JP2023088113A - Image forming device, control method of the same and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that can form an image with no color variation even when a parameter concerning image processing is changed after image data subjected to image processing are accumulated, while utilizing a memory resource effectively.SOLUTION: An image forming device receives job data on image formation, generates image data for image formation from the job data using a parameter concerning image processing, and stores the data in a memory. The image forming device senses the residual amount of consumable supplies which are used in the image formation, stores the received job data in the memory when the residual amount of the consumable supplies is less than a predetermined amount, and discards the job data when the residual amount is above the predetermined amount. Further, the image forming device forms an image on a sheet using the image data stored in the memory.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, its control method, and a program.

In an image forming apparatus, since image forming conditions change when consumables are replaced, it is necessary to update a gradation correction table, which is one of image processing parameters. On the other hand, some image forming apparatuses employ a contone spool method, which is a method of accumulating and printing multilevel images before performing image processing for printing such as a gradation correction table. In a continuous tone spool type image forming apparatus, since image processing is performed immediately before printing, printing can be performed using the latest gradation correction table even immediately after replacement of consumables such as cartridges. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200002 proposes a technique of storing acquired image data as reprint data in a storage unit and performing reprinting according to the degree of consumption of a colorant cartridge.

JP 2012-54783 A

However, the conventional technology described above has the following problems. For example, in an image forming apparatus that employs a halftone spool method for accumulating halftone image data for image formation and printing, gradation-corrected image data is accumulated, and image data before gradation correction is discarded. is common. Therefore, when consumables such as cartridges are replaced, it is not possible to perform gradation correction again using the latest gradation correction table after replacement for image data that has undergone gradation correction as described above. In such a case, since the image data is printed with the tone-corrected image data using the tone correction table before updating, there is a possibility that the color variation may occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of at least one of the above-described problems. To provide a mechanism capable of forming an image with no color change even when the color is changed.

The present invention is, for example, an image forming apparatus that generates image data for image formation from the job data using a receiving unit that receives job data for image formation and parameters related to image processing, and stores the image data in a memory. image generating means for detecting the remaining amount of consumables used for image formation; holding in a memory the job data received by the receiving means when the remaining amount of the consumables is less than a predetermined amount; It is characterized by comprising control means for discarding the job data if the amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, and image forming means for forming an image on a sheet using the image data held in a memory.

According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively use memory resources and perform image formation without color variation even when parameters related to image processing are changed after accumulation of processed image data. For example, in an image forming apparatus that employs the halftone spool method, it is possible to perform printing without color variations even immediately after replacement of consumables.

1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing unit 118 according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the printer of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the module configuration of a program that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment; 2 is a block diagram showing a file system configuration on a hard disk of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of job data transmitted to the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of print job processing of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of image generation processing of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment; 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of image regeneration processing of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of print processing of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of consumable remaining amount control processing of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of tone correction processing of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of print job processing of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of print job processing of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; The figure which shows an example of the warning screen which concerns on one Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the scope of claims. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

<Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
First, the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control section 110 , a printer 140 and an operation section 150 . Control unit 110 includes CPU 111 , RAM 112 , ROM 113 , HDD 114 , network I/F 115 , device I/F 116 , operation unit I/F 117 , and image processing unit 118 .

The control unit 110 is connected to a printer 140, which is an image output device, and controls input/output of image information. Also, the control unit 110 is connected to a LAN, and receives print jobs from an external device such as the PC 160 via the LAN. The CPU 111 is a processor that controls operations of the image forming apparatus 100 and operates based on a program 400 stored in the ROM 113 . A program 400 for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is stored in the ROM 113 .

Here, the configuration of the program 400 stored in the ROM 113 will be described with reference to FIG. The program 400 includes a job processing module 401, an image generation module 402, a print module 403, a consumable remaining amount control module 404, a gradation correction processing module 405, and the like. Of course, other modules, data, etc. may be included. A job processing module 401 is a module that comprehensively controls received jobs. The image generation module 402 is a module that generates data that can be image-formed by the image forming apparatus 100 by performing various types of image processing on image data of a received job. Although tone correction processing, which is a part of image processing, is performed by the tone correction processing module 405 , image processing other than that is performed by the image generation module 402 . A print module 403 is a module that executes printing using the data generated by the image generation module 402 . A consumable remaining amount control module 404 is a module for monitoring and controlling the remaining amount of toner, which is a consumable, stored in a process cartridge 316 (to be described later). The gradation correction processing module 405 is a module that executes gradation correction processing, which will be described later.

Returning to the description of FIG. A RAM 112 is a memory for temporarily storing image data and the like processed by the image processing unit 118 . The HDD 114 is a hard disk that stores image data and the like. In order to access a storage device such as a hard disk, the image forming apparatus 100 uses a file system capable of handling image data in the storage device in units of files. On the file system, the file system accepts instructions from applications, and according to the contents of the instructions, it is possible to specify a file name with a file path, open a file, write the file, and read the data in the file. be. A program stored in HDD 114 is loaded into RAM 112, and CPU 111 controls the operation of image forming apparatus 100 based on this. As shown in FIG. 5, in a file system 500 that accesses the HDD 114, a PDL data management unit 510 for storing PDL data and an image data management unit 520 for storing image files exist as different file paths. PDL data management unit 510 can store a plurality of PDL data including PDL data 511 . The image data management unit 520 can store a plurality of image data including image data 521 , 522 and 523 .

A network I/F 115 is connected to a LAN, communicates with an external device such as the PC 160 via the network, and controls input/output of various information. A device I/F 116 connects the printer 140, which is an image output device, and the control unit 110, and performs synchronous/asynchronous conversion of image data. An operation unit I/F 117 is an interface (display control unit) that connects the operation unit 150 and the control unit 110 , and outputs image data for display on the operation unit (display unit) 150 to the operation unit 150 . Further, operation unit I/F 117 transmits information input by the user from operation unit 150 to CPU 111 . The image processing unit 118 performs image processing on print data received via the LAN and image data input/output from the device I/F 116 . Details of the image processing unit 118 will be described later with reference to FIG.

<Configuration of image processing unit>
Next, a configuration example of the image processing unit 118 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The image processing unit 118 includes DMA (direct memory access) units 211 and 216 , a RIP (raster image processor) unit 212 , a color conversion unit 213 , a gradation correction unit 214 and a binarization processing unit 215 .

The DMA unit 211 receives data from hardware connected to the signal line 120 and outputs the data to the RIP unit 212 or the color conversion unit 213 based on values set in the DMA unit 211 in advance. The RIP unit 212 performs RIP processing on input data based on values set in advance in the RIP unit 212 and outputs the data to the color conversion unit 213 . Color conversion section 213 performs color conversion processing on input data based on values set in advance in color conversion section 213 , and outputs data to tone correction section 214 .

Gradation correction section 214 performs gradation correction processing on input data based on a gradation correction table set in advance in gradation correction section 214 , and outputs the data to binarization processing section 215 . The binarization processing unit 215 performs binarization processing on the input data based on a value set in the binarization processing unit 215 in advance, and outputs the data to the DMA unit 216 . The DMA section 216 outputs input data to the signal line 120 based on a value set in the DMA section 216 in advance.

<Printer configuration>
Next, a configuration example of the printer 140 of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section of the printer 140. As shown in FIG. Y, C, M, and K at the end of the reference numerals indicate toner colors of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black. In the following description, when the configuration, control, etc. are the same for each color, the alphabet at the end will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 140 of the image forming apparatus 100 has four photosensitive drums 310 as image carriers arranged in parallel in the vertical direction. The photosensitive drum 310 is rotationally driven counterclockwise in FIG. 3 by a driving section (not shown). Around the photosensitive drum 310, in order along the direction of rotation thereof, there are provided a charging device 311, a scanner unit 312, a developing device 313, an electrostatic transfer device 314 for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 310 to a transfer material, A cleaning device 315 and the like are provided. Here, the photosensitive drum 310, the charging device 311, the developing device 313, and the cleaning device 315 for removing toner are integrated into a cartridge to form a process cartridge 316, which is removable from the image forming apparatus. there is The transfer material is also called a recording medium, sheet, paper, or the like.

Next, the configuration of each unit will be described in order. Both ends of the photosensitive drum 310 are rotatably supported by support members, and a driving force is transmitted from a drive motor (not shown) to one end to rotate counterclockwise in the figure. driven. Each charging device 311 that uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 310 is a conductive roller formed in a roller shape. A charging bias voltage is applied from .

The scanner unit 312 irradiates a laser beam based on image information to uniformly charge the surface of the photoreceptor drum 310 , and is arranged substantially perpendicular to the photoreceptor drum 310 . A polygon mirror 328 rotated at high speed by a scanner motor (not shown) is irradiated with image light corresponding to the image signal by a laser diode (not shown). The image light reflected by the polygon mirror selectively exposes the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 310 via the imaging lens 317 to form an electrostatic latent image.

The developing device 313 attaches toner to the electrostatic latent image and develops it into a toner image. be done. When developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 310, the developing device 313 feeds the toner in the container of the corresponding developing device to the application rollers 313y1, 313c1, 1013m1, and 313k1 by the feed mechanism. The developing device 313 applies a thin layer of toner to the outer circumferences of the rotating developing devices (developing rollers) 313y2, 313c2, 313m2, and 313k2, and imparts electric charge (frictional charging) to the toner. By applying a developing bias between the developing devices 313y2, 313c2, 313m2, and 313k2 and the photosensitive drum 310 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image and developed as a toner image. is done.

The cleaning device 315 removes so-called transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 310 without being transferred after the toner developed on the photosensitive drum 310 by the developing device 313 is transferred to the transfer material 304 . . In addition, an electrostatic transport belt 308 is provided as a belt member that circulates so as to face and contact the photosensitive drum 310 . The electrostatic conveying belt 308 is supported by rollers on four axes in the vertical direction, and circulates so as to electrostatically attract a transfer material to its outer peripheral surface and bring the transfer material into contact with the photosensitive drum 310 .

A suction roller 309 is in contact with the upstream side of the electrostatic conveying belt 308 in the conveying direction of the transfer material. When conveying the transfer material, a bias voltage is applied to the attracting roller 309 to form an electric field between it and the grounded roller 318a, thereby generating dielectric polarization between the electrostatic conveying belt 308 and the transfer material. An electrostatic adsorption force can be generated between them. A similar effect can be obtained by applying a bias to the roller 318a and arranging the roller 318a to face each other. In this manner, the transfer material is conveyed to the transfer position by the electrostatic conveying belt 308, and the toner images on the photosensitive drum 310 are sequentially transferred.

A transfer roller 319 as a transfer member is arranged side by side in contact with the inner side (rear side) of the electrostatic transport belt 308 so as to correspond to the four photosensitive drums 310 . A transfer bias power source (not shown) is connected to these transfer rollers 319 . These transfer rollers 319 face the photosensitive drum 310 and form a transfer section. A positive charge is applied from these transfer rollers 319 to the transfer material via the electrostatic transport belt 308 , and an electric field generated by this charge causes the transfer material in contact with the photoreceptor drum 310 to have a negative charge on the photoreceptor drum 310 . is transferred. The electrostatic conveying belt 308 according to this embodiment is stretched by four rollers, a drive roller 320, a driven roller 318, and a tension roller 321, and rotates clockwise in FIG. As a result, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 310 is transferred while the electrostatic conveying belt 308 circulates and the transfer material 304 is conveyed from the driven roller 318a side to the driving roller 320 side.

A paper feed unit 322 feeds the transfer material 304 to the image forming unit, and a plurality of transfer materials 304 are accommodated in the paper feed cassette 305 . During image formation, a paper feed roller 306 (half-moon roller) and a pair of registration rollers 307 are driven and rotated in accordance with the image forming operation to separate and feed the transfer material 304 in the paper feed cassette 305 one by one. At the same time, the leading edge of the transfer material 304 collides with the registration roller pair 307 and temporarily stops to form a loop. The paper is re-fed onto the belt 308 .

The fixing unit 323 fixes a plurality of toner images transferred to the transfer material 304. The fixing unit 323 includes a heating roller 324 that is driven to rotate and a pressure roller 325 that applies heat and pressure to the transfer material 304 by being in pressure contact with the heating roller 324. Consists of That is, the transfer material 304 onto which the toner image on the photosensitive drum 310 has been transferred is conveyed by the pair of fixing rollers 324 and 325 when passing through the fixing section 323, and the pair of fixing rollers 324 and 325 apply heat and pressure. be done. As a result, a multi-color toner image is fixed on the surface of the transfer material 304 . The yellow, magenta, and cyan process cartridges 316 are moved upward from the state in which the photosensitive drums 310 are in contact with the electrostatic conveying belt 308 by an elevation mechanism (not shown), and are moved to positions separated from the electrostatic conveying belt 308 . configured as possible. The lifting mechanism operates according to the selected recording mode. The transfer material 304 on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the outside of the apparatus (paper discharge tray) by the paper discharge rollers 326 .

<First embodiment>
<Print job processing>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, referring to FIG. 7, a processing procedure of print job processing of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. Each process of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 111 reading out the job processing module 401 in the program 400 stored in the ROM 113 into the RAM 112 and executing it.

In S<b>101 , when the job processing module 401 receives the print job data 600 transmitted from the PC 160 through the network I/F 115 , the received print job data 600 is stored in the RAM 112 . As shown in FIG. 6, print job data 600 includes a header portion 601 and a data portion 602 . After storing the print job data 600 in the RAM 112 , the job processing module 401 analyzes the header portion 601 of the print job data 600 , acquires the print job setting values, and stores them in the RAM 112 . Furthermore, the job processing module 401 stores the PDL data 511 in the data section 602 of the print job data 600 stored in the RAM 112 in the PDL data management section 510 on the file system 500 accessible to the HDD 114 .

Next, in S102, the job processing module 401 notifies the image generation module 402 of starting image generation, and generates image data using the existing tone correction data. Here, the existing gradation correction data is parameter data relating to image processing that is generated and held for the process cartridge 316 that is currently attached to the image forming apparatus 100 . Therefore, when the process cartridge is replaced due to running out of toner or the like, parameters relating to image processing such as gradation correction data are generated again and held. For example, if parameters related to image processing such as gradation correction data are not changed even though the process cartridge 316 is replaced, the color and the like will change due to image formation. Therefore, it is desirable that the parameters related to image processing used for image processing are parameters corresponding to the process cartridge 316 currently installed.

Subsequently, in S103, the job processing module 401 acquires the detection result of the remaining amount of consumables by the remaining amount of consumables control module 404, and determines whether the remaining amount of toner in the process cartridge 316 attached to the printer 140 is low. judge. Specifically, if the toner remaining amount is less than a predetermined amount, it is determined that the toner remaining amount is low. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of toner is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, it is determined that printing can be sufficiently executed. The predetermined value may be dynamically variable according to the amount of printing started in S106. If the toner remaining amount in the process cartridge 316 is not low, the process proceeds to S104, and if the toner remaining amount is low, the process proceeds to S105. In S<b>104 , the job processing module 401 discards the PDL data 511 saved in the PDL data management unit 510 on the file system 500 accessible to the HDD 114 . In this way, memory resources can be effectively used by deleting data that is unlikely to be used in the future from the memory. Subsequently, in S105, the job processing module 401 notifies the print module 403 to start printing, and proceeds to S116.

On the other hand, in S106, the job processing module 401 notifies the print module 403 of starting printing without discarding the PDL data 511, and proceeds to S107. Note that printing may be started when a print start instruction is received from the user again. For printing, the image data generated in S102 and held in the memory is used. In S107, the job processing module 401 acquires the detection result of the remaining amount of consumables by the remaining amount of consumables control module 404, and determines whether the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge attached to the printer 140 has run out. If there is no remaining toner in the process cartridge 316, the process proceeds to S1110; otherwise, the process proceeds to S108. In S<b>108 , the job processing module 401 determines whether a print completion notification has been received from the print module 403 . Here, if the print completion notification has been received, the process proceeds to S109, and if the print completion notification has not been received, the process returns to S107. Here, "there is no remaining toner" does not mean that the toner has completely run out of the cartridge, but indicates a state in which the toner required for image formation cannot be secured.

In S109, the job processing module 401 discards the PDL data 511 saved in the PDL data management unit 510 on the file system 500 accessible to the HDD 114, and ends this flow. As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the remaining amount of toner is low, the PDL data before image processing in S102 using image processing parameters such as tone correction data is held until printing is completed. Keep As a result, even if the process cartridge 316 is replaced before printing is completed, it is possible to execute the image regeneration processing in S113, which will be described later, using the image processing parameters updated after the replacement. change can be suppressed.

On the other hand, in S110, the job processing module 401 displays on the operation unit 150 as a warning display that the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge attached to the printer 140 has run out and that the currently attached process cartridge 316 is to be replaced. . Subsequently, in S<b>111 , the job processing module 401 determines whether or not replacement of the process cartridge 316 attached to the printer 140 has been detected by the consumables remaining amount control module 404 . If replacement is detected, the process proceeds to S112, and if replacement is not detected, the process waits in S111.

In S112, the job processing module 401 notifies the gradation correction processing module 405 of the start of the gradation correction processing, and updates the gradation correction data. Subsequently, in S113, the job processing module 401 notifies the image generation module 402 of starting image regeneration, and regenerates image data using the updated gradation correction data in S112. After that, in S114, the job processing module 401 discards the PDL data 511 saved in the PDL data management unit 510 on the file system 500 accessible to the HDD 114. FIG. In this case, since the process cartridge 316 has just been replaced, it is assumed that there is a sufficient amount of remaining toner, so the PDL data is discarded without detecting the remaining amount of toner.

In step S<b>115 , the job processing module 401 notifies the print module 403 of restarting printing. After that, when the CPU 111 receives the print completion notification in S116, the flow ends. If the print completion notification has not been received, the process waits in S116.

<Image generation processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a processing procedure of image generation processing of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. Each process of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 111 reading out the image generation module 402 in the program 400 stored in the ROM 113 to the RAM 112 and executing the same.

In S201, when the image generation module 402 receives the image generation start notification from the job processing module 401 in S102, it initializes the image generation page count I in the RAM 112 to "1". Note that the initial value is not intended to limit the present invention. Subsequently, in step S<b>202 , the image generation module 402 reads the PDL data 511 stored in the PDL data management unit 510 on the file system 500 accessible to the HDD 114 and stores it in the RAM 112 . After storing the PDL data 511 in the RAM 112, the image generation module 402 analyzes the PDL data 511 and creates intermediate data for the I-th page. After that, the image generation module 402 instructs the image processing unit 118 to generate a binarized bitmap image of the Ith page from the intermediate data of the Ith page using the set gradation correction table. Data is generated and stored in RAM 112 .

Next, in S203, the image generation module 402 instructs the image processing unit 118 to convert the binarized bitmap format image data of page I stored in the RAM 112 into JBIG format. After that, the image generation module 402 saves the converted JBIG format image data in the image data management unit 520 on the file system 500 accessible to the HDD 114 . In the example of FIG. 4, image data 1 of the first page is stored in 521 of the image data management unit 520, image data 2 of the second page is stored in 522, and image data 3 of the third page is stored in 523 of the image data management unit 520. FIG.

After saving the image data, the image generation module 402 adds "1" to the image generation page count I in the RAM 112 in S204. Subsequently, in S<b>205 , the image generation module 402 checks whether there is an instruction to regenerate an image from the job processing module 401 . If there is an image generation interruption notification, the process proceeds to S207. If there is no image regeneration instruction, the process proceeds to S206. Here, if there is an image regeneration instruction, the process proceeds to S208, and if not, the process proceeds to S206.

In S206, the image generation module 402 determines whether the analysis of the PDL data 511 is finished and the image generation of the final page is completed. If the analysis of the PDL data has been completed, the process proceeds to S207, and if the analysis of the PDL data 511 has not been completed, the process returns to S202. In step S207, the image generation module 402 notifies the print processing module in the program of completion of image generation, and ends this flow. On the other hand, in S208, the image generation module 402 discards all of the image data 521, 522, and 523 generated from the PDL data 511 and stored in the image data management unit 520 of the HDD 114, since image regeneration is instructed. End this flow.

<Image regeneration processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a processing procedure of image regeneration processing of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. Each process of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 111 reading out the image generation module 402 in the program 400 stored in the ROM 113 to the RAM 112 and executing the same.

Since S301 is the same processing as S201 above, description thereof is omitted. In S302, the image generation module 402 compares the image generation page count I in the RAM 112 with the regeneration start page R, and if the image generation page count I is smaller, the process proceeds to S303. If they are equal or if the image generation page count I is greater, the process proceeds to S304. Here, the reproduction start page R corresponds to the first page among pages for which image formation has not been completed when an instruction to reproduce an image is received from the job processing module 401 in S113. That is, it becomes the top of the page on which the image is formed after the process cartridge 316 is replaced.

In S303, the image generation module 402 analyzes the PDL data 511, but skips reading without creating intermediate data for the I-th page, and advances the process to S306. On the other hand, in S<b>304 , the image generation module 402 reads the PDL data 511 stored in the PDL data management unit 510 on the file system 500 accessible to the HDD 114 and stores it in the RAM 112 . Furthermore, after storing the PDL data 511 in the RAM 112, the image generation module 402 analyzes the PDL data 511 and creates intermediate data for the I-th page. After that, the image generation module 402 instructs the image processing unit 118 to use the updated gradation correction table to convert the intermediate data of the I-th page to the binarized bitmap format image of the I-th page. Data is generated and stored in RAM 112 . Subsequently, in S305, the image generation module 402 instructs the image processing unit 118 to convert the binarized bitmap format image data of page I stored in the RAM 112 into JBIG format. Furthermore, the image generation module 402 saves the image data converted into the JBIG format in the image data management unit 520 on the file system 500 accessible to the HDD 114, and advances the process to S306.

In S306, the image generation module 402 adds "1" to the image generation page count I in the RAM 112. In S307, the analysis of the PDL data 511 ends, and it is determined whether or not the image generation of the last page has been completed. If the analysis of the PDL data has been completed, the process proceeds to S308, and if the analysis of the PDL data 511 has not been completed, the process returns to S302. Since S308 is the same processing as S207 above, description thereof is omitted.

<Print processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a processing procedure of print processing of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. Each process of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 111 reading out the print module 403 in the program 400 stored in the ROM 113 into the RAM 112 and executing it.

In step S401, the print module 403, upon receiving the print start notification from the job processing module in step S104, initializes the print page count P in the RAM 112 to "1". Subsequently, in step S<b>402 , the print module 403 determines whether or not the image data of the P-th page exists in the image data management unit 520 on the file system 500 accessible to the HDD 114 . If it exists, it proceeds to S403, and if it does not exist, it waits in S402.

In step S<b>403 , the print module 403 reads the image data of the P-th page stored in the image data management unit 520 on the file system 500 accessible to the HDD 114 and stores it in the RAM 112 . In step S<b>404 , the print module 403 instructs the image processing unit 118 to convert the JBIG-format image data stored in the RAM 112 into bitmap format and store it in the RAM 112 again. The print module 403 then transfers the bitmap image data to the printer 140 via the device I/F 116 for printing.

In step S<b>405 , the print module 403 determines whether the printer 140 has received via the device I/F 116 that the printing of the P page has been normally completed. If the printing has been completed normally, the process advances to S407. On the other hand, if it is received that printing of page P has not been completed normally due to the lack of remaining consumables or cartridge replacement, etc., the process advances to step S406. In S406, the print module 403 determines whether or not the print resumption notification in S115 has been received, and returns the process to S402 when the print resumption notification is received. If the printing restart notification has not been received, the process waits in S406.

On the other hand, when printing ends normally, in S407 the print module 403 discards the image data of the Pth page saved in the image data management unit 520 on the file system 500 accessible to the HDD 114 . Subsequently, in S408, the print module 403 adds "1" to the print page count P in the RAM 112. FIG.

After that, in S409, the print module 403 determines whether or not it has received an image generation completion notification in S207 or S308. If so, the process proceeds to S410, and if not, the process returns to S402. In S410, the print module 403 compares the print page count P and the image generation page count I in the RAM 112, and if both are equal, the process proceeds to S411. If both are different, the process returns to S402. In step S<b>411 , the print module 403 notifies the job processing module 401 of print completion, and ends this flow.

<Remaining Consumables Control>
Next, with reference to FIG. 11, a processing procedure for consumable remaining amount control in this embodiment will be described. Each process of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 111 reading out the consumables remaining amount control module 404 in the program 400 stored in the ROM 113 into the RAM 112 and executing it.

In S<b>501 , the consumables remaining amount control module 404 determines whether or not a cartridge replacement notification has been received from the printer 140 via the device I/F 116 . If the exchange notification has been received, the process proceeds to S502; otherwise, the process waits in S501. In S502, when the cartridge is replaced, the consumables remaining amount control module 404 sends a request to the printer 140 via the device I/F 116 to acquire the cartridge information of the process cartridge 316 attached to the printer 140. do. Thereafter, in S<b>503 , the consumables remaining amount control module 404 determines whether cartridge information has been received from the printer 140 via the device I/F 116 . If received, the process proceeds to S504, and if not received, the process waits in S503.

In S504, the consumable remaining amount control module 404 initializes the current value of the remaining toner amount based on the acquired cartridge information. Here, the current value of the remaining amount of toner is a value recognized by the controller 110 as the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge attached to the printer 140, and is presented to the user. Specifically, the current value of the remaining toner amount is initialized by referring to the cartridge information, and if the cartridge is found to be new, the current value of the remaining toner amount is set to 100%. Also, if it is not known that the cartridge is new, the current value of the remaining toner amount is set to a value corresponding to the remaining toner amount information included in the aforementioned cartridge information. At this time, when the current value of the toner remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the toner remaining amount is low.

Next, in S<b>505 , the consumables remaining amount control module 404 determines whether or not a sensor value change notification has been received from the printer 140 via the device 116 . If it has been received, the process proceeds to S506, and if it has not been received, it waits in S505. In S<b>506 , the consumables remaining amount control module 404 transmits a sensor value request requesting a sensor value to the printer 140 via the device I/F 116 . After that, in S<b>507 , the consumables remaining amount control module 404 determines whether sensor values have been received from the printer 140 via the device I/F 116 . If it has been received, the process proceeds to S508, and if it has not been received, it waits in S507.

In S508, the consumables remaining amount control module 404 updates the current value of the remaining amount of toner based on the sensor value. The current value of the toner remaining amount is set to a value corresponding to the toner remaining amount information included in the cartridge information described above. After that, in S509, the consumables remaining amount control module 404 refers to the current value of the remaining amount of toner and determines whether or not the remaining amount of toner has run out. If it is determined that there is no remaining toner, this flow ends, and if not, the process returns to S505.

<Gradation Correction Processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a processing procedure of tone correction processing of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. Each process of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 111 reading out the gradation correction processing module 405 in the program 400 stored in the ROM 113 into the RAM 112 and executing it.

Upon receiving the tone correction processing start notification in S112, the tone correction processing module 405 transmits a density measurement execution command to the printer 140 via the device I/F 116 in S601. Subsequently, in step S602, upon receiving an image transfer request from the printer 140 via the device I/F 116, the tone correction processing module 405 transfers the patch image held in the ROM 113 to the printer 140 via the device I/F 116. Send data. The patch image data is CMYK image data, in which a plurality of types of various patch images on a rectangle for density measurement are arranged and which has been subjected to pseudo-gradation processing.

The printer 140 performs image formation of the received patch images, and performs density measurement using the density sensor of the printer 140 . In step S<b>603 , the tone correction processing module 405 receives the density measurement result from the printer 140 via the device I/F 116 and stores it in the ROM 113 . Subsequently, in step S604, the gradation correction processing module 405 calculates the gradation based on the result of the previous density measurement held in the ROM 113, the gradation correction table created at that time, and the result of the current density measurement. Create a correction table (parameters related to image processing). Setting to the image processing unit 118 and storage in the ROM 113 are performed using the created new gradation correction table. The parameters related to the self-updated image processing are used in S113.

As described above, the image forming apparatus receives job data for image formation, generates image data for image formation from the job data using parameters related to image processing, and stores the image data in the memory. Further, the image forming apparatus detects the remaining amount of consumables used for image formation, stores received job data in memory when the remaining amount of consumables is less than a predetermined amount, and stores the received job data when the remaining amount of consumables is greater than the predetermined amount. Discard job data. Furthermore, this image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet using the image data held in the memory. As a result, it is possible to effectively use memory resources and realize image formation without color variations even when parameters related to image processing are changed after image data that has undergone image processing is accumulated. For example, even in an image forming apparatus that employs the halftone spool method, image data is regenerated using updated gradation correction data, making it possible to print without color variations immediately after consumables are replaced. can.

<Second embodiment>
Below, the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is described. In the case of jobs that do not need to be saved after printing, such as sorted copy printing, the image forming apparatus can delete job data and image data one after another even if the capacity of the HDD becomes full during job processing. There is a mass print mode that allows you to continue printing. However, in the image regeneration processing in the above embodiment, it is necessary to save job data and image data for a longer period than usual. , there is a possibility that printing cannot be continued. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a flow considering such a case will be described. The image generation flow, image regeneration flow, print processing flow, consumable remaining amount control flow, and gradation correction flow of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted. A job processing flow that partially differs from the first embodiment will be described, but the description of the same processing will be omitted.

<Print job processing>
A processing procedure of print job processing of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13 . Each process of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 111 reading out the job processing module 401 in the program stored in the ROM 113 into the RAM 112 and executing it.

Since the processing from S701 to S702 is the same as the processing from S101 to S102 in FIG. 7 described above, description thereof will be omitted. In step S<b>703 , the job processing module 401 determines whether or not the input job is in a large-volume print mode, such as sorted print designation. If the mass print mode is selected, the process advances to S705, and if the mass print mode is not selected, the process advances to S704. Since the processing from S704 to S717 is the same as the processing from S103 to S116 in FIG. 7 described above, description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, if the input job is in the mass print mode, the PDL data is not temporarily retained, but is discarded when the image is generated. Printing can be continued even after That is, in the present embodiment, even if the process cartridge 316 is replaced in the mass print mode, the updated parameters related to image processing are used to control so as not to generate images again. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to switch between giving priority to realizing image formation without color variation and giving priority to execution of the mass print mode by effectively using memory resources according to the conditions. can be done. Note that these switching may be set according to a user operation.

<Third Embodiment>
Below, the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is described. In the present embodiment, a flow will be described in which confirmation of whether or not an image is regenerated is made interactive. The image generation flow, image regeneration flow, print processing flow, consumable remaining amount control flow, and gradation correction flow of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted. A job processing flow that partially differs from the first embodiment will be described, but the description of the same processing will be omitted.

<Print job processing>
A processing procedure of print job processing of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14 . Each process of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 111 reading out the job processing module 401 in the program stored in the ROM 113 into the RAM 112 and executing it.

Since the processing from S801 to S809 is the same as the processing from S101 to S109 described above, description thereof will be omitted. In S810, the job processing module 401 not only indicates that the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge attached to the printer 140 has run out and indicates a request to replace the cartridge, but also prompts selection of execution/non-execution of image regeneration. Displayed on the operation unit 150 . Since S811 is a process common to S111 described above, description thereof will be omitted. The warning screen is shown in FIG. The warning screen 1500 includes a message 1501 prompting replacement of the cartridge because the toner has run out, a message 1502 prompting selection of execution/non-execution of image regeneration, and options 1503 and 1504 . Option 1503 is an option to regenerate image data using new tone correction data. An option 1504 is an option to use image data that has already been generated and held in the memory without regenerating the image data.

Next, in step S<b>812 , the job processing module 401 determines whether or not the user has operated the operation unit 150 to select execution of image regeneration. If image regeneration is selected, the process proceeds to S813; otherwise, the process proceeds to S815. Since the processing from S813 to S817 is common to the processing from S112 to S116 described above, the description is omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a warning is displayed, in addition to indicating that the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge attached to the printer 140 has run out and indicating a request to replace the cartridge, A prompt to select whether or not to execute image regeneration is displayed. As a result, the image regeneration processing is performed only when the user performs an operation indicating image regeneration selection via the operation unit 150 . Therefore, when the user determines that it is not necessary, unnecessary image reproduction processing can be omitted to prevent wasteful waiting time.

<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. In the above embodiment, the HDD 114 is used as an example of the PDL data storage destination, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be the RAM 112 . Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which PDL data is included as received print job data has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be image data such as JPEG or TIFF. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of receiving print job data from a PC as input data has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Further, in the above embodiment, the ROM 113 is used as an example of a place to store the program, but the program may be stored in the HDD 114 . The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 described above.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention supplies a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by processing to It can also be implemented by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the claims are appended to make public the scope of the invention.

100: Image forming apparatus, 110: Control unit, 111: CPU, 112: RAM, 113: ROM, 114: HDD, 118: Image processing unit, 140: Printer

Claims (11)

An image forming apparatus,
receiving means for receiving image forming job data;
image generating means for generating image data for image formation from the job data using parameters related to image processing and storing the image data in a memory;
detection means for detecting the remaining amount of consumables used for image formation;
a control means for holding the job data received by the receiving means in a memory when the remaining amount of the consumable is less than a predetermined amount, and discarding the job data when the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount;
An image forming apparatus, comprising: image forming means for forming an image on a sheet using the image data held in a memory. When the remaining amount of the consumables is less than a predetermined amount and image formation by the image forming means is completed, the control means transfers the job data corresponding to the image data used for image formation to the 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image is deleted from the memory. 3. The image according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for displaying on a display unit when the remaining amount of the consumables has run out and prompting replacement of the consumables. forming device. further comprising updating means for updating the parameters related to the image processing based on information on new consumables when the consumables are replaced;
The image generation means is
4. The image forming method according to claim 3, wherein image data for image forming is regenerated from the job data held in the memory using the parameters related to the image processing updated by the updating means. Device. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the image data is regenerated by the image generating means, the control means deletes the corresponding job data from the memory. the display control means, when the consumables have run out of remaining amount, further displays on the display section prompting the user to select whether or not to regenerate the image data by the image generation means;
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image generating means does not regenerate the image data when instructed not to perform the regenerating by a user operation. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said control means deletes the job data stored in said memory when said user's operation instructs not to perform said regeneration. In the case of a job for forming a large number of images, the control means controls, after the image data is generated by the image generation means, regardless of the remaining amount of the consumables, the image data to be generated. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said job data is deleted. The consumables are process cartridges storing toner used for image formation,
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the parameter related to image processing is tone correction data. A control method for an image forming apparatus,
a receiving step in which the receiving means receives job data for image formation;
an image generating step in which image generating means generates image data for image formation from the job data using parameters related to image processing, and stores the image data in a memory;
a detection step in which the detection means detects the remaining amount of consumables used for image formation;
a control step of holding the job data received in the receiving step in a memory when the remaining amount of the consumable is less than a predetermined amount, and discarding the job data when the remaining amount of the consumable is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming step in which an image forming means forms an image on a sheet using the image data held in a memory. A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an image forming apparatus, the control method comprising:
a receiving step in which the receiving means receives job data for image formation;
an image generating step in which image generating means generates image data for image formation from the job data using parameters related to image processing, and stores the image data in a memory;
a detection step in which the detection means detects the remaining amount of consumables used for image formation;
a control step of holding the job data received in the receiving step in a memory when the remaining amount of the consumable is less than a predetermined amount, and discarding the job data when the remaining amount of the consumable is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount;
and an image forming step in which an image forming means forms an image on a sheet using the image data held in a memory.

Images