JP4102693B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus configured to create a document image using a plurality of color developers and to form a slip sheet image of a specified color every time a predetermined number of document images are formed.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, when bundling originals, it is common practice to insert colored paper or the like for each predetermined number of copies or for each predetermined chapter, and use this paper as a guide for the number of original copies or chapter breaks. In recent years, there has been known an image forming apparatus configured to output a slip sheet for each predetermined number of copies of a copied document or for each predetermined chapter in a process of copying a document (for example, Patent Document 1). ).
[0003]
  This type of image forming apparatus colors the recording paper with the color designated every predetermined number of times of image formation by the image forming means, and outputs the recording paper in the same manner as an original copied as a slip sheet. It is configured.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
          Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-92857
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, since the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 forms a slip sheet image by coloring a specified color on a recording sheet, there is a possibility of causing a situation in which the copying process of an original is interrupted. It was.
[0006]
  That is, since the image forming apparatus forms a slip sheet image by coloring a predetermined color on the recording paper, the remaining amount of developer (for example, toner) for constituting the color is not sufficient. In addition, a situation in which a slip-sheet image cannot be formed is caused, and this is a factor that interrupts the original document copying process.
[0007]
  As a result of the interruption of the copying process due to the formation of the slip sheet image as described above, not only the time required for the copying process of the original document but also the original copying process can be executed. There is a need for a developer replacement operation, which is a factor that increases the burden on the user.
[0008]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and even if the developer constituting the color designated for forming the slip sheet image is insufficient, it is possible to interrupt the document image formation as much as possible. As a result, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce the burden on the user.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention, DoubleIn an image forming apparatus configured to form a manuscript image using several colors of developer and to form a slip sheet image of a specified color every predetermined number of times of manuscript image formation, the remaining amount of each developer is A remaining amount detection unit to detect, a remaining amount determination unit that determines whether or not the remaining amount of developer detected by the remaining amount detection unit is equal to or less than a reference amount, and the remaining amount is determined by the remaining amount determination unit A constituent color determining unit for determining whether or not the developer determined to be less than or equal to the amount is included in the developer constituting the specified color, and a developer required to configure the color of the original image An identifiable developer specific part;A usage amount change command unit capable of changing the usage amount of the developer at the time of forming the slip sheet image, the usage amount change command unit,Below the above standard remaining amountDetermined to beIncluded in the developer used to constitute the specified colorAndAnd when it is determined that this developer is included in the developer used to construct the original image.The developer usage amount (a) and the developer determined to be equal to or less than the reference remaining amount are included in the developer used to constitute the specified color, and the developer is the document. The developer usage amount (b) when it is determined that it is not included in the developer used to construct the image, and the developer determined to be equal to or less than the reference remaining amount has the specified color. The developer usage amount is changed so that the relationship with the usage amount (c) of the developer when it is determined that it is not included in the developer used for the configuration is c> b ≧ a. Is configured asIt is characterized by this.
[0010]
  The present inventionAccording toThe relationship between the developer usage amount (a), the usage amount (b), and the usage amount (c) is such that c> b ≧ a.Since the usage amount change command unit is configured to reduce the usage amount of the developer at the time of forming the interleaf paper image, the remaining amount of the developer used to configure the specified color is not sufficient. Even in this case, it is possible to form a slip sheet image while reducing the amount of the developer used, so that a manuscript image can be formed while suppressing interruption of the slip sheet image formation process as much as possible. can do.
[0011]
  As described above, the image forming apparatus can avoid the situation where the slip sheet image forming process is interrupted as much as possible, so that the processing time of the document image formation accompanying the interruption of the slip sheet image forming process is prolonged. As a result, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of inherently unnecessary defects as much as possible, such as a developer replacement operation, so that the burden on the user can be reduced.
[0012]
  further,The present inventionAccording to the above, it is determined that the developer determined to be equal to or less than the reference remaining amount is included in the developer specified by the developer specifying unit and the developer used to configure the specified color. If used, the amount of developer used when forming the slip-sheet image(A)The developer determined to be less than the reference remaining amountAnd both specified colorsIf used to configureExceptAmount of developer used in(B or c) the following value (b ≧ a) or itLess than(C> a)As a result, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the developer required to construct both the slip sheet image and the original image as much as possible when forming the slip sheet image. The interruption of the paper image forming process and the document image forming process can be suppressed as much as possible.
[0013]
  In the image forming apparatus, when the remaining amount determination unit determines that all the developer is equal to or less than a reference remaining amount, the usage amount change command unit uses the developer when forming a slip sheet image. Is preferably set to a value smaller than the usage amount of the developer when not all the developer is determined to be equal to or less than the reference remaining amount.
[0014]
  According to the above configuration, when it is determined that all of the developer is equal to or less than the reference remaining amount, the amount of the developer used when forming the slip sheet image is determined by the remaining amount determining unit. Is set to a value smaller than the amount of developer used when it is not determined that the remaining amount is less than or equal to the reference remaining amount. Therefore, when forming a slip sheet image, the developer or slip sheet image required for forming the slip sheet image is set. As a result, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the developer required to form both the document image and the manuscript image as much as possible. As a result, the interruption of the slip sheet image forming process and the manuscript image forming process is suppressed as much as possible. be able to.
[0015]
  In the image forming apparatus, the usage amount change command unit may reduce the usage amount of the developer by changing the ratio of the development area to the non-development area per unit area in a direction in which the non-development area increases. It is preferable.
[0016]
  According to the above configuration, the ratio of the development area to the non-development area per unit area is changed in the direction in which the non-development area increases, that is, the development area per unit area is reduced, thereby The amount of developer used for formation can be reduced.
[0017]
  In the image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the usage amount change command unit reduces the usage amount of the developer by reducing the formation area of the slip sheet image.
[0018]
  According to the above configuration, for example, by developing only the peripheral edge of the recording paper or only one side edge of the recording paper, while maintaining the function of the slip sheet as a guide for each predetermined number of copies in the bundled document The amount of developer used for forming the slip sheet image can be reduced.
[0019]
  In the image forming apparatus, when the remaining amount determining unit determines that all of the developer is equal to or less than the reference remaining amount, there is a possibility that the user may have trouble in forming the slip sheet image or the document image. It is preferable to further include a notification unit that performs notification to that effect.
[0020]
  According to the above configuration, since the user can know in advance the image formation that all the developer is below the reference remaining amount by the notification unit, the interleaf image formation and the start of image formation, It is possible to take measures for avoiding the interruption of the document image forming process, such as replacement of the developer and additional work.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a color copying machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view mainly showing a mechanical configuration of a color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022]
  Referring to FIG. 1, a color copying machine 1 includes a main body unit 200, a sheet post-processing unit 300 disposed on the left side of the main body unit 200, and an operation unit 400 for a user to input various operation commands and the like. The document reading unit 500 disposed above the main body unit 200 and the document feeding unit 600 disposed above the document reading unit 500 are provided.
[0023]
  The operation unit 400 includes a touch panel 401, a start key 402, and a numeric keypad 403. The touch panel 401 is configured to be capable of color display of a color sample for setting a specified color of the slip sheet image described later, various operation screens, operation buttons for a user to input various operation commands, and the like. . The start key 402 is configured to allow the user to input a print execution command and the like, and the ten key 403 is configured to be able to set the number of copies to be printed and a slip sheet insertion position described later.
[0024]
  The document feeding unit 600 includes a document placement unit 601, a document discharge unit 602, a paper feed roller 603, and a document transport unit 604, and the document reading unit 500 includes a scanner 501. The paper feed roller 603 feeds the document set on the document placement unit 601, and the document transport unit 604 transports the fed document one by one on the scanner 501 one by one. The scanner 501 sequentially reads the conveyed document, and the read document is discharged to the document discharge unit 602.
[0025]
  The main body 200 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 201, a plurality of paper feed rollers 202, a transfer roller 203, an intermediate transfer roller 204, a photosensitive drum 205, an exposure device 206, and yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K for each of these colors, a remaining amount detection unit (not shown) that detects the remaining amount of toner in these developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K, a fixing roller 208, and a discharge port 209 and a discharge tray 210.
[0026]
  The photosensitive drum 205 is uniformly charged by a charging device (not shown) while rotating in the direction of the arrow. The exposure device 206 converts a modulation signal generated based on document image data (hereinafter referred to as document data) read by the document reading unit 500 into a laser beam and outputs it to the photosensitive drum 205. Separately, an electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K supply toner of each color to the photosensitive drum 205 to form a toner image for each color. The intermediate transfer roller 204 is configured to transfer toner images of each color from the photosensitive drum 205 and to form color toner images on the outer peripheral surface thereof.
[0027]
  On the other hand, the paper feeding roller 202 draws the recording paper from the paper feeding cassette 201 in which the recording paper is stored, and conveys the recording paper to the transfer roller 203. The transfer roller 203 transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer roller 204 to the conveyed recording paper, and the fixing roller 208 heats and fixes the transferred toner image on the recording paper. Thereafter, the recording paper is discharged from the discharge port 209 of the main body 200 to the paper post-processing unit 300 or the discharge tray 210.
[0028]
  The paper post-processing unit 300 includes a carry-in port 301, a recording paper transport unit 302, a carry-out port 303, and a stack tray 304. The recording paper conveyance unit 302 sequentially conveys the recording paper carried into the carry-in port 301 from the discharge port 209 and finally ejects it from the carry-out port 303 to the stack tray 304. The stack tray 304 is configured to move up and down in the direction of the arrow in accordance with the number of recording sheets stacked from the carry-out port 303.
[0029]
  FIG. 2 is a block diagram mainly showing an electrical configuration of the color copying machine 1 shown in FIG.
[0030]
  Referring to FIG. 2, the color copying machine 1 includes a scanner unit 11, an image processing unit 21, a printer unit 31, a control unit 41, an operation panel unit 51, a network I / F (interface) unit 71, and the like. A parallel I / F unit 72 and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 74 are provided.
[0031]
  The scanner unit 11, the image processing unit 21, the control unit 41, the operation panel unit 51, and the network I / F unit 71 correspond to the operation unit 400, the document reading unit 500, and the document feeding unit 600 shown in FIG. These parts realize the scanner function. The image processing unit 21, the printer unit 31, the control unit 41, the operation panel unit 51, the network I / F unit 71, and the parallel I / F unit 72 correspond to the main body unit 200 and the operation unit 400 shown in FIG. These functions realize a printer function. The scanner unit 11, the image processing unit 21, the printer unit 31, the control unit 41, the operation panel unit 51, and the network I / F unit 71 include the main body unit 200, the sheet post-processing unit 300, the operation unit 400, and the like illustrated in FIG. It corresponds to the document reading unit 500 and the document feeding unit 600, and a copy function is realized by these units.
[0032]
  The operation panel unit 51 includes a touch panel unit 52 including the touch panel 401 shown in FIG. 1, and an operation key unit 53 including the start key 402 and the numeric keypad 403 shown in FIG. The operation panel 51 is configured to transmit an operation command or the like by the user to the control unit 41, and is used, for example, when the user sets a designated color of a slip sheet image to be described later. The touch panel unit 52 includes a touch panel unit that combines a touch panel and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The touch panel unit 52 displays a color sample when setting various setting screens, for example, specified colors described later, and a user. By touching the color sample, an operation button or the like for enabling selection of the color sample is displayed. The operation key unit 53 is configured such that a user can input a print execution command, a scan start command, and the like.
[0033]
  The scanner unit 11 includes an exposure lamp 12 and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 13 constituting the scanner 501 shown in FIG. The scanner unit 11 irradiates the original with the exposure lamp 12 and receives the reflected light with the CCD 13 to read an image from the original, and reads the original data corresponding to the read image into the image processing unit 21 and The data is transmitted to the developer specifying unit 42 of the control unit 41 described later.
[0034]
  The image processing unit 21 includes a correction unit 22, an image processing unit 23, and an image memory 24. Further, the image processing unit 21 processes the read document data by the correction unit 22 and the image processing unit 23 as necessary, and stores the processed document data in the image memory 24, or the printer unit 31 or The data is output to the network I / F unit 71 or the like. The correction unit 22 is configured to execute predetermined correction processing such as level correction and γ correction on the read document data. The image processing unit 23 is configured to execute various types of processing such as original data compression or expansion processing and enlargement or reduction processing.
[0035]
  The printer unit 31 includes a paper transport unit 32 including the paper feed cassette 21 and the paper feed roller 202 shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer roller 204, the photosensitive drum 205, the exposure device 206, and the development shown in FIG. An image forming unit 33 including the devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K, a transfer unit 34 including the transfer roller 203 illustrated in FIG. 1, and a fixing unit including the fixing roller 208 illustrated in FIG. 35 and a remaining amount detection unit 36 for detecting the remaining amount of toner of the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K. The printer unit 31 records an image using image data such as document data read by the scanner unit 11 and print data transmitted from the PC 2 via the network I / F unit 71 and the parallel I / F unit 72. It is designed to print on paper. Specifically, the paper transport unit 32 transports the recording paper to the image forming unit 33, the image forming unit 33 forms a toner image corresponding to the image data, and the transfer unit 34 transfers the toner image to the recording paper. The fixing unit 35 fixes the toner image on the recording paper. The remaining amount detection unit 36 includes an optical photo sensor and the like, and transmits the remaining amount of toner in the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K to the control unit 41.
[0036]
  The network I / F unit 71 uses a network interface (10 / 100Base-TX) or the like to transmit and receive various data exchanged with the PC 2 connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like. For example, transmission / reception of print data is controlled such that print data transmitted from the PC 2 is transmitted to the printer unit 31 for printing.
[0037]
  The parallel I / F unit 72 receives print data or the like from the PC 2 or the like by parallel transmission in which data is transmitted in units of a plurality of bits using a plurality of signal lines using a high-speed bidirectional parallel interface (IEEE1284 compliant) or the like. It has become.
[0038]
  The HDD 74 stores document data read by the scanner unit 11 and information on colors constituting the document data, and toners included in the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K that are used when the remaining amount determination unit described later is used. The reference remaining amount is stored.
[0039]
  The control unit 41 forms an image corresponding to the document data read from the scanner unit 11 or the print data transmitted from the PC 2, and each time the image is formed a predetermined number of times ( In the following, each of the above-described components is controlled so as to form a slip sheet image of the designated color) and print these images sequentially by the printer unit 31. The control unit 41 includes a developer specifying unit 42, a remaining amount determining unit 43, a constituent color determining unit 44, a color change command unit 45, and a usage amount change command unit 46.
[0040]
  The developer specifying unit 42 is configured to specify a color used to form the document image in order to form a document image corresponding to the document data read by the scanner unit 11. Specifically, among the toners of the respective colors provided in the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K, the toners necessary for forming the document image are specified, and the ratio of the overlapping printing is specified. Yes.
[0041]
  The remaining amount determination unit 43 determines whether or not the remaining amount of toner of each color included in the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K detected by the remaining amount detection unit 36 is equal to or less than a preset reference remaining amount. It is supposed to be.
[0042]
  The component color determination unit 44 is configured so that the toner colors of the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K for which the remaining amount of toner has been determined by the remaining amount determination unit 43 to be equal to or less than the reference remaining amount constitute the specified color. It is determined whether or not the toner color is included. In addition, the component color determination unit 44 causes the developer specifying unit 42 to determine the toner colors of the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K for which the remaining amount determination unit 43 determines that the remaining toner amount is equal to or less than the reference remaining amount. It is further determined whether or not the toner color used for constituting the specified document image is included.
[0043]
  The color change command unit 45 includes toner colors of the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K that are equal to or less than a reference remaining amount by the component color determination unit 44 as toner colors used to configure the specified color. When it is determined that the color is configurable, colors that can be configured are extracted using colors other than the toner color, and these colors (hereinafter, referred to as color samples) are displayed on the touch panel unit 52. When any one of the displayed color samples is selected, the color is changed as a new designated color of the slip sheet image. The color change command unit 45 includes the toner colors of the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K that are equal to or less than the reference remaining amount by the component color determination unit 44 in the toner colors used to configure the specified color. If it is determined that the specified color of the slip sheet image is not a toner color equal to or less than the reference remaining amount, and other than at least one of the toner colors specified by the developer specifying unit 42 (For example, a color other than the color having the least amount of toner) is used to change the color to a configurable color.
[0044]
  The usage amount change command unit 46 uses the toner colors of the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K that are equal to or less than the reference remaining amount by the component color determination unit 44 to form the designated color of the slip sheet image. When it is determined that it is included in the color, the print area and the print density on the recording paper are changed so as to reduce the amount of toner used when the slip sheet image is formed. The usage amount change command unit 46 determines that the remaining amount determination unit 43 determines that all remaining toner amounts of the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K are equal to or less than a reference remaining amount, or the constituent color The determination unit 44 includes the toner colors of the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K that are equal to or less than the reference remaining amount in the toner colors used to form the slip sheet image, and the image formation processing unit 42. When it is determined that the toner color used for composing the original image specified by the above is included in the toner color used by the constituent color determining unit 44, The toner colors of the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K that are less than the reference remaining amount are included in the toner colors used to form the slip sheet image. To a value smaller than the amount of toner used (hereinafter referred to as a small set value) when it is not determined that the toner color used for constituting the document image specified by the image forming processing unit 42 is included. It is supposed to be set.
[0045]
  In the above description, setting the toner usage amount to a small setting value means setting the toner usage amount to such an extent that the degree of printing of the slip sheet can be confirmed at least when the originals are bundled. For example, the print area is set only at the peripheral edge of the recording paper, and the print level (print density described later) is set to a value that can be visually judged. These print area and print density The small set value is a value that is set as needed according to the brightness of the designated color of the slip sheet image and the contrast between the designated color and the color of the recording paper. The information on these small setting values is stored in the HDD 74 in a state where the information can be updated according to the input operation of the operation panel unit 51.
[0046]
  The color copying machine 1 configured as described above forms a document image corresponding to the document data read by the scanner unit 11 by executing the processing described below, and each time a document image is formed a specified number of times. Thus, a slip sheet image of a designated color is formed. In the following description, the designated color changing mode for changing the designated color or the designated color when the toner colors of the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K required to form the slip sheet image are insufficient. It is assumed that the usage amount change mode for changing the usage amount of the toner color that constitutes the above, or the manual mode in which both modes can be selected using the operation panel unit 51 is selected.
[0047]
  3 to 5 are flowcharts for explaining an example of the slip sheet image forming process of the color copying machine 1 shown in FIG.
[0048]
  Referring to each drawing, first, it is determined whether or not the slip sheet mode button displayed on the touch panel unit 52 has been selected (step S1), and it is determined here that the slip sheet mode button has not been selected. (NO in step S1), the process of step S1 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the slip sheet mode button has been selected (YES in step S1), a slip sheet insertion position selection screen is displayed on the touch panel unit 52. In this interleaf insertion position selection screen, a copy number input field for inputting the number of copies of the manuscript, and a plurality of manuscripts to be copied as one chapter, a plurality of copies are made and an interleaf is provided for each chapter. A manuscript type entry field for entering whether to insert a slip sheet for each desired number of copies when there is one copy of the document to be copied, and slip sheets for each of these types Insertion location, that is, an insertion location input field for inputting how many chapters or how many sheets are inserted, a designated color change button for selecting whether or not to change the designated color of the slip sheet, and A confirmation button for confirming that these input items have been input is created.
[0049]
  When the confirmation button is selected on the slip sheet insertion position selection screen and the slip sheet insertion position is set (step S2), it is determined whether or not the designated color change button is selected (step S3). If it is determined that the designated color change button is selected (YES in step S3), a designated color setting screen is displayed on the touch panel unit 52. On the designated color setting screen, all colors that can be configured using the toner colors of the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K are displayed as color samples. When the color sample displayed in this way is selected, this color is set as the designated color of the slip sheet image, and this designated color is stored in the HDD 74 (step S4).
[0050]
  When the designated color is set as described above (step S4), or when it is determined in step S3 that the designated color change button is not selected (NO in step S3), the start key 402 is pressed. Then, it is determined whether or not the scanner unit 11 has input start of reading a document (step S5). If it is determined that the start key 402 is not pressed (NO in step S5), step S3 is repeatedly executed, while if it is determined that the start key 402 is pressed (YES in step S5). Then, the document is read by the scanner unit 11, and the obtained document data is stored in the HDD 74 (step S6). If it is determined in step S3 that the designated color change button has not been selected (NO in step S3) and the start key 402 is pressed in step S5, the designated color of the slip sheet image is determined at this time. The default color (that is, the specified color) stored in advance in the HDD 74, for example, a light pink color, is set.
[0051]
  Next, the toner color required to form the original image read by the scanner unit 11 is specified and stored in the HDD 74 (step S7), and the remaining amount of toner in each of the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K. Is detected (step S8). Next, it is determined whether or not there is a toner remaining below the reference remaining amount among the detected toner colors (step S9). If it is determined that there is no toner color below the reference remaining amount. (NO in step S9), print processing is executed (step S10), and the process returns to step S1. That is, in the printing process, the color copying machine 1 forms a document image corresponding to the document data, and is set in step S3 when the number of copies (insertion position) set in step S2 is reached. A slip sheet image is formed with the designated color or the default designated color, and the document is copied until the number of copies set in step S2 is reached while repeating these processes.
[0052]
  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that there is a toner color less than the reference remaining amount (YES in step S9), it is determined whether or not all the toner amounts are less than the reference remaining amount (step S11). If all the toner colors are determined to be equal to or less than the reference remaining amount (YES in step S11), the operation panel unit 51 is used to notify that the toner is insufficient and to cancel the printing process. A selection screen on which a button and a forced execution button for forced execution are created is displayed on the touch panel 52 (step S12). Next, it is determined whether or not the cancel button has been selected on this selection screen (step S13). If it is determined that the cancel button has been selected (YES in step S13), the process returns to step S1. To do. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cancel button is not selected on the selection screen (NO in step S13), it is determined whether or not the forced execution button is selected (step S14). If it is determined that the forcible execution button is not selected (NO in step S14), step S13 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the forcible execution button is selected (YES in step S14), Set the ratio between the print area and non-print area per unit area (hereinafter referred to as print density) and the print area of the interleaf image on the recording paper (hereinafter referred to as print area) to a small set value. The data is stored in the HDD 74 (step S15), and step S10 is executed.
[0053]
  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the small setting value of the print density is 40% in the print area when the print area with respect to the unit area is 100%, that is, when the solid state is used as a reference. %, The non-printing area is set to a printing density of 60%, while the small setting value of the printing area is such that the printing area with respect to the peripheral edge or one side edge of the recording paper is as shown in FIG. The area is set to 20% of the entire area, and these small setting values are set as needed according to the brightness of the designated color and the contrast between the designated color and the color of the recording paper as described above. It has become.
[0054]
  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that all the toner amounts are not less than the reference remaining amount (NO in step S11), the toner color that is less than the reference remaining amount is the toner color that is used to constitute the designated color. It is determined whether or not there is (step S16). If it is determined that the toner color below the reference remaining amount is not the toner color used to constitute the designated color (NO in step S16), the above step S10 is executed, while the toner color below the reference remaining amount is executed. If it is determined that the toner color is a toner color used to constitute the designated color (YES in step S16), a mode selection screen is displayed on the touch panel 52 (step S17).
[0055]
  The mode selection screen includes a color change mode selection button for selecting the color change mode, a use amount change mode selection button for selecting the use amount change mode, and a mode for selecting both of these modes. A color / usage change mode selection button is created.
[0056]
  When the mode selection screen is displayed (step S17), it is determined whether or not the color change mode selection button is selected (step S18). If it is determined that the color change mode is selected (YES in step S18). ), The color change process T is executed, the print process is executed (step S21), and the process returns to step S1.
[0057]
  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the color change process T shown in FIG.
[0058]
  Referring to FIG. 6, when the color change process is executed, it is determined whether or not the toner color required for forming the document image is below the reference remaining amount (step T1), and the document image is formed here. If it is determined that the toner color required to do this is greater than or equal to the reference remaining amount (NO in step T1), a color that can be configured using a toner color other than the toner color that is less than or equal to the reference remaining amount required for forming the designated color Then, each color sample with the currently set designated color is displayed on the touch panel unit 52 (step T2). On the other hand, if it is determined in step T1 that the toner color required for forming the original image is equal to or less than the reference remaining amount (YES in step T1), a toner color other than the reference remaining amount required for forming the designated color is determined. A color sample of a color that can be configured using a toner color other than a toner color that is equal to or less than the reference remaining amount required for forming a document image and a currently set designated color are displayed on the touch panel unit 52, respectively. (Step T3).
[0059]
  When each color sample is displayed on the touch panel unit 52 as described above (steps T2 and T3), it is determined whether or not these color samples are selected and a new designated color is set (step T4). If it is determined that the sample is not selected (NO in step T4), step T4 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step T4 that the color sample has been selected (YES in step T4), it is determined whether or not the selected specified color is the same color as the previously set specified color (step S4). T5). Here, if it is determined that the selected specified color and the previously set specified color are the same color (YES in step T5), there is a possibility that a malfunction may occur when the slip sheet image or the document image is formed. The operation panel unit 51 notifies the user of the fact, and displays on the touch panel unit 52 an OK button for inputting that the notification content is accepted and a return button for inputting that the designated color is reset. (Step T6).
[0060]
  Next, it is determined whether or not the OK button displayed on the touch panel unit 52 has been selected (step T7). If it is determined that the OK button has not been selected (NO in step T7), the return button Is selected (step T8). If it is determined in step T8 that the return button is not selected (NO in step T8), step T7 is repeatedly executed, while if it is determined that the return button is selected (YES in step T8). The above step T1 is executed again.
[0061]
  On the other hand, if it is determined that the specified color selected in step T5 and the previously set specified color are not the same color, and if it is determined in step T7 that the OK button has been selected, The color sample selected in step T4 is set as a new designated color, stored in the HDD 74 (step T9), and step S21 is executed (see FIG. 5).
[0062]
  Referring to FIG. 5 again, if it is determined in step S18 that the color change mode selection button has not been selected (NO in step S18), it is determined whether or not the usage amount change mode selection button has been selected. (Step S19) Here, if it is determined that the usage amount change mode selection button has been selected (YES in Step S19), the usage amount change processing U is executed, and then Step S21 is executed.
[0063]
  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the usage amount changing process U shown in FIG.
[0064]
  Referring to FIG. 7, when usage amount changing process U is executed, a print density and print area setting screen (hereinafter referred to as density / area setting screen) is displayed on touch panel unit 52 (step U1). . In this density / area setting screen, a density tab Y1 and an area tab Y2 are created, and when the density tab Y1 is selected, the density setting screen G1 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed, while the area tab Y2 is displayed. By being selected, the area setting screen G2 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. In the present embodiment, the density setting screen G1 includes density selection buttons B1, B2, B3, and B4 that can select any one of density 100%, 80%, 60%, and 40%, and these density selection buttons. An arbitrary density input field R1 in which a density other than B1 to B4 can be input by the operation key unit 53 is created. On the other hand, the area setting screen G2 is printed on the peripheral edge of the recording paper, and the printing area can be set to any one of 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20% of the recording paper. Selection buttons BH1, BH2, BH3, and BH4, and the printable area on the right side of the recording paper, and the print area can be set to any one of 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20% of the recording paper Side area setting buttons BS1, BS2, BS3, BS4 are created. Furthermore, the density / area setting screen is displayed regardless of whether the density tab Y1 or the area tab Y2 is selected, and the setting items input to the density setting screen G1 and the area setting screen G2 are determined. A confirmation button K1 is created.
[0065]
  When the density / area setting screen as described above is displayed (step U1), whether any one of the density selection buttons B1 to B4 has been selected or one of the density selection buttons B1 to B4 has already been selected. If it has been selected, it is determined whether or not another one has been newly selected (step U2). If any one of the density selection buttons B1 to B4 has been selected or has already been selected. If it is determined that another one has been newly selected (YES in step U2), the selected print density is set as a new print density degree and this print density is stored in the HDD 74 (step U3), step U2 is repeatedly executed.
[0066]
  On the other hand, if it is determined in step U2 that the density selection buttons B1 to B4 are not selected (NO in step U2), the peripheral area selection buttons BH1 to BH4 or the side area setting buttons BS1 to BS4 are selected. Whether any one is selected, or when one of the peripheral area selection buttons BH1 to BH4 or the side area setting buttons BS1 to BS4 is already set, the other one is newly selected. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step U4). Here, if any one of the peripheral area selection buttons BH1 to BH4 or the side area setting buttons BS1 to BS4 is selected or already selected, it is determined that the other one is newly selected. If so (YES in step U4), the selected print area is set as a new print area, the print area is stored in the HDD 74 (step U5), and the step U2 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step U4 that the peripheral area selection buttons BH1 to BH4 or the side area setting buttons BS1 to BS4 are not selected (NO in step U4), is the confirmation button K1 selected? If it is determined that the confirmation button K1 is not selected (NO in step U6), step U2 is repeatedly executed, while it is determined that the confirmation button K1 is selected. If so (YES in step U6), the process of step S21 is executed.
[0067]
  Referring to FIG. 5 again, if it is determined in step S19 that the usage amount change mode selection button has not been selected (NO in step S19), whether or not the color / use amount change mode selection button has been selected. Is determined (step S20). If it is determined that the color / usage change mode selection button has not been selected (NO in step S20), step S18 is repeatedly executed, while it is determined that the color / usage change mode selection button has been selected. When this is done (YES in step S20), the color change process T, the usage amount change process U, and step S21 are executed in order, and the process returns to step S1.
[0068]
  In addition, the said usage-amount change process U is not limited to what was mentioned above, For example, it can also be set as a process as shown in FIG.
[0069]
  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining another embodiment of the usage amount changing process U shown in FIG.
[0070]
  Referring to FIG. 8, when the usage amount changing process U is executed, it is determined whether or not the toner amount required for forming the document image is equal to or less than the reference amount (step U0). Here, the document image formation is performed. If it is determined that the toner amount required for the process is equal to or less than the reference amount (YES in step U0), the print density and the print area are set to a small set value, that is, the print density is set to 40% and the print area is set to 20% Step U01), step S21 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step U0 that the toner amount required for forming the original image is equal to or larger than the reference amount (NO in step U0), step U1 is executed. Since the processing after step U1 is the same as described above, the description thereof is omitted here.
[0071]
  In the color change process T (see FIG. 6), it is determined in step T1 whether or not the toner amount required for forming the original image is equal to or less than a reference amount. Here, the toner color required for forming the original image is determined. If it is less than the reference amount, it can be configured using a toner color other than the reference remaining amount required for forming the specified color in step T2 and a toner color other than the reference amount required for document image formation. However, instead of this configuration, a toner color other than the reference amount required for forming the designated color is used regardless of the remaining amount of toner color required for forming the original image. The touch panel 52 may display a configurable color using a toner color other than the toner color and a toner color that is equal to or less than a reference amount required for document image formation. On the other hand, in place of the processing of step T1 to step T3, the toner color with the smallest remaining amount is specified from among the toner colors required for forming the original image, and the toner color other than this toner color is used to form the designated color. The touch panel unit 52 may display a configurable color using a toner color other than the toner color below the required reference remaining amount.
[0072]
  Further, in steps T2 and T3, the color sample of the currently set designated color is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In step T2, the reference remaining required for the designated color formation is displayed. A color sample of a color that can be formed using a toner color other than the toner color less than the amount is displayed, and in step T3, a toner color other than the reference remaining amount required for forming the designated color is required and the document image is formed. A color sample of a configurable color may be displayed using a toner color other than the toner color, and in this case, the process of step T5 is not necessary.
[0073]
  Further, in the above embodiment, when the toner color required to construct the slip sheet image is insufficient, the designated color changing mode for changing the designated color or the usage amount of the toner color constituting the designated color is changed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but the color copying machine 1 is not limited to this. Each of the items that can be selected in the manual mode is set in advance, and the image forming process is executed based on the set value, or a default value is set for each of the items that can be selected in the manual mode. It is also possible to set a so-called auto mode in which the image processing is executed based on these default values.
[0074]
  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the document data read by the scanner unit 11 is printed by the printer unit 31 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the network I / F unit 71 Alternatively, when the print data transmitted from the PC 2 (see FIG. 2) via the parallel I / F unit 72 is printed out by the printer unit 31, the above-described slip sheet image forming process can be executed. In this case, the display, keyboard, and mouse of the PC 2 correspond to the operation panel unit 51, and the setting screens are displayed on the display. The input items on the setting screen are displayed using the keyboard and the mouse. Will be entered.
[0075]
  As described above, according to the color copying machine 1, when the constituent color determination unit 44 determines that a toner color equal to or less than the reference remaining amount is used to configure the designated color, the color change command Since the unit 45 is configured to form a slip sheet image using a toner color other than the specified color as the specified color, the remaining amount of toner color used to configure the specified color is not sufficient. Even in this case, it is possible to form a new designated color slip sheet image using a toner color other than the toner color, so that a document image can be formed without interrupting the slip sheet image formation process. can do.
[0076]
  As described above, since the color copying machine 1 can avoid a situation in which the slip sheet image forming process is interrupted, the processing time of the manuscript image formation associated with the interruption of the slip sheet image forming process is increased. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user.
[0077]
  The color copying machine 1 further includes a developer specifying unit 42 that can specify a toner color required for forming the color of the original image, and is used by the component color determining unit 44 to configure a designated color. The interleaf image is formed using a toner color other than the toner color less than the reference remaining amount determined to be other than at least one toner color specified by the developer specifying unit 42. A new specified color that is set when the remaining amount of toner color used to configure the color is insufficient is configured using a toner color other than the toner color that is used to configure the document image. As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a situation in which the toner color constituting the document image is insufficient due to the formation of a new designated color slip sheet image.
[0078]
  In the color copying machine 1, a toner color other than a reference remaining amount determined to be used for configuring the specified color by the constituent color determining unit 44 or the specified color by the constituent color determining unit 44. In addition to displaying a color that can be configured using a toner color other than the developer not exceeding the reference remaining amount determined to be used for the configuration and other than the at least one toner color specified by the developer specifying unit. The touch panel 52 that can select the displayed color as a new color is provided, and a slip sheet image is formed using the color selected by the touch panel 52 as a new designated color. In this case, a desired designated color can be set by selecting the color sample displayed on the touch panel 52, while the new color selected in this way is selected. It is possible to form a slip sheet image Teiiro. Further, the color displayed on the touch panel 52 is determined to be used other than the toner color below the reference remaining amount determined to be used for configuring the specified color, or used for configuring the specified color. Since the color is configurable using a toner color other than the toner color below the reference remaining amount and other than the toner color specified by the developer specifying unit 42, the newly specified color selected as described above By forming the slip sheet image in this way, it is possible to avoid interruption of the slip sheet image forming process and the document image forming process.
[0079]
  Further, according to the color copying machine 1, when the constituent color determining unit 44 determines that the toner color equal to or less than the reference remaining amount is the toner color used for constituting the designated color, the amount used is Since the change command unit 46 is configured to reduce the amount of toner color used at the time of forming the slip sheet image, the remaining amount of toner color used to configure the specified color is not sufficient. Even in such a case, it is possible to form a slip sheet image while reducing the amount of toner color used, and as a result, it is possible to form a document image while suppressing interruption of the slip sheet image formation process as much as possible. Can do.
[0080]
  As described above, the color copying machine 1 can avoid the situation of interrupting the slip sheet image forming process as much as possible. Therefore, the processing time of the manuscript image formation associated with the interrupt of the slip sheet image forming process is long. As a result, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of problems that are not originally required, such as toner conversion and toner replacement work, as much as possible. As a result, the burden on the user can be reduced.
[0081]
  In the color copying machine 1, the usage amount change command unit 46 determines the toner color when forming the slip sheet image when the remaining amount determination unit 36 determines that all the toner colors are equal to or less than the reference remaining amount. Is set to a value smaller than the amount of toner used when not all of the toner is determined to be less than or equal to the reference remaining amount by the remaining amount determination unit 36. As a result, it is possible to reduce as much as possible the consumption amount of toner color required for forming a slip sheet image or the toner color required for forming both a slip sheet image and a document image. The interruption of the document image forming process can be suppressed as much as possible.
[0082]
  The color copying machine 1 further includes a developer specifying unit 42 that can specify a toner color required for forming the color of the original image, and the component color determining unit 44 is determined to be equal to or less than a reference remaining amount. It is further determined whether the toner color is included in the toner color specified by the developer specifying unit 42 and the toner color used to constitute the specified color. Is determined to be included in the toner color specified by the developer specifying unit 42 and the toner color used to configure the designated color, the usage amount change command unit 46 The toner used when forming the slip sheet image is used to configure the toner color determined by the developer specifying unit 42 as the toner color determined to be equal to or less than the reference remaining amount and the specified color. Tona Since it is set to a value smaller than the usage amount of the developer when it is not determined that it is included in the color, it is necessary to construct both the slip sheet image and the original image when forming the slip sheet image. As a result of the toner color consumption being reduced as much as possible, the interruption of the slip sheet image forming process and the document image forming process can be suppressed as much as possible.
[0083]
  In the color copying machine 1, the usage amount change command unit 46 reduces the toner usage amount by changing the ratio of the printing area to the non-printing area per unit area in the direction in which the non-printing area increases. Thus, by reducing the printing area per unit area, it is possible to reduce the amount of toner used to form the slip sheet image.
[0084]
  In the color copying machine 1, the usage amount change command unit 46 reduces the usage amount of the toner by reducing the printing area of the slip sheet image. For example, only the peripheral portion of the recording paper or the recording By coloring only one side of the paper, the amount of toner color used to form the slip sheet image is reduced while maintaining the slip sheet function as a guide for each predetermined number of copies in a bundled document. be able to.
[0085]
  In the color copying machine 1, when the remaining amount determination unit determines that all toners are equal to or less than the reference remaining amount, there is a possibility that the user may have trouble in forming a slip sheet image or a document image. Since the operation panel unit 51 is further provided to notify the fact that the user can know in advance that the amount of toner is below the reference remaining amount by the operation panel unit 51 before image formation. Before starting the process, measures for avoiding interruption of the processing of the slip sheet image formation and the document image formation, such as a toner replacement operation, can be taken.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, the present inventionThe developer determined to be equal to or less than the reference remaining amount is included in the developer used to configure the specified color, and the developer is used as the developer used to configure the document image. The developer usage amount (a) when determined to be included and the developer determined to be equal to or less than the reference remaining amount are included in the developer used to configure the specified color. In addition, when it is determined that the developer is not included in the developer used to form the original image, the developer usage amount (b) is determined to be equal to or less than the reference remaining amount. When the determined developer is not included in the developer used for constituting the specified color, the relationship with the usage amount (c) of the developer is such that c> b ≧ a , The usage amount change command unit Since it is configured to reduce the dosage, even when the remaining amount of the developer used to configure the specified color is not sufficient, the usage amount of the developer is reduced and the slip sheet is used. As a result of being able to form an image, it is possible to form a document image while suppressing interruption of the slip sheet image forming process as much as possible.
[0087]
  As described above, the image forming apparatus can avoid a situation in which the slip sheet image forming process is interrupted, so that the processing time of the document image formation accompanying the interruption of the slip sheet image forming process is increased, and the developer As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user.
[0088]
  Furthermore, according to the present invention,When it is determined that the developer determined to be below the reference remaining amount is included in the developer specified by the developer specifying unit and the developer used to configure the specified color The developer usage amount (a) at the time of forming the slip sheet image is a case where the developer determined to be equal to or less than the reference remaining amount is used for constituting both the original image and the specified color. Since the developer usage amount (b or c) is set to a value (b ≧ a) or smaller (c> a), the slip sheet image and the original are formed at the time of forming the slip sheet image. As a result of making it possible to reduce the consumption of the developer required for constituting both images as much as possible, it is possible to suppress interruption of the slip sheet image forming process and the document image forming process as much as possible. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view mainly showing a mechanical configuration of a color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram mainly showing an electrical configuration of the color copying machine shown in FIG. 1;
3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a slip sheet image forming process of the color copying machine shown in FIG. 2;
4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a slip sheet image forming process of the color copying machine shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a slip sheet image forming process of the color copying machine shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of color change processing shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a usage amount changing process shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining another embodiment of the usage amount changing process shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a screen diagram for explaining a density setting screen displayed on the color copying machine of FIG. 1;
10 is a screen diagram for explaining an area setting screen displayed on the color copying machine of FIG. 1; FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Color copier
36 Remaining amount detection unit
42 Developer specific part
43 Remaining amount determination unit
44 Configuration color determination unit
45 color change command section
46 Usage change command section
51 Operation panel
52 Touch panel
53 Operation key section
207Y, 207M, 207C, 207K Development device

Claims (5)

In an image forming apparatus configured to form a manuscript image using a plurality of colors of developer, and to form a slip sheet image of a specified color every predetermined number of times of manuscript image formation,
A remaining amount detecting unit for detecting the remaining amount of each developer,
A remaining amount determining unit that determines whether or not the remaining amount of developer detected by the remaining amount detecting unit is equal to or less than a reference amount;
A component color determination unit that determines whether or not the developer whose remaining amount is equal to or less than a reference amount by the remaining amount determination unit is included in the developer that constitutes the specified color;
A developer identifying unit capable of identifying a developer required to configure the color of the document image;
A usage amount change command unit capable of changing the usage amount of the developer at the time of forming the slip sheet image,
The usage amount change command unit includes a developer determined to be equal to or less than the reference remaining amount in a developer used to configure the specified color , and the developer configures the original image. the amount of the definitive developer when it is determined to be included in the developer used as (a), the developer is determined to be equal to or less than the reference residual amount constituting the designated color to The amount of the developer used (b) when it is determined that the developer is included in the developer used for the above-mentioned purpose and is not included in the developer used for constituting the original image. Relationship between the developer usage amount (c) when it is determined that the developer determined to be equal to or less than the reference remaining amount is not included in the developer used to constitute the specified color However, the amount of developer used is changed so that c> b ≧ a. An image forming apparatus characterized by being configured to. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when the remaining amount determining unit determines that all the developer is equal to or less than a reference remaining amount, the usage amount change command unit is configured to form a slip sheet image. An image forming apparatus, wherein the amount of developer used is set to a value smaller than the amount of developer used when the remaining amount determining unit does not determine that all of the developer is equal to or less than a reference remaining amount. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the usage amount change command unit changes the ratio of the development area to the non-development area per unit area in a direction in which the non-development area increases. An image forming apparatus that reduces the amount of use. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the amount change command unit is characterized by reducing the amount of the developer by reducing the area for forming the slip sheet image Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, when all of the developer by the residual amount judging unit is determined to be less than the reference residual amount, slip sheet image to the user Alternatively, the image forming apparatus further includes a notification unit that notifies that there is a possibility that a problem may occur in the formation of the document image.

Images