JP2019207365A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To increase the possibility that printed materials of all pages can be easily obtained even when a toner empty state is detected while continuous print processing is executed.SOLUTION: In an image forming apparatus 10, when a halfway empty state occurs in which a toner empty state is detected while a print processor 2 executes continuous print processing, a print control unit 8c causes the print processor 2 to execute remainder print processing in a toner saving mode (S9). The remainder print processing is processing of the remainder of the continuous print processing when the toner empty state is detected. The toner saving mode is a mode of the continuous print processing with less toner consumption than the print processing before the toner empty state is detected in the print processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that controls print processing in accordance with a remaining amount of toner.

  An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a toner empty sensor that detects a toner empty state. The toner empty state is a state where the remaining amount of toner in the toner container is below the lower limit amount. For example, a cylindrical toner bottle or the like is employed as the toner container.

  In general, the image forming apparatus does not execute print processing from when the toner empty state is detected until the toner container is replaced. The printing process is a process for forming an image on a sheet.

  Further, it is known that the image forming apparatus uses the spare toner by moving a partition member that leaves the spare toner in the toner bottle when the toner empty state is detected ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-170322 A

  By the way, the toner empty state may be detected while the image forming apparatus is performing a continuous print process that is the print process for a plurality of continuous pages. In this case, if the continuous printing process is interrupted until the toner container is replaced, the following problems may occur.

  For example, even when the number of remaining pages in the continuous printing process is extremely small, the inconvenience that it takes a relatively long time to obtain a printed matter of all pages may occur. The labor is a labor for replacing the toner container or a labor for performing an operation for causing another image forming apparatus to execute the remaining processing of the continuous printing process.

  Further, when there is no inventory of replacement toner containers, or when there is no other image forming apparatus capable of executing the remaining processing of the continuous printing process, the remaining processing of the continuous printing process cannot be continued. Inconvenience can occur.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of increasing the possibility of easily obtaining a printed matter of all pages even when a toner empty state is detected during continuous print processing. .

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a print processing device, a toner empty sensor, and a print control unit. The print processing apparatus executes print processing for forming a toner image on a sheet. The toner empty sensor detects a toner empty state in which the toner remaining in a toner container containing the toner to be replenished to the print processing apparatus falls below a predetermined lower limit amount. The print control unit saves when an empty state occurs while the toner empty state is detected while the print processing apparatus is executing a continuous print process that is the print process for a plurality of continuous pages. The print processing apparatus is caused to execute the remaining print processing in the toner mode. The remaining print process is a remaining process of the continuous print process when the toner empty state is detected. The toner saving mode is a mode of the printing process that consumes less toner than the printing process before the toner empty state is detected in the continuous printing process.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of increasing the possibility of easily obtaining a printed matter of all pages even when a toner empty state is detected during continuous print processing. become.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print control procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are examples embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 10]
The image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment includes a print processing apparatus 2 that executes print processing by an electrophotographic method (see FIG. 1). The print process is a process of forming a toner image on a sheet.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a toner supply device 5, a control device 8, an operation device 71, a display device 72, and the like in addition to the print processing device 2. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 further includes an image reading apparatus 1 that executes a reading process of reading an image from the document 90.

  For example, the image forming apparatus 10 is a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine.

  The image to be subjected to the printing process includes an image read by the image reading device 1 and an image represented by print data received from a host device (not shown). The sheet is a sheet-like image forming medium such as paper or a synthetic resin sheet.

  The control device 8 executes various data processing relating to the print processing job and the like, and further controls various electric devices.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading device 1 includes a platen glass 13, an image sensor unit 110, a movable support device 11, a platen cover 12, and the like.

  The platen cover 12 covers the platen glass 13 and the original 90 on the platen glass 13. The image reading apparatus 1 further includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 14 incorporated in the platen cover 12.

  The document 90 is placed on the platen glass 13 or conveyed by the ADF 14. The image sensor unit 110 executes the reading process on the original 90 on the platen glass 13 or the reading process on the original 90 conveyed by the ADF 14.

  The print processing device 2 executes the print processing based on an image read from the original 90 by the image reading device 1 or the print processing based on an image represented by print data received from another device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the print processing apparatus 2 includes a sheet conveying device 3 and an image forming unit 4. The sheet conveying device 3 sends out the sheet from the sheet storage unit 20 to the sheet conveying path 30 and further conveys the sheet along the sheet conveying path 30.

  The image forming unit 4 includes an image forming unit 4x, a laser scanning unit 40, a transfer device 44, and a fixing device 46.

  In the image forming unit 4x, the drum-shaped photoconductor 41 rotates, and the charging device 42 charges the surface of the photoconductor 41 uniformly. Further, an electrostatic latent image is written on the surface of the photoreceptor 41 charged by the laser scanning unit 40.

  Further, the developing device 43 of the image forming unit 4x develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. The transfer device 44 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor 41 to the sheet. Subsequently, the fixing device 46 fixes the toner image on the sheet by heating and pressurizing the toner image on the sheet.

  The toner supply device 5 supplies toner 9 to the developing device 43 of the print processing device 2. The toner replenishing device 5 includes a toner container 50 that accommodates toner 9 that is replenished to the developing device 43, and a container mounting portion 6. The toner container 50 is replaceably mounted on the container mounting portion 6.

  An RF tag 5 a on which information related to the toner 9 is recorded is attached to the toner container 50. In the following description, information recorded on the RF tag 5a is referred to as recorded information. The RF tag 5a is an example of an information recording medium attached to the toner container 50.

  For example, the recording information includes toner type information indicating the type of toner 9 accommodated in the toner container 50, toner remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of toner 9, and the like. The toner remaining amount information is displayed on the display device 72 by the remaining amount notification processing of the control device 8.

  The toner replenishing device 5 further includes an RF reader / writer 6 a that reads the recorded information from the RF tag 5 a of the toner container 50 mounted on the container mounting unit 6. The RF reader / writer 6a is an example of an information reading device that reads the recorded information from an information recording medium. The RF reader / writer 6a can also write information to the RF tag 5a.

  For example, the container mounting portion 6 includes a container driving mechanism (not shown) that rotates a cylindrical toner container 50 having a spiral convex portion formed therein. The container driving mechanism rotates the toner container 50 to send the toner 9 from the toner container 50 to the toner conveyance path leading to the developing device 43.

  In addition, the container mounting unit 6 may include a screw drive mechanism that rotates a toner delivery screw contained in the toner container 50. In this case, the screw driving mechanism sends the toner 9 from the toner container 50 to the toner conveyance path by rotating the toner delivery screw.

  The toner replenishing device 5 further includes a toner empty sensor 6b that detects a toner empty state. The toner empty state is a state in which the toner 9 remaining in the toner container 50 mounted on the container mounting portion 6 is below a predetermined lower limit amount.

  For example, it is conceivable that the toner empty sensor 6b is a toner level sensor that detects whether or not the toner 9 exists at a predetermined lower limit level in the toner container 50. The toner level sensor is, for example, a transmissive photosensor.

  Further, it is conceivable that the toner empty sensor 6b is a container level sensor that detects whether or not the toner container 50 supported by the spring is present at a position exceeding a predetermined upper limit level. The container level center is, for example, a transmissive photosensor, a reflective photosensor, or a contact type limit switch. The toner container 50 supported by the spring rises as the remaining toner 9 decreases.

  It is also conceivable that the toner empty sensor 6b is a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the toner container 50. The toner container 50 becomes lighter as the remaining toner 9 decreases. In this case, a state where the detection result of the weight sensor falls below a predetermined lower limit weight is the toner empty state.

  A print processing apparatus 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a tandem image forming unit 4. Therefore, the image forming unit 4 includes four image forming units 4x corresponding to the toners 9 of different colors. Further, the transfer device 44 includes four primary transfer devices 441, an intermediate transfer belt 440 and a secondary transfer device 442.

  Each of the four image forming units 4x includes a photoreceptor 41, a charging device 42, and a developing device 43. The four image forming units 4x form the toner images of cyan, magenta, yellow and black on the surface of the photoreceptor 41, respectively.

  Further, the toner replenishing device 5 includes four toner containers 50 that store toners 9 of different colors. The toner replenishing device 5 replenishes the toner 9 from the four toner containers 50 to the four developing devices 43.

  In each of the image forming units 4x, the primary transfer device 441 transfers the toner image from the photoreceptor 41 to the intermediate transfer belt 440. As a result, a color image composed of the four color toner images is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 440.

  The secondary transfer device 442 transfers the four color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 440 to the sheet.

  As described above, the print processing apparatus 2 forms the toner image representing the output image on the photoreceptor 41 and the intermediate transfer belt 440 and transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 440 to the sheet. Execute print processing.

  The print processing apparatus 2 further includes a charging bias applying device 42a, a developing bias applying device 43a, and a primary transfer bias applying device 44a.

  The charging bias applying device 42 a includes an electric circuit that applies a charging bias to the charging device 42. The developing bias applying device 43 a includes an electric circuit that applies a developing bias to the developing device 43. The primary transfer bias application device 44 a includes an electric circuit that applies a primary transfer bias to the primary transfer device 441.

  The operation device 71 is an information input device that accepts user operations. For example, the operation device 71 may include one or both of a touch panel and operation buttons. The display device 72 displays various types of information including images.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 8 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 80, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 81, a secondary storage device 82, and a communication device 83.

  The CPU 80 operates as a main control unit 8a, a reading control unit 8b, a print control unit 8c, an image data processing unit 8d, an inventory management unit 8e, a user authentication unit 8f, and the like by executing a program.

  The main control unit 8a controls the display device 72 and starts a process corresponding to the operation content on the operation device 71. Further, the main control unit 8a controls the communication device 83 to execute processing for receiving data from the other device and processing for transmitting data to the other device.

  The reading control unit 8 b controls the image reading device 1. The print control unit 8 c controls the print processing apparatus 2. The image data processing unit 8 d executes various image processing such as processing and data conversion processing on image data obtained by the reading processing or image data based on the print data obtained through the communication device 83.

  The image data processing unit 8d also executes processing for converting the print data into image data used for the print processing.

  The inventory management unit 8e executes inventory management processing. The inventory management process is a process of inputting inventory data DT1 indicating the number of consumables in stock through the operation device 71 or the communication device 83 and storing the inventory data DT1 in the secondary storage device 82 (see FIG. 2).

  The consumables are replacements of the toner container 50, the replenishment sheets, and the like. In the inventory management process, the inventory management unit 8e reads the inventory data DT1 from the secondary storage device 82, and updates part or all of the read inventory data DT1 to data input through the operation device 71 or the communication device 83. The process to perform is also executed.

  The inventory data DT1 is an example of inventory information indicating whether or not the replacement product of the toner container 50 is in stock, and the inventory management unit 8e is an example of an acquisition inventory information acquisition unit that acquires the inventory data DT1. It is also conceivable that the inventory data DT1 is stored in the storage device of the other device that can communicate through the communication device 83.

  The user authentication unit 8f executes user identification processing and job restriction processing. The user identification process is a process for identifying a user who requests a job such as the reading process or the print process.

  The user authentication unit 8f is an example of a user identification unit that identifies a user who requests the print processing. The print process includes a continuous print process that is the print process for a plurality of continuous pages.

  In the user identification process, the user authentication unit 8f corresponds to any of the plurality of registered user data DT2 in which input user data input through the operation device 71 or the communication device 83 is stored in the secondary storage device 82 in advance. Determine whether.

  In the following description, data determined to correspond to the input user data among a plurality of registered user data DT2 is referred to as target user data. It is also conceivable that the registered user data DT2 is stored in the storage device of the other device that can communicate through the communication device 83.

  The input user data input through the communication device 83 is data received together with the print data from the other device through the communication device 83.

  The job restriction process is a process for restricting a process requested subsequent to input of the input user data in accordance with restriction information included in the target user data. In addition, when it is determined that the input user data does not correspond to any of the plurality of registered user data DT2, the user authentication unit 8f prohibits execution of processing required following the input of the input user data. To do.

Note that some or all of the main control unit 8a, the reading control unit 8b, the print control unit 8c, the image data processing unit 8d, the inventory management unit 8e, and the user authentication unit 8f may be MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or DSP (Digital Signal). It may be realized by another processor such as a processor.
It is also conceivable that some or all of the reading control unit 8b, the print control unit 8c, the image data processing unit 8d, and the user authentication unit 8f are realized by a circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

  The communication device 83 is a communication interface device that performs communication with other devices such as a host device (not shown) through the network 100. The network 100 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The host device is an information processing device such as a personal computer or a portable information terminal. The CPU 80 performs all transmission and reception of data with the other device through the communication device 83.

  The secondary storage device 82 is a computer-readable non-volatile storage device. The secondary storage device 82 stores programs executed by the CPU 80 and various data referred to by the CPU 80. For example, one or both of a flash memory and a hard disk drive are employed as the secondary storage device 82.

  The RAM 81 is a volatile storage device. The RAM 81 temporarily stores a program executed by the CPU 80 and data output and referred to in the course of the CPU 80 executing the program. The RAM 81 is a storage device that can access data at a higher speed than the secondary storage device 82.

  In some cases, the toner empty state may be detected while the print processing apparatus 2 is performing continuous print processing, which is the print processing for a plurality of continuous pages. In this case, if the continuous printing process is interrupted until the toner container 50 is replaced, the following problems may occur.

  For example, even when the number of remaining pages in the continuous printing process is extremely small, the inconvenience that it takes a relatively long time to obtain a printed matter of all pages may occur. The labor may be labor for replacing the toner container 50 in which the toner empty state is detected, or labor for performing an operation for causing the other image forming apparatus to execute the remaining processing of the continuous print processing.

  Further, when there is no stock of replacement parts of the toner container 50, or when there is no other image forming apparatus capable of executing the remaining process of the continuous print process, the remaining process of the continuous print process cannot be continued. Inconvenience can occur.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, the CPU 80 executes print control described later. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 can increase the possibility that a printed matter of all pages can be easily obtained even when the toner empty state is detected during the continuous printing process.

[Print Control]
Hereinafter, an example of the print control procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The main control unit 8a starts the print control when a print start event occurs. For example, the print start event is a first start event or a second start event shown below.

  The first start event is that a predetermined copy start operation has been performed on the operation device 71. In this case, the copy start operation is performed on the operation device 71 with the document 90 set on the ADF 14 or with the document 90 placed on the platen glass 13.

  When the first start event occurs, the reading control unit 8b causes the image reading apparatus 1 to execute the reading process, and the main control unit 8a, the print control unit 8c, and the like execute the print control in parallel with this. .

  The second start event is that the communication device 83 has received the print data reception request from the other device. When the second start event occurs, the main control unit 8a receives the print data from the other device through the communication device 83, and the image data processing unit 8d uses the print data for the print processing. Convert to data.

  The main control unit 8a, the print control unit 8c, and the like execute the print control in parallel with the process in which the image data processing unit 8d converts the print data into the image data.

  In the following description, S1, S2,... Represent identification codes of a plurality of steps in the print control. In the following description, the image data to be subjected to the printing process is referred to as target image data. Each image for one page represented by the target image data is referred to as an output image.

<Process S1>
In the print control, first, the main control unit 8a sets the print processing mode to the reference mode.

  The reference mode when the print control is started in response to the occurrence of the first start event is a mode in which the print process is executed according to print conditions set in advance through the operation device 71. For example, the print conditions include a development density condition and a developed image definition condition.

  On the other hand, the reference mode when the print control is started in response to the occurrence of the second start event is a mode in which the print processing is executed in accordance with the print condition information included in the print data.

<Process S2>
Next, the image data processing unit 8d executes a process of detecting a predetermined specific image from the output image. For example, the specific image includes one or both of an important keyword image and a non-important keyword image.

  The important keyword image is a keyword indicating that a printed material based on the output image is an important document that requires high image quality, such as “important”, “for submission”, “final version”, or “original”. It is a character string image.

  The non-important keyword image is a keyword character indicating that the printed matter based on the output image is a non-important document that does not require high image quality, such as “trial”, “provisional report”, or “provisional version”. It is a column image.

  When the specific image is the character string image, the image data processing unit 8d extracts a character string from the output image by executing a known character recognition process on the output image. Furthermore, the image data processing unit 8d executes a process of determining whether or not the character string extracted from the output image includes a keyword corresponding to the specific image.

  The fact that the image data processing unit 8d determines that the character string extracted from the output image includes the keyword means that the specific image has been detected from the output image.

  The image data processing unit 8d stores, in the RAM 81, information on a specific image detection result indicating whether or not the specific image has been detected from the output image for each type of the specific image.

<Step S3>
Next, the print control unit 8c causes the print processing apparatus 2 to execute the print processing for forming the output image on the sheet. In step S3, the print control unit 8c causes the print processing apparatus 2 to execute the print processing in the reference mode set in step S1.

<Step S4>
Further, the print control unit 8c shifts the process to step S5 when the output image of the next page exists, and ends the print control otherwise.

<Step S5>
In step S5, the main control unit 8a confirms the detection status of the toner empty sensor 6b. Then, the main control unit 8a shifts the process to step S6 when the toner empty sensor 6b detects the toner empty state, and shifts the process to step S2 otherwise.

  Therefore, when the output image of the next page exists and the toner empty state is not detected, the processes after step S2 are executed for the output image of the next page.

  In the following description, the state of the image forming apparatus 10 in which the toner empty state is detected while the print processing apparatus 2 is performing the continuous printing process is referred to as a halfway empty state.

  In general, immediately after the halfway empty state occurs, the developing device 43 has a sufficient amount of toner 9 that can execute the print processing for a small number of pages. The processes of steps S6 to S9 shown below are executed when the halfway empty state occurs.

<Step S6>
In step S6, the main control unit 8a determines whether or not a predetermined continuation condition is satisfied. The continuation condition is a condition that allows the remaining processing of the continuous printing process to be continued after the toner empty state is detected.

  For example, the continuation condition is shown below. It is conceivable to include one or more of a first continuation condition, a second continuation condition, a third continuation condition, a fourth continuation condition, a fifth continuation condition, and a sixth continuation condition.

<First continuation condition>
The first continuation condition is a condition that the remaining processing of the continuous print processing when the toner empty state is detected is the print processing for the number of pages not exceeding a predetermined upper limit number of pages. is there.

  In the following description, the remaining process of the continuous print process when the toner empty state is detected is referred to as a remaining print process. For example, the upper limit number of pages may be about one page or two pages.

  If the number of pages for the remaining printing process is large, the toner 9 in the developing device 43 may be completely lost during the remaining printing process. When the printing process is executed in a state where the toner 9 of the developing device 43 is completely removed, the developing bias and the primary transfer bias adversely affect the surface of the photoconductor 41 on which no toner 9 layer is formed. There is a risk.

  Therefore, when the number of pages of the remaining print process exceeds the upper limit number of pages, it is desirable that the remaining print process is not executed until the toner container 50 is replaced.

<Second continuation condition>
The second continuation condition is a condition that the inventory management unit 8e cannot acquire inventory data DT1 indicating that there is an inventory of replacement parts of the toner container 50 in which the toner empty state is detected.

  That is, the situation in which the second continuation condition is satisfied is that the inventory data DT1 stored in the secondary storage device 82 has zero inventory of replacement parts of the toner container 50 in which the toner empty state is detected. It is the situation which shows.

  If there is a stock of replacement parts of the toner container 50, there may be an idea that the remaining print processing need not be performed without replacing the toner container 50. The second continuation condition is a condition according to such a concept.

<Third continuation condition>
The third continuation condition is a condition that the main control unit 8a cannot obtain information indicating that the other apparatus capable of executing the remaining print processing exists on the network 100 through the communication apparatus 83.

  For example, the main control unit 8a transmits a command for requesting print function information by broadcast transmission through the communication device 83 in step S6. The print function information is information representing a function of the print process that can be executed by the other apparatus.

  Further, the main control unit 8a receives the print function information from the other device through the communication device 83, and the received print function information indicates the print condition of the reference mode, which is a print condition necessary for the remaining print processing. It is determined whether or not a function to be satisfied is represented.

  For example, when the print condition in the reference mode includes a color print condition, the main control unit 8a determines whether or not the print function information includes information indicating that color printing can be performed.

  When the main control unit 8a determines that the received print function information represents a function that satisfies the print conditions of the reference mode, the main control unit 8a executes the remaining print process on the other apparatus that has transmitted the print function information. It is determined that the device is possible. In this case, the main control unit 8a determines that the third continuation condition is not satisfied.

  If there is an alternative image forming apparatus on the network 100, there may be a concept that it is not necessary to perform the remaining printing process without replacing the toner container 50. The third continuation condition is a condition according to such a concept.

<4th continuation condition>
The fourth continuation condition is a condition that the recording information read from the RF tag 5a satisfies a predetermined specific information condition. As described above, the RF reader / writer 6a reads the recorded information from the RF tag 5a.

  The first example of the specific information condition is a condition that the recording information indicates that a predetermined first specific type of toner 9 is contained in the toner container 50. The second example of the specific information condition is a condition that the recording information does not indicate that a predetermined second specific type of toner 9 is stored in the toner container 50.

  As will be described later, when the continuation condition is satisfied, in the remaining print process, the print process in the toner saving mode in which the consumption of the toner 9 is small is executed. The first specific type of toner 9 is a toner 9 that does not cause a problem even if the print processing is performed in the toner saving mode. On the other hand, the second specific type of toner 9 is a toner 9 that is not suitable for the print processing in the toner saving mode.

<Fifth continuation condition>
The fifth continuation condition is a condition that the output image formed on the sheet in the continuous printing process includes the non-important keyword image or a condition that the output image does not include the important keyword image.

  As described above, the non-important keyword image and the important keyword image are examples of the specific image, respectively.

  One of the two types of the fifth continuation condition is that there is a high possibility that the output image including the non-important keyword image does not require high image quality, and the remaining print processing in the toner saving mode is allowed. This is a condition based on the idea that

  The other of the two types of the fifth continuation condition is that the printed image of the output image including the important keyword image is likely to require high image quality, and is not suitable for the remaining print processing in the toner saving mode. It is a condition based on the idea.

<Sixth continuation condition>
The sixth continuation condition is a condition that the user identified by the user authentication unit 8f satisfies a predetermined target user condition.

  The first example of the target user condition is a condition that the user identified by the user authentication unit 8f corresponds to the user represented by the authorized user information stored in the secondary storage device 82 in advance. The permitted user information represents a user who is allowed to perform the remaining print processing in a situation where the toner container 50 is not replaced.

  The second example of the target user condition is a condition that the user identified by the user authentication unit 8f does not correspond to the user represented by the prohibited user information stored in the secondary storage device 82 in advance. The prohibited user information represents a user who is not allowed to perform the remaining print processing in a situation where the toner container 50 is not replaced.

  For example, the main control unit 8a determines that the continuation condition is satisfied when all of the first to sixth continuation conditions are satisfied. Further, when the main control unit 8a satisfies some of the predetermined essential conditions among the first to sixth continuation conditions and at least some of the other non-essential conditions, the continuation is performed. It may be determined that the condition is satisfied.

  When determining that the continuation condition is satisfied, the main control unit 8a shifts the process to step S7, and if not, shifts the process to step S10.

<Step S7>
In step S7, the main control unit 8a sets the print processing mode to the toner saving mode. Thereafter, the main control unit 8a shifts the process to step S8.

  The toner saving mode is a mode of the printing process in which the consumption amount of the toner 9 is smaller than that in the printing process before the toner empty state is detected in the continuous printing process.

  In the present embodiment, the toner saving mode is a mode of the print process that consumes less toner 9 than the print process in the reference mode.

  For example, the printing condition in the toner saving mode includes a condition for executing the printing process by thinning out some pixels in the output image. Further, it is conceivable that the printing conditions in the toner saving mode include a condition that the output image having a lower density than that in the reference mode is formed on the sheet.

<Step S8>
In step S8, the main control unit 8a executes a continuation notification process. In the continuation notification process, the main control unit 8a causes the display device 72 to display a message indicating that the remaining print process in the toner saving mode is to be executed. Thereafter, the main control unit 8a shifts the process to step S9.

<Step S9>
In step S9, the print control unit 8c causes the print processing apparatus 2 to execute the remaining print processing in the toner saving mode. Thereafter, the print control unit 8c ends the print control. The process of step S9 is executed when the halfway empty state occurs and the continuation condition is satisfied.

  There may be a case where the first continuation condition is an essential condition in the continuation condition. In this case, when the halfway empty state occurs, the print control unit 8c executes the remaining print process in the toner saving mode on the print processing apparatus 2 with the print process for the upper limit number of pages as an upper limit. I will let you.

  By executing the print control, even when the halfway toner empty state is detected, there is a high possibility that a printed matter of all pages can be easily obtained by the remaining print processing in the toner saving mode.

<Step S10>
On the other hand, in step S10, the main control unit 8a executes an error notification process for displaying an error message on the display device 72. Thereafter, the main controller 8a shifts the process to step S11.

<Step S11>
In step S11, the print control unit 8c ends the print control after interrupting the continuous printing process. The process of step S11 is executed when the halfway empty state occurs and the continuation condition is not satisfied.

  By adopting the image forming apparatus 10, when the number of pages of the remaining processes of the continuous printing process is small, the process of steps S7 to S9 is executed, so that the user can save all the pages without trouble. Can be obtained.

  In particular, when there is no inventory of replacement products of the toner container 50 or when the other device capable of executing the remaining print processing does not exist on the network 100, the remaining print without replacement of the toner container 50 is not required. The effect of executing the processing becomes remarkable.

  Further, since the remaining print processing is executed in the toner saving mode, it is possible to prevent the toner 9 of the developing device 43 from being completely lost during the remaining print processing.

[Application example]
In the print control shown in FIG. 3, an application example in which the processes of step S6, step S10, and step S11 are omitted can be considered.

  In this application example, when the halfway empty state occurs, the print control unit 8c causes the print processing apparatus 2 to execute the remaining print processing in the toner saving mode regardless of whether the continuation condition is satisfied (S9). .

  However, in this application example, the print control unit 8c causes the print processing apparatus 2 to execute the remaining print processing in the toner saving mode with the print processing for the upper limit number of pages as an upper limit.

  Also in this application example, when the halfway empty state occurs, there is an effect that it is possible to increase the possibility that the user can easily obtain a printed matter of all pages.

1: Image reading device 2: Print processing device 3: Sheet conveying device 4: Image forming unit 4x: Image forming unit 5: Toner replenishing device 5a: RF tag (information recording medium)
6: Container mounting unit 6a: RF reader / writer 6b: Toner empty sensor 8: Control device 8a: Main control unit 8b: Reading control unit 8c: Print control unit 8d: Image data processing unit 8e: Inventory management unit 8f: User authentication Section 9: Toner 10: Image forming apparatus 11: Movable support apparatus 12: Platen cover 13: Platen glass 20: Sheet storage section 30: Sheet conveyance path 40: Laser scanning unit 41: Photoconductor 42: Charging device 42a: Charging bias application Device 43: Developing device 43a: Developing bias applying device 44: Transfer device 44a: Primary transfer bias applying device 46: Fixing device 50: Toner container 71: Operating device 72: Display device 80: CPU
81: RAM
82: Secondary storage device 83: Communication device 90: Document 100: Network 110: Image sensor unit 440: Intermediate transfer belt 441: Primary transfer device 442: Secondary transfer device DT1: Inventory data DT2: Registered user data

Claims (8)

A print processing apparatus for executing a print process for forming a toner image on a sheet;
A toner empty sensor for detecting a toner empty state in which the toner remaining in a toner container containing the toner to be replenished to the print processing apparatus is below a predetermined lower limit amount;
The remaining print in the toner saving mode when an empty state occurs while the toner empty state is detected while the print processing apparatus is performing continuous print processing as the print processing for a plurality of continuous pages. A print control unit that causes the print processing apparatus to execute processing,
The remaining print process is a remaining process of the continuous print process when the toner empty state is detected,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the toner saving mode is a mode of the printing process in which the amount of toner consumption is less than that of the printing process before the toner empty state is detected in the continuous printing process.   The print control unit executes, in the print processing apparatus, the remaining print processing in the toner saving mode with the print processing for a predetermined upper limit number of pages as an upper limit when the halfway empty state occurs. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The print control unit causes the print processing apparatus to execute the remaining processing of the continuous printing process when a predetermined continuation condition is satisfied when the halfway empty state occurs, and the continuation condition is satisfied. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the continuous printing process is interrupted if not. An inventory information acquisition unit that acquires inventory information indicating whether or not the toner container replacement is in stock;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the continuation condition includes a condition that the inventory information acquisition unit cannot acquire the inventory information indicating that the replacement product is in stock. A communication device that communicates with other devices over a network;
5. The continuation condition includes a condition that information indicating that the other apparatus capable of executing the remaining print processing exists on the network cannot be obtained through the communication apparatus. Image forming apparatus. An information reader for reading recorded information from an information recording medium attached to the toner container;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the continuation condition includes a condition that the recording information read from the information recording medium satisfies a predetermined specific information condition.   7. The continuation condition according to claim 3, wherein the continuation condition includes a condition that an output image formed on the sheet in the continuous printing process includes or does not include a predetermined specific image. The image forming apparatus described. A user identification unit for identifying a user who requests the continuous printing process;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the continuation condition includes a condition that the user identified by the user identification unit satisfies a predetermined target user condition.

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