Imaging control method and device

Abstract

This application relates to the field of image forming, and more particularly to an imaging control method and apparatus. An imaging control method includes: detecting whether at least one of a plurality of image forming units within an image forming apparatus is abnormal; when a first image forming unit is normal and at least one image forming unit included in a second image forming unit is abnormal, allowing monochrome printing of a received print job.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to the field of image formation, and more particularly to an imaging control method and apparatus thereof. [Background Technology]

[0002] Color image forming apparatuses typically have four image forming units: C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). Some specialized apparatuses, such as red-black printers, have two image forming units, one for red and one for black. These four-color image forming apparatuses work together to achieve color printing. To ensure a smooth color printing process, the status of all four image forming units is checked before printing; printing only proceeds if all four units are functioning correctly.

[0003] However, during actual testing, the status of the four image forming units is not assessed separately. If any one or more of the color image forming units malfunction, printing will be prohibited. This means that if a user only needs to use a normally functioning image forming unit for printing, printing will also stop, thus reducing the user experience.

[0004] Understandably, the same situation exists in other image forming apparatuses, such as the red and black machine. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] This application relates to the field of image forming, and in particular to an imaging control method and apparatus, which solves the problem in the prior art that if any one or more of the color image forming units malfunction, printing will be prohibited, resulting in the user only needing to use the image forming units in good working order to print, thus reducing the user experience.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides an imaging control method, the method comprising:

[0007] Detect whether at least one of the multiple image forming units within the image forming apparatus is abnormal;

[0008] When the first image forming unit is functioning normally and at least one image forming unit in the second image forming unit malfunctions, monochrome printing is permitted on the received print job.

[0009] Optionally, the first image forming unit includes at least one of a black image forming unit, a cyan image forming unit, a magenta image forming unit, and a yellow image forming unit, and the second image forming unit is another image forming unit besides the first image forming unit.

[0010] Optionally, at least one image forming unit included in the second image forming unit malfunctions, including:

[0011] The at least one image forming unit is mismatched with the image forming apparatus, and / or the output voltage value of the toner concentration sensor is in an abnormal range.

[0012] Optionally, if at least one image forming unit included in the second image forming unit malfunctions, the method further includes:

[0013] At least one image forming unit contained in the second image forming unit has reached the end of its lifespan.

[0014] Optionally, if at least one image forming unit included in the second image forming unit malfunctions, the method further includes:

[0015] At least one image forming unit contained in the second image forming unit is not installed.

[0016] Optionally, performing monochrome printing on the received print job includes:

[0017] When the received print job is a monochrome print job, it is determined whether the first image forming unit includes an image forming unit that matches the color of the print job;

[0018] When an image forming unit that matches the color of the job to be printed is included, monochrome printing is performed on the job to be printed by the image forming unit that matches the color of the job to be printed;

[0019] When an image forming unit that matches the color of the job to be printed is not included, a target image forming unit is determined from the first image forming units, and monochrome printing is performed on the job to be printed through the target image forming unit.

[0020] Optionally, determining the target image forming unit from the first image forming unit includes:

[0021] The target image forming unit is determined according to a preset image forming unit priority rule; or,

[0022] Display a first prompt message, which prompts the user to select a target image forming unit;

[0023] In response to the selection instruction issued by the user based on the first prompt information, the target image forming unit is determined according to the selection instruction.

[0024] Optionally, the method for performing monochrome printing on the received print job includes:

[0025] When the print job is a color job, a second prompt message is displayed, which prompts the user whether to switch to monochrome printing.

[0026] In response to the user's monochrome printing instruction based on the second prompt information, monochrome printing is performed on the job to be printed.

[0027] Optionally, the image forming unit includes an imaging component and a powder supply component;

[0028] The imaging component includes a developing module and an imaging module.

[0029] Secondly, this application provides an imaging control device, the device comprising:

[0030] The detection module detects whether at least one of the multiple image forming units within the image forming apparatus is abnormal;

[0031] The printing module allows monochrome printing of the received print job when the first image forming unit is normal and at least one image forming unit in the second image forming unit is abnormal.

[0032] Thirdly, this application provides an electronic device, comprising:

[0033] At least one processor; and

[0034] At least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein:

[0035] The memory stores program instructions that can be executed by the processor, which can invoke the program instructions to perform the method as described in any of the first aspects.

[0036] Fourthly, this application provides a storage medium including a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls the device where the storage medium is located to perform the method described in any of the first aspects.

[0037] This invention distinguishes the state of each of the multiple image forming units. When one or more of the multiple image forming units malfunction, other image forming units that have not malfunctioned can still be used to print the corresponding color under certain conditions, so as to avoid the situation where printing cannot be performed as long as one image forming unit malfunctions. [Attached Image Description]

[0038] 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.

[0039] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a flowchart of an imaging control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of an imaging control device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Image forming apparatuses include, but are not limited to, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, and multifunction printers that integrate printing, copying, faxing, and scanning functions. Image forming apparatuses used for performing color imaging have multiple image forming units. For example, a red-black image forming apparatus has two image forming units: magenta and black, while a color image forming apparatus has four image forming units: cyan, yellow, magenta, and black. To achieve the formation of a color image, all image forming units must work together.

[0046] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 1 The image forming apparatus shown is described, along with its structure and imaging principle.

[0047] like Figure 1The image forming apparatus shown forms a full-color or monochrome image on a printing medium such as recording paper or OPH sheet using known electronic photographic methods, based on image data input from an external terminal device via a network (e.g., LAN).

[0048] The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit A and a paper feeding unit B disposed below the image forming unit A. The paper feeding unit B has a paper tray 22 that houses a printing medium S, and supplies the printing medium S from the paper tray 22 to the image forming unit A. The image forming unit A transfers and fixes a toner image formed using yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners onto the printing medium S supplied by the paper feeding unit B.

[0049] The image forming unit A includes an intermediate transfer belt 25 arranged horizontally in the approximate center of the image forming apparatus. The intermediate transfer belt 25 is wound around a pair of transfer belt drive rollers 23 and 24 and is driven by a motor (not shown) to move around in the direction indicated by arrow X.

[0050] Below the intermediate transfer belt 25 are developing units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, which are respectively detachable from the image forming unit A (the main body of the device). The developing units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are arranged in this order along the circumferential movement direction of the intermediate transfer belt 25, and each has multiple developing mechanisms that form toner images using toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0051] Each developing unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K moves towards the front side relative to the image forming unit A. Figure 1 The paper is pulled out from the front side of the paper and removed from the image forming unit A. Meanwhile, each developing unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is inserted into the image forming unit A towards its inner depth relative to the image forming unit A and is thus installed thereon.

[0052] Above the intermediate transfer belt 25, toner cartridges 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K (which can be toner cartridges) are positioned above the developing units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, sandwiching the intermediate transfer belt 25. Each toner cartridge 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K contains toners in yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The toners contained in each toner cartridge 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K are supplied to each developing unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K via toner replenishment mechanisms 19Y, 19M, 19C, and 19K.

[0053] The developing units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are largely identical except that the colors of the toners supplied by the toner cartridges 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K differ from one another.

[0054] Each developing unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K has an organic photoconductor (OPC) 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K positioned below and opposite the intermediate transfer belt 25 and configured to rotate. A photosensitive layer is distributed around the entire circumference of each OPC 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and these OPCs rotate in the direction indicated by arrow Z.

[0055] Above the OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, which are opposite to the intermediate transfer belt 25, downstream of each of the OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K in their respective rotational directions, are respectively provided cleaning units 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K to sweep off residual toner from the surfaces of the OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and charging rollers 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K to uniformly apply a specified electrical potential to the photosensitive layer of the OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K.

[0056] Downstream of the charging rollers 12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K in the rotational direction toward OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, 11K, lasers LY, LM, LC, LK are irradiated from the laser scanning unit 28 located at the lower part of the image forming unit A onto the OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, 11K after they have been charged by the charging rollers 12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K.

[0057] The laser scanning unit 28 is equipped with four semiconductor laser elements 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K. Lasers LY, LM, LC, and LK emitted from each semiconductor laser element 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K are transmitted through a multifaceted mirror and a scanning lens to the photosensitive layers of each OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive layers of OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K after they have been uniformly charged by the charging rollers 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K.

[0058] In each developing unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, the exposure positions where OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are exposed by lasers LY, LM, LC, and LK are located downstream in the rotation direction, and developing magnetic rollers 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K are respectively provided. Each developing magnetic roller 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K uses a two-component developing agent containing toners of Y, M, C, and K colors and a magnetic carrier to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive layer of OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K.

[0059] Thus, the OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, 11K, charging rollers 12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K, and developing magnetic rollers 14Y, 14M, 14C, 14K in each developing unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K constitute the processing mechanism for forming toner images.

[0060] Above each developing unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K are positioned, sandwiching an intermediate transfer belt 25 and facing each of OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K respectively. Each primary transfer roller 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K is mounted in image forming unit A. Each primary transfer roller 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K, due to the application of a transfer bias voltage, forms an electric field with its counterparts, OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K.

[0061] The toner images formed on each of OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are subjected to the electric fields formed between the primary transfer rollers 27Y, 27M, 27C, and 27K and OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 25 in one step.

[0062] In the case of forming a full-color image, the image forming actions of each developing unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are timed out so that the toner images formed on each OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are transferred multiple times to the same area on the intermediate transfer belt 25.

[0063] In contrast, when forming a monochrome image, a toner image is formed on the OPC of the selected developing unit (e.g., developing unit 10K for K toner) using only one developing unit, and the formed toner image is transferred to a designated area in the intermediate transfer belt 25 using a primary transfer roller arranged opposite to the developing unit.

[0064] Among them, the cleaning blades 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K of each OPC11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, after the toner image was transferred, swept off the residual toner on the surface.

[0065] The intermediate transfer belt 25 is wound around the end of the transfer belt drive roller 23 in one direction by a circular movement of the toner image to be transferred. Figure 1 (The middle part is the right end) is transported. A secondary transfer roller 26 is arranged on the transfer belt drive roller 23 opposite to the intermediate transfer belt 25. The secondary transfer roller 26 is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 25, forming a transfer roller gap between them.

[0066] A transfer bias voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 26 to form an electric field between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 25.

[0067] The printing medium S, which is successively fed from the paper feed cassette 22 of the paper feed section B, is transported to the sheet transport path 21 through the transfer roller gap formed by the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 25. The toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 25 is subjected to the electric field formed between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 25, and is transferred a second time onto the printing medium S transported in the sheet transport path 21.

[0068] The printing medium S, after passing through the transfer roller gap, is transported to the fixing assembly 30, which is positioned above the secondary transfer roller 26. The fixing assembly 30 includes a heating element 31 and a pressure element 32 that are pressed together. The heating element can be composed of either a heating roller and a halogen lamp or a heating ceramic plate and a fixing film. The fixing roller gap is formed between the heating element 31 and the pressure element 32 by pressing them together. A heating lamp 33 is disposed at the axial center of the heating element 31, and the heating element 31 is heated by the heating lamp 33. In addition, it can also be heated by the heating ceramic plate.

[0069] In the fixing assembly 30, the unfixed toner image on the print media S is fixed by heating and pressurizing as it passes through the fixing roller gap formed by the heating member 31 and the pressurizing member 32. After the toner image is fixed, the print media S is discharged by the paper discharge roller 24 onto the paper discharge tray arranged above all the toner cartridges 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K.

[0070] The image forming unit A includes an engine control unit 41 that controls the developing units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K, the fixing unit 30, the paper feeding unit B, etc., and an MFP (multifunction printer) controller 42 that processes image data input from the operation panel 43 and image data input from external terminal devices via a network such as LAN.

[0071] To ensure that the printed color image is free of color anomalies, the image forming apparatus performs status checks on all color image forming units before color printing. For example, it checks the magenta and black image forming units of a red-black printer, and typically checks the cyan, yellow, magenta, and black image forming units of a color image forming unit. A color printing task will only be executed if all multiple image forming units are in normal condition and have not yet reached the end of their lifespan. If any image forming unit malfunctions or reaches the end of its lifespan, the printing task will be prohibited.

[0072] In some cases, users do not have high requirements for print quality and do not necessarily need to perform color printing. Monochrome printing using a single image forming unit can meet their printing needs. However, if any image forming unit malfunctions, the image forming apparatus will determine that an error has occurred, making it impossible to use a single image forming unit for monochrome printing, thus affecting the user experience.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, an imaging control method is provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The specific steps of the method include:

[0074] S201, detect whether at least one of the plurality of image forming units in the image forming apparatus is abnormal.

[0075] Specifically, the timing for triggering the detection can include when the image forming apparatus receives a print job, or whenever it is necessary to perform detection on the image forming unit. For example, detection of the image forming unit is required each time the image forming apparatus is powered on or awakened from sleep mode; detection is also required when a print job is paused or resumed. Additionally, detection is triggered when a print job is received, or when a portion of the printed pages of a multi-page print job are printed, or when the lifespan of the image forming unit ends.

[0076] When inspecting the image forming units, it is necessary to perform inspections on each image forming unit installed in the image forming apparatus. For example, when the image forming apparatus is a red-black printer, it is necessary to inspect the magenta and black image forming units separately; when the image forming apparatus is a general color image forming apparatus, it is necessary to perform status inspections on the cyan, magenta, yellow, and black image forming units separately to determine whether each image forming unit has any abnormalities and whether it can perform normal printing tasks.

[0077] Abnormalities in the image forming unit include: the installed image forming unit is incompatible with the image forming apparatus, such as mismatch in model or size, or the output voltage of the toner concentration sensor is within an abnormal range. Optionally, abnormalities in the image forming unit also include: the image forming unit being used by the image forming apparatus has reached the end of its service life, or the image forming apparatus has not installed the corresponding image forming unit. Understandably, if the image forming apparatus does not install the image forming unit correctly, it cannot be used for imaging.

[0078] The image forming unit includes an imaging component and a toner supply component (e.g., the toner cartridge mentioned above, i.e., a toner cartridge). The imaging component further includes a developing unit and an imaging unit, specifically including a developing magnetic roller and a toner concentration sensor. Figure 1 (Not shown), charging roller, OPC, etc. Specifically, the developing module includes a mixing unit for mixing the developer (e.g., a mixing screw, ...). Figure 1 (Not shown), the developer is fed to the powder feeding unit (e.g., powder feeding screw) of the developing roller. Figure 1 (Not shown), a developing unit (e.g., a developing magnetic roller) that applies developer to an image carrier (e.g., an organic photoconductor OPC) for imaging, a toner concentration sensor or toner concentration detection unit that measures toner concentration, a toner inlet or toner introduction unit that introduces new toner into the developing apparatus, and a developer or toner loading body for imaging. The imaging module includes a charging unit (e.g., a charging roller) for charging the image carrier, a cleaning unit (e.g., a cleaning roller) for cleaning the charging apparatus, a cleaning unit (e.g., a cleaning blade) for cleaning the image carrier, and a chip for storing a key or waveform.

[0079] When any one or more color toner supply components have reached the end of their lifespan or are not installed, or any one or more color imaging components have reached the end of their lifespan or are not installed, or when the output voltage of the toner concentration sensor is abnormal, the toner supply component or imaging component is considered to be abnormal, that is, the image forming unit is abnormal.

[0080] S202, when the first image forming unit is normal and at least one image forming unit in the second image unit is abnormal, monochrome printing is allowed to be performed on the received print job.

[0081] Specifically, the first image forming unit includes one or more of the following: a black image forming unit, a cyan image forming unit, a magenta image forming unit, and a yellow image forming unit; the second image forming unit is any other image forming unit besides the first image forming unit.

[0082] When the obtained print job is a monochrome print job, it is determined whether the first image forming unit includes an image forming unit that matches the color of the print job. If it does, printing is performed directly through the image forming unit in the first image forming unit.

[0083] In one specific embodiment, the first image forming unit of the image forming apparatus is a black image forming unit, and the second image forming unit is a cyan, magenta, and yellow image forming unit. When the acquired print job is a black and white print job, and it is determined that the black and white print job matches the black image forming unit in the first image forming unit, the black and white print job is directly printed through the black image forming unit.

[0084] If the first image forming unit does not include an image forming unit that matches the color of the job to be printed, then a target image forming unit needs to be determined from the first image forming unit, and monochrome printing is performed on the job to be printed through the target image forming unit.

[0085] Specifically, when determining the target image forming unit, the target image forming unit can be determined from the first image forming unit according to a preset image forming unit priority rule. For example, if the preset image forming unit priority rule is black, magenta, cyan, and yellow, then when determining the target image forming unit, the image forming units of black, magenta, cyan, and yellow are determined in that order.

[0086] Optionally, a first prompt message can be displayed on the display interface to prompt the user to select the desired color. The system receives the selection instruction from the user based on the first prompt message and identifies the image forming apparatus corresponding to the color indicated in the selection instruction as the target image forming apparatus.

[0087] In one specific embodiment, the first image forming unit consists of a black image forming unit and a red image forming unit, and the second image forming unit consists of a cyan image forming unit and a yellow image forming unit. When the obtained print job is a cyan print job, it is determined that there is no image forming unit in the first image forming unit that matches its color, and the actual matching cyan image forming unit is abnormal. Then, according to the image forming unit priority rule, the black image forming unit is determined as the target image forming unit, and monochrome printing is performed on the print job through the black image forming unit.

[0088] Optionally, when the obtained print job is a color print job, a second prompt message is displayed, such as "The image forming device is malfunctioning. Should we perform monochrome printing?", to prompt the user whether to switch to monochrome printing. When a monochrome printing instruction is received from the user based on the second prompt message, monochrome printing is performed on the print job; when a stop printing instruction is received from the user, or if no user feedback instruction is received within the specified response time, printing is stopped.

[0089] Optionally, in some embodiments, the image forming apparatus can be set to monochrome printing mode, that is, when the first image unit is working normally, at least one second image unit malfunctions, and a color printing job is received, no prompt information is displayed to the user, but monochrome printing is directly performed on the received color printing job through the first image forming unit.

[0090] Optionally, when all the image forming units installed in the image forming apparatus are functioning normally, the received print job is executed normally; however, when all four image forming units are malfunctioning, an image forming apparatus fault is reported.

[0091] This invention distinguishes the state of each of the multiple image forming units. When one or more of the multiple image forming units malfunction, other image forming units that have not malfunctioned can still be used to print the corresponding color under certain conditions, so as to avoid the situation where printing cannot be performed as long as one image forming unit malfunctions.

[0092] Corresponding to the above imaging control method, this application also provides an imaging control device. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an imaging control device provided in an embodiment of this application. The imaging control device may include: a detection module 301 and a printing module 302.

[0093] The detection module 301 detects whether at least one of the multiple image forming units in the image forming apparatus is abnormal.

[0094] The printing module 302 allows monochrome printing of the received print job when the first image forming unit is normal and at least one image forming unit in the second image forming unit is abnormal.

[0095] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of one embodiment of the electronic device described in this specification. The electronic device can be implemented as the image forming apparatus described above. Figure 4As shown, the electronic device may include at least one processor; and at least one memory communicatively connected to the processing unit, wherein the memory stores program instructions executable by the processing unit, and the processor can execute the imaging control method provided in this embodiment by calling the program instructions.

[0096] The aforementioned electronic device can be a device capable of intelligent dialogue with the user, such as a cloud server. This specification does not limit the specific form of the electronic device in the embodiments. It is understood that the electronic device here refers to the machine mentioned in the method embodiments.

[0097] Figure 4 A block diagram of an exemplary electronic device suitable for implementing embodiments of this specification is shown. Figure 4 The electronic device shown is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments described in this specification.

[0098] like Figure 4 As shown, the electronic device is represented in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of the electronic device may include, but are not limited to: one or more processors 410, communication interface 420, memory 430, and communication bus 440 connecting different system components (including memory 430, communication interface 420 and processor 410).

[0099] Communication bus 440 represents one or more of several bus architectures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a graphics acceleration port, a processor, or a local bus using any of the various bus architectures. For example, these architectures include, but are not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) buses, Micro Channel Architecture (MAC) buses, Enhanced ISA buses, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local buses, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) buses.

[0100] Electronic devices typically include a variety of computer-readable media. These media can be any available media that can be accessed by the electronic device, including volatile and non-volatile media, and removable and non-removable media.

[0101] Memory 430 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The electronic device may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. Memory 430 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions of the embodiments described herein.

[0102] A program / utility having a set (at least one) of program modules may be stored in memory 430. Such program modules include—but are not limited to—an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment. The program modules typically perform the functions and / or methods described in the embodiments of this specification.

[0103] The processor 410 executes various functional applications and data processing by running programs stored in the memory 430, such as implementing the imaging control method provided in the embodiments shown in this specification.

[0104] This specification provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores computer instructions that cause the computer to execute the imaging control method provided in the embodiments shown in this specification.

[0105] The aforementioned non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be any combination of one or more computer-readable media. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or flash memory, optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that may be used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0106] Computer-readable signal media may include data signals propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals may take various forms, including—but not limited to—electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. Computer-readable signal media may also be any computer-readable medium other than computer-readable storage media, capable of transmitting, propagating, or transmitting programs for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0107] The program code contained on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including—but not limited to—wireless, wire, optical fiber, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0108] Computer program code for performing the operations described herein can be written in one or more programming languages ​​or a combination thereof, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, as well as conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as C or similar languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN), or it can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0109] The foregoing has described specific embodiments of this specification. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims may be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and may still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are possible or may be advantageous.

[0110] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this specification, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0111] Any process or method described in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of this specification includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of this specification pertain.

[0112] Depending on the context, the word "if" as used here can be interpreted as "when," "when," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determination" or "if detection (of the stated condition or event)" can be interpreted as "when determination," "in response to determination," "when detection (of the stated condition or event)," or "in response to detection (of the stated condition or event)."

[0113] It should be noted that the terminals involved in the embodiments of this specification may include, but are not limited to, personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless handheld devices, tablet computers, mobile phones, MP3 players, MP4 players, etc.

[0114] In the embodiments provided in this specification, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0115] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this specification can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software functional units.

[0116] The integrated units implemented as software functional units described above can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These software functional units, stored in a storage medium, include several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute some steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this specification.

[0117] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this specification should be included within the scope of protection of this specification.

Claims

1. An imaging control method characterized by, The method includes: Detect whether at least one of the multiple image forming units within the image forming apparatus is abnormal; When the first image forming unit is normal and at least one image forming unit in the second image forming unit is abnormal, monochrome printing is allowed for the received print job; The first image forming unit includes at least one of a black image forming unit, a cyan image forming unit, a magenta image forming unit, and a yellow image forming unit, and the second image forming unit is another image forming unit besides the first image forming unit; The step of performing monochrome printing on the received print job includes: When the received print job is a monochrome print job, it is determined whether the first image forming unit includes an image forming unit that matches the color of the print job; When an image forming unit that matches the color of the job to be printed is included, monochrome printing is performed on the job to be printed by the image forming unit that matches the color of the job to be printed; When an image forming unit that matches the color of the job to be printed is not included, a target image forming unit is determined from the first image forming unit, and monochrome printing is performed on the job to be printed through the target image forming unit; Determining the target image forming unit from the first image forming unit includes: The target image forming unit is determined according to a preset image forming unit priority rule; or, Display a first prompt message, which prompts the user to select a target image forming unit; In response to the selection instruction issued by the user based on the first prompt information, the target image forming unit is determined according to the selection instruction; At least one image forming unit included in the second image forming unit malfunctions, including: The at least one image forming unit is mismatched with the image forming apparatus, and / or the output voltage value of the toner concentration sensor is in an abnormal range; At least one image forming unit included in the second image forming unit has reached the end of its lifespan; At least one image forming unit contained in the second image forming unit is not installed.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method for performing monochrome printing on the received print job includes: When the print job is a color job, a second prompt message is displayed, which prompts the user whether to switch to monochrome printing. In response to the user's monochrome printing instruction based on the second prompt information, monochrome printing is performed on the job to be printed.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The image forming unit includes an imaging component and a powder supply component; The imaging component includes a developing module and an imaging module.

4. An imaging control device, characterized by, The device includes: The detection module detects whether at least one of the multiple image forming units within the image forming apparatus is abnormal; The printing module allows monochrome printing of the received print job when the first image forming unit is normal and at least one image forming unit in the second image forming unit is abnormal. The first image forming unit includes at least one of a black image forming unit, a cyan image forming unit, a magenta image forming unit, and a yellow image forming unit, and the second image forming unit is another image forming unit besides the first image forming unit; The step of performing monochrome printing on the received print job includes: When the received print job is a monochrome print job, it is determined whether the first image forming unit includes an image forming unit that matches the color of the print job; When an image forming unit that matches the color of the job to be printed is included, monochrome printing is performed on the job to be printed by the image forming unit that matches the color of the job to be printed; When an image forming unit that matches the color of the job to be printed is not included, a target image forming unit is determined from the first image forming unit, and monochrome printing is performed on the job to be printed through the target image forming unit; Determining the target image forming unit from the first image forming unit includes: The target image forming unit is determined according to a preset image forming unit priority rule; or, Display a first prompt message, which prompts the user to select a target image forming unit; In response to the selection instruction issued by the user based on the first prompt information, the target image forming unit is determined according to the selection instruction; At least one image forming unit included in the second image forming unit malfunctions, including: The at least one image forming unit is mismatched with the image forming apparatus, and / or the output voltage value of the toner concentration sensor is in an abnormal range; At least one image forming unit included in the second image forming unit has reached the end of its lifespan; At least one image forming unit contained in the second image forming unit is not installed.

5. An electronic device, comprising: include: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein: The memory stores program instructions that can be executed by the processor, and the processor can invoke the program instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A storage medium, characterized by The storage medium includes a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls the device on which the storage medium is located to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images