JP2018165789A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To determine whether a color material is a genuine product or a non-genuine product accurately at a low price to prevent the occurrence of abnormality in an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a printing part that uses a color material; a storage container for supplying a color material; an image reading part; a storage part that stores image data for a test including patch images, a first proper range that is a range of chroma of a genuine color material and a second proper range that is a range of hue angle of a genuine color material; and a control part. When a determination mode is selected, the control part controls the printing part to print a test sheet on the basis of the image data for a test, determines the chroma and hue angle of the patch images on the basis of image data for determination created through reading of the test sheet, and determines that the color material is a non-genuine product when the chroma is outside the first proper range or the hue angle is outside the second proper range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that includes a storage container for supplying color material that is printed using color material.

  The image forming apparatus performs printing using the color material. Examples of the color material include toner and ink. Since it is used in printing, the color material is a consumable item. Therefore, a storage container for replenishing the color material is attached to the image forming apparatus. The container is, for example, a toner container or an ink cartridge. When empty, the container is replaced. A manufacturer of an image forming apparatus supplies and sells a container. Genuine color material is stored in the container supplied by the manufacturer. Technology and know-how are packed into genuine color materials so that there is no abnormality in the members and image quality in the image forming apparatus. It is preferable to use genuine color material (container). However, it may be replaced with a non-genuine container. As a result, abnormal materials or image quality in the image forming apparatus may occur due to non-genuine color materials.

  Therefore, it may be detected whether or not a genuine product is used. An example is described in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, a carriage including a recording head in which a plurality of recording nozzles are arranged is scanned in the main scanning direction, and ink is ejected by the recording head to perform recording on a recording medium. It is checked whether it is a manufacturer-specified consumable, and if it is detected that at least one of the consumables is not a manufacturer-specified consumable, the operator is notified that the manufacturer-specified consumable is not being used. An image forming apparatus that proposes to the operator to switch from a standard image forming method optimized for consumables specified by the manufacturer to an image forming method with higher image stability is described. With this configuration, the image quality of the output image is made closer to the image quality targeted by the manufacturer.

JP 2009-018495 A

  In order to prevent failure and maintain high image quality, it is preferable to use genuine color materials (container). However, some malicious non-genuine distributors analyze genuine products and imitate genuine products. As a result, imitated non-genuine containers may be distributed. Furthermore, inferior and inexpensive color materials may be filled in non-genuine containers. As a result, the user may unintentionally install a non-genuine container. When the color material is inferior, there is a high possibility that a problem (failure) will occur in the image forming apparatus. There is a problem that an abnormality of the image forming apparatus may occur against the user's intention. On the other hand, in order to make it difficult for a non-genuine product dealer to imitate, there is a problem that the cost of the storage container and the image forming apparatus increases as the structure of the storage container and the genuine product determination process become more complicated.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a storage unit that stores information in an ink cartridge is provided. When this storage means is analyzed, a non-genuine product may be erroneously determined as a genuine product. Further, the more sophisticated the storage means, the more expensive the mechanism for determination. Therefore, the technique described in Patent Document 1 cannot solve the above problem.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention determines whether a color material is a genuine product or a non-genuine product at low cost and accurately, and prevents occurrence of an abnormality in the image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect includes a printing unit, a container, an image reading unit, a storage unit, a display unit, an operation unit, a control unit, and an output unit. The printing unit performs printing using a color material. The storage container stores the color material and is attached to supply the color material. The image reading unit reads an original and generates image data. The storage unit stores test image data for printing a test sheet including a patch image that is an image using only one color material. Further, the storage unit stores a first appropriate range that is a saturation range of the color material of a genuine product and a second appropriate range that is a range of hue angles of the color material of the genuine product. The operation unit accepts a user's setting operation. When the determination mode is selected by operating the operation unit, the control unit causes the printing unit to print the test sheet based on the test image data. When the image reading unit reads the printed test sheet and generates determination image data, the control unit obtains the saturation and hue angle of the patch image based on the determination image data. The controller determines that the color material is a genuine product when the obtained saturation is within the first appropriate range and the obtained hue angle is within the second appropriate range. The controller determines that the color material is a non-genuine product when the calculated saturation is outside the first appropriate range or when the calculated hue angle is outside the second appropriate range. The output unit outputs a determination result of whether the color material is a genuine product or a non-genuine product.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to accurately determine whether a color material is a genuine product or a non-genuine product at low cost. In addition, the occurrence of an abnormality in the image forming apparatus can be prevented.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image forming unit which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a toner supply related portion according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a process in the determination mode which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a process in the determination mode which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the detection of the temperature in the multifunctional device which concerns on embodiment, and humidity. It is a figure which shows an example of the test paper (image data for a test) which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the guidance screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st confirmation screen which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of variations in pixel values according to toner types. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of variation in saturation according to the type of toner. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of variation in hue angle depending on the type of toner. It is a figure which shows an example of the determination result output screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the 2nd confirmation screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the multifunctional device which concerns on a modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, the multifunction peripheral 100 will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus. In the description of the embodiment, an example in which toner is used as a color material will be described. Each element such as the configuration and arrangement described in the present embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Multifunction machine 100)
An example of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  The multifunction device 100 includes a control unit 1, a storage unit 2, an image reading unit 3, an operation panel 4, a printing unit 5, and a communication unit 13.

  The control unit 1 controls the operation of the multifunction device 100. The control unit 1 includes a CPU 11 and an image processing unit 12. The storage unit 2 includes a ROM, a RAM, and an HDD. The storage unit 2 stores various data and control programs. For example, the storage unit 2 stores control data, setting data, and image data. The CPU 11 controls each unit (the image reading unit 3, the operation panel 4, the printing unit 5, and the communication unit 13) of the multifunction peripheral 100 based on the program and data stored in the storage unit 2. The image processing unit 12 performs various image processing such as color space conversion. For example, the image processing unit 12 is a circuit dedicated to image processing (ASIC).

  In the case of a job (copy job or transmission job) that involves reading a document, the control unit 1 causes the image reading unit 3 to read the document. The image reading unit 3 generates image data of a document. For reading a document, the image reading unit 3 includes a light source (lamp), a lens, and an image sensor (line sensor). The image reading unit 3 includes an image data generation circuit that generates image data based on the output of the image sensor. The image data generation circuit converts the analog output of each pixel of the image sensor into a digital value. The image reading unit 3 supports reading in color. Therefore, the image reading unit 3 includes line sensors for a plurality of colors.

  The operation panel 4 includes a display panel 41 (corresponding to a display unit and an output unit), a touch panel 42 (corresponding to an operation unit), and hard keys 43 (corresponding to an operation unit). The display panel 41 displays a screen and an image. The control unit 1 controls display on the display panel 41. The control unit 1 causes the display panel 41 to display an operation image used for job setting. The operation image is, for example, a button or a key. The touch panel 42 receives a user operation. The touch panel 42 is provided on the upper surface of the display panel 41. The touch panel 42 recognizes the touch position. Based on the output of the touch panel 42, the control unit 1 recognizes the operated operation image. Based on the operated operation image, the control unit 1 recognizes the operation content of the user.

  The hard key 43 also accepts user operations. As the hard key 43, a start key and a cancel key can be provided. The start key is a key for instructing job execution start. When the start key is operated, the control unit 1 recognizes that a job execution start instruction has been issued. The cancel key is a key for canceling a job or setting.

  The printing unit 5 includes a paper feeding unit 5a, a paper transport unit 5b, an image forming unit 5c, an intermediate transfer unit 5d, and a fixing unit 5e. At the time of printing, the control unit 1 causes the paper feeding unit 5a to feed paper. The control unit 1 conveys the sheet to the sheet conveying unit 5b. The control unit 1 causes the image forming unit 5c to form a toner image based on the image data. The control unit 1 causes the intermediate transfer unit 5d to transfer the toner image formed by the image forming unit 5c onto the sheet. The control unit 1 causes the fixing unit 5e to fix the toner image transferred to the paper. The control unit 1 causes the paper transport unit 5b to discharge the fixed paper toward the outside of the apparatus.

  The communication unit 13 communicates with the computer 200 and the facsimile apparatus 300. For example, the computer 200 is a PC or a server. The communication unit 13 includes a connector, a communication circuit, and a communication memory. The communication unit 13 receives print data transmitted from the computer 200 or the facsimile apparatus 300. The print data includes image data and data described in a page description language. The control unit 1 causes the printing unit 5 to print based on the received print data (print job). The communication unit 13 can transmit image data to the computer 200 or the facsimile apparatus 300 (transmission job).

(Image forming unit 5c)
Next, an example of the image forming unit 5c according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the image forming unit 50 according to the embodiment.

  The multifunction peripheral 100 can perform color printing. For color printing, the image forming unit 5 c includes a plurality of image forming units 50. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 5c includes an image forming unit 50Bk that forms a black toner image, an image forming unit 50C that forms a cyan toner image, and an image forming unit 50Y that forms a yellow toner image. And an image forming unit 50M for forming a magenta toner image. The image forming unit 5c also includes an exposure device 51 (see FIG. 1). The exposure device 51 scans and exposes the photosensitive drum 53 included in each image forming unit 50 with a laser beam. The intermediate transfer portion 5d includes an intermediate transfer belt 52 (see FIG. 2).

  Each of the image forming units 50Bk to 50M has a similar configuration although the color of the toner image to be formed is different. Therefore, in the following description, the image forming unit 50Bk for black is taken as an example. The image forming units 50 of other colors can be similarly described. For this reason, in the following description, the symbols Bk, Y, C, and M indicating colors are omitted unless specifically described. The common members will be described with common reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each image forming unit 50 includes a photosensitive drum 53, a charging device 54, a developing device 55, and a cleaning device 56. At the time of printing, the control unit 1 rotates the photosensitive drum 53 at a predetermined peripheral speed. The photosensitive drum 53 rotates upon receiving a driving force of a motor (not shown). The control unit 1 controls the rotation of the motor. Through a process of charging, exposure, and development, the photosensitive drum 53 carries a toner image on the peripheral surface (image carrier). The charging device 54 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 53 with a constant potential. The exposure device 51 applies laser light to the photosensitive drum 53 while moving the irradiation position in the main scanning direction. The exposure device 51 turns on and off the laser light according to the image data of the image to be printed. As a result, an optical signal based on the image data is applied to the charged photosensitive drum 53. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 53.

  The developing device 55 stores toner therein. The image forming unit 50Bk contains black, the image forming unit 50Y contains yellow, the image forming unit 50C contains cyan, and the image forming unit 50M contains magenta developer. The developing device 55 causes the toner (color material) to fly. The developing device 55 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 53 with toner.

  One primary transfer roller 57 is provided for the photosensitive drum 53. The photosensitive drum 53 and the primary transfer roller 57 sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 52. During printing, the control unit 1 rotates the intermediate transfer belt 52. During printing, the control unit 1 applies a transfer voltage to the primary transfer roller 57. As a result, the toner images of the respective colors formed by the respective image forming units 50 are primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 52. Further, the control unit 1 causes the toner image primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 52 to be secondarily transferred onto the conveyed paper. The cleaning device 56 cleans the photosensitive drum 53. The cleaning device 56 extends in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 53 and rubs the surface of the photosensitive drum 53 to remove residual toner and the like.

(Toner supply)
Next, toner replenishment to each developing device 55 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a portion for supplying toner to each developing device 55 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 3, the toner flow is indicated by white arrows.

  A toner container 6 (corresponding to a storage container) is provided in the multifunction device 100. The toner container 6 is provided for each toner color. A total of four toner containers 6 of black, cyan, yellow, and magenta are attached. Each toner container 6 stores toner to be supplied to the developing device 55. Each developing device 55 is connected to a toner container 6 (see FIG. 3) that stores toner of a corresponding color. Each toner container 6 is replaceable.

  A replenishment mechanism 61 is provided for each developing device 55 (each toner container 6). Each supply mechanism 61 includes a conveying screw, a motor, and a gear. The conveying screw sends toner from the toner container 6 toward the developing device 55. Motors and gears rotate the conveying screw. A toner sensor 62 is provided in each developing device 55. The toner sensor 62 is a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the developing device 55. The output signal of each toner sensor 62 is input to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 recognizes the toner amount of each developing device 55. The control unit 1 recognizes the developing device 55 whose toner amount is equal to or less than the specified value as the developing device 55 that needs toner replenishment. The control unit 1 operates the supply mechanism 61 corresponding to the developing device 55 that needs toner supply. As a result, toner is supplied to the developing device 55.

  Each toner container 6 is provided with a remaining amount acquisition unit 63. The remaining amount acquisition unit 63 is a part for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 6. The remaining amount acquisition unit 63 is, for example, a sensor that detects the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 6. The output of the sensor changes according to the remaining amount of toner. An output (signal) of the sensor is input to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 recognizes the remaining amount of each toner container 6 based on the output of the sensor.

(Determination mode)
Next, an example of the determination mode of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a process flow in the determination mode according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of temperature and humidity detection in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the test sheet 8 (test image data 8i) according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the guidance screen 4a according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first confirmation screen 4b according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of variations in pixel values depending on the type of toner. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of variation in saturation depending on the type of toner. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of variation in hue angle depending on the type of toner. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the determination result output screen 4c according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second confirmation screen 4d according to the embodiment.

  The multi-function device 100 has a discrimination mode. The determination mode is a mode for determining whether the color material (toner contained in each toner container 6) is a genuine product or a non-genuine product. The start in FIG. 4 is the time when the determination is started in the determination mode.

  A person who wants to use the discrimination mode performs a predetermined operation on the operation panel 4 (touch panel 42). For example, a user, a maintenance person in the company, or a service person dispatched from a maintenance company performs a predetermined operation. The touch panel 42 and the hard key 43 accept selection of the discrimination mode. When the determination mode is selected, the control unit 1 sets the multifunction peripheral 100 to the determination mode. The start of FIG. 4 is the time when the control unit 1 sets the multifunction device 100 to the discrimination mode.

  First, the control unit 1 generates environment information (step # 1). The environmental information is information including one or both of temperature and humidity of the installation environment of the multifunction peripheral 100. In this description, an example in which temperature and humidity are included in environmental information will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes an environment detection unit 7. The environment detection unit 7 includes a temperature sensor 71 and a humidity sensor 72. When only the temperature is included in the environmental information, the humidity sensor 72 is not necessary. When only the humidity is included in the environmental information, the temperature sensor 71 is not necessary.

  The temperature sensor 71 is a sensor for detecting the temperature of the installation environment of the multifunction peripheral 100. The humidity sensor 72 is a sensor for detecting the humidity of the installation environment of the multifunction peripheral 100. Outputs from the temperature sensor 71 and the humidity sensor 72 are input to the control unit 1. Based on the output of each sensor, the control unit 1 recognizes the temperature and humidity of the installation environment. The control unit 1 generates environmental information indicating the recognized temperature and humidity.

  Next, the control unit 1 generates a code C1 including use information indicating that the test sheet 8 is used and environment information (step # 2). The control unit 1 generates a two-dimensional code. For example, the control unit 1 generates a QR code (registered trademark), a barcode, or a CP code. Other information may be included in the two-dimensional code. For example, time information indicating the current date and time may be embedded. Subsequently, the control unit 1 causes the printing unit 5 to print the test paper 8 (step # 3). The control unit 1 causes the test paper 8 to be printed based on the test image data 8i. The test image data 8i is stored in the recording unit 5f in a nonvolatile manner (see FIG. 1).

  An example of the test sheet 8 (test image data 8i) will be described with reference to FIG. The test sheet 8 (test image data 8 i) includes a patch image 81. In this description, three patch images 81 are included in one sheet. Each patch image 81 is an image using only one color material (toner). In other words, the patch image 81 is a pure color image. Of the patch images 81 in FIG. 7, the uppermost patch image 81 is a solid cyan image. The middle patch image 81 is a magenta solid image. The lowest patch image 81 is a yellow patch image 81. The control unit 1 causes the generated code C1 to be printed on the test paper 8. The code C1 shown in FIG. 7 is a QR code. Another type of two-dimensional code may be used. Thus, the test paper 8 includes at least the patch image 81 and the generated code C1.

  Next, the control unit 1 displays the guidance screen 4a on the display panel 41 (step # 4). FIG. 8 shows an example of the guidance screen 4a. The guidance screen 4a includes a message that the image reading unit 3 needs to read the test paper 8. For example, the control unit 1 displays the procedure for reading the test paper 8 in the guidance screen 4a. Then, the control unit 1 causes the image reading unit 3 to read the test paper 8 (step # 5). As a result, the image reading unit 3 generates determination image data (step # 6). The determination image data is color image data. For example, the image reading unit 3 generates RGB format image data.

  Subsequently, the control unit 1 confirms the code C1 included in the determination image data (step # 7). Specifically, the control unit 1 confirms the presence or absence of the code C1. When the code C1 is included, the control unit 1 checks whether or not the usage information is included in the code C1. In addition, the control unit 1 also confirms whether the environment information is included in the code C1. When the environmental information is included, the control unit 1 recognizes the temperature and humidity when the test paper 8 is printed.

  After confirming the code C1, the control unit 1 determines whether or not to continue the determination mode (step # 8). In other words, the control unit 1 checks whether or not a predetermined interruption condition is satisfied. The control unit 1 determines whether or not to continue the determination mode based on the image data first generated by the image reading unit 3 after printing the test paper 8. In the following cases, the control unit 1 determines that the determination mode should not be continued.

(Case 1) When the code C1 is not included in the test image data 8i, the control unit 1 determines that the determination mode should not be continued. This is because a sheet other than the test sheet 8 has been read. In this case, it cannot be accurately determined whether the product is genuine.

(Case 2) When the code C1 is included in the test image data 8i but the usage information is not included, the control unit 1 determines that the determination mode should not be continued. In this case as well, determination based on wrong or inappropriate paper is not performed.

(Case 3) When the content of the environmental information (temperature and humidity when printing the test paper 8) is outside the predetermined recommended environment range (outside the allowable range), the control unit 1 determines that the discrimination mode should not be continued. To do. In the multi function device 100, the range of recommended use environment is determined in the specification. In the multi-function device 100, a temperature range of 10 to 32 ° C. and a humidity of 15 to 80% are set as a recommended environment range (allowable range). When printing in a situation outside the recommended environment, the image quality of the printed material may deteriorate. When the test paper 8 printed in an unfavorable environment is used, it may not be possible to accurately determine whether the color material is a genuine product. Therefore, based on the environment information, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the determination mode should be continued.

(Case 4) The control unit 1 determines whether or not the paper used for printing the test paper 8 is appropriate. When it is determined that the paper used for printing the test paper 8 is inappropriate, the control unit 1 determines that the determination mode should not be continued. A paper that affects the pixel value of each pixel of the image data for determination is inappropriate for printing the test paper 8. For example, non-white paper, paper with deterioration such as wrinkles, streaks, and dirt are inappropriate. These sheets may adversely affect the pixel value of each pixel of the determination image data. For example, when the test paper 8 is colored and wrinkled paper, determination image data in which the color and wrinkle are read is generated. As a result, the background color and wrinkle component of the paper are mixed with the pixel value of each pixel in the patch image 81. When the color of the paper is not white, and the test paper 8 is printed on the deteriorated paper, the color material may be erroneously determined as a non-genuine product.

  For example, the control unit 1 (image processing unit 12) confirms the pixel value of the background portion of the image data for determination. The background portion does not include the area of the patch image 81 and the area of the code C1. For example, the control unit 1 obtains an average value of pixel values of a plurality of pixels included in the background portion. When the obtained average value is outside a predetermined reference range (a range considered as white), the control unit 1 determines that the paper used for printing the test paper 8 is inappropriate.

  For example, the control unit 1 (image processing unit 12) obtains the luminance of each pixel included in the patch image 81 of each color. The control unit 1 obtains the absolute value of the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the luminance of the pixels included in the patch image 81 in the patch image 81 of the same color. Wrinkles, streaks, and dirt become darker (darker). Therefore, when a deteriorated paper is used, the obtained absolute value may be large. When the absolute value obtained for one color is larger than the reference value, the control unit 1 determines that the paper used for printing the test paper 8 is inappropriate.

  If none of the above four cases apply, the control unit 1 determines that the determination mode should be continued. Specifically, the code C1 is included in the test image data 8i, the code C1 includes usage information and environmental information, the content of the environmental information is within the recommended environment, and the test paper 8 is printed. If the used paper is not determined to be inappropriate, the control unit 1 determines that the determination mode should be continued.

  When the control unit 1 determines that the discrimination mode should not be continued (No in Step # 9), the control unit 1 displays the first confirmation screen 4b on the display panel 41 (Step # 10). FIG. 9 shows an example of the first confirmation screen 4b. The first confirmation screen 4b includes a message that the document read as the test paper 8 is inappropriate. In addition, a continuation key K1 and an end key K2 are provided on the first confirmation screen 4b. In order to continue the determination mode, the user operates the continue key K1. The operation of touching the continue key K1 is a continue operation. The touch panel 42 receives a continuation operation. When it is desired to end the discrimination mode, the user operates the end key K2. The operation of touching the end key K2 is the end operation. The touch panel 42 receives an end operation.

  Control unit 1 determines whether or not to end the discrimination mode (step # 11). When the end operation is performed, the control unit 1 determines to end the determination mode. When it is determined that the discrimination mode is to be ended (Yes in step # 11), this flow ends (end). When the continuation operation is performed, the control unit 1 determines not to end the determination mode. When it is determined not to end the determination mode (No in step # 11), the flow returns to step # 1. As a result, the control unit 1 reprints the test paper 8. Therefore, a determination based on an appropriate test sheet 8 is performed. It is possible to accurately determine whether the product is genuine.

  When the control unit 1 determines that the discrimination mode should be continued (Yes in step # 9), the control unit 1 (image processing unit 12) converts the color space of the determination image data (step # 12). Specifically, the control unit 1 converts the determination image data in the RGB format into the XYZ format. Further, the control unit 1 converts the determination image data in the XYZ format into the L * a * b * format. Then, the control unit 1 obtains the saturation and hue angle of the patch image 81 of each color (cyan, magenta, yellow) (step # 13).

In the L * a * b * color system, L * indicates lightness. a * and b * are values for indicating chromaticity. Chromaticity indicates hue and saturation. The direction of + a * is the red direction. The direction of -a * is the green direction. The direction of + b * is the yellow direction. The direction of -b * is the blue direction. The larger the absolute values of a * and b *, the more vivid it is. The saturation is expressed by the following equation.
Saturation = ((a *) ² + (b *) ² ) ^1/2

For the hue angle, the + a * (red direction) axis is 0 °. The hue angle is a movement angle in the counterclockwise direction from 0 ° to the hue of the object color. It can be said that the hue angle is a value indicating the position of the color. For example, in the case of 180 °, the color is green. The hue angle can be obtained by the following formula.
Hue angle = arctan (b * / a *)

  Here, the control unit 1 determines the color (pixel value) of the patch image 81 for each color. In other words, the control unit 1 determines the values of L *, a *, and b * for each color material. The controller 1 may use the L *, a *, and b * values of any one of the pixels included in the patch image 81 of the same color as the color of the patch image 81. Further, the control unit 1 may use the average values of L *, a *, and b * of a plurality of pixels included in one color patch image 81 as the color of the patch image 81. Then, based on the determined color (pixel value) of the patch image 81, the control unit 1 obtains the saturation and hue angle of each color material.

  The points where the pixel value, saturation, and hue angle of each patch image 81 (color material) differ according to the type of toner will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, six types of toner A, toner B, toner C, toner D, toner E, and toner F are listed as samples. The toners A to F are all different types. The six types of toners are different from each other (manufacturer).

  FIG. 10 shows variation in pixel values of each color when a solid image is printed with each toner and read by the image reading unit 3. The uppermost diagram in FIG. 10 shows variations in pixel values of the cyan color material. The middle diagram in FIG. 10 shows the variation in the pixel values of the magenta color material. The lowermost diagram in FIG. 10 shows variations in pixel values of the yellow color material. Each color varies about 5 in the a * direction and about 10 in the b * direction. For example, in the case of cyan, there are cyan closer to green and cyan closer to blue. Even if the name of the color is the same, the characteristics of the color material itself vary depending on the type of toner.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the saturation calculation result based on the pixel value of each toner (color material) obtained in FIG. The uppermost diagram in FIG. 11 shows variations in the saturation of cyan. The middle diagram of FIG. 10 shows the variation in saturation of magenta. The lowermost diagram in FIG. 10 shows variations in yellow saturation. For each color, the saturation varies depending on the type of color material. In particular, there is a variation in the saturation of yellow.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of the calculation result of the hue angle based on the pixel value of each toner (color material) obtained in FIG. The uppermost diagram in FIG. 12 shows variations in the hue angle of cyan. The middle diagram of FIG. 12 shows the variation in the hue angle of magenta. The lowermost diagram in FIG. 10 shows variations in the hue angle of yellow. Even if the name of the color is the same, the hue angle does not match. In particular, there are large variations in magenta. For each color, there is a difference in hue angle for each type of color material.

  As described above, when the types (manufacturers and sellers) are different, the color material manufacturing method, materials, and additives are different. Therefore, there is a difference in color characteristics (saturation, hue angle) of the color material (toner) itself depending on the type. In order to determine whether it is a genuine product, the storage unit 2 stores the first appropriate range D1 and the second appropriate range D2 in a nonvolatile manner (see FIG. 1). The first appropriate range D1 indicates the saturation range of the genuine product. The second appropriate range D2 indicates the range of the hue angle of the genuine product. The first appropriate range D1 and the second appropriate range D2 are determined for each color (cyan, magenta, yellow). The first appropriate range D1 and the second appropriate range D2 are determined in advance. For example, each range of data is input to the storage unit 2 at the time of inspection at the factory, at the time of shipment, or at the time of delivery of the multifunction peripheral 100 to a customer.

  First, the control unit 1 selects one of the undecided colors as to whether it is a genuine product (step # 14). Next, the control unit 1 confirms whether or not the obtained saturation is within the first appropriate range D1 for the selected color (step # 15). When it is within the first proper range D1 (Yes in Step # 15), the control unit 1 checks whether or not the obtained hue angle is within the second proper range D2 for the selected color (Step # 16). When it is within the first appropriate range D1 and within the second appropriate range D2 (Yes in Step # 16), the control unit 1 determines that the color material of the selected color is a genuine product (Step # 17).

  On the other hand, when the obtained saturation is outside the first appropriate range D1 (No in step # 15) or when the obtained hue angle is outside the second appropriate range D2 (No in step # 16), the control unit 1 determines that the color material of the selected color is a non-genuine product (step # 18).

  Next, the control unit 1 confirms whether or not determination of all colors (cyan, magenta, yellow) has been completed (step # 19). When incomplete (No in step # 19), the flow returns to step # 14. When completed (Yes in step # 19), the control unit 1 causes the output unit to output a determination result (step # 20).

  For example, the control unit 1 causes the display panel 41 to display the determination result output screen 4c. In this case, the output unit is the display panel 41. FIG. 13 shows an example of the determination result output screen 4c. The determination result output screen 4c includes a determination result of whether the color material of each color is a genuine product or not a genuine product. FIG. 13 is an example of a screen displayed when it is determined that the yellow color material is a non-genuine product. The control unit 1 may print out the determination result. In this case, the output unit is the printing unit 5.

  Subsequently, the control unit 1 checks whether or not there is a color material determined to be a non-genuine product (step # 21). If all are determined to be genuine products (No in step # 21), this flow ends (END). When there is a color material determined to be a non-genuine product (Yes in Step # 21), the control unit 1 displays the second confirmation screen 4d on the display panel 41 (Step # 22). FIG. 14 shows an example of the second confirmation screen 4d.

  The second confirmation screen 4d is provided with a re-execution key K3 and a re-execution unnecessary key K4. When it is desired to re-execute the determination mode, the user operates the re-execution key K3. The operation of touching the re-execution key K3 is a re-execution operation. The operation panel 4 (touch panel 42) receives a re-execution operation. When re-execution is not necessary, the user operates the re-execution unnecessary key K4. The operation of touching the re-execution unnecessary key K4 is an operation that does not require re-execution. The operation panel 4 (touch panel 42) accepts a re-execution unnecessary operation.

  Control unit 1 determines whether or not the discrimination mode should be re-executed (step # 23). When a re-execution unnecessary operation is performed, the control unit 1 ends the flow (end). When the re-execution operation is performed, the flow returns to step # 1.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a transmission key K5 and a transmission unnecessary key K6 may be provided on the second confirmation screen 4d. When it is desired to transmit the determination result, the user operates the transmission key K5. The transmission destination is set in advance. For example, the transmission destination is an administrator of the multifunction peripheral 100 or a computer of a maintenance company. An operation of touching the transmission key K5 is a transmission operation. The operation panel 4 (touch panel 42) receives a transmission operation. When transmission is not necessary, the user operates the transmission unnecessary key K6. The operation of touching the transmission unnecessary key K6 is the transmission unnecessary operation. The operation panel 4 (touch panel 42) receives a transmission unnecessary operation. When the transmission key K5 is operated, the control unit 1 transmits the determination result to a predetermined transmission destination. When the transmission unnecessary key K6 is operated, the control unit 1 does not transmit the determination result to a predetermined transmission destination.

(Modification)
Hereinafter, a modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction machine 101 according to a modification.

  In the above description of the embodiment, an image forming apparatus that performs printing using toner has been described. The multifunction machine 101 according to the modification is of an inkjet type. The multifunction machine 101 also includes a control unit 1, a CPU 11, an image processing unit 12, and a storage unit 2. The multifunction machine 101 also includes an image reading unit 3, an operation panel 4, a display panel 41, a touch panel 42, hard keys 43, a printing unit 5, and a communication unit 13. The printing unit 5 of the multifunction machine 101 includes a paper feeding unit 5a and a paper transporting unit 5b. However, the printing unit 5 of the multifunction machine 101 does not include the image forming unit 5c, the intermediate transfer unit 5d, and the fixing unit 5e. Instead, the printing unit 5 includes a recording unit 5f.

  The recording unit 5f records an image by ejecting ink onto the transport sheet. In other words, the recording unit 5f performs printing. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the recording unit 5 f includes a plurality of line heads 58. The multi-function device 100 includes four line heads 58 (58Bk, 58C, 58M, 58Y). Each line head 58 is fixed. Each line head 58 is provided above the conveyor belt 54. A fixed gap is provided between each line head 58 and the conveyor belt 54. The line head 58Bk ejects black ink. The line head 58C discharges cyan ink. The line head 58M ejects magenta ink. The line head 58Y ejects yellow ink.

  For each line head 58, an ink tank 64 (61Bk, 61C, 61M, 61Y, corresponding to a container) for supplying ink is provided. The ink tank 64Bk that stores black ink supplies ink to the line head 58Bk. An ink tank 64C that stores cyan ink supplies ink to the line head 58C. An ink tank 64M that stores magenta ink supplies ink to the line head 58M. The ink tank 64Y that stores yellow ink supplies ink to the line head 58Y.

  In the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the above-described embodiment, toner is used as a color material. In the modification, ink is used as the color material. A discrimination mode may be mounted on the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the modification. In this case, the control unit 1 causes the test paper 8 to be printed with ink. Then, the control unit 1 causes the image reading unit 3 to read the test paper 8 printed with ink. Hereinafter, based on the determination image data generated by the image reading unit 3, the control unit 1 determines whether each color ink is a genuine product or a non-genuine product. The flow of processing in the discrimination mode is the same as the flowcharts of FIGS.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus (multifunction device 100, multifunction device 101) according to the present embodiment and the modification includes the printing unit 5, the container (toner container 6), the image reading unit 3, the storage unit 2, and the display unit. (Display panel 41), operation unit (touch panel 42, hard key 43), control unit 1, and output unit (display panel 41, printing unit 5). The printing unit 5 performs printing using a color material. The storage container stores the color material and is attached to supply the color material. The image reading unit 3 reads a document and generates image data. The storage unit 2 stores test image data 8i for printing the test paper 8 including the patch image 81 that is an image using only one color material. The storage unit 2 also stores a first appropriate range D1 that is a saturation range of genuine color materials and a second appropriate range D2 that is a hue angle range of genuine color materials. The operation unit accepts a user's setting operation. When the determination mode is selected by operating the operation unit, the control unit 1 causes the printing unit 5 to print the test paper 8 based on the test image data 8i. When the image reading unit 3 reads the printed test paper 8 and generates determination image data, the control unit 1 obtains the saturation and hue angle of the patch image 81 based on the determination image data. The control unit 1 determines that the color material is a genuine product when the obtained saturation is within the first appropriate range D1 and the obtained hue angle is within the second appropriate range D2. The control unit 1 determines that the color material is a non-genuine product when the obtained saturation is outside the first appropriate range D1 or when the obtained hue angle is outside the second appropriate range D2. The output unit outputs a determination result of whether the color material is a genuine product or a non-genuine product.

  Thereby, it can be determined whether the color material is a genuine product based on the saturation and the hue angle of the color material. Based on the characteristics of the color material itself, it is possible to accurately determine whether it is a genuine product. There is no need for complicated container or genuine product judgment processing. It can be determined inexpensively. Even if the storage container is imitated, it can be accurately determined that the color material is a non-genuine product. Then, based on the output of the determination result, it can be notified that the non-genuine container is attached. Accordingly, it is possible to make the user aware that a non-genuine container has been installed unintentionally. Accordingly, it is possible to urge to stop using the non-genuine color material. As a result, it is possible to prevent an abnormality in the image forming apparatus and a decrease in image quality.

  Further, the control unit 1 determines whether or not to continue the determination mode based on the image data first generated by the image reading unit 3 after printing the test paper 8. When determining that the determination mode should not be continued, the control unit 1 causes the display unit to display a first confirmation screen 4b for confirming whether or not to end the determination mode. On the other hand, when it is determined that the determination mode should be continued, the control unit 1 determines whether the color material is a genuine product or a non-genuine product. Thereby, when it is recognized that it is not possible to accurately determine whether the product is genuine based on the image data obtained by reading by the image reading unit 3, the determination can be stopped. An erroneous determination can be prevented.

  When the operation unit receives an end operation while the first confirmation screen 4b is displayed, the control unit 1 ends the determination mode. When the operation unit accepts a continuation operation while the first confirmation screen 4b is displayed, the control unit 1 causes the printing unit 5 to reprint the test paper 8 based on the test image data 8i. Thereby, it is possible to select whether or not to continue the determination as to whether it is a genuine product. When it is not possible to accurately determine whether the product is a genuine product, the user can select re-determining whether the product is a genuine product.

  The control unit 1 causes the test paper 8 to be printed with a code C1 including use information indicating that the test paper 8 is used. When the code C1 image corresponding to the code C1 is not included in the determination image data, the control unit 1 determines that the determination mode should not be continued. Thereby, when a sheet other than the test sheet 8 is read, the determination process (determination mode) for determining whether or not the sheet is a genuine product can be interrupted.

  The output characteristics of the image forming apparatus differ between a recommended printing environment and a non-recommended environment. Even if the test paper 8 printed in a printing non-recommended environment is used, it may not be possible to accurately determine whether it is a genuine product. Therefore, the image forming apparatus includes an environment detection unit 7 for detecting either or both of the temperature and the humidity at the installation location. Based on the output of the environment detection unit 7, the control unit 1 generates environment information including one or both of the temperature and humidity of the installation location. The control unit 1 causes the code C1 including the environment information to be printed on the test paper 8. The control unit 1 recognizes the contents of the environment information based on the code C1 image. When the content of the environmental information is outside the predetermined recommended environment range, the control unit 1 determines that the determination mode should not be continued. Thereby, when there is a possibility of erroneous determination, it is possible to interrupt the determination process (determination mode) as to whether it is a genuine product.

  The paper color, paper quality, and paper damage affect the density of each pixel in the test image data 8i. If the test paper 8 is not suitable for determination, it may not be possible to accurately determine whether it is a genuine product. Therefore, based on the determination image data, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the paper used for printing the test paper 8 is appropriate. When determining that it is not appropriate, the control unit 1 determines that the determination mode should not be continued. Thereby, when there is a possibility of erroneous determination, it is possible to interrupt the process of determining whether or not it is a genuine product.

  When it is determined that the color material is a non-genuine product, the control unit 1 causes the display unit to display a second confirmation screen 4d for confirming whether to perform the determination again. When the operation unit accepts a re-execution operation while the second confirmation screen 4d is displayed, the control unit 1 causes the printing unit 5 to reprint the test sheet 8 based on the test image data 8i. Thereby, it can be easily re-determined whether it is a genuine product.

  The printing unit 5 performs color printing using a plurality of color materials. The test image data 8i is set so that a test sheet 8 including a plurality of patch images 81 is printed. Each patch image 81 is an image having a different color and using any one of a plurality of color materials. The first appropriate range D1 and the second appropriate range D2 are set for each color of the color material. In the determination mode, the control unit 1 obtains the saturation and hue angle of each patch image 81 based on the determination image data. The control unit 1 determines whether each color material is a genuine product or a non-genuine product. Thereby, it can be determined for each color whether the color material is a genuine product.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

(1) For example, when the determination mode is executed, the control unit 1 may automatically transmit the determination result and the saturation and hue angle obtained at the time of determination. The transmission destination is, for example, a server of a manufacturer of the multifunction device 100. In addition, the saturation and hue angle of the color materials of each company have their respective characteristics. Based on the saturation and hue angle, it is possible to analyze what kind of non-genuine color material is used.

(2) A normal job (printing or reading of a document) may be performed during execution of the discrimination mode. When an interrupt operation is performed on the operation panel 4 in the determination mode, the control unit 1 may cause the image reading unit 3 to read a document other than the test paper 8. Then, the control unit 1 may cause the printing unit 5 to perform printing based on the read original.

(3) The first appropriate range D1 and the second appropriate range D2 may be overwritten. The operation panel 4 accepts an overwrite instruction. For example, the control unit 1 causes the storage unit 2 to store the new first appropriate range D1 and the second appropriate range D2 received by the communication unit 13 or input to the operation panel 4. The overwriting of the first appropriate range D1 and the second appropriate range D2 is desirably performed based on the guarantee of a limited person or manufacturer, such as a person dispatched from the manufacturer.

(4) The control unit 1 may cause the display unit to display a display prompting execution of whether the color material is genuine or non-genuine at a predetermined display time. For example, when the storage container is replaced and the error rate increases, the control unit 1 causes the display unit to display a display for urging execution of a genuine product or a non-genuine product. In addition, when the communication unit 13 receives a display request via a network, the control unit 1 may cause the display unit to perform a display prompting execution of a determination as to whether it is a genuine product or a non-genuine product. Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the user to execute the determination so that it is determined whether or not it is a genuine product at an appropriate time.

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP (image forming apparatus) 1 Control part 2 Storage part 3 Image reading part 41 Display panel (display part, output part) 42 Touch panel (operation part)
43 Hard Key (Operation Unit) 4b First Confirmation Screen 4d Second Confirmation Screen 5 Printing Unit (Output Unit)
6 Toner container (container) 7 Environment detection unit 8 Test paper 81 Patch image 8i Test image data C1 Code D1 First proper range D2 Second proper range

Claims (9)

A printing section that prints using a color material;
A storage container for storing the color material and attached for replenishment of the color material;
An image reading unit that reads an original and generates image data;
Test image data for printing a test sheet including a patch image that is an image in which only one color material is used, a first appropriate range that is a saturation range of the color material of a genuine product, and a genuine product A storage unit for storing a second appropriate range that is a range of hue angles of the color material of the product;
A display unit;
An operation unit for accepting a user's setting operation;
When the discrimination mode is selected by operating the operation unit,
Printing the test paper on the printing unit based on the test image data;
When the image reading unit reads the printed test sheet and generates determination image data, the saturation and hue angle of the patch image are obtained based on the determination image data,
When the obtained saturation is within the first proper range and the obtained hue angle is within the second proper range, it is determined that the color material is a genuine product,
A controller that determines that the color material is a non-genuine product when the obtained saturation is outside the first appropriate range, or when the calculated hue angle is outside the second appropriate range;
And an output unit that outputs a determination result of whether the color material is a genuine product or a non-genuine product. The control unit determines whether or not to continue the determination mode based on the image data first generated by the determination image reading unit after printing the test sheet;
When it is determined that the discrimination mode should not be continued,
The control unit causes the display unit to display a first confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to end the determination mode.
When it is determined that the determination mode should be continued,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines whether the color material is a genuine product or a non-genuine product. While the first confirmation screen is being displayed, when the operation unit accepts an end operation,
The control unit ends the discrimination mode,
When the operation unit receives a continuation operation while the first confirmation screen is displayed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes the printing unit to reprint the test sheet based on the test image data. The control unit causes a code including usage information indicating the test paper to be printed on the test paper,
When a code image corresponding to the code is not included in the determination image data,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines that the determination mode should not be continued. Including an environment detection unit for detecting either or both of the temperature and humidity of the installation place of the image forming apparatus,
The control unit generates environment information including one or both of the temperature and humidity of the installation location based on the output of the environment detection unit,
Printing the code including the environmental information in the test sheet;
Recognizing the content of the environmental information based on the code image, when the content of the environmental information is outside the predetermined recommended environment range,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit determines that the determination mode should not be continued. Based on the image data for determination, the control unit determines whether or not the paper used for printing the test paper is appropriate,
When you decide that it ’s not appropriate,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines that the determination mode should not be continued. When it is determined that the color material is a non-genuine product,
The control unit causes the display unit to display a second confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to execute the determination again.
When the operation unit receives a re-execution operation while the second confirmation screen is displayed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the printing unit to reprint the test sheet based on the test image data. The printing unit performs color printing using the color materials of a plurality of colors,
The test image data is set so that the test sheet including a plurality of the patch images is printed,
Each of the patch images is an image using different color and using any one of the color materials of a plurality of colors,
The first appropriate range and the second appropriate range are set for each color of the color material,
When in discrimination mode,
The control unit obtains the saturation and hue angle of each patch image based on the determination image data, and determines whether each color material is a genuine product or a non-genuine product. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   10. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to perform a display prompting execution of whether the color material is a genuine product or a non-genuine product at a predetermined display time point. 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1.