the problem can be estimated more accurately by a maintenance worker or the like, and this problem can be solved.

[3. Other Embodiments]
In the first embodiment described above, the ambient temperature and humidity, the temperature in the housing 30, the information about the paper P, various correction values, and the like are stored as print information in the print information table T as print information. The case of memorizing was described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the temperature of the photosensitive drum 65, the temperature of the fixing unit 39 (FIG. 3), the remaining amount of toner, or the conveyance speed of the paper P in each image forming unit 36 (FIG. 5). Values that can be detected by various sensors or various values that can be changed by the user and that may affect the print result may be included in the print information. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  In the first embodiment described above, the case where the printing number PN is a four-digit number has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the printing number PN may be a number of 3 digits or less or 5 digits or more, or a combination of a number and a character or a symbol. In short, the print number PN may be a unique character or symbol that can identify the print information, that is, identification information. Or it is good also as a number showing a date, for example. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the case has been described in which the print number is represented by characters (numeric characters) that can be read by the user or maintenance worker. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the print number PN (identification information) is obtained by a technique that is difficult for the user or maintenance worker to read, such as a combination of various figures and symbols, or a one-dimensional barcode or two-dimensional code. It may be expressed. Furthermore, as in Patent Document 2, for example, a dot pattern composed of a plurality of dots may be embedded in the image data, and the identification information may be represented as a so-called watermark by its arrangement, color, or the like. In short, it suffices if the print number PN can be recognized from the read image data generated by reading the problem printing paper by the reading unit 17. The same applies to the second embodiment.

JP 2005-79937 A

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the print information is stored in the new print information table T after the print number PN is newly assigned only when the print information is changed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the print number PN may be updated every time one sheet P (that is, one page) is printed. In this case, for example, the same print information may be associated with the range of the print number PN (start number and end number) using one print information table T. Thereby, the occupation amount of the storage unit 12 can be minimized. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the print number PN is embedded in the vicinity of the lower left of the image data and printing is performed on the paper P has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and printing may be performed by arranging the print number PN near any edge in the image data, for example, near the lower right corner or near the upper edge of the image data. Alternatively, the print number PN may be printed with a color that is difficult for the user to visually recognize (that is, hardly noticeable), such as light cyan or light yellow. Furthermore, when the image forming unit 36 that forms a white toner image is provided in the image forming apparatus 2, the print number PN may be embedded in white. In short, the print number PN is printed so as not to obscure the user of the image data printed on the paper P as much as possible, that is, printed as inconspicuous as possible, and character recognition from the read image data read by the reading unit 17 Any character can be used as long as the character can be recognized by the processing. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the print number PN is printed on the same surface as the image data, that is, the front surface has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the double-sided printing mechanism is incorporated in the image forming apparatus 102, the print number PN may be printed on the surface opposite to the image data (that is, the back surface). In this case, if the reading unit 17 has a double-sided reading function, both sides may be automatically read. If the reading unit does not have a double-sided reading function, an operation procedure may be presented to the user so that the front and back surfaces of the problem printing paper are sequentially read. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, only the print information associated with the print number PN read from the problem print sheet is read from the print information table T (FIG. 9) of the storage unit 12 and transmitted to the management apparatus 3. Said about the case. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the print number PN read from the problem print sheet, print information associated with the print number PN in the vicinity thereof is also read from the print information table T and sent to the management apparatus 3. You may send it. Thereby, for example, it is possible to estimate the tendency of the ambient temperature and various correction values over time, and it is possible to improve the problem solving accuracy. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the case where the print number PN is read from the read image data by the character recognition process on the side of the image forming apparatus 102 and transmitted to the management apparatus 103 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the management apparatus 103 may read the print number PN by character recognition processing based on the read image data received from the image forming apparatus 102. As a result, the processing load on the image forming apparatus 102 can be reduced.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the case has been described in which print information, read image data, and the like are displayed on the display unit 74 of the management apparatus 3 and are presented to a maintenance worker or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in other personal computers or smartphones connected to the management apparatus 3 via the network 5 or the like, print information, read image data, or the like is displayed on each display panel or the like. Also good. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the print information and the read image data read from the storage unit 12 are transmitted to the management device 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the read print information may be displayed on the display unit 14 </ b> A of the operation panel unit 14. Accordingly, for example, when the maintenance worker is going to the installation site of the image forming apparatus 2 and performing the maintenance work, the printing information at the time of printing the problem printing paper by reading the problem printing paper by the reading unit 17. Can be immediately presented to the maintenance worker.

  Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 102 that is an MFP has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to various electronic devices having a function of printing image data on paper, such as a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile machine. Among these, when the electronic device does not have a reading function, read image data may be generated using another image scanner or the like and transmitted to the management apparatus 103.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 2 that prints image data on the paper P by the electrophotographic method has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to an image forming apparatus that prints image data on paper P by various methods such as an inkjet method and a thermal transfer method. The same applies to the second embodiment.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and other embodiments. That is, the scope of the present invention extends to embodiments in which some or all of the above-described embodiments and other embodiments described above are arbitrarily combined, and embodiments in which some are extracted. It is.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the storage unit 12 as a storage unit, the print data creation unit 24 as an embedded image generation unit, the printing unit 16 as an image forming unit, and the reading unit 17 as an image reading unit. In the above description, the image data analysis unit 27 as the information recognition unit and the control unit 11 as the printing condition reading unit constitute the image forming apparatus 2 as the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image forming apparatus includes a storage unit, an embedded image generation unit, an image forming unit, an image reading unit, an information recognition unit, and a printing condition reading unit having various other configurations. May be configured.

  The present invention can be used in, for example, an image forming apparatus that prints image data on a sheet by changing various internal correction values according to ambient temperature and humidity.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101 ... Image forming system 2, 102 ... Image forming apparatus 3, 103 ... Management apparatus, 5 ... Network, 11, 111 ... Control part, 12, 112 ... Storage part, 13 ... Communication unit 16 …… Printing unit 17 …… Reading unit 18 …… Temperature / humidity sensor 21, 121 …… Print control unit 22 …… Read control unit 24 …… Print data creation unit 25 …… Print Information generating section 27... Image data analyzing section 36... Image forming unit 71 171... Control section 72 72... Storage section 73 73 Communication section 74. Operation unit, P ... paper, PN ... print number, T, T2 ... print information table.

Claims (10)

A storage unit that stores a printing condition representing a condition when an image is formed on a medium and printed, and identification information for identifying the printing condition in association with each other;
An embedded image generator for generating an embedded image in which the identification information is embedded in the image;
In accordance with the printing conditions, an image forming unit that forms and prints the embedded image on the medium; and
An image reading unit that reads the embedded image printed on the medium and sets it as a read embedded image;
An information recognition unit that recognizes the identification information based on the read embedded image and sets it as recognition identification information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing condition reading unit that reads out the printing condition associated with the recognition identification information from the storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the printing condition changes, the storage unit stores the printing condition in association with new identification information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the embedded image generation unit embeds the identification information in the vicinity of an end portion of the image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the embedded image generation unit embeds the identification information as a character readable by a user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the embedded image generation unit embeds the identification information as a dot pattern in the image. An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium and a management apparatus that manages information about the image forming apparatus are connected via a network,
A storage unit that stores a printing condition representing a condition for forming and printing the image on the medium and identification information for identifying the printing condition in association with each other;
In the image forming apparatus, an embedded image generating unit that generates an embedded image in which the identification information is embedded in the image;
In the image forming apparatus, an image forming unit that forms and prints the embedded image on the medium according to the printing conditions;
In the image forming apparatus, an image reading unit that reads the embedded image printed on the medium and reads the embedded image,
An information recognition unit that recognizes the identification information based on the read embedded image and sets it as recognition identification information;
An image forming system comprising: a printing condition reading unit that reads out the printing condition associated with the recognition identification information from the storage unit. The storage unit, the information recognition unit, and the printing condition reading unit are provided in the image forming apparatus,
The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus transmits the read embedded image and the printing condition to the management apparatus via the network. The storage unit and the printing condition reading unit are provided in the management device,
The image forming apparatus transmits the printing conditions and the identification information to the management apparatus via the network and stores them in the storage unit, and transmits at least the read embedded image to the management apparatus,
The management device reads the print condition associated with the recognition identification information recognized based on the read embedded image transmitted from the image forming device from the storage unit by the print condition reading unit. The image forming system according to claim 6. The information recognition unit is provided in the image forming apparatus,
The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus transmits the recognition identification information recognized by the information recognizing unit to the management apparatus together with the read embedded image via the network. . The information recognition unit is provided in the management device,
The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus transmits the read embedded image to the management apparatus via the network.

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