Color correction method, image forming device, electronic device and storage medium

Abstract

The present application provides a color correction method, an image forming device, an electronic device, and a storage medium. The method includes: determining the number of pages of image forming data that has started imaging; when the number of pages of the image forming data that has started imaging is greater than or equal to a preset page threshold, executing a color correction operation. If a problem such as a paper jam occurs before a certain page starts imaging, the image forming medium that has not yet started consuming toner will not be recorded; if a problem such as a paper jam occurs after a certain page starts imaging, the image forming medium that has started consuming toner will be recorded. Therefore, the color correction method provided in the embodiment of the present application can ensure that the page number record of the color correction operation of the image forming device is more accurate and more in line with actual needs, so that the color correction operation can be executed in a timely manner, the image quality can be guaranteed, and the user experience can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of image forming technology, and in particular to a color correction method, an image forming device, an electronic device, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] An image forming device can present the image required by a user on an image forming medium. However, as the number of uses increases, the toner consumption in the image forming device gradually increases. At this time, the user performing image forming operations through the image forming device may cause the color of the image presented on the image forming medium to be too light or too dark, or the color of some color images may deviate from the color required by the user, or the position of a certain color image may deviate from the expected position of the color image.

[0003] To avoid this, a node is selected in the image formation workflow to record and update the number of pages of image formation data. This number of pages is then used to determine whether a color correction job needs to be started. In related art, this node is typically when page imaging is completed, where page imaging refers to the formation of an image on the image forming medium.

[0004] However, when using the color correction method provided in the related art, if the image forming device stops suddenly due to a paper jam or sudden power outage, the number of pages of image formation data recorded by the image forming device will be less than the actual number of pages that consumed toner, because the page imaging has not yet been completed and the relevant nodes have not yet been reached at the time of the emergency stop. Since the number of pages recorded is less than the actual number of pages that consumed toner, the timing of color correction is delayed, and the quality of the image presented on the image forming medium cannot be guaranteed, thus affecting the user experience. In addition, when the image forming device receives the color correction instruction, the image forming device must first execute the image forming jobs in the queue list that have completed image analysis. Therefore, a later color correction timing will also result in a large number of images in the queue list that have completed image analysis and are waiting for image formation jobs to be executed. Due to the delayed color correction timing, the image quality of the images in the queue list after they are presented on the image forming medium may not be guaranteed, thus affecting the user experience.

[0005] It should be pointed out that the information disclosed in the background technology section of this application is only intended to deepen the understanding of the general background technology of this application, and should not be regarded as an admission or any form of implication that the information constitutes prior art already known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present application provides a color correction method, an image forming device, an electronic device and a storage medium, so as to solve the problem in the prior art that when there is a problem with the paper pickup roller, paper pickup fails or there is a paper jam, the number of pages of image formation data recorded by the image forming device will be less than the number of pages actually consumed by toner, thereby causing the timing of color correction to be delayed, making it impossible to guarantee the quality of the image presented on the image forming medium, and affecting the user experience.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a color correction method, applied to an image forming device, the method comprising:

[0008] determining the number of pages of image forming data for which imaging has currently begun;

[0009] When the number of pages of the image forming data for which image formation has started is greater than or equal to a preset page number threshold, a color correction job is executed.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present application, the number of pages of image forming data that has currently begun imaging is first determined. When the number of pages of image forming data is greater than or equal to a preset page threshold, a color correction operation is performed. It is understood that when imaging begins, toner is immediately consumed. If a paper jam or other problem occurs before imaging of a page begins, the image forming medium that has not yet begun to consume toner will not be recorded. If a paper jam or other problem occurs after imaging of a page begins, the image forming medium that has begun to consume toner will be recorded. Therefore, the color correction method provided in an embodiment of the present application can ensure that the page number recording of the color correction operation of the image forming device is more accurate and more in line with actual needs, thereby enabling the timely execution of color correction operations, ensuring image quality, and improving user experience.

[0011] In a possible implementation, determining the number of pages of image formation data currently scanned by the laser scanning unit includes:

[0012] The determining the number of pages of image forming data currently started to be imaged comprises:

[0013] When image formation of each page starts, the value of the page number of the image formation data for which image formation has currently started is updated.

[0014] In this embodiment of the present application, at the start of each page imaging, the value indicating the number of pages of image formation data currently scanned by the laser scanning unit is updated. It can be understood that at the start of each page imaging, the laser scanning unit begins emitting a light beam, the photosensitive drum begins exposing, and toner begins adhering to the photosensitive drum, meaning that toner consumption begins at this point. Therefore, using the start of each page imaging as the recording point ensures accurate recording of toner consumption, thereby ensuring timely color correction.

[0015] In a possible implementation, when imaging of each page begins, updating the value of the page number of the image forming data that has currently started imaging includes:

[0016] If a paper jam or other problem occurs before imaging of a page of image forming medium causes the image forming apparatus to stop suddenly, the image forming medium will not consume toner, and the image forming apparatus will not update the value of the page number of the image forming data currently being imaged.

[0017] If a paper jam or other problem occurs after a page of image forming medium begins to form images, causing the image forming device to stop suddenly, the image forming medium has begun to consume toner, and the image forming device will update the value of the page number of the image forming data that has currently begun to form images.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present application, if an emergency stop problem such as a paper jam does not occur when imaging starts, the value of the page number of the image formation data that has currently started imaging will not be updated. If an emergency stop problem such as a paper jam occurs after imaging starts, the value of the page number of the image formation data that has currently started imaging will be updated. The start of imaging is used as the node to record the page number. The pages that do not consume toner will not be recorded. The pages that start to consume toner can be recorded even if a paper jam occurs later. As long as toner is consumed, it will be recorded as a criterion for whether to perform color correction. This is more in line with actual needs and the page number is recorded more accurately, so that color correction operations can be performed in a timely manner, image quality can be guaranteed, and user experience can be improved.

[0019] In a possible implementation, performing the color correction operation includes:

[0020] Before executing the color correction job, the image forming job is suspended.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present application, before the image forming device performs the color correction operation, the image forming operation is first paused, thereby ensuring that the color correction operation and the image forming operation are not performed at the same time, ensuring the quality of the color correction operation and the image forming operation performed by the image forming device, and avoiding information confusion.

[0022] In a possible implementation, before performing the color correction operation, the method further includes:

[0023] An image analysis job is suspended, wherein the image analysis job is used to analyze an image, and the analyzed image is used to sequentially perform an image forming job.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present application, the image forming device suspends the image analysis operation before executing the color correction operation, thereby controlling the number of images in the queue waiting for the image formation operation. It is understood that the image forming device must complete all image formation jobs in the queue before executing the color correction operation. In this embodiment of the present application, timely suspending the image analysis operation can reduce the number of images in the queue, thereby ensuring that the color correction operation can be completed in a timely manner and maintaining the image quality on the image forming medium.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0026] The value of the page number of the image forming data currently having started imaging is updated only when the number of pixels of the image of each page exceeds a set pixel threshold and imaging starts.

[0027] In the embodiment of the present application, the page number is updated only when the number of pixels in the image exceeds the set pixel threshold and the tod on signal is sent. This can ensure to a certain extent that the page number will be recorded only when the powder consumption for each image formation reaches a certain level, thereby avoiding the premature start of color correction, reducing resource waste, and meeting user expectations.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0029] The color correction operation is suspended according to an abnormal signal of the image forming device, wherein the abnormal signal of the image forming device is used to indicate abnormality of the image forming device.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present application, when an image forming device experiences an abnormality, the image forming device generates an image forming device abnormality signal, which affects the color correction operation and causes the image forming device to suspend the color correction operation. The method provided in an embodiment of the present application allows for rapid suspension of the color correction operation when an image forming device experiences an abnormality.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the image forming device abnormality signal includes: a waste powder bottle abnormality signal, wherein the waste powder bottle abnormality signal is used to indicate an abnormality of the waste powder bottle, and the waste powder bottle is used to collect waste powder generated by the image forming device when performing image forming operations and / or color correction operations.

[0032] In this embodiment of the present application, when a waste toner bottle malfunctions, the image forming apparatus immediately pauses the color correction process, thereby avoiding the generation of further waste toner. Since color correction processes generate a significant amount of waste toner, the method provided in this embodiment of the application can significantly reduce the risk of a waste toner bottle bursting.

[0033] In a possible implementation, pausing the color correction operation includes:

[0034] The color correction operation is suspended and an alarm signal is output, wherein the alarm signal is used to indicate that the color correction operation is abnormal. The alarm signal can prompt the user that there is an abnormality in the waste powder bottle so that the user can deal with the abnormality in time.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the image forming apparatus includes a data end and an engine end, and when the number of pages of the image forming data that has started to be imaged is greater than or equal to a preset page number threshold, performing a color correction operation includes:

[0036] When the number of pages of the image forming data that has started to be imaged is greater than or equal to a preset page number threshold, the engine end sends a color correction request to the data end;

[0037] The data end sends a color correction instruction to the engine end according to the color correction request;

[0038] The engine side performs a color correction operation according to the color correction instruction.

[0039] In the embodiment of the present application, the image forming device includes a data terminal and an engine terminal, and the color correction operation is performed by cooperating between the data terminal and the engine terminal in the image forming device. It can be understood that the data terminal of the image forming device is used to control the operation of the engine terminal.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0041] The engine end sends a color correction abnormality signal to the data end according to the image forming device abnormality signal, wherein the image forming device abnormality signal is used to indicate that the image forming device is abnormal, and the color correction abnormality signal is used to indicate that the color correction operation cannot be performed normally;

[0042] The data end sends a color correction pause instruction to the engine end according to the color correction abnormality signal;

[0043] The engine side suspends the color correction operation according to the color correction suspension instruction.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present application, when an image forming device experiences an abnormality, color correction cannot be performed normally. The engine sends a color correction abnormality signal to the data terminal. Upon receiving the color correction abnormality signal, the data terminal sends a color correction pause instruction to the engine terminal. The engine terminal then pauses the color correction operation according to the color correction pause instruction. It can be understood that through information exchange between the engine and data terminals, the operating status of the image forming device can be kept consistent, ensuring information synchronization. A user can quickly view the current operating status of the engine terminal through the data terminal.

[0045] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an image forming device, comprising:

[0046] a determination module, configured to determine the number of pages of image formation data currently having started imaging;

[0047] The control module is configured to execute a color correction operation when the number of pages of the image forming data that has started to be imaged is greater than or equal to a preset page number threshold. In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, comprising:

[0048] processor;

[0049] Memory;

[0050] and a computer program, wherein the computer program is stored in the memory, and the computer program includes instructions, which, when executed by the processor, enable the electronic device to perform any one of the methods described in the first aspect.

[0051] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium includes a stored program, wherein when the program is running, the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located is controlled to execute any one of the methods described in the first aspect.

[0052] It is understood that the image forming apparatus provided in the second aspect, the electronic device provided in the third aspect, and the computer-readable storage medium provided in the fourth aspect are all used to perform the methods provided in this application. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referenced to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an application scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a queue list of printers in a related art provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a color correction method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a printer queue list provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method for performing color correction on an image forming device is also provided in an embodiment of the application;

[0059] Figure 6 A schematic flow chart of a method for handling an abnormality of a waste powder bottle provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of an image forming device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] In order to better understand the technical solution of the present application, the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] It should be clear that the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0064] The terms used in the embodiments of the present application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular forms "a", "an", "the" and "the" used in the embodiments of the present application and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0065] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein simply describes a relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B together, or B alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects.

[0066] To facilitate understanding, a specific application scenario is first exemplified below.

[0067] See also Figure 1 , which is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. An image forming device is used to perform image forming tasks, such as generating, printing, receiving, and sending image data. Examples of image forming devices include printers, scanners, copiers, fax machines, and multi-function peripherals (MFPs) that perform the above functions in a single device.

[0068] As an example of an image forming device 100, the image forming device 100 includes photosensitive drums 101Y-K (i.e., 101Y, 101M, 101C and 101K), charging rollers 102Y-K (i.e., 102Y, 102M, 102C and 102K), developing rollers 103Y-K (i.e., 103Y, 103M, 103C and 103K), powder hoppers 104Y-K (i.e., 104Y, 104M, 104C and 104K), a transfer belt 105, a secondary transfer roller 106, a laser scanning unit (LSU, Laser Scanning Unit) 107, a heat roller 108, a pressure roller 109, a discharge roller 110 and a discharge paper box 111, etc. Generally speaking, the processing box YK includes a photosensitive drum 101Y-K, a charging roller 102Y-K, a developing roller 103Y-K and a powder bin 104Y-K for containing toner.

[0069] The LSU 107 is a single unit, comprising four optical paths. The LSU 107 is charged by the output voltage generated by a high-voltage board (not shown). Four charging rollers 102Y-K are used to charge the surfaces of the four photosensitive drums 101Y-K, respectively. The four optical paths of the LSU 107 emit laser beams, each forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of each photosensitive drum 101Y-K. Four developing rollers 103Y-K are used to develop a color toner image on each photosensitive drum 101Y-K. The image forming apparatus 100 utilizes a secondary transfer method, whereby the four photosensitive drums 101Y-K sequentially transfer the toner images to the transfer belt 105. The color toner images formed on the transfer belt 105 are then transferred to paper via the secondary transfer roller 106. Secondary transfer roller 106 conveys the imaged paper to the nip between heat roller 108 and pressure roller 109. Heat roller 108 and pressure roller 109 are used to fix the toner image on the paper. Heat roller 108 can use ceramic heating. Heat roller 108 and pressure roller 109 convey the fixed paper to discharge roller 110. Discharge roller 110 discharges the paper into discharge tray 111 and stacks it. This completes the image formation process.

[0070] It should be understood that the image forming apparatus 100 described above is merely an example, and the component configuration and arrangement of the image forming apparatus 100 may be adjusted based on actual circumstances without affecting the improved concept of the present invention. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may further include a photosensitive drum phase drive sensor, a motor, a discharge lamp, and a discharge needle.

[0071] In related art, the number of pages of image data formed is recorded when page imaging is completed. Specifically, the toner colors of a color printer include yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the embodiment of the present application, the photosensitive drums are exposed in the following order: the photosensitive drum corresponding to the Y toner (hereinafter referred to as the Y photosensitive drum), the photosensitive drum corresponding to the M toner (hereinafter referred to as the M photosensitive drum), the photosensitive drum corresponding to the C toner (hereinafter referred to as the C photosensitive drum), and the photosensitive drum corresponding to the K toner (hereinafter referred to as the K photosensitive drum). When the exposure of the K photosensitive drum is completed, a page imaging end signal (tod down) is generated. The tod down signal is the vertical synchronization signal (VSYNC). The VSYNC signal is an important concept in computer graphics and display technology. It is a synchronization pulse signal issued by a display device (such as a monitor or TV) after completing the refresh of a frame of animation. This signal indicates that the display device has completed all line scans of the current frame and is ready to begin displaying the next frame. Therefore, the tod down signal in the embodiment of the present application is a synchronous pulse signal sent by the image forming device when the refresh of the last frame is completed. In addition, the tod-on signal mentioned below is a synchronization pulse signal emitted by the image forming device when the refresh of the first frame is completed. For color images, the tod-on signal is a synchronization pulse signal emitted when the Y photosensitive drum starts to be exposed. If the M photosensitive drum starts to be exposed first in some printer models, then the tod-on signal is a synchronization pulse signal emitted when the M photosensitive drum starts to be exposed. If the C photosensitive drum starts to be exposed first in some printer models, then the tod-on signal is a synchronization pulse signal emitted when the C photosensitive drum starts to be exposed. If the K photosensitive drum starts to be exposed first in some printer models, then the tod-on signal is a synchronization pulse signal emitted when the K photosensitive drum starts to be exposed. This application does not limit the color of the photosensitive drum that the image forming device starts to expose first; for black and white images, the tod-on signal is a synchronization pulse signal emitted when the K photosensitive drum starts to be exposed. That is, the timing when the tod-on signal is emitted is the timing when the imaging of each page starts. After the tod-on signal is emitted, the photosensitive drum starts to be exposed, and the subsequent printing work starts. It will not be repeated below.

[0072] Obviously, when adopting this color correction method, that is, using the tod down signal as the node to record the number of pages of image formation data, when a paper jam occurs during the imaging of a certain page or a sudden power outage causes the image forming device to stop suddenly, the number of pages of image formation data recorded by the image forming device will be less than the number of pages actually consumed by toner, thereby causing the timing of color correction to be delayed, making it impossible to guarantee the quality of the image presented on the image forming medium, affecting the user experience.

[0073] The following uses printing an image on paper as an example to illustrate this scenario. Suppose color correction is set to begin when page 100 is printed (i.e., the page threshold is set to 100). However, during printing of page 100, an emergency occurs, such as a paper jam or power outage. Due to this emergency, the tod-down signal for page 100 cannot be issued. If a page count is performed at this point, the result is 99 pages. Because 99 is less than 100, color correction is not triggered. However, toner has actually been consumed by page 100. In other words, the printer records fewer pages at this point, but the actual toner consumption is higher. If the emergency is resolved, the printer continues printing. After page 101 is printed, the tod-down signal for page 100 is issued. In other words, when the printer issues the tod-down signal for page 100, the actual number of pages consumed is 101, so the actual toner consumption is greater than the toner consumption corresponding to the page count recorded by the printer. In this case, since the color calibration is performed late, the quality of the image on the 101st page printed by the printer cannot be guaranteed, which affects the user experience.

[0074] Similarly, assuming that the original setting is to start color correction when the 200th page of paper is printed, but due to an unexpected situation in the middle, the printing of pages 40, 50 and 90 is interrupted, then the tod down signals of these three pages cannot be sent normally. When the printer sends the tod down signal for page 200, the printer has actually printed 203 pages, that is, the amount of toner corresponding to 203 pages of paper has been consumed. The actual amount of toner consumed is greater than the amount of toner corresponding to the number of paper pages recorded by the printer with the tod down signal as the node, that is, the actual amount of toner consumed is large. In this case, the image quality of pages 201, 202 and 203 printed by the printer cannot be guaranteed (image quality deviation and unstable toner concentration may occur), affecting the user experience. Of course, this is only an exemplary description and should not be used as a limitation to the scope of protection of this application.

[0075] In actual applications, when the user inputs more than one page of images to be printed, while the image forming device is performing the image forming job on the first page, any remaining images whose image data has already been parsed are sequentially placed in a queue waiting for the image forming job to be executed. The image forming device pauses the image forming job before starting the color correction job. However, if there are images in the queue that have already completed image parsing and are waiting for the image forming job to be executed, the image forming device will first complete the image forming job in the queue before performing the color correction job.

[0076] If the color correction method used in related technologies is used, the color correction timing will be delayed, resulting in a large number of images in the queue waiting for image formation. At this time, the toner may have already been rendered to the image forming medium. Therefore, the image quality of the images in the queue when rendered to the image forming medium may not be guaranteed, thus affecting the user experience. The following describes this situation in detail using the example of printing images on paper.

[0077] See also Figure 2 , is a schematic diagram of a queue list of a printer in a related art provided by an embodiment of the present application. Assume that the color correction job is performed after the 100th page is printed. Because the node for recording the number of paper pages in the color correction page number record of the related art is the tod down signal issued when each page is printed, in the related art, such as Figure 2 As shown, when imaging of page 100 (image 1) begins, page 101 (image 2) enters the queue. When imaging of page 100 (image 1) completes, the printer receives a color correction command, and at this point, page 102 (image 3) has already entered the queue. Therefore, between the start of page 100 and the issuance of the color correction command, two images (images 2 and 3) are already in the queue, waiting to be printed. After the tod down signal for page 100 is issued, the printer must complete the parsed jobs in the print queue before performing color correction. This means that before color correction can begin, the printer must first print images 2 and 3 in the queue. This means that color correction should have been initiated after page 100 to ensure that subsequent prints will not exhibit artifacts. However, this delay in color correction prevents the quality of the images rendered on paper for these two pages (potentially resulting in image quality deviations and unstable toner density), impacting the user experience. Of course, this is only an exemplary description and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0078] To address the above-mentioned issues, embodiments of the present application provide a color correction method that records the page number of image forming data at the start of each page imaging. Then, when the page number of image forming data is greater than or equal to a preset page number threshold, a color correction operation is performed. It is understood that as soon as imaging begins, when the laser scanning device begins emitting a light beam, toner is consumed. Using the time at which each page imaging begins as a node in the present application to record the page number, if a problem such as a paper jam occurs before each page imaging begins, toner consumption has not yet begun, and the image forming medium will not be recorded. If a problem such as a paper jam occurs after each page imaging begins, toner consumption has occurred during the imaging operation, and the image forming medium will be recorded. Using the time at which each page imaging begins as a node in the present application to record the page number is more in line with practical needs. That is, image forming media that have consumed toner will be recorded, while image forming media that have not consumed toner will not be recorded. Therefore, the color correction method provided in embodiments of the present application can ensure more accurate page number recording for color calibration operations of an image forming device, thereby enabling timely execution of color correction operations, ensuring image quality, and improving user experience. Specifically, a detailed description is given below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0079] See also Figure 3 , is a flow chart of a color correction method provided in an embodiment of the present application. This method can be applied to Figure 1 The application scenario shown in Figure 2 is as follows. Figure 3 As shown, it mainly includes the following steps.

[0080] Step S301: Determine the number of pages of image formation data for which image formation has currently started.

[0081] Specifically, by Figure 1 As can be seen from the illustrated application scenario, the number of pages of image forming data currently undergoing imaging corresponds to the number of pages of image forming media that have begun to consume toner. By determining whether the number of pages of image forming data currently undergoing imaging has reached a preset page threshold, the image forming device can determine whether a preset point requiring color correction has been reached, thereby determining whether a color correction task needs to be performed.

[0082] In one possible implementation, at the start of each page imaging (i.e., when the tod on signal is emitted), the page number of the image forming data is recorded. Specifically, the value of the page number of the image forming data currently being imaged is updated. For example, before the 50th page is imaged, the page number of the image forming data currently being imaged is recorded as 49. When the 50th page is imaged, the page number is updated to 50. Similarly, before the 100th page is imaged, the page number of the image forming data currently being imaged is recorded as 99. When the 100th page is imaged, the page number is updated to 100. It is understood that when each page is imaged, subsequent toner is immediately attached to the photosensitive drum, meaning that toner consumption begins. Therefore, recording the page number of the image forming data at the start of each page imaging can ensure the accuracy of toner consumption records, thereby ensuring timely execution of color correction tasks.

[0083] In one possible implementation, an image forming device includes a data terminal and an engine terminal. When the number of pages of image forming data currently being imaged is greater than or equal to a preset page threshold, the engine terminal sends a color correction request to the data terminal; the data terminal sends a color correction instruction to the engine terminal based on the color correction request; and the engine terminal performs a color correction operation based on the color correction instruction. In an embodiment of the present application, the engine terminal is used to perform a color correction operation or an image forming operation, and the data terminal is used to control the operation of the engine terminal. Through the method provided in the present application, the data terminal and the engine terminal in the image forming device cooperate with each other to perform the color correction operation, thereby ensuring that the working state of the image forming device proceeds in an orderly manner.

[0084] Step S302 : When the number of pages of image forming data that has started to be imaged is greater than or equal to a preset page number threshold, a color correction job is performed.

[0085] Specifically, a page number threshold is set for the image forming device in advance, and when the number of pages of the image forming data that has started imaging is greater than or equal to the page number threshold, the color correction operation is performed. In one possible implementation, the page number threshold can be 50 pages (frequent frequency) or 100 pages (normal frequency); or in a possible implementation, the page number threshold is 500 pages (frequent frequency) or 1000 pages (normal frequency). It can be understood that frequent frequency means that the frequency of color correction is relatively frequent, and normal frequency means that the frequency of color correction is normal. Of course, this is just an exemplary description and should not be used as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. By setting the page number threshold in advance, and then based on the number of pages of the image forming data that has started imaging recorded by the image forming device, the timing of color correction can be determined more scientifically, so that color correction can be started at the right time, and color correction will not be started until the image has a more serious adverse effect, thereby ensuring the effect of the image and the user's experience.

[0086] In one possible implementation, before the image forming device executes a color correction task, the image parsing task is suspended. This image parsing task is used to parse images, and the parsed images are then used to sequentially execute image forming tasks. It is understood that the parsed images are the images in the queue. Pausing the image parsing task before the image forming device executes a color correction task can effectively reduce the number of images in the queue, thereby ensuring timely execution of the color correction task.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the image forming device suspends the image forming operation before executing the color correction operation. It can be understood that the method provided by the embodiment of the present application can ensure the quality of the color correction and image forming operations performed by the image forming device and avoid information confusion.

[0088] In summary, when each page starts to be imaged, toner is consumed. If a paper jam or other problem occurs before each page starts to be imaged, the image forming medium has not yet started to consume toner, so the image forming medium that has not yet consumed toner is not expected to be recorded. If a paper jam or other problem occurs after each page starts to be imaged, the image forming medium has consumed toner, so the image forming medium is expected to be recorded. This application uses the time when each page starts to be imaged as a node to determine the number of pages of image forming data that have started to be imaged, thereby determining the timing of starting color correction. This can obtain a more accurate timing when color correction should be triggered, avoiding poor image effects caused by untimely color correction, and improving the user experience.

[0089] The above situation is described in detail below using printing an image on paper as an example. Suppose the printer is set to perform color correction when printing 200 pages of images. Since the present application sends a color correction request based on the number of pages of image formation data that has started imaging, it can be understood that when the printer prints to page 200, as long as page 200 starts imaging, that is, the tod on signal of page 200 is issued, the page number will be updated to 200 pages, and the printer will send a color correction request. Even if an emergency such as a paper jam or a sudden power outage occurs during the printing of page 200, since page 200 has been recorded when imaging started, the emergency will not affect the page count, so that the timing of color correction is the same as the expected timing.

[0090] In this embodiment of the present application, a tod on signal is also issued when imaging of each page begins, indicating the start of image formation for that page of image formation data. The image forming device issues the tod on signal at the start of imaging of each page. In other words, in this embodiment of the present application, the number of pages of image formation data is determined when the tod on signal is issued.

[0091] Regarding the above example, even if an emergency such as a paper jam or a sudden power outage occurs when printing the 200th page, since the tod on signal for page 200 has already been issued, the emergency will not affect the page count, so that the timing of color correction is the same as the expected timing.

[0092] In a possible implementation, the page number update in this application is not only conditional on the issuance of the tod on signal. In actual operation, some image formation jobs consume very little toner. Exemplarily, some images may be blank pages and do not require any toner consumption at all, or the image area of the colored pixel points in some images is very small, so the toner consumption is also very little. If the page number value is updated every time the tod on signal is issued during image formation, the page numbers of these images with very little toner consumption will be recorded, which will actually cause the color correction timing to be advanced. That is, the toner currently consumed is not much and color correction is not actually required yet, but since the recorded page number has reached the threshold, color correction is performed. The color correction timing is advanced unnecessarily, resulting in unnecessary resource waste, which is also not desired by users. Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, during each page of the image formation job, the page number is updated only when the number of pixel points in the image exceeds the set pixel threshold and the tod on signal is issued. For example: In a certain image formation, the set pixel threshold is B. After analyzing and distributing the image data, it can be known that the number of pixel points in this image is A, and A > B. Since the number of pixel points in the image is greater than or equal to the set pixel threshold, the page number will be updated when the tod on signal is issued during this image formation. Similarly, in another image formation, after analyzing and distributing the image data, it can be known that the number of pixel points in this image is C, and C < B. Since the number of pixel points in the image does not exceed the set pixel threshold, the page number will not be updated when the tod on signal is issued during this image formation. It can be understood that the toner consumption of the image is positively correlated with the number of pixel points. In this application, the page number is updated only when the number of pixel points in the image exceeds the set pixel threshold and the tod on signal is issued (i.e., imaging starts), which can ensure to a certain extent that the page number is recorded only when the toner consumption of each image formation reaches a certain level, avoiding premature start of color correction and reducing resource waste, meeting the expectations of users.

[0093] When the image forming apparatus performs a color correction job, the image formation job will be paused. However, if there are images waiting to execute the image formation job in the queue list, the image forming apparatus will first finish executing the image formation jobs in the queue list and then perform the color correction job. Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, when the tod on signal is issued, the page number of the image formation data is updated. If the updated recorded page number reaches the page number threshold, the color correction job will be executed. Compared with recording the page number at the tod down node, the trigger timing of the color correction job is advanced when recording the page number at the tod on node, which can make the images waiting to execute the image formation job in the queue list relatively fewer.

[0094] The above situation will be described in detail below by taking the example of printing an image on paper. Refer to Figure 4 , is a schematic diagram of a queue list of a printer provided in an embodiment of the present application. Assume that it is set to record the number of pages when image 1 starts imaging (tod on signal is sent). If the number of pages reaches the set page threshold, the color correction job is executed. When image 1 starts imaging, only image 2 in the queue list has completed image analysis. If a color correction job is executed at this time, the printer will suspend the printing job and also suspend the image analysis job. That is to say, at this time, there is only image 2 in the queue list, and the color correction job can be started after image 2 is printed. It can be understood that, compared with the color correction method in the related art, the color correction method provided in the embodiment of the present application can ensure that the image forming device suspends the image analysis job earlier, so that the number of analyzed jobs queued in the print queue is not as many as in the related art. In fact, the timing of the color correction job is advanced, the quality of the images queued in the print queue is guaranteed, and the user experience is improved. Of course, this is only an exemplary description and should not be used as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0095] Corresponding to the above embodiment, the embodiment of the present application also provides a flow chart of a method for an image forming device to perform color correction, taking printing as an example.

[0096] See also Figure 5 , is a flowchart of a method for performing color correction on an image forming device provided in an embodiment of the application. Figure 5 As shown, it mainly includes the following steps.

[0097] Step S501: The printing job starts.

[0098] Step S502: start imaging (tod on).

[0099] Step S503: Page count.

[0100] Specifically, the number of pages of image formation data for which image formation has started is determined.

[0101] Step S504: Determine whether the current page number is greater than or equal to a preset page number threshold. If so, execute step S506; otherwise, continue imaging.

[0102] Step S505: Reporting a color correction request.

[0103] Step S506: Determine whether an abnormality such as a paper jam occurs. If so, execute step S508; otherwise, execute step S509.

[0104] Step S507: The printer stops printing.

[0105] Step S508: Imaging ends.

[0106] Step S509: Turn off the photosensitive drum exposure (tod down).

[0107] Step S510: Determine whether the current page is the last page, if so, execute step S512, if not, execute step S502.

[0108] Step S511: Paper is ejected.

[0109] Step S512: The printing job ends.

[0110] For details of the embodiments of this application, please refer to the above Figure 3 and Figure 4 For the sake of brevity, the description in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0111] In actual applications, when an image forming apparatus is performing an image forming job, some abnormal situations may occur, and the image forming apparatus needs to respond to the abnormal situation.

[0112] In the embodiment of the present application, if an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus suspends the color correction operation according to an abnormality signal of the image forming apparatus.

[0113] It is understandable that when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, the color correction operation will be affected and cannot be performed normally. At this time, the image forming apparatus promptly suspends the color correction operation to avoid other uncontrollable situations.

[0114] In one possible implementation, an image forming device includes a data terminal and an engine terminal. When an image forming device abnormality occurs, the engine terminal transmits a color correction abnormality signal to the data terminal based on an image forming device abnormality signal. The data terminal transmits a color correction pause instruction to the engine terminal based on the color correction abnormality signal. The engine terminal pauses the color correction operation based on the color correction pause instruction. The image forming device abnormality signal indicates an image forming device abnormality, and the color correction abnormality signal indicates that the color correction operation cannot proceed normally.

[0115] It can be understood that, through the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, information interaction between the data end and the engine end can synchronize the internal information of the image forming device to avoid information confusion.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the printer abnormality is an abnormality in the waste toner bottle. The waste toner bottle is used to collect waste toner generated by the image forming device during image forming and / or color correction operations. Waste toner bottle abnormalities include being full, not installed, or being manually removed. When a waste toner bottle abnormality occurs, the user must perform specific actions. Otherwise, there is a risk of the waste toner bottle bursting (overflowing when full or clogging the waste toner opening, causing damage to the mechanical structure) or waste toner spilling outside the machine. In this case, the air or the area near the waste toner bottle will be filled with waste toner during use, potentially causing property damage or personal injury.

[0117] In the prior art, when a waste toner bottle anomaly occurs, regardless of whether the image forming device is currently performing an image forming task or a color correction task, the current task is completed before the anomaly is handled. This method increases the risk of the waste toner bottle exploding, as waste toner is generated during image forming and color correction tasks.

[0118] In response to the above problem, in an embodiment of the present application, when the waste powder bottle is abnormal, the image forming device enters an abnormal mode and immediately suspends the color correction operation. The color correction operation will not be executed until the waste powder bottle is normal. When the waste powder bottle is abnormal, the image forming operation of the current page will be completed and the image forming operation will not be executed.

[0119] It is understandable that since the color correction job generates more waste toner, suspending the color correction job in time can avoid the warehouse overflow to the greatest extent, thereby ensuring the safety of the image forming device. Since the waste toner generated by the printing job is not as much as the color correction job, this application chooses to complete printing the current page of the printing job when an abnormality occurs in the waste toner warehouse.

[0120] In a possible implementation, when the color correction job is suspended, the image forming apparatus records the abnormality of the current color correction job, and re-executes the color correction job when the image forming apparatus recovers from the abnormality.

[0121] It is understandable that when the image forming device returns to normal, there is no need for the data end to send color correction instructions. The engine end of the image forming device automatically continues to perform the color correction operation, which can ensure that the color correction operation is performed in a timely manner, thereby ensuring the image quality.

[0122] In one possible implementation, the image forming apparatus pauses the color correction operation and simultaneously outputs an alarm signal indicating an abnormality in the color correction operation. It is understood that the alarm signal can alert a user to an abnormality in the waste toner bottle, allowing the user to promptly address the abnormality.

[0123] Corresponding to the above embodiment, the embodiment of the present application takes printing as an example and provides a flow chart of a method for handling waste powder bottle abnormalities.

[0124] See also Figure 6 , is a flow chart of a method for handling waste powder bottle abnormalities provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, it mainly includes the following steps.

[0125] Step S601: Printing starts.

[0126] Step S602: Detect the job type.

[0127] Specifically, the engine side detects the type of job sent by the data side. If it is a color correction (hereinafter referred to as color correction) job, step S603 is executed; if it is a print job, step S610 is executed.

[0128] Step S603: Receive a color calibration instruction.

[0129] Step S604: Execute color calibration function.

[0130] Step S605: The waste toner bottle starts collecting waste toner.

[0131] Step S606: Determine whether there is an abnormality in the waste toner bottle. If so, execute step S608; if not, execute step S607.

[0132] Step S607: Determine whether color calibration is completed. If so, execute step S609; if not, execute step S603.

[0133] Step S608: The waste toner bottle stops collecting waste toner.

[0134] Step S609: The printer stops.

[0135] Step S610: Receive a print job instruction.

[0136] Step S611: Execute the printing function.

[0137] Step S612: The waste toner bottle starts collecting waste toner.

[0138] Step S613: Determine whether there is an abnormality in the waste toner bottle. If so, execute step S615; if not, execute step S614.

[0139] Step S614: Determine whether printing is completed. If so, execute step S619; if not, execute step S610.

[0140] Step S615: Continue printing the currently executed page.

[0141] Step S616: Continue to collect waste toner of the current page.

[0142] Step S617: Paper is ejected.

[0143] Step S618: The waste toner bottle stops collecting waste toner.

[0144] Step S619: The printer stops.

[0145] Some of the specific contents involved in the embodiments of this application can be found in the above Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 For the sake of brevity, the description in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0146] It can be understood that the waste powder bottle abnormality handling method provided in the embodiment of the present application can largely avoid the situation of explosion or large amounts of toner spilling onto the external machine, and the system has high stability, and the color correction operation and image forming operation are clearly classified and not prone to errors. The image forming device records color correction abnormalities and automatically executes color correction operations, which can avoid missing color correction operations and ensure image quality.

[0147] In a specific implementation, an embodiment of the present application also provides an image forming device.

[0148] See also Figure 7 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, the image forming device 700 includes: a determination module 701 for determining the number of pages of image forming data that has started to be imaged; and a control module 702 for performing a color correction operation when the number of pages of the image forming data that has started to be imaged is greater than or equal to a preset page number threshold.

[0149] See also Figure 8 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Electronic device 800 includes: a processor 801, a memory 802, and a communication unit 803. These components communicate via one or more buses. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the structure of the electronic device shown in the figure does not limit the embodiments of the present invention. It can be a bus structure or a star structure, and can include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0150] The communication unit 803 is configured to establish a communication channel so that the electronic device can communicate with other devices and receive user data sent by other devices or send user data to other devices.

[0151] The processor 801 is the control center of the electronic device. It uses various interfaces and lines to connect the various parts of the entire electronic device. It runs or executes software programs, instructions, and / or modules stored in the memory 802, and calls data stored in the memory to perform various functions of the electronic device and / or process data. The processor can be composed of an integrated circuit (IC), for example, it can be composed of a single packaged IC, or it can be composed of multiple packaged ICs with the same or different functions. For example, the processor 801 can only include a central processing unit (CPU). In an embodiment of the present invention, the CPU can be a single computing core or multiple computing cores.

[0152] The memory 802 is used to store the execution instructions of the processor 801. The memory 802 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic disk or optical disk.

[0153] When the execution instructions in the memory 802 are executed by the processor 801, the electronic device 800 can execute Figure 1 Some or all of the steps in the illustrated embodiments.

[0154] In a specific implementation, the present application further provides a computer storage medium, wherein the computer storage medium may store a program, and when the program is executed, the program may include some or all of the steps of each embodiment of the simulation scene generation method provided by the present invention. The storage medium may be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), or a random access memory (RAM).

[0155] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone. Among them, A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated 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 be represented by: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0156] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using a combination of electronic hardware, computer software, and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0157] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0158] In the several embodiments provided in this application, if any function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or the part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disk or optical disk, and other media that can store program code.

[0159] In this specification, reference can be made to the same or similar parts between the various embodiments. In particular, for the device embodiment and the terminal embodiment, since they are basically similar to the method embodiment, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description in the method embodiment.

Claims

1. A color correction method, characterized in that: Applied to an image forming device, the method includes: determining the number of pages of image forming data for which imaging has currently begun; When the number of pages of the image forming data that has started to be imaged is greater than or equal to a preset page number threshold, performing a color correction job; The determining the number of pages of image forming data currently started to be imaged comprises: When each page starts to be imaged, the value of the page number of the image forming data currently started to be imaged is updated; When imaging of each page begins, updating the value of the page number of the image forming data currently having started imaging comprises: If a problem that causes the image forming device to stop suddenly occurs before imaging of a page of image forming medium begins, toner will not be consumed, and the image forming device will not update the value of the page number of the image forming data currently starting imaging; If a problem occurs that causes the image forming apparatus to stop suddenly after imaging of a certain page of image forming medium begins, toner consumption has begun, and the image forming apparatus will update the value of the number of pages of image forming data currently having image formation started.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The color correction operation is performed, including: Before executing the color correction job, the image forming job is suspended.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Before performing the color correction operation, the method further includes: An image analysis job is suspended, wherein the image analysis job is used to analyze an image, and the analyzed image is used to sequentially perform an image forming job.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein When imaging of each page begins, updating the value of the page number of the image forming data currently having started imaging comprises: The value of the page number of the image forming data currently having started imaging is updated only when the number of pixels of the image of each page exceeds a set pixel threshold and imaging starts.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further comprises: The color correction operation is suspended according to an abnormal signal of the image forming device, wherein the abnormal signal of the image forming device is used to indicate abnormality of the image forming device.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The image forming device abnormality signal includes a waste powder bottle abnormality signal, wherein the waste powder bottle abnormality signal is used to indicate that the waste powder bottle is abnormal. The waste powder bottle is used to collect waste powder generated by the image forming device when performing image forming operations and / or color correction operations.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The suspending the color correction operation includes: The color correction operation is suspended and an alarm signal is output, wherein the alarm signal is used to indicate that the color correction operation is abnormal.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The image forming device includes a data end and an engine end, and when the number of pages of the image forming data that has started to be imaged is greater than or equal to a preset page number threshold, performing a color correction operation includes: When the number of pages of the image forming data that has started to be imaged is greater than or equal to a preset page number threshold, the engine end sends a color correction request to the data end; The data end sends a color correction instruction to the engine end according to the color correction request; The engine side performs a color correction operation according to the color correction instruction.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: The engine end sends a color correction abnormality signal to the data end according to the image forming device abnormality signal, wherein the image forming device abnormality signal is used to indicate that the image forming device is abnormal, and the color correction abnormality signal is used to indicate that the color correction operation cannot be performed normally; The data end sends a color correction pause instruction to the engine end according to the color correction abnormality signal; The engine side suspends the color correction operation according to the color correction suspension instruction.

10. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that: include: a determination module, configured to determine the number of pages of image formation data currently having started imaging; A control module, configured to execute a color correction operation when the number of pages of the image forming data that has started to be imaged is greater than or equal to a preset page number threshold; The determining module is specifically configured to update the value of the page number of the image forming data that has currently started imaging when imaging of each page begins; More specifically, the determining module is configured to, if a problem that causes the image forming apparatus to stop suddenly occurs before imaging of a page of image forming medium begins, not consume toner, and the image forming apparatus will not update the value of the number of pages of image forming data currently having started imaging; If a problem occurs that causes the image forming apparatus to stop suddenly after imaging of a certain page of image forming medium begins, toner consumption has begun, and the image forming apparatus will update the value of the number of pages of image forming data currently having image formation started.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: processor; Memory; and a computer program, wherein the computer program is stored in the memory, and the computer program includes instructions, which, when executed by the processor, enable the electronic device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium includes a stored program, wherein when the program is executed, the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located is controlled to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images