Image forming apparatus and method, processing system, and computer readable medium

Abstract

The invention discloses an image forming apparatus and method, a processing system, and a computer readable medium, the image forming apparatus includes: an image forming section that transfers a toner image formed on an image holding body by an electrophotographic method onto a recording medium; the image forming apparatus includes an image forming section configured to form a toner image, and one or a plurality of processors configured to control an operation of the image forming section, the processors configured to execute an operation of forming the toner image by performing charging and exposure in a case where the image forming section is caused to execute a plurality of operations having different conditions related to charging and exposure, the plurality of operations at least include: an operation of forming a toner image by charging and exposing the image holder; and forming a toner image without charging and exposing the image holder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an image forming device, an image forming method, a processing system and a computer readable medium. Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus using electrophotography has a function of forming a toner image without charging or exposing a photosensitive drum, and a malfunction of the apparatus is investigated using images formed under various conditions regarding charging and exposure.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-68842 discloses the following contents: the entire surface of the photosensitive body is uniformly exposed by an exposure system, and after a colorant image is formed on a drum, it is transferred to transfer paper and fixed to prepare a test sample S1. Subsequently, pre-exposure and one-time charging are performed in the same manner, and the exposure based on the exposure system is cut off to prepare a test sample S2. Based on the results of whether there is uneven exposure in sample S1 with uniform exposure on the entire surface and whether the uneven exposure disappears in sample S2 with the exposure cut off, the cause of the uneven exposure in the exposure sequence is identified. Summary of the invention

[0004] If a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum without charging and exposing it, there is a possibility of internal contamination where toner accumulates in the developing device where toner should not be supplied, or BCO (bead-carry-out) where carriers contained in the developer move to the photosensitive body.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to suppress the occurrence of in-machine contamination or BCO, compared with a configuration in which, when an image is formed under various conditions regarding charging and exposure, a toner image is formed last without charging and exposure.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming device comprising: an image forming unit, which transfers a colorant image formed on an image retaining body by electronic photography onto a recording medium; and one or more processors, which control the operation of the image forming unit, wherein the processors cause the image forming unit to perform a plurality of operations with different conditions related to charging and exposure, and then subsequently perform an operation of charging and exposing to form a colorant image, wherein the plurality of operations include at least: an operation of charging and exposing the image retaining body to form a colorant image; and an operation of forming a colorant image without charging and exposing the image retaining body.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming device based on the first aspect, when the processor causes the image forming unit to perform an action that includes charging and exposing the image holding body to form a colorant image and charging and not exposing the image holding body to form a colorant image, the processor subsequently performs the action of charging and exposing the image holding body to form a colorant image.

[0008] According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming device based on the first or second aspect, when the action performed by the processor to cause the image forming unit to perform includes the action of forming a colorant image without charging and exposing the image holding body and the action of forming a colorant image by charging and not exposing the image holding body, the action of forming a colorant image by charging and not exposing is performed later.

[0009] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming device based on any one of the first to third aspects, as the action of forming a colorant image, the image forming unit is capable of operating in a normal mode of normal image output and a diagnostic mode for diagnosing the image forming unit, and the processor, in the action in the diagnostic mode, performs the action of setting the charging and exposure of the image holding body to conditions different from those in the normal mode to form a colorant image, and finally performs the action of setting the charging and exposure of the image holding body to conditions the same as those in the normal mode to form a colorant image.

[0010] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming device based on the fourth aspect, the processor is executed in the diagnostic mode after the action of forming a colorant image without charging or exposing the image holder and before the action under the same conditions as the action in the normal mode, when the image holder is charged and exposed to form a colorant image under conditions different from those of the action in the normal mode.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing system comprising: the image forming device of any one of the first to fifth aspects; a reading device, which reads the recording medium on which the colorant image is formed by the image forming device; a display device, which displays the image of the recording medium read by the reading device; a receiving device, which receives an input of an evaluation result of the image displayed on the display device; and a diagnostic device, which diagnoses the state of the image forming device based on the evaluation result received by the receiving device.

[0012] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the processing system based on the sixth aspect, the reading device reads the recording medium in the opposite order to the order output by the image forming device, and the display device displays the image of the recording medium in the order read by the reading device.

[0013] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable medium is provided, which stores a program for causing a computer that controls the actions of an image forming unit to execute processing, wherein the actions of the image forming unit include a process of transferring a colorant image formed on an image retaining body by electronic photography to a recording medium and forming a colorant image without charging and exposing the image retaining body, wherein the processing is to form a colorant image without charging and exposing the image retaining body, and then to form a colorant image by charging and exposing the image retaining body, while causing the image forming unit to execute a plurality of actions under different conditions related to charging and exposing the image retaining body.

[0014] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming method, in which an image forming unit that transfers a colorant image formed on an image retaining body by electronic photography onto a recording medium performs a plurality of actions with different conditions related to charging and exposure, and then performs an action of charging and exposing to form a colorant image, wherein the plurality of actions include at least: an action of charging and exposing the image retaining body to form a colorant image; and an action of forming a colorant image without charging and exposing the image retaining body.

[0015] (Effect)

[0016] According to the first aspect, compared with a configuration in which toner image formation is performed without charging and exposure, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contamination in the machine and BCO.

[0017] According to the second aspect, compared with a configuration in which toner image formation is performed without charging and exposure, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contamination in the machine and BCO.

[0018] According to the third aspect, compared with a configuration in which formation of a toner image without charging is finally performed, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contamination in the machine and BCO.

[0019] According to the fourth aspect, compared with a configuration in which toner image formation without charging and exposure is finally performed, image formation under the same conditions as in the normal mode is finally performed, thereby suppressing the occurrence of machine contamination and BCO.

[0020] According to the fifth aspect, compared with a configuration in which toner image formation is finally performed under conditions different from those in the normal mode, the occurrence of machine contamination and BCO can be suppressed by finally performing image formation under conditions identical to those in the normal mode.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect, the state of the image forming apparatus can be diagnosed based on images output by changing conditions related to charging and exposure.

[0022] According to the seventh aspect, the image formed by charging and exposure is first displayed, so that the area of ​​interest in the image can be identified and evaluated.

[0023] According to the eighth aspect, compared with a configuration in which toner image formation is performed without charging and exposure, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of in-machine contamination and BCO.

[0024] According to the ninth aspect, compared with a configuration in which toner image formation is performed without charging and exposure, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of in-machine contamination and BCO. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a processing system to which the present embodiment is applied;

[0026] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 A diagram for explaining an example of an image forming unit;

[0028] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a control device;

[0029] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit in the diagnosis mode, Figure 5 (A) is a diagram showing a state of an image forming unit under a first image forming condition, Figure 5 (B) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit under the second image forming condition, Figure 5 (C) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit under the third image forming condition, Figure 5 (D) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit under the fourth image forming condition, Figure 5 (E) is a diagram showing a state of the image forming unit under the fifth image forming condition;

[0030] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the output order of the paper;

[0031] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the order of visually identifying paper;

[0032] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing device;

[0033] Fig. 9is a diagram showing an example of an evaluation input screen;

[0034] Fig.10 is a diagram showing an example of a diagnosis result screen;

[0035] Fig.11 is a diagram showing an example of performing diagnosis of an image forming apparatus;

[0036] Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a diagnosis result of the image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] <Structure of the processing system>

[0039] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a processing system 1 to which the present embodiment is applied. The processing system 1 includes an image forming device 2 and an information processing device 3. The devices 2 and 3 are connected via a network. The network is a communication unit used for information communication between the image forming device 2 and the information processing device 3, and for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) is used. Alternatively, the image forming device 2 and the information processing device 3 may be connected using the Internet or a public line, or may be directly connected via a communication cable.

[0040] The image forming device 2 is a device that reads a document by a user's operation and forms an image on a paper P as an example of a recording medium. The information processing device 3 is a device that reads the paper P on which an image has been formed and determines the state of the image forming device 2. The information processing device 3 will be described later.

[0041] <Structure of image forming apparatus>

[0042] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the image forming device 2 has a housing 10. The image forming device 2 is provided with an image forming unit 20, an intermediate transfer belt 30, a secondary transfer roller 40, a belt cleaner 50, a paper feed unit 60, a fixing device 70, a display device 80, and a control device 90 in the housing 10. In addition, the image forming device 2 is provided with a communication interface (not shown) used for information communication. An image reading device 100 for reading an image of a document set on a document table is arranged on the upper surface of the housing 10. In addition, Figure 2 The dashed line shown indicates the transport path ( R1 ) of the paper P. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 2 adopts electrophotography.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the image forming unit 20 .

[0045] The image forming unit 20 is composed of, for example, four image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K that form toner images of four colors, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. Figure 3 In the description, the image forming unit 20 is described using one image forming unit 20 among the image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, K).

[0046] The image forming unit 20 is provided with a photosensitive drum 21. The photosensitive drum 21 receives power from a driving device (not shown) and forms an electrostatic latent image while rotating in the direction of arrow A. In addition, a charging device 22, an exposure device 23, a developing device 24, a primary transfer roller 25, and a drum cleaner 26 are provided around the photosensitive drum 21. The charging device 22 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to a preset potential.

[0047] The exposure device 23 forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by exposing it to light using a laser beam, for example. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the light emitted from the exposure device 23 is represented by the symbol Bm. The potential of the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 21 charged by the charging device 22 is reduced. In addition, the exposure of the photosensitive drum 21 by the exposure device 23 is not limited to the use of a laser beam. For example, a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) may be provided in each image forming unit 20, and the light emitted from the light source may be used to expose the photosensitive drum 21.

[0048] The developing device 24 converts the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 into a visible image using a developer. The developing device 24 includes a storage portion 241 for storing the developer. The storage portion 241 is composed of a storage frame made of resin, for example. The developing device 24 is arranged in a direction from the front side to the rear side of the image forming device 2 (with the same direction as the image forming device 2). Figure 3 The invention is configured in a manner extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface).

[0049] In addition, in the storage section 241, the photosensitive drum 21 (see Figure 3 ) is provided at a position opposite to the photosensitive drum 21. A developing roller 245 for attaching toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is provided at the opening 243. The developing roller 245 is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to extend in a direction from the front side to the rear side of the image forming device 2 (in relation to the direction of the image forming device 2). Figure 3 The developing roller 245 receives power from a driving device (not shown) and moves in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. Figure 3 The photosensitive drum 21 rotates in the direction of arrow C as shown, while adhering toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 .

[0050] The developer of this embodiment is composed of a powdery dry carrier and a powdery dry toner, and the image forming unit 20 (Y, M, C, K) uses the powdery dry carrier and the powdery dry toner to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 21. In this example, the carrier has a positive charge polarity, and the toner has a negative charge polarity.

[0051] The primary transfer roller 25 electrostatically transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 to the image holding surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 at the primary transfer position T1. At the primary transfer position T1, a potential difference (primary transfer bias) is generated between the photosensitive drum 21 and the primary transfer roller 25, whereby the toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 30 sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 21 and the primary transfer roller 25. The drum cleaner 26 is a cleaning member that removes residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after the primary transfer.

[0052] The intermediate transfer belt 30 conveys the toner image transferred to its image holding surface to the secondary transfer position T2. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the intermediate transfer belt 30 is disposed below the image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, K). In addition, the intermediate transfer belt 30 is disposed in a state of being sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 21 and the primary transfer roller 25 provided in each image forming unit 20 (Y, M, C, K). Figure 2 As shown, the intermediate transfer belt 30 is rotated at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow B by a driving roller 31 a and support rollers 31 b to 31 e driven by a driving device (not shown).

[0053] The support roller 31b cooperates with the driving roller 31a to maintain the primary transfer surface. The support roller 31c applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 30. In addition, the support roller 31d is a support roller for supporting the transfer performed by the secondary transfer roller 40. In addition, the support roller 31e is a roller for supporting the cleaning of residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt after the secondary transfer performed by the belt cleaner 50.

[0054] The secondary transfer roller 40 electrostatically transfers the toner image held on the image holding surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 onto the paper P at the secondary transfer position T2. Figure 2 As shown, the secondary transfer roller 40 is disposed opposite to the support roller 31d with the intermediate transfer belt 30 interposed therebetween. At the secondary transfer position T2, a potential difference (secondary transfer bias) is generated between the support roller 31d and the secondary transfer roller 40, whereby the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 30 sandwiched between the support roller 31d and the secondary transfer roller 40 to the paper P. The belt cleaner 50 is a cleaning member that removes residual toner and the like on the intermediate transfer belt 30 after the secondary transfer.

[0055] The paper feeding unit 60 is composed of a paper storage body 61 and a plurality of feed rollers 62. The paper storage body 61 stores various papers P to be supplied to the secondary transfer position T2. ​​The feed rollers 62 feed the papers P one by one from the paper storage body 61 to the paper conveying path R1, and convey the papers P to the secondary transfer position T2. Figure 2 As shown, the paper feed unit 60 is disposed below the intermediate transfer belt 30. The paper storage bodies 61 may be increased or decreased as needed. In addition, a manual paper feed tray (not shown) connected to the paper conveying path R1 may be disposed outside the housing 10.

[0056] The fixing device 70 is a device for fixing the toner image secondarily transferred onto the paper P. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the fixing device 70 is disposed below the intermediate transfer belt 30. In addition, the fixing device 70 includes a heating roller and a pressure roller. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , at a position where the heating roller and the pressing roller are in contact with each other, the paper P is subjected to a fixing process by heating and pressing.

[0057] The paper transport path R1 is a path for transporting paper P, and is provided so as to connect from the paper feed unit 60 to a paper discharge tray (not shown). Figure 2 In addition, Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , a feed roller 62, a transport roller 71, and a discharge roller 72 are arranged on the paper transport path R1. As described above, the feed roller 62 feeds the paper P from the paper storage body 61 to the paper transport path R1 and transports it to the secondary transfer position T2. ​​The transport roller 71 transports the paper P to which the toner image is transferred at the secondary transfer position T2 to the fixing device 70. In addition, the discharge roller 72 transports the paper P to which the toner image is fixed to a paper discharge tray (not shown).

[0058] The display device 80 is, for example, a display provided on the outer surface of a housing. The display device 80 receives instructions from a user and displays information to the user. The display device 80 is, for example, composed of a touch panel, and is used as a display device and an operating device.

[0059] The control device 90 is provided inside the housing 10 and controls various operations of the image forming device 2. For example, operations such as image reading and image forming, and image forming operations based on a diagnostic mode described later are controlled by the control device 90. These operations are controlled by a CPU 91a (see FIG. 1 ) as an example of a processor described later. Figure 4 ) The program stored in the information storage device 92 etc. is read into the RAM 91c used as a work area and executed.

[0060] <Hardware structure of control device>

[0061] Figure 4It is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the control device 90 .

[0062] The control device 90 is provided with a calculation processing unit 91 and an information storage device 92 for storing information. The calculation processing unit 91 is composed of a computer. The calculation processing unit 91 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91a as an example of a processor that performs various processes described later. In addition, the calculation processing unit 91 has a ROM (Read Only Memory) 91b that stores programs and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 91c that is used as a work area. The information storage device 92 is implemented by an existing device such as a hard disk drive, a semiconductor memory, etc. The calculation processing unit 91 and the information storage device 92 are connected via a bus 93 or a signal line not shown in the figure.

[0063] The program executed by the CPU 91a can be provided to the control device 90 in a state where it is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (an optical disk, etc.), an optical magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. In addition, the program executed by the CPU 91a can also be provided to the control device 90 using a communication unit such as the Internet. The program provided to the control device 90 is stored in the information storage device 92.

[0064] In this specification, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (such as CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.), special-purpose processors (such as GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic devices, etc.).

[0065] In addition, the actions of the processor may be performed by a single processor or by cooperation of multiple processors located in physically separate locations. In addition, the order of the actions of the processors is not limited to the order described in this embodiment and may also be changed.

[0066] <Image forming operation performed by image forming apparatus>

[0067] Next, use Figure 2 and Figure 3The image forming operation performed in the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. This operation is performed by the CPU 91a, which is an example of a processor, reading a program stored in the ROM 91b or the like into the RAM 91c used as a work area and executing the program. Here, the case of forming a full-color image composed of a combination of toner images of four colors (Y, M, C, K) will be described as an example. On the other hand, for example, a black-and-white image may be formed by operating only the image forming unit 20 (K).

[0068] When receiving a request for image forming operation by a user operation, the image forming apparatus 2 rotates the photosensitive drum 21 in each image forming unit 20 (Y, M, C, K) in the direction of arrow A. Next, the charging device 22 charges the surface of each photosensitive drum 21 to a preset potential.

[0069] When image data output from the image reading device 100 or the PC is received together with a request for image forming operation, the image forming device 2 performs image processing on the image data. Thus, image data corresponding to each image forming unit 20 (Y, M, C, K) is generated. Then, the generated image data is output to the exposure device 23.

[0070] The exposure device 23 irradiates the photosensitive drum 21 with light emitted from a laser, for example, based on the input image data. In the present embodiment, after the surface of each photosensitive drum 21 is charged to a preset potential by the charging device 22, the surface is exposed by the exposure device 23. Thus, an electrostatic latent image composed of a preset potential is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0071] Next, the developing device 24 causes the developing roller 245 to attach the toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Thus, toner images corresponding to the four colors (Y, M, C, K) are formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 21.

[0072] Next, as the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates in the direction of arrow B, the toner images formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 21 of the image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, K) are electrostatically transferred to the image holding surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 in order (in the order of Y, M, C, K) at the primary transfer position T1. In addition, the toner remaining on the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is cleaned by the drum cleaner 26.

[0073] Next, the intermediate transfer belt 30 further rotates in the direction of arrow B, and the intermediate transfer belt 30 conveys the toner image that is primarily transferred and held on its image holding surface to the secondary transfer position T2. ​​On the other hand, in the paper supply unit 60, the feed roller 62 delivers the paper P from the paper storage body 61 to the secondary transfer position T2 through the paper conveying path R1. Then, at the secondary transfer position T2, the toner image held on the image holding surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 is secondarily transferred to the paper P. In addition, the toner remaining on the image holding surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 is cleaned by the belt cleaner 50.

[0074] Next, the paper P to which the toner image is transferred is transported to the fixing device 70 by the transport roller 71. Then, in the fixing device 70, the paper P is heated and pressed by the heating roller and the pressure roller. As a result, the toner image on the paper P is fixed to the paper P. Then, the paper P is discharged to the paper discharge tray (not shown) by the discharge roller 72. The above-mentioned actions are image forming actions performed when a normal image forming action is performed in the image forming device 2 of the present embodiment (normally). When a request for a plurality of image forming actions is received, the above-mentioned image forming action is repeated in the same manner according to the number of sheets.

[0075] Here, in this embodiment, the fault diagnosis is performed on each image forming unit 20 (Y, M, C, K). More specifically, in this embodiment, the presence or absence of a fault and the location where the fault occurs are identified for each image forming unit 20 (Y, M, C, K). In this embodiment, when the image forming unit 20 is diagnosed, for example, first, an operator such as an operator operates the display device 80 and the like to designate the image forming unit 20 to be diagnosed.

[0076] In the present embodiment, any image forming unit 20 of Y, M, C, and K designated by the operator becomes the object of diagnosis. In addition, the designation of the image forming unit 20 that becomes the object of diagnosis may not be performed by the operator, but by the control device 90 of the image forming device 2 according to pre-set conditions. In addition, the control device 90 may also diagnose all the image forming units 20 by sequentially designating each image forming unit 20 (Y, M, C, and K). Moreover, when the image forming device 2 diagnoses the image forming unit 20, it performs image forming actions in order under a plurality of image forming conditions described later, and forms diagnostic images obtained under each image forming condition on the paper P (hereinafter, the diagnostic images are referred to as "diagnostic images"). Hereinafter, when explaining the diagnostic image forming action, the case where the normal image forming action is performed as described above is referred to as the normal mode. In addition, the case where the diagnostic image forming action is performed is referred to as the diagnostic mode. Each mode is performed by the CPU 91a, which is an example of a processor, reading a program stored in the information storage device 92, etc. into the RAM 91c used as a work area and executing it.

[0077] <Diagnostic Mode>

[0078] In the diagnosis mode of the present embodiment, there are five image forming conditions, namely, the first image forming condition to the fifth image forming condition. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the image forming unit 20 of the diagnosis object performs image forming operations based on these image forming conditions in a predetermined order, and forms the diagnostic image obtained thereby on the paper P. In addition, in the present embodiment, diagnosis is performed using five image forming conditions, but a part of these image forming conditions may be specified and used.

[0079] Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit 20 in the diagnosis mode. Figure 5 (A) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit 20 under the first image forming condition, Figure 5 (B) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit 20 under the second image forming condition, Figure 5 (C) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit 20 under the third image forming condition, Figure 5 (D) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit 20 under the fourth image forming condition, Figure 5 (E) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit 20 under the fifth image forming condition.

[0080] In addition, in the Figure 5 In describing the potentials, the potential of the photosensitive drum 21 is represented by a solid line, and the potential of the developing roller 245 is represented by a dotted line.

[0081] <First Image Formation Condition>

[0082] exist Figure 5 Under the first image forming condition shown in (A) of FIG. 1 , the image forming unit 20 is in the same state as in the normal state. That is, the first image forming condition is the same image forming condition as in the normal mode. In this embodiment, under the normal state, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in (A) of FIG. 1 , the photosensitive drum 21 is charged using the charging device 22 , and the potential of the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is set to VH.

[0083] In addition, in normal times, light is selectively irradiated to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 using the exposure device 23. Figure 5 As shown in (A), the potential of the photosensitive drum 21 is set to a potential VL which is lower than the potential of the developing roller 245. As a result, the toner from the developing roller 245 adheres to the portion of the photosensitive drum 21 at the potential VL, and a toner image is formed at the portion at the potential VL. Then, the toner image is transferred to the paper P via the intermediate transfer belt 30, and the toner image is formed on the paper P. As a result, a diagnostic image is formed on the paper P.

[0084] In general, when the density of the image to be formed is reduced, as in Figure 5 As shown in the symbol 5a of (A), in addition to the time when the photosensitive drum 21 is irradiated with light, the time when the photosensitive drum 21 is not irradiated with light is set to form a non-formed portion where no image is formed. A dot-shaped toner image is formed in the portion of the photosensitive drum 21 irradiated with light, but no toner is attached to the portion not irradiated with light, forming a blank area.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the density of the formed image changes depending on the size of the dot-shaped toner image and the size of the blank area. When the blank area becomes relatively larger, the density of the image appears to be lowered to the user.

[0086] <Second Image Formation Condition>

[0087] exist Figure 5 Under the second image forming condition shown in (B), the photosensitive drum 21 is charged in the same manner as described above, and the potential on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is set to VH. In addition, under the second image forming condition, the exposure device 23 continues to irradiate the photosensitive drum 21 with light. That is, under the second image forming condition, the irradiation to the photosensitive drum 21 is continued so as not to form the above-mentioned blank area.

[0088] In addition, under the second image forming condition, a diagnostic image with a low image density is formed. Specifically, under the second image forming condition, Figure 5Compared with the normal state shown in (A), the output of the exposure device 23 is reduced to reduce the difference Vs between the potential on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 and the potential of the developing roller 245. As a result, a diagnostic image with a low image density is formed under the second image forming condition. Here, under the second image forming condition, when forming a diagnostic image with a low density, as described above, a diagnostic image with a low density is formed not by providing a blank area but by reducing the exposure amount itself.

[0089] Under the second image forming condition, exposure is performed uniformly while the exposure output is small, and the toner from the developing roller 245 is attached to the entire region where the exposure is performed uniformly, so that a diagnostic image is formed over the entire region. Under the second image forming condition, when there is unevenness in the light emitted from the exposure device 23, the density depth caused by the unevenness appears more clearly in the formed diagnostic image. In this case, it can be determined that there is a defect in the image forming unit 20 of the diagnostic target.

[0090] As in the above-mentioned normal case, when the density of the image is reduced by constructing dot images and blank areas, even if there is inequality in the multiple dot images formed, the influence of the inequality is unlikely to appear in the diagnostic image. Figure 5 Under the second image forming condition shown in (B), for example, density unevenness appears more obviously in the diagnostic image, and the presence of a defect in the image forming unit 20 becomes more obvious.

[0091] <Third Image Formation Condition>

[0092] exist Figure 5 Under the third image forming condition shown in (C), compared with the above-mentioned second image forming condition, the charging potential VH of the photosensitive drum 21 and the potential of the developing roller 245 are reduced. In addition, under the third image forming condition, the exposure device 23 continues to irradiate the photosensitive drum 21 with light, and compared with the above-mentioned second image forming condition, the output of the exposure device 23 is increased.

[0093] Under the third image forming condition, the charge potential VH of the photosensitive drum 21 decreases, and the output of the exposure device 23 increases, so that when exposure is performed, the potential of the photosensitive drum 21 decreases to the residual potential of the photosensitive drum 21. Furthermore, under the third image forming condition, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is uniformly exposed as described above. The toner from the developing roller 245 adheres to the entire region uniformly exposed, and a diagnostic image is formed over the entire region.

[0094] Under the third image forming condition, even if there is a defect in the charging device 22 or the exposure device 23, the influence of the defect does not affect the potential of the photosensitive drum 21. In this case, even if there is a defect in the charging device 22 or the exposure device 23, the influence of the defect is unlikely to appear in the diagnostic image. Under this condition, the potential of the photosensitive drum 21 is reduced to the residual potential regardless of the presence or absence of a defect in the charging device 22 or the exposure device 23, and the potential of the photosensitive drum 21 becomes a constant value regardless of the presence or absence of a defect in the charging device 22 or the exposure device 23.

[0095] Here, it is assumed that image defects such as uneven density and streaks appear in the diagnostic image formed under the second image forming condition described above, in which the potential of the photosensitive drum 21 has not been reduced to the residual potential. On the other hand, it is assumed that the image defects do not occur in the diagnostic image formed under the third image forming condition, in which the potential of the photosensitive drum 21 has been reduced to the residual potential. In this case, it can be detected that there is no defect in the developing device 24 or the primary transfer roller 25.

[0096] <Fourth Image Formation Condition>

[0097] exist Figure 5 Under the fourth image forming condition shown in (D), as Figure 5 As shown by the symbol 5d of (D), the potential of the developing roller 245 is made higher than the charging potential VH of the photosensitive drum 21. In addition, under the fourth image forming condition, the exposure process is not performed on the photosensitive drum 21. Since the exposure process is not performed, the potential of the photosensitive drum 21 does not decrease, but since the potential of the developing roller 245 is increased, a developing bias is generated between the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 245. Therefore, in this case, the toner from the developing roller 245 adheres to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, and a uniform toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0098] In the fourth image forming condition, since no exposure processing is performed, no control is performed on the attachment position of the toner. Therefore, the toner from the developing roller 245 is attached to the entire area of ​​the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 21, and a diagnostic image is formed over the entire area of ​​the surface.

[0099] Under the fourth image forming condition, it is possible to detect whether there is a defect in the exposure device 23. Here, under the above-mentioned second image forming condition in which the charging process and the exposure process are performed, for example, a streak-shaped image defect occurs in the diagnostic image, and under the fourth image forming condition in which the exposure process is not performed, the streak-shaped image defect does not occur, and in this case, it is possible to detect that there is a defect in the exposure device 23.

[0100] <Fifth Image Formation Condition>

[0101] exist Figure 5 Under the fifth image forming condition shown in (E), the potential of the photosensitive drum 21 is set to zero. That is, under the fifth image forming condition, the photosensitive drum 21 is not subjected to charging processing. In addition, the potential of the developing roller 245 is made higher than the potential of the photosensitive drum 21. Moreover, under the fifth image forming condition, the photosensitive drum 21 is not subjected to exposure processing. Under the fifth image forming condition, neither charging processing nor exposure processing is performed, but since the potential of the developing roller 245 is increased, a developing bias is generated between the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 245. As a result, the colorant from the developing roller 245 adheres to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. In this case, a diagnostic image is also formed over the entire area of ​​the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0102] Under the fifth image forming condition, it is possible to detect a defect that may exist in the charging device 22 or the exposure device 23. Here, an image defect occurs under the second image forming condition in which the charging process and the exposure process are performed, but the image defect does not occur under the fifth image forming condition in which the charging process and the exposure process are not performed. In this case, it is possible to detect that there is a defect in either the charging device 22 or the exposure device 23.

[0103] Here, the second image forming condition can be said to be a condition for specifying whether a malfunction has occurred in the image forming unit 20 of the diagnosis object. In addition, the diagnostic image formed under the second image forming condition can be said to be a diagnostic image for specifying whether a malfunction has occurred in the image forming unit 20 of the diagnosis object.

[0104] In addition, the third to fifth image forming conditions described above can be said to be conditions for specifying a defective component among the multiple components of the image forming unit 20 constituting the diagnostic object. In addition, the diagnostic image formed under the third to fifth image forming conditions can be said to be a diagnostic image for specifying a defective component among the multiple components of the image forming unit 20 constituting the diagnostic object.

[0105] <Secondary disorders based on diagnostic model>

[0106] In the present embodiment, when the diagnosis mode is executed by the operator's operation, the image forming unit 20 of the diagnosis object is subjected to an image forming operation using five image forming conditions. Therefore, under special image forming conditions different from the normal image forming conditions, such as when a charging process and an exposure process are not performed, a secondary fault may occur. Specifically, as a secondary fault, there can be cited internal contamination in which the toner is retained in a place where the toner should not be supplied, and BCO (bead-carry-out) in which the carrier existing in the developing device 24 moves to the photosensitive drum 21. In addition, when a secondary fault occurs, a dot image originating from the toner and the carrier is formed on the output paper P.

[0107] For example, under the fifth image forming condition, the charging process and the exposure process are not performed. Figure 5 As shown in (E), by making the potential of the developing roller 245 higher than the potential of the photosensitive drum 21, a developing bias is generated between the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 245 to form a toner image. Therefore, depending on the magnitude of the potential difference between the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 245, internal contamination and BCO may occur.

[0108] In addition, under the fourth image forming condition, the charging process is performed but the exposure process is not performed. Figure 5 As shown in (D), by making the potential of the developing roller 245 higher than the charging potential VH of the photosensitive drum 21, a developing bias is generated between the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 245 to form a toner image. In this case, depending on the magnitude of the potential difference between the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 245, internal contamination and BCO may occur.

[0109] Furthermore, under each of the first to third image forming conditions, the charging process and the exposure process are performed as described above. Therefore, under each of the first to third image forming conditions, the potential of the developing roller 245 is not higher than the charging potential VH of the photosensitive drum 21. Moreover, the toner and the carrier in the developing device 24 are adsorbed by the developing roller 245. Therefore, compared with the case where the image forming operation is performed using the fifth and fourth image forming conditions, the possibility of secondary failure is low.

[0110] <Execution sequence of image formation operation in diagnosis mode>

[0111] In the diagnosis mode of the present embodiment, the image forming operation is performed in order starting from the fifth image forming condition, and finally the image forming operation is performed based on the first image forming condition.

[0112] Therefore, in the case of the operation of forming a toner image by charging and exposing the photosensitive drum 21 and the operation of forming a toner image by not charging and exposing the photosensitive drum 21, the operation of forming a toner image by charging and exposing the photosensitive drum 21 is performed later. In addition, in the operation of forming a toner image by charging and exposing the photosensitive drum 21 and the operation of forming a toner image by charging and not exposing the photosensitive drum 21, the operation of forming a toner image by charging and exposing the photosensitive drum 21 is performed later. In addition, in the operation of forming a toner image by not charging and exposing the photosensitive drum 21 and the operation of forming a toner image by charging and not exposing the photosensitive drum 21, the operation of forming a toner image by charging and not exposing the photosensitive drum 21 is performed later.

[0113] In addition, in the operation in the diagnosis mode, after the operation of forming a toner image by setting the charging process and exposure process of the photosensitive drum 21 to conditions different from those in the normal mode is performed, the operation of forming a toner image by setting the charging process and exposure process of the photosensitive drum 21 to conditions the same as those in the normal mode is performed last. In addition, in the operation in the diagnosis mode, the operation of forming a toner image by charging the photosensitive drum 21 and exposing it to conditions different from those in the operation in the normal mode is performed after the operation of forming a toner image by not charging the photosensitive drum 21 and exposing it to conditions the same as those in the normal mode and before the operation of forming a toner image by conditions the same as those in the normal mode.

[0114] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing the order in which the sheets P are output.

[0115] like Figure 6 As shown, by sequentially performing the image forming operation starting from the fifth image forming condition, as the output order, the diagnostic image formed by the image forming operation based on the fifth image forming condition is first output to the paper P. Then, the image forming operation based on each image forming condition is sequentially performed, and each diagnostic image is output to the paper P. Finally, the diagnostic image formed by the image forming operation based on the first image forming condition is output to the paper P. In this way, in a series of image forming operations in the diagnostic mode, the image forming operation based on the first image forming condition, which is the same as the normal image forming condition, is finally performed, thereby, even when the machine contamination occurs under the previous special image forming condition, the toner that causes the machine contamination can be attached to the paper P.

[0116] <Image defect detection>

[0117] Next, in the diagnosis mode, an image defect that appears in a diagnostic image is described. As an image defect, for example, a stripe that appears in a diagnostic image can be cited. The stripe appears, for example, as a line along the paper feeding direction of the paper P. In addition, there are white stripes without color and colored stripes with color among the stripes. When a stripe appears in a diagnostic image, the image forming device 2 is defective. In the present embodiment, based on such an image defect, the defect of the image forming device 2 is identified.

[0118] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing the order of visually recognizing the paper P.

[0119] like Figure 7 As shown, the image forming operation is performed in order starting from the fifth image forming condition, so that the diagnostic image formed by the image forming operation based on the fifth image forming condition is output to the paper P first as the output order. Then, the image forming operation based on each image forming condition is performed in order, and each diagnostic image is output to the paper P. Finally, the diagnostic image formed by the image forming operation based on the first image forming condition is output to the paper P. Therefore, the operator can visually recognize the last output paper P, that is, the diagnostic image output under the normal image forming condition, by simply confirming the topmost paper P of the bundle of output paper P.

[0120] Here, when streaks are generated in the diagnostic image output under the usual image forming conditions, the cause of the streaks is determined to be based on the defective situation of the image forming unit 20. Moreover, the diagnostic image of other image forming conditions can be confirmed based on the state of the diagnostic image output under the usual image forming conditions. In addition, the state of the diagnostic image refers to, for example, the presence or absence of streaks generated in the diagnostic image, the state of the streaks generated, and the state of the streaks. Moreover, by comparing the states of the diagnostic images output under each image forming condition, the fault location can be identified. The identification of the fault location can also be performed using the information processing device 3.

[0121] <Configuration of Information Processing Device 3>

[0122] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing device 3.

[0123] The information processing device 3 is provided with a processing unit 301, an information storage device 302 for storing information, a display device 303, and an input device 304. In addition, a communication interface (not shown) is provided in the information processing device 3. The processing unit 301 is composed of a computer. The processing unit 301 has a CPU 301a as an example of a processor that performs various processes described later. In addition, the processing unit 301 has a ROM 301b that stores programs and a RAM 301c used as a work area. The information storage device 302 is implemented by an existing device such as a hard disk drive, a semiconductor memory, etc. The processing unit 301, the information storage device 302, the display device 303, and the input device 304 are connected via a bus 305 and a signal line not shown.

[0124] In addition, the actions of the processor may be performed by a single processor or by cooperation of multiple processors located in physically separate locations. In addition, the order of the actions of the processors is not limited to the order described in this embodiment and may also be changed.

[0125] The display device 303 is a device for displaying information to the user. As the display device 303, for example, a display is used. In addition, the input device 304 is a device for receiving input from the user. As the input device 304, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch sensor, etc. are used. In addition, it can also be configured as a touch panel composed of a touch sensor and a display. The communication interface is used for information communication with the image forming device 2.

[0126] In this embodiment, the information processing device 3 diagnoses the state of the image forming device 2 based on the diagnostic image formed on the paper P. This operation is performed by the CPU 301a as an example of a processor reading a program stored in the information storage device 302 etc. into the RAM 301c used as a work area and executing the program.

[0127] Specifically, for example, the operator uses the image reading device 100 provided in the image forming device 2 to read the paper P in the reverse order of the output paper P. Then, the image forming device 2 transmits the information of the read paper P to the information processing device 3 using the communication interface between the image forming device 2 and the information processing device 3. Then, the display device 303 displays the diagnostic image in the order in which the paper P is read by the image reading device 100. Then, the operator uses the input device 304 to input an evaluation of the diagnostic image displayed on the display device 303. Then, the CPU 301a of the information processing device 3 diagnoses the state of the image forming device 2 based on the evaluation input by the operator, and displays the result on the display device 303.

[0128] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing an example of an evaluation input screen.

[0129] exist Fig. 9 In the figure shown, a display column 303A is provided to display which image forming condition is used, a display column 303B is provided to display a diagnostic image, and a display column 303C is provided to display an option for the operator to input an evaluation of the diagnostic image. In addition, in the display column 303A shown in the same figure, one image forming condition is displayed, in the display column 303B, one diagnostic image is displayed, and in the display column 303C, an option for receiving an input of an evaluation from the operator is displayed. In addition, the operator visually recognizes the diagnostic image according to each image forming condition while inputting an evaluation of the diagnostic image. In addition, the arrow shown in the diagnostic image indicates the paper feeding direction.

[0130] Fig.10 It is a figure which shows an example of a diagnosis result screen.

[0131] exist Fig.10 In the figure shown, a screen showing the diagnosis result is displayed. More specifically, in the diagnosis result screen, a display column 303D for displaying the components of the image forming unit 20, a display column 303E for displaying the probability of failure, and a display column 303F for displaying the diagnosis result are provided. Furthermore, "LPH", "Drum", "Developer", and "1stBTR" are displayed in the display column 303D, respectively. Here, "LPH" refers to the exposure device 23. In addition, "Drum" refers to the photosensitive drum 21 and the charging device 22. In addition, "Developer" refers to the developing device 24. In addition, "1stBTR" refers to the primary transfer roller 25. Furthermore, the probability of failure is displayed in the display column 303E. Here, for example, the possibility of failure is displayed in order from high to low as "high", "medium", and "low", and the probability of failure is displayed with the number of asterisks, respectively. Furthermore, the diagnosis result based on CPU301a is displayed in the display column 303F. Fig.10 In the diagram shown, for example, one asterisk is displayed for "LPH". Therefore, it can be seen that the possibility of failure of the exposure device 23 is low. The operator visually recognizes the diagnosis result and grasps the failure location.

[0132] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing an example of performing diagnosis of the image forming apparatus 2 .

[0133] Here, as an example of explaining the diagnosis of the image forming device 2 using the information processing device 3, the following case is explained: in each of the image forming operations under the first to fourth image forming conditions, colored stripes are generated in the diagnostic image, and in the image forming operation based on the fifth image forming condition, the stripes in the diagnostic image disappear. In addition, this is just an example.

[0134] The operator uses the image reading device 100 provided in the image forming device 2 to read the paper P in the reverse order to the order in which the paper P is output. That is, the paper P is read sequentially starting from the paper P output under the first image forming condition. In addition, as described above, the first image forming condition is a normal image forming condition. Next, the image forming device 2 sends the information of the read paper P to the information processing device 3 using the communication interface between the image forming device 2 and the information processing device 3. Then, the CPU 301a of the information processing device 3 displays the diagnostic images on the display device 303 in the order read by the image reading device 100. That is, the diagnostic images formed based on each image forming condition are displayed sequentially starting from the first image forming condition. As shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown, on the display device 303, the diagnostic image under the first image forming condition and the option for inputting the state of the diagnostic image are first displayed. Moreover, as shown in the figure, colored stripes appear in the diagnostic image. Therefore, the operator uses the input device 304 to select the colored stripes. In the present embodiment, as described above, colored stripes occur in the diagnostic image from the first image forming condition to the fourth image forming condition. Therefore, in each image forming condition from the first image forming condition to the fourth image forming condition, the colored stripes are selected. Moreover, in the diagnostic image under the fifth image forming condition, the colored stripes disappear. Therefore, the operator uses the input device 304 to select no stripes. Based on the input of the evaluation, the CPU 301a diagnoses the faulty part.

[0135] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing the diagnosis result of the image forming apparatus 2 .

[0136] In the above example, under the fourth image forming condition in which charging processing is performed but exposure processing is not performed, colored stripes appear, and under the fifth image forming condition in which charging processing and exposure processing are not performed, the colored stripes disappear, so the CPU 301a of the information processing device 3 determines that the possibility that the cause of the colored stripes is the charging device 22 is high. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , three asterisks are displayed in “Drum” on the screen showing the diagnosis result. Thus, when a failure occurs in the charging device 22 in the image forming apparatus 2 , the operator can identify the failure site.

[0137] In the above description, the image is read using the image reading device 100 provided in the image forming device 2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The image reading device may be provided separately from the image forming device 2. In this case, the information processing device 3 acquires information of the read image from the image reading device using the communication interface.

[0138] The image forming unit 20 for the object of diagnosis can also be diagnosed by the operator's visual inspection. In this embodiment, since the order of performing the image forming operation based on each image forming condition is preset, it is possible to recognize which diagnostic image is diagnosed under which image forming condition by visually recognizing the output diagnostic images in order. The operator can also perform the diagnosis of the image forming unit 20 for the object of diagnosis by this method.

[0139] The above describes the embodiment of the present invention, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the present embodiment, five image forming conditions are used to output the diagnostic image to the paper P, but it is not limited to this. When performing a diagnosis of the image forming unit 20, the image forming conditions used can also be changed as long as they include the first image forming condition, the fourth image forming condition and the fifth image forming condition. In addition, even when the image forming conditions used are changed, the first image forming condition, that is, the normal image forming condition, is finally used to perform the image forming action. Thus, even if in-machine contamination occurs, colorant can be attached to the paper P, and by confirming the output paper P, it is possible to determine whether in-machine contamination has occurred.

[0140] In addition, in the present embodiment, the following method is used: first, the diagnostic image formed under the first image forming condition is displayed on the display device 303, and then the diagnostic images are displayed in order until the fifth image forming condition, but these diagnostic images may be displayed together. Because the diagnostic image based on which image forming condition is displayed in the display column 303A of the display device 303, the operator can recognize which diagnostic image is diagnosed under which image forming condition by visually recognizing it. In addition, various changes and structural substitutions that do not depart from the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are all included in the present invention.

[0141] <Note> (((1)))

[0143] An image forming device, characterized in that it comprises: an image forming unit, which transfers a colorant image formed on an image retaining body by electronic photography onto a recording medium; and one or more processors, which control the operation of the image forming unit, and the processors cause the image forming unit to perform a plurality of operations with different conditions related to charging and exposure, and then perform the operation of charging and exposing to form a colorant image, wherein the plurality of operations at least include: the operation of charging and exposing the image retaining body to form a colorant image; and the operation of forming a colorant image without charging and exposing the image retaining body. (((2)))

[0145] The image forming device according to (((1))) is characterized in that, when the processor causes the image forming unit to perform an action including the action of charging and exposing the image holding body to form a colorant image and the action of charging the image holding body without exposing the image holding body to form a colorant image, the processor subsequently performs the action of charging and exposing the image holding body to form a colorant image. (((3)))

[0147] The image forming device according to (((1))) or (((2))) is characterized in that, when the actions executed by the processor on the image forming unit include an action of forming a colorant image without charging and exposing the image holding body and an action of forming a colorant image by charging and not exposing the image holding body, the action of forming a colorant image by charging and not exposing the image holding body is executed later. (((4)))

[0149] An image forming device according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), characterized in that, as an action of forming a colorant image, the image forming unit is capable of operating in a normal mode of normal image output and in a diagnostic mode for diagnosing the image forming unit, and the processor, in the action in the diagnostic mode, performs an action of setting the charging and exposure of the image holding body to conditions different from those in the normal mode to form a colorant image, and finally performs an action of setting the charging and exposure of the image holding body to conditions the same as those in the normal mode to form a colorant image. (((5)))

[0151] The image forming device according to (((4))) is characterized in that the processor is executed in the diagnostic mode after the action of forming a colorant image by charging and exposing the image holder under conditions different from those of the action in the normal mode and before the action of forming a colorant image by not charging or exposing the image holder and under the same conditions as the action in the normal mode. (((6)))

[0153] A processing system, characterized in that it comprises: an image forming device as described in any one of (((1))) to (((5))); a reading device, which reads the recording medium on which the colorant image is formed by the image forming device; a display device, which displays the image of the recording medium read by the reading device; a receiving device, which receives input of an evaluation result of the image displayed on the display device; and a diagnostic device, which diagnoses the state of the image forming device based on the evaluation result received by the receiving device. (((7)))

[0155] The processing system according to (((6))) is characterized in that the reading device reads the recording medium in the reverse order of output by the image forming device, and the display device displays the image of the recording medium in the order read by the reading device. (((8)))

[0157] A program that controls a computer of an image forming device, wherein the image forming device comprises an image forming unit having a process of transferring a colorant image formed on an image retaining body by electronic photography onto a recording medium and forming the colorant image without charging and exposing the image retaining body, and the computer controlling the operation of the image forming unit, wherein, when causing the image forming unit to execute a plurality of operations under different conditions related to charging and exposing the image retaining body, the computer is caused to execute a process of forming a colorant image without charging and exposing the image retaining body, and thereafter, a process of forming a colorant image by charging and exposing the image retaining body is executed.

[0158] According to (((1))), compared with a configuration in which toner image formation is finally performed without charging and exposure, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of in-machine contamination and BCO.

[0159] According to (((2))), compared with a configuration in which toner image formation is finally performed without charging and exposure, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of in-machine contamination and BCO.

[0160] According to (((3))), compared with a configuration in which formation of a toner image without charging is finally performed, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contamination in the machine and BCO.

[0161] According to (((4))), compared with a configuration in which a toner image is formed without charging and exposure, image formation is finally performed under the same conditions as in the normal mode, thereby suppressing the occurrence of in-machine contamination and BCO.

[0162] According to (((5))), compared with a configuration in which a toner image is formed under conditions different from those in the normal mode, the image formation is finally performed under the same conditions as in the normal mode, thereby suppressing the occurrence of machine contamination and BCO.

[0163] According to (((6))), the state of the image forming apparatus can be diagnosed based on an image output by changing conditions related to charging and exposure.

[0164] According to (((7))), an image formed by charging and exposure is first displayed, so that a region of interest in the image can be identified and evaluated.

[0165] According to (((8))), compared with a configuration in which toner image formation is finally performed without charging and exposure, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of in-machine contamination and BCO.

Claims

1. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: an image forming section that transfers a toner image formed on an image holding member by electrophotography onto a recording medium; and one or more processors, the processors controlling the operation of the image forming unit, The processor When the image forming section is caused to execute a plurality of operations with different conditions related to charging and exposure, the operation of performing charging and exposure to form a toner image is executed later. The multiple actions include at least: an action of charging and exposing the image holding member to form a toner image; and The image holding member is not charged or exposed to light but a toner image is formed.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The processor When the actions executed by the image forming unit include charging and exposing the image holding member to form a toner image and charging and not exposing the image holding member to form a toner image, the charging and exposing to form a toner image is executed later.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the actions that the processor causes the image forming unit to execute include an action of forming a colorant image without charging and exposing the image holding body and an action of forming a colorant image by charging and not exposing the image holding body, the action of forming a colorant image by charging and not exposing is executed later.

4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The image forming unit can operate in a normal mode for normal image output and a diagnostic mode for diagnosing the image forming unit as an operation for forming a toner image. In the operation in the diagnostic mode, the processor executes an operation of setting the charging and exposure of the image holding body to conditions different from those in the normal mode to form a colorant image, and finally executes an operation of setting the charging and exposure of the image holding body to conditions the same as those in the normal mode to form a colorant image.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The processor In the actions in the diagnostic mode, when the image holder is charged and exposed to form a colorant image under conditions different from those of the actions in the normal mode, the actions are performed after the action of forming a colorant image without charging or exposing the image holder and before the action under the same conditions as the actions in the normal mode.

6. A processing system, characterized in that: have: The image forming device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a reading device that reads the recording medium on which the toner image is formed by the image forming device; a display device that displays the image of the recording medium read by the reading device; an accepting device for accepting an input of an evaluation result of the image displayed on the display device; as well as A diagnostic device diagnoses a state of the image forming apparatus based on the evaluation result received by the receiving device.

7. The processing system according to claim 6, wherein: The reading device reads the recording medium in the reverse order of the order in which the images are output by the image forming device. The display device displays the images of the recording medium in the order read by the reading device.

8. A computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer that controls the operation of an image forming unit to execute a process, wherein the operation of the image forming unit includes a step of transferring a toner image formed on an image holding member by an electrophotographic method onto a recording medium and forming the toner image without charging or exposure, wherein the computer-readable medium is characterized in that the process is: When the image forming unit is caused to execute a plurality of operations with different conditions related to charging and exposing the image holding member, a toner image is formed without charging and exposing the image holding member, and then a toner image is formed by charging and exposing the image holding member.

9. An image forming method, characterized in that: When an image forming unit that transfers a toner image formed on an image holding member by an electrophotographic method to a recording medium performs a plurality of operations with different conditions related to charging and exposure, the operation of performing charging and exposure to form a toner image is performed later. The multiple actions include at least: an action of charging and exposing the image holding member to form a toner image; and The image holding member is not charged or exposed to light but a toner image is formed.

Images