JP5896768B2 - Image forming apparatus, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that improves user convenience when changing the model of an image forming apparatus , a control method therefor , and a program .

  Conventionally, when a user newly installs an image forming apparatus and starts using it, it is necessary to make various settings so that the image forming apparatus operates properly in the user usage environment of the installation destination.

  The setting of the image forming apparatus includes, for example, ON / OFF setting of an input sound from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus and ON / OFF setting of a buzzer sound at a warning. In addition, there are a paper type setting for each paper feed stage of the image forming apparatus, a paper discharge tray setting for designating a paper discharge tray for discharging printed paper at the time of copying / printing / fax reception. There is known a user use environment setting function for inputting and holding a setting value corresponding to an operation mode for determining the operation of the image forming apparatus from an operation unit. The operation mode set by the setting function is referred to as “user mode”.

  The following techniques have been proposed for the setting of the image forming apparatus described above (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the technology described in Patent Document 1, when a digital copying machine (image forming apparatus) of the same model is additionally installed at the user destination, the image forming apparatus newly installed from another image forming apparatus already existing at the user destination In contrast, the operation mode is transferred via the network. As a result, the newly installed image forming apparatus has the same usage environment as other image forming apparatuses.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-321040

  However, in the above prior art, when an image forming apparatus of the same model is additionally installed, a use environment similar to that of other image forming apparatuses can be set efficiently, but there are the following problems. That is, the setting of the use environment when the user purchases a new image forming apparatus (new model) different from the conventional model and replaces the model is not considered. Therefore, taking over the user mode set in the conventional model has to be manually set by the user or service person when changing the model from the conventional model to the new model, and the operation is troublesome.

  In addition, even when new functions newly added in a new model are inherently useful to the user, in order to smoothly operate the image forming apparatus from the initial stage of installation of the image forming apparatus, a setting corresponding to the user use environment is required. It had to be correctly reflected in the image forming apparatus. For this reason, the transition process from the conventional model to the new model is troublesome for the user and serviceman in terms of information to be set, operability of setting work, and workflow.

An object of the present invention, permits such that properly running an image forming apparatus according the initial stage of the image forming apparatus installed on the usage of the user and the image forming apparatus, to provide a control method thereof, and program There is .

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus for setting a plurality of items related to a use environment of the own apparatus. Acquiring means for acquiring setting information relating to the use environment of the apparatus, operation history information indicating a history of operations including printing or copying performed by the other image forming apparatus, and acquiring by the acquiring means among the plurality of items If there is a first item included in the setting information, the first item is set based on the acquired setting information, and the first item that is not included in the setting information acquired by the acquiring unit among the plurality of items If there are two items, and a setting means for setting the second item on the basis of the acquired operation history information by the acquisition unit, the operation history information, in the another image forming apparatus Information on the date on which the operation including printing or copying is executed is included, and the setting means sets the second item based on the date on which the second item is set and the date information included in the operation history information. The item is set .

  According to the present invention, when the model is changed, the operation mode for determining the operation of the new function newly added to the new model image forming apparatus is set according to the acquired operation history information. As a result, the image forming apparatus can be appropriately operated from the initial stage of installation of the image forming apparatus with a performance corresponding to the use state of the user. In addition, it is possible to shorten the work time for setting the user mode, which is necessary when changing models.

1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating operation history information stored in the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the function and operation | movement table information of the image forming apparatus of the conventional model. It is a figure which shows the function and operation | movement table information of a new model image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of two sheet feeding units of an image forming apparatus for explaining an ACC sheet leaving sheet feeding switching mode which is an example of a new function. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration centering on a transfer unit of an image forming apparatus for explaining an FCOT operation monochrome color selection mode which is an example of a new function. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a part of a transfer unit of an image forming apparatus for explaining an FCOT operation monochrome color selection mode which is an example of a new function. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data flow of model change registration processing 1 of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing model change registration processing 1 of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the user mode setting confirmation screen displayed on the display part of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the data flow of the model replacement registration process 2 of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating model replacement registration processing 2 of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the operation history information in the conventional model compared with the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart showing model change registration processing 3 of the image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus is configured as a digital copying machine including a printer unit 100, a reader unit 110, and a document feeding unit 120. Hereinafter, an outline of document feeding and document image reading in the document feeding unit 120 and the reader unit 110 and image formation in the printer unit 100 will be described. The configurations of the reader unit 110 and the document feeding unit 120 are not shown. The document feeder 120 conveys the documents set on the document table one by one from the top page in order from the left to the right in FIG. 1 through the curved path, and then the sheet discharge tray. To discharge.

  The reader unit 110 is held at a predetermined position when the document passes, and reads the passing document. When the document passes, the light from the lamp of the reader unit 110 is applied to the document, and the reflected light from the document is guided to the image sensor via the mirror. It is also possible to read the original by moving the reader unit 110 from the left to the right in FIG. 1 after stopping the original after the original is fed onto the platen glass by the original feeding unit 120. The image data of the document read by the reader unit 110 is sent to the controller (FIG. 2), subjected to predetermined image processing, and then transferred to the exposure control unit of the printer unit 100.

  The printer unit 100 includes a photosensitive drum 131 (Y, M, C, Bk) corresponding to each color (yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (Bk)), and a developing device 132 (Y, M, C, BK), exposure control unit 133 (Y, M, C, Bk) and the like. The laser beam output by the exposure control unit 133 is applied to the photosensitive drum 131, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 131 is developed by the developing device 132.

  The paper is fed from any of the paper feed cassettes 134, 135, 136, and 137, the deck unit 138, the manual paper feed unit 139, and the duplex conveyance path 140 to the transfer position of the secondary transfer roller 141 of the secondary transfer unit. The toner image developed by the developing device 132 is transferred. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is subjected to toner fixing processing by the fixing unit 142. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 142 is guided to the path 144 by the flapper 143, and is discharged by the discharge roller 145 with the toner image transfer surface facing downward (face down).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus.

  In FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus includes a printer unit 100, a reader unit 110, a network 150, and a controller 200. An ACC (Accessary) 170 includes a paper feeding device and a paper ejection device, and is connected to the printer unit 110 (image forming apparatus main body).

  The controller 200 receives a print job transmitted from the personal computer (PC) 180, controls the printer unit 100 and the reader unit 110, and executes a copy operation (copying) / printing operation (printing). The controller 200 includes a CPU 201, an image processing unit 202, a printer interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F) 203, a reader I / F 204, an external I / F 205, and the like.

  The CPU 201 controls the entire controller 200 and executes processing shown in each flowchart described later based on the control program. The CPU 201 writes / reads various information to / from the USB memory 160. The ROM 209 stores control contents such as a control program to be executed by the CPU 201.

  The RAM 210 is used as a work area necessary for the CPU 201 to control the image forming apparatus. The RAM 210 also stores digital image data read from a document obtained from the reader unit 110 via the reader I / F 204, digital image data transmitted from the outside of the image forming apparatus via the network 150 and the external I / F 205, and the like. . The RAM 210 is also used as a work area for performing image processing on digital image data obtained from the reader unit 110 via the reader I / F 204 during image processing.

  The operation unit of the image forming apparatus includes a display unit 207 and an input unit 208, and can set a copy job that the user wants to execute on the image forming apparatus. In addition to the operation unit, the image forming apparatus can also execute a print job via the external I / F 204. According to the setting from the input unit 208, the image of the document placed on the document table of the image forming apparatus is read, digitized, and stored in the RAM 210. The contents set by the input unit 208 can be confirmed by the display unit 207.

  The external I / F 205 is connected to a network 150 (TCP / IP or the like), and can receive a print job execution instruction from the PC 180 connected to the network 150 and can transmit information in the image forming apparatus to the PC 180. is there. The following processing is performed according to the copy job setting (single-sided printing / double-sided printing setting, etc.) from the input unit 208 and the contents of the digital image data based on the original reading by the reader unit 110. Necessary image processing is performed by the image processing unit 202 on the digital image data, and the digital image data to be formed is stored in the RAM 210.

  The clock LSI 213 is connected to the CPU 201 and measures the time. The CPU 201 can acquire the current date / time / day of the week / time from the clock LSI 213. The HDD 211 can store various data including image data and operation history information described later. The USB memory 160 (external medium, semiconductor memory) is used for extracting operation history information, which will be described later, via the USB I / F 206, and is detachably attached to a USB memory socket (not shown) of the image forming apparatus. The The printer I / F 203 exchanges status with the printer unit 100.

  The printer unit 100 includes a CPU 251, a ROM 252, a RAM 253, a controller I / F 254, an ACCI / F 257, and the like. The CPU 251 controls the entire printer unit 100. The ROM 252 stores control contents such as a control program to be executed by the CPU 251. The RAM 253 is used as a work area necessary for the CPU 251 to control the printer unit 100 and a storage area for various information necessary for controlling various devices 256.

  Examples of the various devices 256 include a laser scanner that irradiates a photosensitive drum with laser light, a fixing unit that fixes a sheet on which a toner image is placed at a high temperature, and a high-voltage control device that applies a high voltage to the photosensitive drum. The controller I / F 254 exchanges statuses such as commands, errors, and warnings with the controller 200 and receives image data transferred from the controller 200.

  The ASIC 255 controls a laser scanner, which is one of the devices 256, based on the image data transferred from the controller 200, and irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser light. Further, the ASIC 255 performs pulse calculation of a motor (not shown) that drives a roller that conveys a sheet, in particular, a stepping motor that controls the sheet position with high accuracy.

  The paper discharge device of the ACC 170 receives the printed material conveyed from the printer unit (image forming apparatus main body) 100 based on the control of the CPU 251 via the ACCI / F 257, and performs post-processing by a punch unit and a finisher (not shown). Further, the sheet feeding device of the ACC 170 conveys the sheet to the printer unit (image forming apparatus main body) 100 based on the control of the CPU 251 via the ACCI / F 257.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating operation history information stored in the image forming apparatus.

  In FIG. 3, the operation history information 300 is obtained by adding the operation information of the image forming apparatus to the print information of each job for each job (hereinafter, simply referred to as “JOB”) that the controller 200 passes to the printer unit 100. is there. The operation history information 300 is stored in the RAM 210 of the controller 200. The operation history information 300 includes information indicated by 301 to 307.

  301 is a unique ID for identifying a job, 302 is a function type of the job (print, copy, FAX), 303 is a file name of the job, and 304 is a name of the user who entered the job. Reference numeral 305 denotes a time stamp (date and time) of JOB execution, and reference numeral 306 denotes the number of output pages of the JOB. Reference numeral 307 denotes output job color mode information to which information indicating black and white (BW) or information indicating color (CL) is added.

  When the model of the image forming apparatus is changed from a conventional model to a new model (model change), which will be described later, the operation history information 300 stored in the RAM in the controller of the conventional model is transferred to the USB memory 160 via the USB I / F 206. It is possible to take it out. The operation history information 300 may be stored in the HDD 211 as long as the amount of information increases as the usage period of the image forming apparatus becomes longer, but the operation history information 300 can be stored in the RAM 210 in the controller 200.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing function / operation table information of a conventional image forming apparatus.

  In FIG. 4, the function / operation table information 400 of the image forming apparatus of the conventional model includes a function list regarding all functions provided by the image forming apparatus, and relation information on operation modes set for each apparatus corresponding to each function. It is shown. The function / operation table information 400 includes columns 401 to 403.

  Reference numeral 401 denotes a unique ID column. Reference numeral 402 denotes a column in which various functions (standard magnification, zoom magnification, automatic color selection, automatic paper selection, etc.) are defined. Reference numeral 403 denotes a column of user mode information (operation mode information) for each image forming apparatus that determines operations of various functions defined in 402.

  In line 410, ID is 1-1, and a standard scaling function is registered as a function. For the standard zoom function, there is no particular setting for the user mode, and the user mode information indicates nothing. In line 411, the ID is 1-3, and an automatic color selection function (a function of automatically recognizing whether a read target document is a color document or a monochrome document and switching to a full color mode or a monochrome mode) is registered as a function. The user mode is an example in which the automatic color selection function is set as valid.

  Hereinafter, similarly to the above-described lines 410 and 411, function / operation table information 400 registered in accordance with the model of the image forming apparatus and having different functions is stored in the RAM 210 or the HDD 211 of the controller 200.

  Here, the relationship between the ID described in the column 401 and the function registered in the column 402 is unified among all models of the image forming apparatus. For functions common among models, a pair of ID and function is common. In addition, a unique ID / function pair is newly assigned to a function that is different between models or a function added by a new model.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing function / operation table information of a new model image forming apparatus.

  In FIG. 5, the function / operation table information 500 of the new model image forming apparatus has the function shown in the row 511 and the function shown in the row 512 compared to the function / operation table information 400 of the conventional model shown in FIG. 4. It shows that it has been newly added. The function shown in the row 511 is an ACC (Auto Cassette Change) paperless paper feed switching setting function. The function shown in the row 512 is an FCOT (First Copy Time: time from when a document to be read is set in the image forming apparatus to when copying is completed) operation selection function.

  In this example, the user mode information column 403 of the function / operation table information 500 is set to “valid” for the ACC paper-less paper feed switching setting function, which is a new function newly added to the new model image forming apparatus. Is done. In the user mode information column 403 of the function / operation table information 500, the FCOT operation selection function, which is a new function newly added to the new image forming apparatus, is “BW” (FCOT is faster in the monochrome mode). Is set). That is, these settings correspond to operation mode settings for determining the operation of a new function newly added to the new model image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Additional new function example 1>
As an additional new function example 1, a new function (ACC (auto cassette change) paper-remaining paper feed switching setting function) shown in a row 511 newly added to a new model (model of the image forming apparatus having the function / operation table information 500) ).

  The operation mode (ACC paper remaining paper feed switching mode) by the ACC paper remaining paper feed switching setting function is an operation mode in which productivity is emphasized in order to avoid a user downtime. In the present embodiment, the ACC paper feed switching mode has the following two modes. ACC paper-remaining paper feed switching mode for switching to another paper feed unit while feeding a predetermined amount of paper in the paper feed unit, and another paper feed unit after the paper in the paper feed unit is used up This is an ACC paper use-up mode in which paper is fed by switching to.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of two sheet feeding units of the image forming apparatus for explaining an ACC sheet leaving sheet feeding switching mode which is an example of a new function.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration in which the printer unit 100 of the image forming apparatus includes a first sheet feeding unit 601 and a second sheet feeding unit 602. Conventionally, when performing ACC (auto cassette change) for automatically changing the paper feeding operation from the paper feeding unit in use to the next paper feeding unit, the next paper feeding control is performed. After all the sheets in the first sheet feeding unit 601 in use are fed and used up, it is determined whether or not the same sheet type exists in the second sheet feeding unit 602. If there is a sheet, the ACC sheet use-up mode for switching the sheet feeding to the second sheet feeding unit 602 has been executed.

  Therefore, in an image forming apparatus having a mechanical configuration that forms a latent image on an intermediate transfer member, which is a recent high image quality and high stabilization technology, in the conventional ACC paper use-up mode, when the paper runs out, the intermediate transfer member is preceded by an intermediate transfer member. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the toner developed from the latent image formed. As a result, downtime occurred.

  On the other hand, the ACC paper-remaining paper feed switching mode is an operation mode giving priority to productivity, and performs the next paper feed control. When performing an auto cassette change that automatically changes the paper feeding operation from the first paper feeding unit 601 in use to the second paper feeding unit 602, a predetermined amount of paper is left in the first paper feeding unit 601 in use. In this state, it is determined whether sheets of the same sheet type exist in the second sheet feeding unit 602. When sheets of the same paper type exist in the second sheet feeding unit 602, the sheet feeding is switched to the second sheet feeding unit 602 and the sheet feeding is continued.

  For this reason, in the ACC paper-remaining paper feed switching mode, which is a productivity-priority operation mode, the paper in the paper feed unit does not run out during execution of JOB. Therefore, even in an image forming apparatus having a mechanical configuration that forms a latent image on the intermediate transfer member, the latent image cleaning process due to running out of paper does not enter, and downtime is not substantially generated except for image adjustment. Therefore, high productivity can be realized.

<Additional new function example 2>
As an additional new function example 2, a new function (FCOT operation selection function) shown in line 512 newly added to a new model (model of image forming apparatus having function / operation table information 500) will be described.

  Transfer mode corresponding to an image carrier other than a predetermined image carrier (photosensitive drum in the present embodiment) in the printer unit 100 when the monochrome image is formed in the FCOT operation selection function operation mode (FCOT operation monochrome color selection mode). The transfer member is separated from the transfer portion By providing a separation member that moves the transfer belt away from the transfer portion in conjunction with the separation operation of the transfer member, damage caused by wear of the transfer member and the transfer belt is reduced, and a long service life is achieved. Realize.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, specific examples of operation modes that prevent the occurrence of color misregistration of an image due to positional deviation or deformation of members in the printer unit 100 of the image forming apparatus are shown in FIGS. An example is proposed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration centering on the transfer unit of the image forming apparatus for explaining the FCOT operation monochrome color selection mode which is an example of a new function. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a part of the transfer unit of the image forming apparatus for explaining the FCOT operation monochrome color selection mode which is an example of a new function.

  7 and 8, the primary transfer portion (Y, M, C, Bk) of the portion where the photosensitive drum 131 (Y, M, C, Bk) of the image forming apparatus and the transfer belt 146 face each other is 1 Next transfer rollers 147Y, 147M, 147C, and 147Bk are arranged.

  When a black and white image (hereinafter sometimes referred to as BW) is formed on a sheet with a black developer, the primary transfer portions (Y, M, C, Bk) are in the state shown in FIG. The primary transfer portions of C, M, and Y are separated from the primary transfer roller 147 (147M, 147C) (the broken line portion in FIG. 8), and the primary transfer roller 147Bk contacts the photosensitive drum 131 only in the primary transfer portion of Bk. It will be in the state which contact | connected (solid line part of FIG. 8). In this state, a black and white image is formed.

  Further, when a color image is formed on a sheet, the primary transfer rollers 147 (Y, M, C, Bk) are not moved apart from all the primary transfer portions (C, M, Y, Bk). The state is in contact with the photosensitive drum 131. In this state, a color image (hereinafter sometimes referred to as 4C) is formed.

  Therefore, an image mode frequently used by the user in the image forming apparatus is selected in advance, and if the user frequently uses a monochrome image (BW), an unnecessary image carrier (photosensitive drum in this example) is separated from the transfer belt 146. By doing so, the FCOT is made faster with BW. In addition, by bringing all the image carriers (photosensitive drums in this example) into contact with the transfer belt 146, the first copy time for the color image (4C) can be shortened.

<Model change registration process 1>
Next, the model change registration process 1 executed when the model change of the image forming apparatus from the conventional model to the new model will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data flow of the model change registration process 1 of the image forming apparatus.

  In FIG. 9, when changing the model of the image forming apparatus from the conventional model 901 to the new model 902, the model change registration process 1 is executed. 300 in the conventional model 901 is operation history information, 400 is function / operation table information, and 500 in the new model 902 is function / operation table information. Before performing the model change registration process 1, in the conventional model 901, the operation history information 300 and the function / operation table information 400 are previously extracted to the USB memory 160.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the model change registration process 1 of the image forming apparatus.

  In FIG. 10, the CPU 201 of the controller 200 of the new model 902 performs the following monitoring. It is monitored whether or not the USB memory 160 holding the operation history information 300 and the function / operation table information 400 of the conventional model 901 prepared in advance is inserted into the USB memory socket of the new model 902 (step S1001). When the USB memory 160 is inserted into the USB memory socket, the CPU 201 displays a menu screen (not shown) for confirming execution of the model change user mode setting on the display unit 207.

  When the user confirms the setting content of the menu screen and presses the model change user mode setting execution button provided in the input unit 208 (step S1002), the CPU 201 repeats the registration processing after step S1003. In the processing from step S1003 to step S1009, the user mode setting processing to be registered is sequentially performed for each function row of the function / operation table information 500 of the new model 902 shown in FIG.

  First, the CPU 201 reads user mode information to be registered corresponding to each function row of the function / operation table information 500 of the new model 902 from the ROM 209 (step S1003). Next, the CPU 201 reads the function / operation table information 400 of the conventional model 901 from the USB memory 160 (acquisition means), and the function that is the same as the user mode setting target function is set in the conventional model 901 from the setting value in the column 403. It is determined whether or not it exists (step S1004). When the same function as the user mode setting target function exists in the conventional model 901, the process proceeds to step S1009 described later.

  When the same function as the user mode setting target function does not exist in the conventional model 901, the CPU 201 performs the following determination. It is determined whether or not the operation history information 300 of the conventional model 901 written in the USB memory 160 includes setting target function information corresponding to the registration target user mode information read from the ROM 209 in step S1003 (step S1003). S1005). When the operation history information 300 does not include information on the setting target function corresponding to the user mode information, the process proceeds to step S1007 described later.

  When the operation history information 300 includes information on the setting target function corresponding to the user mode information, the CPU 201 performs the following processing. Information necessary for setting the user mode to be registered is searched from the operation history information 300 of the conventional model 901, and the setting value of the user mode is calculated and calculated. Further, the calculated user mode setting value is registered as the user mode setting value of the new model 902 in the column 403 of the user mode information area of the target function / operation table information 500 (step S1006).

  Here, the reading process for reading the user mode information to be registered in step S1003, the determination process in step S1004, and the registration process in step S1006 exist corresponding to each function row of the function / operation table information 500. .

  In step S1005, if the operation history information 300 does not include information on the setting target function corresponding to the user mode information, the CPU 201 performs the following process. The default value that is normally set as the initial value of the image forming apparatus is registered as the user mode setting value of the new model 902 in the column 403 of the user mode information area of the target function / operation table information 500 (step S1007).

  If the same function as the user mode setting target function exists in the conventional model 901 in step S1004, the CPU 201 performs the following process. The user mode setting value of the conventional model 901 searched in step S1004 is registered as the user mode setting value in the column 403 of the function / operation table information 500 of the new model 902 (step S1009). By the processing in step S1009, the user mode setting value of the conventional model 901 is inherited to the user mode setting value of the new model 902.

  Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the user mode setting process of the function / operation table information 500 registered in the new model 902 has been executed to the end (step S1008). If the user mode setting process has not been executed to the end, the process returns to step S1003, and the processes after step S1003 are performed. When the user mode setting process has been executed to the end (the last function has been registered), this process ends.

  In this embodiment, at the time of user mode setting registration, it is determined whether or not the same function as the user mode setting target function exists in the conventional model, and the user mode setting value from the conventional model is inherited. Although the inheritance process is performed, the following configuration may be used. That is, it is possible to register the initial value recommended for the image forming apparatus without performing the process of inheriting the setting value of the user mode of the conventional model. In this case, the process of retrieving the function / operation table information 400 of the conventional model 901 into the USB memory becomes unnecessary.

  Next, as an example of a new function in which the ACC paper feed switching operation control and the FCOT operation selection mode of the present embodiment are added to the new model 902, the user who sets the function based on the operation history information in step S1006 in FIG. A case where a mode is registered will be described.

<User mode setting from operation history information: ACC paper feed switching operation control>
In the operation history information 300 of the conventional model 901 (FIG. 3), the number of output pages of 306 is added to all registered JOBs, and the integrated value is T. Further, referring to the time stamp 305, the number of days D in the range in which the integrated value T is output is calculated. Further, the integrated value T is divided by the number of days D to calculate the number N1 (= T ÷ D) of daily paper output.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus including the first paper feeding unit 601 and the second paper feeding unit 602 for performing the ACC paper remaining paper feeding switching shown in FIG. 6, the first paper feeding unit 601 and the second paper feeding unit 602 are provided. The maximum number of sheets that can be stored in the paper supply unit 602 is N2. Furthermore, in order to perform ACC paper feed switching, the first paper feed unit 601 and the second paper feed unit 602 store paper of the same size and type.

  The number of times of ACC paper feed switching N3 (= N1 ÷ N2) is calculated from the calculated daily paper output number N1 and the maximum paper storage number N2 of the first paper feed unit 601 and the second paper feed unit 602. To do. Furthermore, a registration process for registering the validity / invalidity of the ACC paper feed switching is performed by comparing the calculated N3 times of the ACC paper feed switching with the threshold value α stored in the ROM 209 in advance.

  Here, the threshold value α is a threshold value for determining the ACC paper feed switching setting. When the threshold value α is 1 or more, there is a high possibility that the ACC paper feed switching will occur once or more a day, which greatly affects the productivity of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, although the threshold value α is set to 1 in the present embodiment, it is not limited to 1.

<User mode setting from operation history information: FCOT operation selection mode>
Based on the JOB color mode information 307 in the operation history information 300 (FIG. 3) of the conventional model 901, the output pages of the print completed sheets for all the colors of JOB are calculated. A color ratio M3 (= M1 ÷ M2) of the JOB in the conventional model 901 is calculated, where M1 is the total number of pages of the color JOB printing completed paper, M2 is the total number of JOBs (black and white JOB + color JOB).

  The calculated job color ratio M3 in the conventional model 901 is compared with a threshold value β stored in advance in the ROM 209 as a reference for enabling the FCOT operation selection mode to enable color setting or BW setting. If M3> = β, the FCOT operation selection mode is enabled for color setting. If M3 <β, the FCOT operation selection mode is set to BW setting valid.

  Here, the threshold value β is set to 55%, for example. If the JOB color ratio M3 (color JOB output ratio) in the previous model exceeds 55%, the JOB color ratio in the user's environment is high, and it is a reasonable number even if the color setting is valid for the FCOT operation. Can be determined. In this embodiment, the threshold value β is 55%, but it is not limited to 55%.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user mode setting confirmation screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus.

  11, a user mode setting confirmation screen 1100 is a screen that is registered in the model change registration process 1 described in FIG. 9 and displayed on the display unit 207 after the model change registration process 1 is executed. 1101 and 1102 reflect the operation history information 300 accumulated in the conventional model 901 for the new function newly added from the conventional model 901 to the new model 902, and are items of the user mode set in the new model 902. is there.

  1103 is a user mode (leave paper) set in the item 1101, and 1104 is a user mode (CL: color) set in the item 1102. Reference numeral 1105 denotes a confirmation button for confirming the user mode registered in the model change user mode setting process by the service person and the user when the image forming apparatus is installed, and enabling the setting.

  In this embodiment, the USB memory is used as an example for the transfer of the operation history information 300 and the function / operation table information 400. However, the present invention is not limited to the USB memory, and the semiconductor memory can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. It is also applicable to.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus is replaced from the conventional model to the new model, the user mode of the new model is changed based on the operation history information of the conventional model used previously. Reflect appropriately. That is, the operating environment used in the conventional model is reflected in the new function newly added in the new model. As a result, the image forming apparatus can be appropriately operated from the initial stage of installation of the image forming apparatus with a performance corresponding to the use state of the user. In addition, it is possible to shorten the work time for setting the user mode, which is necessary when changing models.

  In addition, when the model is replaced when the image forming apparatus is replaced from the conventional model to the new model, the user mode setting is inherited for the same function as the conventional model that has been used before. As a result, the operation in the previous use environment can be performed by the new model image forming apparatus, and the operability of the user can be improved.

  In addition, since the registration method of the user mode for the new function is based on the operation history information of the conventional model, the user does not hesitate at the time of registration, and after the new model image forming apparatus is installed, the operation is smoothly performed. It becomes possible.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment in the points described with reference to FIGS. Since the other elements of the present embodiment are the same as the corresponding ones of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2), description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, processing is performed to transfer the operation history information from the conventional model 901 and the inherited user mode to the new model 902 via the network and the model takeover information storage server.

<Model change registration process 2>
A model change registration process 2 executed when the model change of the image forming apparatus from the conventional model 901 to the new model 902 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a data flow of the model change registration process 2 of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 12, the model change registration process 2 is executed when the model change is performed from the conventional model 901 to the new model 902 of the image forming apparatus. A conventional model 901, a new model 902, and a model takeover information storage server 1201 are connected to the network 150. The external storage device 1202 (external medium, recording medium) is connected to the model takeover information storage server 1201 and can be accessed via the network 150.

  As described in the first embodiment, the model replacement registration process 2 sets the user mode based on the operation history information of the conventional model 901 for the new function added from the conventional model 901 to the new model 902. In addition to processing, the following processing is also performed. That is, processing for setting a user mode added with respect to functions common between the conventional model 901 and the new model 902 is performed via the network 150 and the model takeover information storage server 1201.

  First, the user mode information of the operation history information 300 is transferred from the conventional model 901 to the model takeover information storage server 1201 and registered in the external storage device 1202 by the model takeover information storage server 1201. The function / operation table information 400 existing in the conventional model 901 is also transferred to the model takeover information storage server 1201 and registered in the external storage device 1202 by the model takeover information storage server 1201.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the model change registration process 2 of the image forming apparatus.

  In FIG. 13, the CPU 201 of the controller 200 of the new model 902 establishes a connection with the model takeover information storage server 1201 (step S1301). Next, the CPU 201 displays a menu screen (not shown) for confirming execution of the model change user mode setting on the display unit 207.

  When the user confirms the setting contents on the menu screen and presses a model change user mode setting execution button (not shown) provided in the input unit 208 (step S1302), the CPU 201 repeats the registration processing from step S1303 onward. In the processing from step S1303 to step S1309, registration target user mode setting processing is sequentially performed for each row of each function in the function / operation table information 500 of the new model 902 shown in FIG.

  First, the CPU 201 reads user mode information to be registered corresponding to each function row of the function / operation table information 500 of the new model 902 from the ROM 209 (step S1303). Next, the CPU 201 acquires the function / operation table information 400 of the conventional model 901 that matches the ID 401 corresponding to the user mode setting target function 402 of the new model 902 from the external storage device 1202 of the model takeover information storage server 1201. .

  The CPU 201 determines whether or not the same function as the user mode setting target function exists in the conventional model 901 (step S1304). When the same function as the user mode setting target function exists in the conventional model 901, the process proceeds to step S1309 described later.

  When the same function as the user mode setting target function does not exist in the conventional model 901, the CPU 201 makes the following determination. Whether or not the operation history information 300 of the conventional model 901 registered in the external storage device 1202 of the model takeover information storage server 1201 includes information on the setting target function corresponding to the user mode information to be registered read in step S1303. Is determined (step S1305). If the operation history information 300 does not include information on the setting target function corresponding to the user mode information, the process proceeds to step S1307 described later.

  When the operation history information 300 includes information on the setting target function corresponding to the user mode information, the CPU 201 performs the following processing. Information necessary for setting the user mode to be registered is searched from the operation history information 300 referred to in step S1305, and the setting value of the user mode is calculated and calculated. Further, the calculated setting value of the user mode is registered as the user mode setting value of the new model 902 in the column 403 of the user mode information area of the target function / operation table information 500 (step S1306).

  Here, the reading process for reading the user mode information to be registered in step S1303, the determination process in step S1305, and the registration process in step S1306 exist for each line of each function in the function / operation table information 500.

  If the operation history information 300 does not include information on the setting target function corresponding to the user mode information in step S1305, the CPU 201 performs the following process. The default value that is normally set as the initial value of the image forming apparatus is registered as the user mode setting value of the new model 902 in the column 403 of the user mode information area of the target function / operation table information 500 (step S1307).

  If the same function as the user mode setting target function exists in the conventional model 901 in step S1304, the CPU 201 performs the following processing. The user mode setting value of the conventional model 901 searched in step S1304 is registered as the user mode setting value in the column 403 of the function / operation table information 500 of the new model 902 (step S1309).

  Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the user mode setting process of the function / operation table information 500 registered in the new model 902 has been executed to the end (step S1308). If the user mode setting process has not been executed to the end, the process returns to step S1303, and the processes after step S1003 are performed. When the user mode setting process has been executed to the end (the last function has been registered), this process ends.

  In the present embodiment, by performing the above processing, the user mode relating to the new function added in the new model 902 based on the operation history information 300 of the conventional model 901, which is equivalent to the first embodiment. You can register.

  In this embodiment, at the time of registering the user mode, it is determined whether or not the same function as the user mode setting target function exists in the conventional model, and the inheritance process of the user mode information of the conventional model is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The inheritance process of the user mode information of the conventional model may not be performed, and the initial value recommended by the image forming apparatus may be registered. In this case, it is not necessary to extract the function / operation table information 400 of the conventional model to the model takeover information storage server 1201.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the user changes the model of the image forming apparatus, the operation history information and user mode information of the conventional model can be extracted via the network. Thereby, it becomes possible to shorten the work time of the user mode setting required when changing the model from the conventional model to the new model.

[Third Embodiment]
The third embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment in the points described with reference to FIGS. Since the other elements of the present embodiment are the same as the corresponding ones of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2), description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, for a new function added from the conventional model 901 to the new model 902, the user changes the model (model change) with respect to the process for setting the user mode based on the operation history information of the conventional model 901. Acquire the time (date and time) when the work was performed. Further, the date and time of the operation history information of the conventional model 901 is weighted, and the user mode for function setting in the new model 902 is determined and registered.

<Model change registration process 3: ACC paper leaving paper feed switching>
With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the model change registration process 3 when the ACC (auto cassette change) paper-remaining paper feed switching mode is added to the new model 902 as a new function that did not exist in the conventional model 901 will be described. explain.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing operation history information in a conventional model compared with the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 14, operation history information 1400 indicates information on the number of printed sheets PV (Print Volume) per month included in the operation history information 300 of the conventional model 901. In the illustrated example, there is information on the number of printed pages PV from February 2007 to February 2010.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the model change registration process 3 of the image forming apparatus.

  In FIG. 15, as a specific example, model switching from the conventional model 901 to the new model 902 was performed on March 15, 2010, and switching of the ACC paper-remaining paper feed switching mode used during high-production of the image forming apparatus was performed. A case where the threshold value is 5000 sheets will be described.

  First, the CPU 201 of the controller 200 of the new model 902 acquires the current date and time from the clock LSI 213 (date and time acquisition unit) and sets it as the model replacement date and time L1 (step S1501). In this example, the model change date and time L1 is set to March 2010. Next, the CPU 201 determines a search range L2 for searching the operation history information 1400 in FIG. 14 based on the model change date and time L1 (designating means) (step S1502).

  Here, as a tendency of the integrated value of the number of pages of the print completion paper output from the image forming apparatus in the user use environment, the number of printed sheets tends to increase when the year is changed, such as March or December. For this reason, if the search range L2 is set on a monthly basis, it is easy for the user to understand. Therefore, in this example, the search range L2 is determined to be March. Note that the search range L2 is not limited to a monthly unit, and can be set in a shorter range or a longer range depending on the use of the user.

  Next, the CPU 201 extracts and integrates the number of printed JOB pages PV included in the past search range L2 from the operation history information 1400 of the referenced conventional model 901, and sets the extracted value L3 (step S1503). In this example, the extracted value L3 in the past March from the operation history information 1400 is 177000 (= (180000 + 198000 + 153000) ÷ 3).

  Therefore, the average number L4 of the daily printed pages from the extracted value L3 is 8836 sheets (= 1767737 ÷ 20) when the extracted value L3 is divided by the total number of days in the month (20 days in this example). Further, as described in the first embodiment, since the number N2 of sheets stored in the first sheet feeding unit 601 and the second sheet feeding unit 602 is 5000, the number of times of ACC sheet feeding switching N3 (= L4 ÷ N2). Becomes 1 (= 8836/5000).

  Next, the CPU 201 compares the extracted value N3 extracted in step S1503 with a threshold value α for switching the setting of the ACC paper remaining paper feed switching mode (step S1504). If N3> = α, the CPU 201 registers ACC paper-remaining paper feed switching as valid (step S1505). If N3 <α, the CPU 201 registers ACC paper-remaining paper feed switching as invalid (step S1506). In the present embodiment, since the extraction value N3 is the same value as the threshold value α (= 1), the process proceeds to step S1505, and the ACC paper remaining feed switching is registered as valid.

  In the present embodiment, after the user replaces the image forming apparatus from the conventional model to the new model by the model replacement registration process 3 described above, the ACC paper-remaining paper feed switching mode, which is a high production mode provided in the new model, is changed to the image forming mode. Immediately after installation of the device, it can be used immediately.

  In addition, when the time of model change is from June to September, the average number of prints per day (number of prints per day) L4 in the conventional model is less than 5000, so the ACC paper remaining feed switching mode Is disabled, and is operated in a normal operation mode after the image forming apparatus is installed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user mode is set according to the timing when the user changes the model of the image forming apparatus, so that the image can be formed with fine settings according to the use situation of the user. It becomes possible to operate the apparatus properly.

[Other Embodiments]
In the above-described embodiment, the ACC paper-remaining paper feed switching mode is given as an example of a new function in a new model, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. The spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific description in the above embodiment.

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed. The program of the present invention has computer-readable program code for causing a computer to execute the control method of the image forming apparatus.

100 Printer Unit 110 Reader Unit 160 USB Memory 200 Controller 201 CPU

Claims (9)

In an image forming apparatus that sets a plurality of items related to the usage environment of its own device,
Setting information related to the use environment of the other image forming apparatus set in the other image forming apparatus and operation history information indicating a history of operations including printing or copying executed in the other image forming apparatus are acquired. Acquisition means;
When there is a first item included in the setting information acquired by the acquisition unit among the plurality of items, the first item is set based on the acquired setting information, and the acquisition among the plurality of items is performed. Setting means for setting the second item based on the operation history information acquired by the acquisition means when there is a second item not included in the setting information acquired by the means;
Equipped with a,
The operation history information includes information on a date when an operation including printing or copying is executed in the other image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus , wherein the setting unit sets the second item based on a date for setting the second item and date information included in the operation history information . The setting means, if not possible settings of the second item on the basis of the acquired operation history information by the acquisition unit, the image formation according to claim 1, wherein the set to a predetermined value apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises an indication means for determining the set of the second item that is set based on the acquired operation history information by the acquisition unit. The acquisition unit, an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that to obtain the setting information via a removable memory from the another image forming apparatus. The acquisition unit, an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that to obtain the operation history information via a removable memory from the another image forming apparatus. The acquisition unit, an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that to obtain the setting information transferred from said another image forming apparatus to a server connected to a network. Said acquisition means, image according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 and obtains the operation history information transferred from said another image forming apparatus to a server connected to a network Forming equipment. In the control method of an image forming apparatus that sets a plurality of items related to the use environment of the own apparatus, the setting information related to the use environment of the other image forming apparatus set in the other image forming apparatus, and the other An acquisition step of acquiring operation history information indicating a history of operations including printing or copying performed by the image forming apparatus ;
When there is a first item included in the setting information acquired in the acquisition step among the plurality of items, the first item is set based on the acquired setting information, and the acquisition among the plurality of items is performed. If there is a second item not included in the setting information acquired in the step, a setting step for setting the second item based on the operation history information acquired in the acquisition step ;
With
The operation history information includes information on a date when an operation including printing or copying is executed in the other image forming apparatus,
In the setting step, the control of said on the basis of the date information included in the date and the operation history information for setting the second item the second item of the been conducted image forming apparatus according to claim Rukoto Method. A program having computer-readable program code for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 8 .

Images