JP5088482B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with an automatic adjustment mode for automatically executing adjustment of a plurality of items for any part in the image forming apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus that transfers a toner image formed on a photoreceptor onto a recording sheet, various adjustment operations such as the potential of each part and the concentration of developer are performed in order to form the toner image at an appropriate density according to image data. I am doing so.

As such an adjustment, there is an image forming apparatus provided with an automatic adjustment mode in which a plurality of items are automatically adjusted continuously.
In such continuous adjustment of a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus, if an error occurs in any item, automatic adjustment is interrupted at that time, and an error code as shown in FIG. It is configured to stop operation.

The following patent document 1 has proposed about the error display at the time of this kind of adjustment.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-341231 (page 14, page 19, FIG. 6)

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1 described above, when displaying an error, the error message is displayed to the general user and the service person at different levels, so that the service person can avoid the confusion of the general user. For each, consideration is given to make recovery work easier.

However, even in this patent document 1 and the conventional image forming apparatus, when an error occurs, the adjustment operation of the apparatus is interrupted and the operation is stopped.
In this case, even if the item for which an error is displayed is repaired, there may be another failure, and another item error may occur again, causing the operation to be interrupted.

  In other words, when there are multiple failures, there is a risk of repeating the repair and the error stop state alternately, such as error stop, repair, operation restart, error stop, repair, operation restart, and so on. .

In this case, the time during which the image forming apparatus cannot operate, that is, the apparatus stop time is increased, which is disadvantageous for the user.
However, an image forming apparatus that continuously adjusts a plurality of items has only been considered to perform such an operation, and there has been no appropriate technique that takes into account the downtime.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and in continuous automatic adjustment of a plurality of items of an image forming apparatus, even if an error occurs in any of the plurality of items, the apparatus stop time An object of the present invention is to realize an image forming apparatus that does not give the user inconvenience due to the above.

The present invention for solving the above problems is as described below.
(1) The invention according to claim 1 is based on a control unit that performs control in an automatic adjustment mode in which adjustment of a plurality of items is automatically performed on any part of the image forming apparatus, and an instruction from the control unit. A portion to be adjusted automatically and display means for displaying various information based on instructions from the control means, wherein the control means is a case where an error has occurred in the adjustment. However, the control is performed so that the adjustment is automatically executed up to the final item without stopping the adjustment operation, and the reliability of the adjustment performed for the item affected by the item in which the error has occurred in the automatically executed adjustment operation is described above. An image forming apparatus that controls to display on a display unit .

(2) The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the control means displays on the display means about an item in which an error has occurred in the automatically executed adjustment operation. Device.

  (3) The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the control means displays processing contents on the display means for error recovery with respect to an item in which an error has occurred in the automatically executed adjustment operation. An image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

  (4) The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the control means displays processing contents for error recovery on the display means in the order in which the processing for recovery is executed. This is an image forming apparatus.

  (5) The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the control means displays the processing contents for error recovery on the display means with contents corresponding to the operator who executes the processing for recovery. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

  (6) In the invention described in claim 6, the control means is affected by an item in which an error has occurred in the automatically executed adjustment operation, and it is difficult to execute or items that cannot be adjusted correctly. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus skips and does not stop the adjustment operation.

According to the present invention, the effects listed below can be obtained.
(1) In the first aspect of the present invention, when an item in which an error has occurred in the adjustment occurs in the control of the automatic adjustment mode in which the adjustment of a plurality of items is automatically executed for any part in the image forming apparatus Even so, the control is performed so that the adjustment is automatically executed up to the final item without stopping the adjustment operation due to the error.

In other words, even if there are multiple failures related to the adjustment of a series of multiple items, even if an error occurs, by executing the automatic adjustment mode without interruption, error stop, repair, operation restart, error stop, There is no operation that repeats alternately between repair and error stop status, such as repair, operation restart, and so on, and errors occur in multiple items in continuous automatic adjustment of multiple items in the image forming apparatus. However, inconvenience due to the device stop time is not given to the user.
In addition, for the items that are affected by the error that occurred in the automatically executed adjustment operation, the control means displays the reliability of the adjustment that has been made on the display means, so that continuous automatic adjustment of a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus is performed. Even if errors occur in multiple items, there is no inconvenience to the user due to the equipment downtime, and the reliability of the adjustments that have been performed is displayed, so that meaningful adjustments as a whole continue. Will be executed.

  (2) In the invention described in claim 2, the control means displays on the display means the item in which an error has occurred in the automatically executed adjustment operation, whereby a plurality of items in the continuous automatic adjustment of a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus are provided. Even if an error occurs in this item, the inconvenience caused by the apparatus stop time is not given to the user, and it becomes possible to confirm the contents of the error of the plurality of items that occurred at that time later.

  (3) In the invention according to claim 3, the control means displays the processing contents on the display means for error recovery for the item in which the error has occurred in the automatically executed adjustment operation, whereby a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus are displayed. Even if errors occur in multiple items in continuous automatic adjustment, there is no inconvenience to the user due to the equipment down time, and the contents of the error of multiple items that occurred at that time and the recovery procedure from the error Can be confirmed on the display means.

  (4) In the invention according to claim 4, the processing contents are displayed for error recovery, and the control means performs display on the display means in the order in which the processing for recovery is executed, whereby a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus are continuously displayed. Even if an error occurs in multiple items during automatic adjustment, the user is no longer inconvenienced by the equipment downtime, and the contents of the multiple items that occurred and the recovery procedure from the error are recovered. It is possible to check the display means in the processing order and execute the recovery processing.

  (5) In the invention according to claim 5, the display of the processing contents for error recovery is performed on the display means by the control means with the contents corresponding to the operator who executes the processing for recovery, whereby the image forming apparatus In the continuous automatic adjustment of multiple items, even if an error occurs in multiple items, there is no inconvenience to the user due to the equipment downtime, and the contents and errors of the multiple items that occurred at that time It is possible to confirm the recovery procedure from the display means according to the skill of the operator.

  (6) In the invention described in claim 6, adjustment is performed by skipping items that are affected by an error in the automatically executed adjustment operation and are difficult to execute or cannot be adjusted correctly. The control means controls so as not to stop the operation, so that even if an error occurs in a plurality of items in continuous automatic adjustment of a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus, inconvenience due to the apparatus stop time is informed to the user. In addition, since it is not given to the user, and since it is not simple forced execution, meaningful adjustment as a whole is continuously executed.

  The best mode (embodiment) for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In this embodiment, description will be made focusing on the configuration requirements regarding the characteristics of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, it is common for an image forming apparatus, and well-known constituent elements are omitted.

  The control unit 101 is a control unit that performs various types of image formation control. In this embodiment, in particular, the control unit 101 controls an automatic adjustment mode in which a plurality of items are automatically adjusted for any part in the image forming apparatus. Even when an item in which an error has occurred in the adjustment occurs, control is performed so that the adjustment is automatically executed up to the final item without stopping the adjustment operation.

The storage unit 102 is a storage unit that stores various data, and has a function of storing adjustment item data relating to automatic adjustment and data in the event of an error.
The operation display unit 103 includes an operation panel for performing various operations by the user and a display panel for displaying various information to the user.

  A scanner unit 105 is a reading unit that reads an original, generates image data, and transmits the image data to an image processing unit 107 described later. The scanner unit 105 is provided when the image forming apparatus is a copying machine, and does not need to be provided when the image forming apparatus is a printer.

  The image processing unit 107 is an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on the image data generated by the scanner unit 105 or image data from an external device and transmits the image data to a print engine 109 described later.

The print engine 109 is an image forming unit that forms and outputs a visible image on recording paper in accordance with supplied image data.
The print engine 109 is provided with a belt-like intermediate transfer member, which is formed by transferring a visible image corresponding to image data from the photosensitive member of each color to the intermediate transfer member. The image forming apparatus to be transferred is taken as an example, but is not limited to this.

Hereinafter, the print engine 109 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 1 and the cross-sectional configuration diagram of FIG.
A paper sheet of a predetermined size is placed on the paper feeding unit 110, and this recording paper is sent out for image formation by the transport unit 115.

  The exposure unit 120 irradiates a photoconductor unit, which will be described later, with a light beam corresponding to image data for electrophotographic image formation. In the case of color image formation, the exposure unit 120Y to 120K for each color is provided. It is prepared for.

  The photoreceptor 130 forms a latent image by the light beam emitted from the exposure unit 120, and a visible image such as a toner image is formed by a developing unit described later. In the case of forming a color image, the photoconductor portions 130Y to 130K for each color are provided. In this embodiment, the plurality of photoconductors are referred to as a photoconductor unit 130.

  The photosensitive member driving unit 135 rotationally drives a plurality of photosensitive members constituting the photosensitive member unit 130. In this embodiment, based on an instruction from the control unit 101, the photosensitive member driving unit 135 rotates and drives each of the plurality of photosensitive members in a predetermined state so that the rotational phases are aligned, and the rotational driving in the predetermined state is performed. In order to realize it, a predetermined position is stopped.

The developing unit 140 develops the latent image generated on the photoreceptor unit 130 into a visible image, and is configured to include developing units 140Y to 140K for each color in the case of color image formation.
The intermediate transfer unit 150 is configured to transfer the toner image generated on the photosensitive unit 130 and then transfer the toner image onto a recording sheet. The intermediate transfer unit 151 includes a belt-shaped intermediate transfer unit 151, a roller 152 that drives the intermediate transfer unit 151. 153 and the like. In the case of color image formation, the visible images on the photoconductor portions 130Y to 130 of each color are overlaid in an aligned state.

  The transfer unit 160 is a transfer pole for transferring the visible image of the photosensitive member unit 130 to the intermediate transfer unit 150. In the case of forming a color image, the transfer unit 160 includes transfer units 160Y to 160K for each color. The transfer unit 170 is a transfer pole for transferring the visible image on the intermediate transfer body 151 onto a recording sheet.

The fixing unit 180 is a fixing unit that includes a fixing roller and a heating roller for fixing the recording paper on which the visible image is transferred by heat and pressure.
Although not shown, a sensor for detecting the charging potential of each unit, a sensor for detecting toner density, a sensor for detecting color misregistration, and the like are arranged, and the detection result is transmitted to the control unit 101. Has been.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the control unit 101 automatically performs adjustment of a plurality of items on a predetermined part (adjusted part) in the image forming apparatus 100 at a timing such as when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on. Start the mode.

In this case, the control unit 101 refers to the stored contents of the storage unit 102 and selects an adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode (step S201 in FIG. 2).
And the control means 101 performs adjustment about the selected adjustment item (step S202 in FIG. 2). In this adjustment, there are predetermined items such as detecting the charging potential and adjusting the potential, configuring the detection result of the sensor, and adjusting the density of the image to be formed.

  For example, in the case of a color image forming apparatus, image adjustment is performed for each color, and then color registration adjustment and color sensor correction are executed for all colors. The image adjustment for each color corresponds to sensor correction of various sensors (gamma sensor, Dmax sensor), charging potential correction of the photosensitive member, exposure potential correction, gamma correction, density correction, and the like.

  Here, when the automatic adjustment of all items is completed by executing the adjustment (step S202 in FIG. 2) (YES in step S203 in FIG. 2), the control unit 101 ends the automatic adjustment process. (End of FIG. 2).

  Here, the automatic adjustment of all items is not completed by the execution of adjustment (step S202 in FIG. 2) (NO in step S203 in FIG. 2), and in the execution of adjustment (step S202 in FIG. 2). If no error has occurred (NO in step S204 in FIG. 2), the control unit 101 refers to the storage content of the storage unit 102 and selects the next adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode (in FIG. 2). Step S201), the adjustment for the selected adjustment item is executed (Step S202 in FIG. 2). Thereafter, this operation is repeated until the adjustment is completed for all items (YES in step S203 in FIG. 2).

  Here, when an error occurs in the execution of adjustment (step S202 in FIG. 2) (YES in step S204 in FIG. 2), the control unit 101 determines the content and state (error code, error name, error in the error). The detected value at the time, the control state, etc.) are acquired and stored in the storage unit 102 (step S205 in FIG. 2).

  Then, the control unit 101 selects the next adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode with reference to the storage unit 102 without interrupting the automatic adjustment mode due to the occurrence of an error during the adjustment (step in FIG. 2). S206).

  Here, the control unit 101 determines the influence of the error on the selected next adjustment item (step S208 in FIG. 2). Regarding the influence of this error, the storage unit 102 is previously provided with a list of other adjustment items that are affected by each error and its state in a table format.

  In this case, due to the influence of the error, the other adjustment items cannot be executed due to the large effect (the effect is large, and it is not meaningful to execute the adjustment because the adjustment cannot provide a good result). It is desirable to store information such as “executable at a certain level (decrease in reliability)”, “executable because the effect is small” (no decrease in reliability), “executable without effect (no decrease in reliability)”, etc.

  Here, the control unit 101 stores the determination result of the influence of the error on the selected adjustment item in the storage unit 102 (step S209 in FIG. 2). It should be noted that the determination of the influence due to this error and the storage of the determination result are preferably executed for each adjustment item after the error has occurred.

  Then, if the error has a great influence on the error and cannot be executed (YES in step S210 in FIG. 2), the control unit 101 omits the selected adjustment item (step S211 in FIG. 2) and performs automatic adjustment. Without interrupting the mode, the next adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode is selected with reference to the storage unit 102 (step S206 in FIG. 2). Hereinafter, the operation of selecting the adjustment item and determining the influence of the error is repeated until the adjustment is completed for all the remaining items (YES in step S207 in FIG. 2).

  On the other hand, when the influence of the error is not so great that the control unit 101 can execute the process (NO in step S210 in FIG. 2), the control unit 101 performs the adjustment for the selected adjustment item (step S212 in FIG. 2). . Hereinafter, the operation of selecting the adjustment item and determining the influence of the error is repeated until the adjustment is completed for all the remaining items (YES in step S207 in FIG. 2).

  When the adjustment item selection and error influence determination operations are repeated for all remaining items to complete the adjustment (YES in step S207 in FIG. 2), the control unit 101 stores the adjustment item in the storage unit 102. The details and status of the error (error code, error name, detected value at the time of error, control status, etc.), judgment result of the effect on the adjustment items due to the error (adjusted items skipped without being executed, executed) (Adjustment items whose reliability has been reduced, etc.) and processing details for error recovery are displayed on the operation display unit 103 (step S213 in FIG. 2).

  FIG. 4 is an example of a display on the operation display unit 103. On the display screen 301, a display 311 indicating that an error has occurred during automatic adjustment, a display 312 indicating the number of error occurrence adjustment items, and display 321 to 324 indicating error contents. And an error recovery coping method display tab 351. In this case, when the user operates the error recovery coping method display tab 351, the coping method for each error is displayed on the operation display unit 103.

  In displaying this coping method, the control unit 101 may perform password confirmation, fingerprint input, specific key input, card key confirmation, etc. in order to confirm the authority of the user with respect to the image forming apparatus. In this way, it is possible to notify the error recovery method only to service personnel or authorized users.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a display on the operation display unit 103. On the display screen 301, a display 311 indicating that an error has occurred during automatic adjustment, a display 312 indicating the number of adjustment items causing an error, and display 321 to 324 indicating error contents And error recovery coping method display tabs 331 to 334 for each error, and status displays 341 to 344 indicating whether they have been dealt with or not, are displayed. In this case, when the user operates the error recovery coping method display tabs 331 to 334 for each error, the coping method for each error is displayed on the operation display unit 103.

  In this case, it is desirable that the control unit 101 displays the error recovery countermeasure display tabs in FIGS. 4 and 5 in the order to be executed for error recovery. Thereby, the service person or the authorized user can execute the error recovery countermeasures in the correct order by operating in order from the top of the display screen.

  Note that the control unit 101 may switch from the display of FIG. 4 to the display of FIG. 5 when performing password confirmation, fingerprint input, specific key input, card key confirmation, or the like. In this way, it is possible to notify the error recovery method only to service personnel or authorized users.

  Furthermore, in addition to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, when there are skipped adjustment items as shown in FIG. 6, a display 361 indicating that there is a skipped adjustment item and a content display 362 of the skipped adjustment item are displayed. The control unit 101 may display the operation display unit 103.

  Although not shown in the drawing, even if it is an adjustment item that has been executed, the reliability may be displayed for an item whose reliability has decreased due to an error. Further, the influence and reliability of the error may be displayed for all the adjustment items that have been executed. In addition, although the case where the error which generate | occur | produced was 4 was illustrated in the above case, it is not limited to this.

  As described above, even if there are multiple failures related to the adjustment of a series of multiple items, even if an error occurs, the automatic adjustment mode can be executed without interruption to stop error, repair, and resume operation. , Error stop, repair, operation restart, etc., the operation of repeating the repair and error stop state alternately is eliminated, and multiple items in the continuous automatic adjustment of multiple items of the image forming apparatus Even if an error occurs, the inconvenience due to the apparatus stop time is not given to the user.

  Then, the control unit 101 displays on the operation display unit 103 about the item in which an error has occurred in the automatically executed adjustment operation, so that an error occurs in a plurality of items in continuous automatic adjustment of a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus. Even so, the inconvenience due to the apparatus stop time is not given to the user, and the contents of the error of a plurality of items generated at that time can be confirmed later.

  In addition, the control unit 101 prevents the adjustment operation from being stopped by skipping items that are affected by an error in the automatically executed adjustment operation and are difficult to execute or that cannot be adjusted correctly. Thus, even if an error occurs in a plurality of items in continuous automatic adjustment of a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus, inconvenience due to the apparatus stop time is not given to the user. Since it is not a simple forced execution, meaningful adjustment as a whole is continuously executed.

  In addition, in the continuous automatic adjustment of a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus, the control unit 101 displays the processing contents on the operation display unit 103 for error recovery for the item in which an error has occurred in the automatically executed adjustment operation. Even if an error occurs in a plurality of items, there is no inconvenience to the user due to the device stop time, and the contents of the error of the plurality of items that occurred at that time and a recovery procedure from the error are displayed on the operation display unit 103. It becomes possible to confirm.

  In addition, when the control unit 101 displays the processing contents for error recovery on the operation display unit 103 in the order in which the processing for recovery is performed, a plurality of items can be obtained in continuous automatic adjustment of a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus. Even if an error occurs, the inconvenience due to the apparatus stop time is not given to the user, and the contents of the error of the plurality of items and the recovery procedure from the error are displayed in the order of the recovery processing in the operation display unit 103. It becomes possible to execute the recovery process after confirming in step.

  In addition, display of processing contents for error recovery is performed on the operation display unit 103 by the control unit 101 in accordance with the operator who executes the processing for recovery, so that a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus are continuously displayed. Even if an error occurs in multiple items during automatic adjustment, the inconvenience due to the equipment stop time is no longer given to the user, and the details of the error of multiple items that occurred at that time and the recovery procedure from the error, It is possible to check on the operation display unit 103 according to the skill of the operator.

  In addition, the control unit 101 displays the reliability of the adjustment that has been performed on the item affected by the error in the automatically executed adjustment operation on the operation display unit 103, so that a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus can be continuously displayed. Even if an error occurs in multiple items during automatic adjustment, there is no inconvenience to the user due to the device down time, and the reliability of the adjustment that has been performed is displayed, so that the adjustment is meaningful as a whole. Will be executed continuously.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the operation of the second embodiment will be described using the specific examples of FIGS. 7 and 8. Here, an automatic adjustment mode in which adjustment of a plurality of items is automatically executed in the order of image correction for each color, color registration correction for color shift of all colors, and color sensor correction for detecting all colors will be described.

  First, the control unit 101 automatically performs adjustment of a plurality of items on a predetermined part (adjusted part) in the image forming apparatus 100 at a timing such as when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on. Start the mode. In this case, the control unit 101 refers to the storage content of the storage unit 102 and selects an adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode.

  Here, as the image correction of each color, the control unit 101 first executes image correction for yellow Y (step S701 in FIG. 7). The image correction for each color corresponds to various sensor corrections, potential corrections, exposure potential corrections, gamma corrections, density corrections, and the like for each color.

As this image correction, first, the control unit 101 performs correction of various sensors that read the image density, such as a gamma sensor and a Dmax sensor (step S801 in FIG. 8).
If an error occurs in this sensor correction (NO in step S802 in FIG. 8), the control unit 101 stores the content of the error and the measured value at the time of the error in the storage unit 102 (step S803 in FIG. 8).

  In addition, not only when an error does not occur in sensor correction (YES in step S802 in FIG. 8), but also when an error occurs (NO in step S802 in FIG. 8), the control unit 101 performs the automatic adjustment mode. Without interruption, correction of the potential sensor is executed as potential correction as the next adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode (step S804 in FIG. 8).

  If an error occurs in this potential correction (NO in step S805 in FIG. 8), the control unit 101 stores the content of the error and the measured value at the time of the error in the storage unit 102 (step S806 in FIG. 8).

  Note that not only when no error occurs in the potential correction (YES in step S805 in FIG. 8), but also when an error occurs (NO in step S805 in FIG. 8), the control unit 101 performs the automatic adjustment mode. As a next adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode, the charging potential of the photosensitive member is corrected as exposure potential correction (step S807 in FIG. 8).

  If an error occurs in this exposure potential correction (NO in step S808 in FIG. 8), the control unit 101 stores the content of the error and the measured value at the time of the error in the storage unit 102 (step S809 in FIG. 8). .

  Note that the controller 101 automatically adjusts not only when an error does not occur in exposure potential correction (YES in step S808 in FIG. 8) but also when an error occurs (NO in step S808 in FIG. 8). Without interrupting the mode, correction of each part is executed so that a toner image of each density is formed as gamma correction as the next adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode, and an appropriate gamma characteristic is obtained (in FIG. 8). Step S810).

  If an error occurs in the gamma correction (NO in step S811 in FIG. 8), the control unit 101 stores the content of the error and the measured value at the time of the error in the storage unit 102 (step S812 in FIG. 8).

  In addition, not only when no error occurs in the gamma correction (YES in step S811 in FIG. 8), but also when an error occurs (NO in step S811 in FIG. 8), the control unit 101 performs the automatic adjustment mode. As shown in FIG. 8, correction of each part is performed so that a proper density characteristic can be obtained by forming a toner image having a predetermined density as density correction as the next adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode. Step S813).

  If an error occurs in the density correction (NO in step S814 in FIG. 8), the control unit 101 stores the content of the error and the measured value at the time of the error in the storage unit 102 (step S815 in FIG. 8).

  Thus, not only when no error occurs in various corrections, but also when an error occurs, the control unit 101 does not interrupt the automatic adjustment mode and the next adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode. To complete image correction (END in FIG. 8).

  Then, the control unit 101 sequentially executes the image correction process of FIG. 9 for each color of magenta M, cyan C, and black K following yellow Y (steps S701, S702, S703, and S704 in FIG. 7). ).

Thereafter, the control unit 101 performs color registration correction relating to the color shifts of all colors (step S705 in FIG. 7).
If an error occurs in this color registration correction (NO in step S706 in FIG. 7), the control unit 101 stores the content of the error and the measured value at the time of the error in the storage unit 102 (step SS707 in FIG. 7). .

  Note that the controller 101 automatically adjusts not only when an error does not occur in color registration correction (YES in step S706 in FIG. 7) but also when an error occurs (NO in step S706 in FIG. 7). As the next adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode without interrupting the mode, as a color sensor correction to detect all colors, correct each part so that a predetermined toner image is formed with each color and appropriate characteristics can be obtained Is executed (step S708 in FIG. 8).

  If an error occurs in the color sensor correction (NO in step S709 in FIG. 7), the control unit 101 stores the content of the error and the measured value at the time of the error in the storage unit 102 (step SS710 in FIG. 7). .

  Here, any of the above image correction (steps S701, S702, S703, and S704 in FIG. 7), color registration correction (step S705 in FIG. 7), and color sensor correction (step S708 in FIG. 7) has an error. If it has not occurred (NO in step S711 in FIG. 7), the control unit 101 ends the automatic adjustment mode (END in FIG. 7).

  Further, a series of automatic adjustment modes including the above image correction (steps S701, S702, S703, and S704 in FIG. 7), color registration correction (step S705 in FIG. 7), and color sensor correction (step S708 in FIG. 7). When an error has occurred in any of them (Yes in step S711 in FIG. 7), the control unit 101 stores the contents of the error stored in the storage unit 102, Status (error code, error name, detected value at the time of error, control status, etc.), judgment result of effects on adjustment items due to errors (adjustment items skipped without execution, adjustment items that have been executed less reliable) ), The processing contents for error recovery are displayed on the operation display unit 103 (step S712 in FIG. 7). This display is already performed as shown in FIGS.

  In other words, even if there are multiple failures related to the adjustment of a series of multiple items, even if an error occurs, by executing the automatic adjustment mode without interruption, error stop, repair, operation restart, error stop, There is no operation that repeats alternately between repair and error stop status, such as repair, operation restart, and so on, and errors occur in multiple items in continuous automatic adjustment of multiple items in the image forming apparatus. However, inconvenience due to the device stop time is not given to the user.

  Then, the control unit 101 displays on the operation display unit 103 about the item in which an error has occurred in the automatically executed adjustment operation, so that an error occurs in a plurality of items in continuous automatic adjustment of a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus. Even so, the inconvenience due to the apparatus stop time is not given to the user, and the contents of the error of a plurality of items generated at that time can be confirmed later.

[Third embodiment]
Hereinafter, as a third embodiment, the operation will be described using specific examples of FIGS. 9 and 10. Here, an automatic adjustment mode in which adjustment of a plurality of items is automatically executed in the order of image correction for each color, color registration correction for color shift of all colors, and color sensor correction for detecting all colors will be described.

Here, an embodiment in which not only the automatic adjustment mode is not interrupted due to the occurrence of an error but also an adjustment item that is affected by the error is skipped will be described.
The relationship between the occurrence of an error and the presence / absence of skip can be determined, for example, as follows.

  (1) If an error occurs in the correction of the sensor that reads the toner density on the photoconductor, the potential adjustment and exposure potential adjustment are performed, but the gamma correction and density correction are not performed and the next adjustment is skipped. Move to item.

(2) If an error occurs in potential correction, exposure potential correction, or gamma correction within an image adjustment of a certain color, the next image adjustment of the same color is not executed.
(3) If any error occurs during image adjustment of a certain color, color sensor correction is not executed.

In addition to this, it is desirable to skip adjustment items that cannot be accurately corrected due to the occurrence of an error.
First, the control unit 101 automatically performs adjustment of a plurality of items on a predetermined part (adjusted part) in the image forming apparatus 100 at a timing such as when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on. Start the mode. In this case, the control unit 101 refers to the storage content of the storage unit 102 and selects an adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode.

  Here, as the image correction of each color, the control unit 101 first performs image correction for yellow Y (step S901 in FIG. 9). The image correction for each color corresponds to various sensor corrections, potential corrections, exposure potential corrections, gamma corrections, density corrections, and the like for each color.

As the image correction, first, the control unit 101 performs correction of various sensors that read the image density, such as a gamma sensor and a Dmax sensor (step S1001 in FIG. 10).
If an error occurs in this sensor correction (NO in step S1002 in FIG. 10), the control unit 101 stores the content of the error and the measured value at the time of the error in the storage unit 102 (step S1003 in FIG. 10).

  It should be noted that not only when no error occurs in the sensor correction (YES in step S1002 in FIG. 10), but also when an error occurs (NO in step S1002 in FIG. 10), the control unit 101 performs the automatic adjustment mode. Without interruption, correction of the potential sensor is executed as potential correction as the next adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode (step S1004 in FIG. 10).

  If an error occurs in this potential correction (NO in step S1005 in FIG. 10), the control unit 101 stores the content of the error and the measured value at the time of the error in the storage unit 102 (step S1006 in FIG. 10). As in the criterion (2) above, the subsequent adjustment is not executed (end in FIG. 10).

  If no error occurs in the potential correction (YES in step S1005 in FIG. 10), the charged potential of the photosensitive member is corrected as the exposure potential correction as the next adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode ( Step S1007 in FIG.

  If an error occurs in this exposure potential correction (NO in step S1008 in FIG. 10), the control unit 101 stores the content of the error and the measured value at the time of the error in the storage unit 102 (step S1009 in FIG. 10). The subsequent adjustment is not executed as in the criterion (2) above (end in FIG. 10).

  When no error occurs in the exposure potential correction (YES in step S1008 in FIG. 10) and no error occurs in the sensor correction (YES in step S1010 in FIG. 10), The control unit 101 executes correction of each unit so that a toner image of each density is formed as gamma correction as the next adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode, and an appropriate gamma characteristic is obtained (step in FIG. 10). S1011).

  If an error has occurred in the sensor correction (NO in step S1010 in FIG. 10), although the potential adjustment and the exposure potential adjustment are performed based on the criterion (1), gamma correction and density correction are performed. Skips without performing (end in FIG. 10).

  If an error occurs in this gamma correction (NO in step S1012 in FIG. 10), the control unit 101 stores the content of the error and the measured value at the time of the error in the storage unit 102 (step S1013 in FIG. 10). As in the criterion (2) above, the subsequent adjustment is not executed (end in FIG. 10).

  If no error occurs in the gamma correction (YES in step S1012 in FIG. 10), the control unit 101 uses a toner image having a predetermined density as density correction as the next adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode. Correction of each part is executed so as to obtain an appropriate density characteristic by forming (step S1014 in FIG. 10).

  If an error occurs in this density correction (NO in step S1015 in FIG. 10), the control unit 101 stores the content of the error and the measured value at the time of the error in the storage unit 102 (step S1016 in FIG. 10).

  In this manner, the control unit 101 interrupts the automatic adjustment mode not only when no error occurs in various corrections but also when an error occurs in a situation where the error does not adversely affect subsequent adjustment items. Instead, the next adjustment item to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode is selected to complete the image correction (end in FIG. 10). In a situation where an error adversely affects subsequent adjustment items, the subsequent adjustment items are skipped without interrupting the adjustment operation, and image correction is completed (END in FIG. 10).

  Then, the control unit 101 sequentially executes the image correction process of FIG. 9 for each color of magenta M, cyan C, and black K following yellow Y (steps S901, S902, S903, and S904 in FIG. 9). ).

Thereafter, the control unit 101 executes color registration correction relating to color misregistration of all colors (step S905 in FIG. 9).
If an error occurs in this color registration correction (NO in step S906 in FIG. 9), the control unit 101 stores the content of the error and the measured value at the time of the error in the storage unit 102 (step SS907 in FIG. 9). .

  Note that not only when no error occurs in color registration correction (YES in step S906 in FIG. 9), but also when an error occurs in color registration correction (NO in step S906 in FIG. 9), the control unit 101 Checks whether an error has occurred in any of the image corrections (step S908 in FIG. 9).

  Here, not only when no error occurs in color registration correction (YES in step S906 in FIG. 9), but also in a case where an error occurs in color registration correction (NO in step S906 in FIG. 9), If no error has occurred in any of the above image corrections (none in step S908 in FIG. 9), all colors are set as the next adjustment items to be executed in the automatic adjustment mode without interrupting the automatic adjustment mode. As a color sensor correction for detecting the color sensor, each part is corrected so as to obtain a proper characteristic by forming a predetermined toner image for each color (step S909 in FIG. 10).

  On the other hand, not only when an error does not occur in color registration correction (YES in step S906 in FIG. 9) but also when an error occurs in color registration correction (NO in step S906 in FIG. 9), If an error has occurred in any of the image corrections (Yes in step S908 in FIG. 9), the error display is performed without performing the subsequent adjustments as in the criterion (3) (FIG. 9). 9 in step S913).

  If an error occurs in the color sensor correction (NO in step S910 in FIG. 9), the control unit 101 stores the content of the error and the measured value at the time of the error in the storage unit 102 (step SS911 in FIG. 9). .

  Here, any of the above image correction (steps S901, S902, S903, S904 in FIG. 9), color registration correction (step S905 in FIG. 9), and color sensor correction (step S909 in FIG. 9) has an error. If it has not occurred (NO in step S912 in FIG. 9), the control unit 101 ends the automatic adjustment mode (END in FIG. 9).

  Further, a series of automatic adjustment modes of the above image correction (steps S901, S902, S903, and S904 in FIG. 9), color registration correction (step S905 in FIG. 9), and color sensor correction (step S909 in FIG. 9). When an error has occurred in any of them, the control unit 101 (which is in step S912 in FIG. 9) displays the contents of the error stored in the storage unit 102, Status (error code, error name, detected value at the time of error, control status, etc.), judgment result of effects on adjustment items due to errors (adjustment items skipped without execution, adjustment items that have been executed less reliable) ), The processing content for error recovery is displayed on the operation display unit 103 (step S912 in FIG. 9). This display is performed by the control unit 101 on the operation display unit 103, as already shown in FIGS.

  As described above, even if there are multiple failures related to the adjustment of a series of multiple items, even if an error occurs, the automatic adjustment mode can be executed without interruption to stop error, repair, and resume operation. , Error stop, repair, operation restart, etc., the operation of repeating the repair and error stop state alternately is eliminated, and multiple items in the continuous automatic adjustment of multiple items of the image forming apparatus Even if an error occurs, the inconvenience due to the apparatus stop time is not given to the user.

  Then, the control unit 101 displays on the operation display unit 103 about the item in which an error has occurred in the automatically executed adjustment operation, so that an error occurs in a plurality of items in continuous automatic adjustment of a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus. Even so, the inconvenience due to the apparatus stop time is not given to the user, and the contents of the error of a plurality of items generated at that time can be confirmed later.

  In addition, the control unit 101 prevents the adjustment operation from being stopped by skipping items that are affected by an error in the automatically executed adjustment operation and are difficult to execute or that cannot be adjusted correctly. Thus, even if an error occurs in a plurality of items in continuous automatic adjustment of a plurality of items of the image forming apparatus, inconvenience due to the apparatus stop time is not given to the user. Since it is not a simple forced execution, meaningful adjustment as a whole is continuously executed.

[Other Embodiments]
In each of the embodiments described above, when performing maintenance by a remote management system via various networks, the control unit 101 is similar to FIGS. 4 to 6 for a terminal of the remote management system via a network. Various display screens such as error contents may be displayed.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation state of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display screen in the image forming apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display screen in the image forming apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display screen in the image forming apparatus of embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation state of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation state of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation state of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation state of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display screen in the conventional image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Control part 102 Storage part 103 Operation display part 105 Scanner part 107 Image processing part 109 Image forming part

Claims (6)

Control means for controlling an automatic adjustment mode for automatically executing adjustment of a plurality of items for any part in the image forming apparatus;
A part to be adjusted that is automatically adjusted based on an instruction from the control means;
Display means for displaying various information based on instructions from the control means;
With
The control means controls to automatically execute the adjustment up to the final item without stopping the adjustment operation, even when an error occurs in the adjustment .
Control is performed to display the reliability of the adjustment performed on the display means for the item affected by the item that caused the error in the automatically executed adjustment operation .
An image forming apparatus. Before SL control means performs a display of the items that an error in the adjustment operation the executed automatically on the display means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The control means performs processing content display on the display means for error recovery with respect to an item in which an error has occurred in the automatically executed adjustment operation.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. The control means displays the processing content for error recovery on the display means in the order of executing the processing for recovery.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. The control means performs display of processing contents for error recovery on the display means with contents corresponding to an operator who executes processing for recovery.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. The control means is affected by an item in which an error has occurred in the automatically executed adjustment operation, and execution is difficult, or an item that cannot be adjusted correctly is skipped and the adjustment operation is not stopped,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.

Images