Scanning control parameter backup method, use method, image forming apparatus and system

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a scanning control parameter backup method, a use method, an image forming device and a system, the backup method is applied to an image forming device, the image forming device comprises a laser scanning unit and a control unit, the backup method comprises the following steps: storing scanning control parameters to a backup unit; obtaining the scanning control parameters from the backup unit and storing the scanning control parameters to the control unit; the control unit performs control on the laser scanning unit based on the scanning control parameters. The embodiment of the present application backs up the scanning control parameters in the control board, when the scanning control parameters in the control board are lost or unavailable, the scanning control parameters can be obtained from the backup position, and the scanning control parameters are written into the control board, thereby avoiding the problem that the scanning control parameters are easily lost when only the scanning control parameters are stored on the control board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image forming technology, and more specifically to a method for backing up scanning control parameters, a method for using such parameters, an image forming apparatus, and a system. Background Technology

[0002] An image forming apparatus is a device that forms an image on a recording material (such as paper) using imaging principles. This includes, but is not limited to, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, and multifunction printers that integrate printing, copying, faxing, and scanning functions. Image forming apparatuses typically include a laser scanning unit (LSU). The LSU exposes a photosensitive drum (image carrier) that has been uniformly charged, causing the surface charge of the drum to disappear relative to the image area of ​​the original document. This results in an image formed on the surface of the drum, existing as an electrostatic latent image.

[0003] Each LSU has corresponding scan control parameters. These include inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU obtained through tooling testing before leaving the factory, and overall calibration parameters obtained when the LSU is installed on the image forming apparatus to correct assembly errors. Typically, the scan control parameters are stored on the control board (control unit) of the image forming apparatus, which can then use these parameters to perform corresponding image forming operations.

[0004] However, obtaining scan control parameters requires a professional testing environment and tools, which are not easily accessible to the average person. When scan control parameters in the control board are lost or unavailable, it will affect the normal progress of image formation operations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method for backing up scanning control parameters, a method for using them, an image forming apparatus, and a system to address the problem in the prior art that the normal operation of image forming will be affected when scanning control parameters in the control board are lost or unavailable.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for backing up scanning control parameters of a laser scanning unit, applied to an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus including a laser scanning unit and a control unit, the method comprising:

[0007] Store the scan control parameters to the backup unit;

[0008] The scan control parameters are obtained from the backup unit and stored in the control unit;

[0009] The control unit performs control of the laser scanning unit based on the scanning control parameters.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the backup unit is an electronic tag, which is mounted on the laser scanning unit.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the backup unit is a first memory, which is disposed on the laser scanning unit.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the backup unit is a second memory, which is disposed on the adapter board of the image forming apparatus.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the backup unit is a server that is communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the scanning control parameters include the inherent characteristic parameters of the laser scanning unit and the overall calibration parameters of the laser scanning unit.

[0015] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0016] A laser scanning unit is used to form an electrostatic latent image on an image carrier based on image data;

[0017] The control unit is used to obtain scanning control parameters that match the installed laser scanning unit from the backup unit, store the obtained scanning control parameters, and execute control of the laser scanning unit based on the scanning control parameters.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the backup unit is an electronic tag, which is mounted on the laser scanning unit.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the backup unit is a first memory, which is disposed on the laser scanning unit.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the backup unit is a second memory, which is disposed on the adapter board of the image forming apparatus.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the scanning control parameters include the inherent characteristic parameters of the laser scanning unit and the overall calibration parameters of the laser scanning unit.

[0022] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an image forming system, including:

[0023] An image forming apparatus, comprising a laser scanning unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to acquire scanning control parameters matching the installed laser scanning unit from a backup unit and store the acquired scanning control parameters;

[0024] A backup unit is provided for backing up the scan control parameters.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the backup unit is a cloud or server that is communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the scanning control parameters include the inherent characteristic parameters of the laser scanning unit and the overall calibration parameters of the laser scanning unit.

[0027] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a method for using scanning control parameters of a laser scanning unit, applied to the image forming apparatus described in any of the second aspects, the method comprising:

[0028] When preset conditions are met, scan control parameters that at least partially match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus are obtained from the backup unit;

[0029] The scanning control parameters, at least partially matched with the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus, are written into the control unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the preset condition is that the control unit of the image forming apparatus is replaced;

[0031] The step of obtaining at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus from the backup unit includes: obtaining the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus from the backup unit;

[0032] The step of writing at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus into the control unit of the image forming apparatus includes: writing the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus into the replaced control unit.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the preset condition is that the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus is replaced;

[0034] The step of obtaining at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus from the backup unit includes: obtaining at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit from the backup unit;

[0035] The step of writing at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus into the control unit of the image forming apparatus includes: writing the at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the replaced LSU into the control unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the preset condition is that the control unit and the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus are replaced simultaneously;

[0037] The step of obtaining at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus from the backup unit includes: obtaining at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit from the backup unit;

[0038] The step of writing at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus into the control unit of the image forming apparatus includes: writing the at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit into the replaced control unit.

[0039] This application embodiment backs up the scan control parameters in the control board. When the scan control parameters in the control board are lost or unavailable, the scan control parameters can be obtained from the backup location and written to the control board, avoiding the problem that the scan control parameters are easily lost if they are only stored on the control board. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating a process for writing scan control parameters into an NFC tag, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a method for using scanning control parameters provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating another method for using scanning control parameters provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of another image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another image forming system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0051] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0052] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0053] A laser scan unit (LSU) is a typical electrophotographic imaging device widely used in laser printers. In one possible implementation, the LSU includes a light source, a front scanning optical system, a prism, and a rear scanning optical system. Light emitted from the light source passes through the front scanning optical system to the prism, then through the rear scanning optical system, and finally onto the photosensitive drum to achieve exposure. The light source continuously illuminates or extinguishes depending on the data content, while the prism rotates smoothly at high speed. Each rotation forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum, line by line, continuously exposing and creating latent images. Finally, through development, transfer, and fixing, the printing function is achieved.

[0054] Semiconductor imaging devices all share a typical characteristic: the quality of the image (consistency, uniformity) depends on the size of the light spot at the exposed location on the photosensitive drum, whether the exposed area forms a straight line, and whether the light spot in that line is evenly and regularly distributed across the photosensitive drum. These characteristic parameters often fall short of ideal values ​​and are significantly affected by errors in the light source, optical system, and assembly of mechanical components. Therefore, each LSU (Light Sensor Unit) has certain characteristic parameter curves, i.e., the inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU.

[0055] Meanwhile, after the LSU is assembled into the laser printer, assembly errors still exist in components such as the toner cartridge and frame. These deviations can cause slight deviations in the light spot curve (including energy and position) falling on the photosensitive drum surface. Therefore, a calibration process is needed during the final production stage to correct these assembly errors and generate a calibrated light spot curve, i.e., the overall calibration parameters, for the control board to use during printing to ensure print image quality. It should be noted that in other parts of this application, this control board may also be referred to as a control unit.

[0056] Measuring these characteristic parameters (LSU inherent characteristic parameters and overall calibration parameters) requires a professional measurement environment and tools. The testing instruments are relatively expensive, the testing time is relatively long, and the measurement accuracy requirements are relatively high. Therefore, the storage and use of these parameters become very critical and important.

[0057] Based on this, this application provides a method for backing up scanning control parameters of an LSU (Laser Subsystem Unit). This method is applied to an image forming apparatus, which includes an LSU and a control board. The method includes: storing scanning control parameters in a backup unit; retrieving scanning control parameters from the backup unit and storing them in a control unit; and the control unit executing control of the laser scanning unit based on the scanning control parameters. Specifically, the backup unit is located elsewhere than the control board. When the control board is damaged, the scanning control parameters can be read from the backup unit and stored in a replacement control board, avoiding the problem of easy loss of scanning control parameters if they are only stored on the control board.

[0058] This application provides various implementation methods for backing up scan control parameters, which will be described below.

[0059] Example 1:

[0060] See Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1As shown, the image forming apparatus includes a laser scanning unit and a control board. The control board includes a control board memory and a main controller. The control board memory stores scanning control parameters matching the LSU, including inherent LSU characteristic parameters and overall calibration parameters. The LSU has an electronic tag and optical components; the electronic tag is used to back up the scanning control parameters. That is, in this embodiment, the backup unit is an electronic tag, meaning the scanning control parameters are stored in the electronic tag. This electronic tag can be a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag or other tags with data storage capabilities; this embodiment is not limited in this regard. The following explanation uses an NFC tag as an example.

[0061] See Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for writing scan control parameters into an NFC tag, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, after LSU production is completed, LSU tooling testing can be performed to obtain the inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU. These parameters can then be written to an NFC tag using an NFC reader / writer. After the LSU is installed in the image forming apparatus, assembly tooling calibration can be performed to obtain assembly calibration parameters. These parameters can then be written to an NFC tag using an NFC reader / writer. It can be understood that at this point, the NFC tag stores both the inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU and the assembly calibration parameters.

[0062] NFC tags can be affixed to the LSU for later maintenance. Of course, NFC tags can also be fixed to the LSU using other methods, and this application embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this. Specifically, when the scan control parameters in the control board are lost or unavailable, the scan control parameters can be read from the NFC tag and then written to the control board, i.e., written to the control board memory. The control board can then perform control of the LSU based on the written scan control parameters. The following describes the usage of the backed-up scan control parameters in different application scenarios.

[0063] Application Scenario 1: Control board damage.

[0064] See Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for using scanning control parameters according to an embodiment of this application. In this application scenario, the control board is damaged. The maintenance personnel first replace the control board of the image forming apparatus. After replacing the control board, they use an NFC reader / writer to read the scanning control parameters from the NFC tag (the original LSU's NFC tag), and then use the NFC reader / writer to write the scanning control parameters into the replaced control board (the new control board), thus completing the repair.

[0065] Application Scenario 2: LSU failure.

[0066] See Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for using scanning control parameters provided in this application embodiment. In this application scenario, the LSU is damaged, and maintenance personnel first replace the LSU. It should be noted that when the LSU is replaced, both the inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU and the overall calibration parameters will change. Therefore, after the LSU is replaced, the overall tooling calibration can be performed again based on the replaced LSU to obtain the overall calibration parameters that match the replaced LSU, and then the overall calibration parameters that match the replaced LSU are stored in the NFC tag of the replaced LSU. In addition, the NFC tag of the replaced LSU already has the corresponding inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU stored at the factory. Therefore, at this time, the NFC tag of the replaced LSU simultaneously stores the inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU and the overall calibration parameters that match the replaced LSU.

[0067] Using an NFC reader / writer, the scanning control parameters of the NFC tag of the replaced LSU (i.e., the scanning control parameters that match the replaced LSU) are read, and then the scanning control parameters of the NFC tag of the replaced LSU are written into the control board (original control board) using the NFC reader / writer, thus completing the repair.

[0068] In some possible implementations, after recalibrating the entire machine tooling based on the replaced LSU to obtain calibration parameters matching the replaced LSU, these calibration parameters can be directly written to the control board, completing the update of the entire machine calibration parameters. In this scenario, it is not necessary to read the entire machine calibration parameters from the NFC tag of the replaced LSU; only the inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU need to be read from the NFC tag of the replaced LSU.

[0069] Application Scenario 3: Both the control board and LSU are damaged.

[0070] In this application scenario, both the control board and the LSU (Light Utility Unit) are damaged, requiring maintenance personnel to replace them separately. It's important to note that replacing the LSU alters both its inherent characteristic parameters and overall calibration parameters. Therefore, after replacing the LSU, a new overall calibration can be performed based on the replaced LSU to obtain calibration parameters matching the new unit. These calibration parameters are then stored in the NFC tag of the replaced LSU. Furthermore, the NFC tag of the replaced LSU already contains the corresponding inherent characteristic parameters at the factory. Therefore, the NFC tag of the replaced LSU now stores both its inherent characteristic parameters and overall calibration parameters.

[0071] The scanning control parameters of the NFC tag of the replaced LSU (i.e., the scanning control parameters that match the replaced LSU) are read using an NFC reader / writer tool. Then, the scanning control parameters of the NFC tag of the replaced LSU are written into the replaced control board using the NFC reader / writer tool, and the repair is completed.

[0072] In some possible implementations, after recalibrating the entire machine tooling based on the replaced LSU to obtain calibration parameters matching the replaced LSU, these calibration parameters can be directly written to the replaced control board, thus completing the update of the calibration parameters. In this scenario, it is not necessary to read the calibration parameters from the NFC tag of the replaced LSU; only the inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU need to be read from the NFC tag of the replaced LSU.

[0073] This application embodiment backs up the scanning control parameters in the electronic tag. When the control board is damaged, the scanning control parameters can be read from the backup unit and stored in the replacement control board, avoiding the problem of easy loss of scanning control parameters that are only stored on the control board. In addition, electronic tags are relatively inexpensive compared to memory and are easy to read and write. Therefore, backing up the scanning control parameters in the electronic tag can reduce the difficulty and cost of repairing the entire device and improve the maintainability of the entire device.

[0074] Example 2:

[0075] See Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the image forming apparatus includes a laser scanning unit and a control board. The control board includes a control board memory and a main controller. The control board memory stores scanning control parameters matching the laser scanning unit (LSU), including inherent LSU characteristic parameters and overall calibration parameters. The LSU has a first memory and optical components. The first memory is used to back up the scanning control parameters. In other words, in this embodiment, the backup unit is a memory located on the LSU, storing the scanning control parameters therein. For ease of distinction, this memory is referred to as the first memory. Specifically, the first memory can be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Of course, those skilled in the art can use other types of memory according to actual needs; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0076] In practice, after the LSU is manufactured, LSU tooling testing can be performed to obtain the inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU, which are then written into the first memory and the control board memory. After the LSU is installed into the complete machine (image forming apparatus), complete machine tooling calibration can be performed to obtain complete machine calibration parameters, which are then written into the first memory and the control board memory. It can be understood that at this point, the first memory and the control board memory respectively store the inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU and the complete machine calibration parameters.

[0077] When scan control parameters in the control board are lost or unavailable, the main controller can read the scan control parameters from the first memory and then write them back to the control board (i.e., write them to the control board memory). The control board can then control the LSU based on the written scan control parameters. The following sections explain how to use the backed-up scan control parameters in different application scenarios.

[0078] Application Scenario 1: Control board damage.

[0079] After the control board is damaged, the maintenance personnel first replace the control board of the image forming device. After the replacement of the control board is completed, the main controller of the replaced control board can read the scanning control parameters in the first memory, and then write the read scanning control parameters into the replaced control board, thus completing the repair.

[0080] Application Scenario 2: LSU failure.

[0081] When an LSU (Limited Unit) fails, maintenance personnel first replace it. It's important to note that replacing the LSU changes both its inherent characteristic parameters and overall calibration parameters. Therefore, after replacing the LSU, the entire machine can be recalibrated using the new LSU to obtain calibration parameters that match the replacement. These calibration parameters are then stored in the new LSU's primary memory. Additionally, the new LSU's primary memory already contains the corresponding inherent characteristic parameters at the factory. Therefore, the new LSU's primary memory now stores both its inherent characteristic parameters and calibration parameters.

[0082] The main controller of the control board reads the scan control parameters (i.e., the scan control parameters that match the replaced LSU) from the first memory of the first memory, and then writes the scan control parameters from the first memory of the replaced LSU into the control board (original control board), thus completing the repair.

[0083] In some possible implementations, after recalibrating the entire machine tooling based on the replaced LSU to obtain calibration parameters matching the replaced LSU, these calibration parameters can be directly written to the control board, thus updating the calibration parameters. In this scenario, it is not necessary to read the calibration parameters from the first memory of the replaced LSU; only the inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU need to be read from its first memory.

[0084] Application Scenario 3: Both the control board and LSU are damaged.

[0085] In this application scenario, both the control board and the LSU (Light Utility Unit) are damaged, requiring maintenance personnel to replace them separately. It's important to note that replacing the LSU alters both its inherent characteristic parameters and overall calibration parameters. Therefore, after replacing the LSU, a new overall calibration can be performed based on the replaced LSU to obtain calibration parameters matching the new model. These calibration parameters are then stored in the first memory of the replaced LSU. Additionally, the first memory of the replaced LSU already contains the corresponding inherent characteristic parameters at the factory. Therefore, the first memory of the replaced LSU now stores both the inherent characteristic parameters and the overall calibration parameters matching the replaced LSU.

[0086] The main controller of the control board reads the scan control parameters (i.e., the scan control parameters that match the replaced LSU) from the first memory of the replaced LSU, and then writes the scan control parameters from the first memory of the replaced LSU into the replaced control board, thus completing the repair.

[0087] In some possible implementations, after recalibrating the entire machine tooling based on the replaced LSU to obtain calibration parameters matching the replaced LSU, these calibration parameters can be directly written to the replaced control board, thus updating the calibration parameters. In this scenario, it is not necessary to read the calibration parameters from the first memory of the replaced LSU; only the inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU need to be read from its first memory.

[0088] When the scan control parameters in the control board are lost or unavailable, the main controller can read the scan control parameters from the first memory and then write the read scan control parameters into the control board, i.e., write them into the control board memory, thus avoiding the problem of the scan control parameters being easily lost if they are only stored on the control board.

[0089] Example 3:

[0090] See Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of another image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 As shown, the image forming apparatus includes a laser scanning unit (LSU), a control board, and an adapter board. The control board includes a control board memory and a main controller. The control board memory stores scanning control parameters matching the LSU, including inherent LSU characteristic parameters and overall calibration parameters. The LSU has optical components. The adapter board has a second memory used to back up the scanning control parameters. In other words, in this embodiment, the backup unit is a memory located on the adapter board, storing the scanning control parameters. For ease of distinction, this memory is referred to as the second memory. Specifically, this second memory can be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Of course, those skilled in the art can use other types of memory according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0091] A second memory is placed on the adapter board. When the second memory is an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), since the EEPROM uses IIC (Inter-Integrated Circuit) for communication, its circuit schematic is relatively simple. The communication of the temperature and humidity sensor and the communication of the EEPROM share a pair of IICs. The temperature and humidity sensor is located on the control board and is used to detect the ambient temperature and humidity outside the image forming apparatus.

[0092] During normal printer operation, scan control parameters are not calibrated; only temperature and humidity are detected using the temperature and humidity sensor. Temperature and humidity detection is not performed during scan control parameter calibration; calibration is only performed when the control board is replaced by after-sales service. When maintenance personnel replace the control board, the adapter board is usually not replaced. Therefore, after replacing the control board, the scan control parameters can be synchronized to the new control board via the secondary memory in the adapter board, avoiding the problem of scan control parameters being easily lost if only stored on the control board.

[0093] The method of using the backup scan control parameters in this embodiment can be found in the description in Embodiment 2. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0094] Example 4:

[0095] See Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the image forming system includes an image forming apparatus and a cloud or server, which are communicatively connected. The image forming apparatus includes a laser scanning unit and a control board. The control board has a control board memory and a main controller. The control board memory stores scanning control parameters matching the LSU, including inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU and overall system calibration parameters. The LSU has optical components. The cloud or server is used to back up the scanning control parameters. In other words, in this embodiment, the backup unit is the cloud or server, meaning the scanning control parameters are stored in the cloud or server.

[0096] It is understandable that the scanning control parameters corresponding to multiple image forming apparatuses and LSUs are usually backed up in the cloud or on the server. In order to obtain the corresponding scanning control parameters in the cloud or on the server, corresponding identification information can be set for the image forming apparatus and LSU. The cloud or on the server stores the correspondence between the identification information and the scanning control parameters. Therefore, the matching scanning control parameters can be obtained in the cloud or on the server based on the identification information of the image forming apparatus and LSU.

[0097] Specifically, the identification information of the image forming apparatus can be the image forming apparatus serial number, for example, Pprinter001X; the identification information of the LSU can be the laser scanning unit serial number, for example, PLSU001X. Of course, those skilled in the art can also set other types of identification information, such as model number, password, or string, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0098] In some possible implementations, the identification information of the image forming apparatus can be stored in the memory inside the image forming apparatus or can be affixed to the outside of the image forming apparatus by means of a label; the identification information of the LSU can be stored in the memory inside the image forming apparatus or can be affixed to the outside of the LSU by means of a label, and the embodiments of this application do not impose specific limitations on this.

[0099] When the scan control parameters in the control board are lost or unavailable, the corresponding scan control parameters can be obtained from the cloud or server through the identification information of the image forming apparatus and the LSU. The scan control parameters are then written to the control board, i.e., written to the control board memory. The control board can then control the LSU based on the written scan control parameters.

[0100] In a specific implementation, the image forming apparatus can directly communicate with the cloud or server. Maintenance personnel can input the identification information of the image forming apparatus and the LSU through the control panel on the image forming apparatus to obtain the corresponding scanning control parameters and write them to the control board. In another possible implementation, maintenance personnel can input the identification information of the image forming apparatus and the LSU in an application on a mobile terminal (such as a mobile phone) to obtain the corresponding scanning control parameters. The mobile terminal can also communicate with the image forming apparatus via WiFi to send the obtained scanning control parameters to the image forming apparatus, so that the image forming apparatus can write the scanning control parameters to the control board, such as... Figure 8 As shown.

[0101] The following section explains how to use the backup scan control parameters in different application scenarios.

[0102] Application Scenario 1: Control board damage.

[0103] After the control board is damaged, the maintenance personnel first replace the control board of the image forming apparatus. After the control board is replaced, the corresponding scanning control parameters are obtained from the cloud or server according to the identification information of the image forming apparatus and the LSU. Then, the scanning control parameters are written into the replaced control board, and the repair is completed.

[0104] Application Scenario 2: LSU failure.

[0105] When the LSU (Light Filter Unit) fails, maintenance personnel first replace it. It's important to note that replacing the LSU changes both its inherent characteristic parameters and overall calibration parameters. Therefore, after replacing the LSU, the entire apparatus can be recalibrated based on the new LSU to obtain calibration parameters that match the replacement. These calibration parameters are then stored in the cloud or on a server. Additionally, the replacement LSU's inherent characteristic parameters were already stored in the cloud or on a server when the image forming apparatus left the factory. Therefore, the cloud or server now stores the LSU's inherent characteristic parameters and overall calibration parameters that match both the image forming apparatus and the replaced LSU.

[0106] Based on the identification information of the image forming apparatus and the LSU, the corresponding scanning control parameters (i.e., the scanning control parameters that match the replaced LSU) are obtained from the cloud or server, and then the scanning control parameters are written into the control board (original control board), and the repair is completed.

[0107] In some possible implementations, after recalibrating the entire machine tooling based on the replaced LSU to obtain calibration parameters matching the replaced LSU, these calibration parameters can be directly written to the control board, completing the update of the overall calibration parameters. In this scenario, it is not necessary to obtain the overall calibration parameters from the cloud or server; only the inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU need to be obtained from the cloud or server.

[0108] Application Scenario 3: Both the control board and LSU are damaged.

[0109] In this application scenario, both the control board and the LSU (Light Filter Unit) are damaged, requiring maintenance personnel to replace them separately. It's important to note that replacing the LSU alters both its inherent characteristic parameters and overall calibration parameters. Therefore, after replacing the LSU, a new overall calibration can be performed based on the replaced LSU to obtain calibration parameters matching the new unit. These calibration parameters can then be stored in the cloud or on a server. Furthermore, the replaced LSU already has its corresponding inherent characteristic parameters stored in the cloud or server at the factory. Therefore, the cloud or server now stores the inherent characteristic parameters and overall calibration parameters matching both the image forming apparatus and the replaced LSU.

[0110] Based on the identification information of the image forming apparatus and the LSU, the corresponding scanning control parameters (i.e., the scanning control parameters that match the replaced LSU) are obtained from the cloud or server, and then the scanning control parameters are written into the replaced control board, thus completing the repair.

[0111] In some possible implementations, after recalibrating the entire machine tooling based on the replaced LSU to obtain calibration parameters matching the replaced LSU, these calibration parameters can be directly written to the replaced control board, thus completing the update of the overall calibration parameters. In this scenario, it is not necessary to obtain the overall calibration parameters from the cloud or server; only the inherent characteristic parameters of the LSU need to be obtained from the cloud or server.

[0112] In this embodiment, the scanning control parameters of the LSU are backed up to the cloud or server. When the control board is damaged, the scanning control parameters of the LSU can be retrieved from the cloud or server, avoiding the problem of easy loss of scanning control parameters when they are only stored on the control board. In addition, retrieving information from the cloud or server based on the identification information of the image forming apparatus and the LSU can avoid errors in the stored information and ensure that the obtained information corresponds to the current LSU and the image forming apparatus to which the LSU is installed.

[0113] In a specific implementation, this application also provides a computer storage medium, wherein the computer storage medium may store a program, and the program, when executed, may include some or all of the steps provided in the various embodiments of this application. The storage medium may be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), or random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0114] In a specific implementation, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes executable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform some or all of the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0115] In this application embodiment, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the existence of A alone, the simultaneous existence of A and B, or the existence of B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" and similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0116] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of electronic hardware and software. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this invention.

[0117] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0118] In several embodiments provided by this invention, any function, if implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0119] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this invention should be included within the protection scope of this invention. The protection scope of this invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for backing up scanning control parameters of a laser scanning unit, applied to an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus comprising a laser scanning unit and a control unit, characterized in that, The method includes: Store the scan control parameters to the backup unit; The scan control parameters are obtained from the backup unit and stored in the control unit; The control unit performs control of the laser scanning unit based on the scanning control parameters; The scanning control parameters include the inherent characteristic parameters of the laser scanning unit and the overall calibration parameters of the laser scanning unit; When the laser scanning unit is replaced, the entire machine tooling is recalibrated based on the replaced laser scanning unit to obtain the whole machine calibration parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit. The whole machine calibration parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit are stored in the backup unit, which stores the inherent characteristic parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The backup unit is an electronic tag, which is mounted on the laser scanning unit.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The backup unit is a first memory, which is located on the laser scanning unit.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The backup unit is a second memory, which is disposed on the adapter board of the image forming apparatus.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The backup unit is a server that is communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus.

6. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: A laser scanning unit is used to form an electrostatic latent image on an image carrier based on image data; The control unit is used to obtain scanning control parameters that match the installed laser scanning unit from the backup unit, store the obtained scanning control parameters, and execute control of the laser scanning unit based on the scanning control parameters; The scanning control parameters include the inherent characteristic parameters of the laser scanning unit and the overall calibration parameters of the laser scanning unit; When the laser scanning unit is replaced, the entire machine tooling is recalibrated based on the replaced laser scanning unit to obtain the whole machine calibration parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit. The whole machine calibration parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit are stored in the backup unit, which stores the inherent characteristic parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The backup unit is an electronic tag, which is mounted on the laser scanning unit.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The backup unit is a first memory, which is disposed on the laser scanning unit.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The backup unit is a second memory, which is disposed on the adapter board of the image forming apparatus.

10. An image forming system, characterized in that, include: An image forming apparatus, comprising a laser scanning unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to acquire scanning control parameters matching the installed laser scanning unit from a backup unit and store the acquired scanning control parameters; A backup unit is provided for backing up the scan control parameters. The scanning control parameters include the inherent characteristic parameters of the laser scanning unit and the overall calibration parameters of the laser scanning unit; When the laser scanning unit is replaced, the entire machine tooling is recalibrated based on the replaced laser scanning unit to obtain the whole machine calibration parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit. The whole machine calibration parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit are stored in the backup unit, which stores the inherent characteristic parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The backup unit is a cloud or server that is communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus.

12. A method for using scanning control parameters of a laser scanning unit, characterized in that, Applied to the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, the method comprises: When preset conditions are met, scan control parameters that at least partially match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus are obtained from the backup unit; The scanning control parameters, at least partially matched with the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus, are written into the control unit of the image forming apparatus.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The preset condition is that the control unit of the image forming apparatus is replaced; The step of obtaining at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus from the backup unit includes: obtaining the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus from the backup unit; The step of writing at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus into the control unit of the image forming apparatus includes: writing the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus into the replaced control unit.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The preset condition is that the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus is replaced; The step of obtaining at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus from the backup unit includes: obtaining at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit from the backup unit; The step of writing at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus into the control unit of the image forming apparatus includes: writing the at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the replaced LSU into the control unit of the image forming apparatus.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The preset condition is that the control unit and the laser scanning unit of the image forming device are replaced simultaneously. The step of obtaining at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus from the backup unit includes: obtaining at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit from the backup unit; The step of writing at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the laser scanning unit of the image forming apparatus into the control unit of the image forming apparatus includes: writing the at least some of the scanning control parameters that match the replaced laser scanning unit into the replaced control unit.

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