An image forming method and related apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of image forming technology, and more particularly to an image forming method and related equipment. The method includes: acquiring the size parameters of the paper to be printed corresponding to the current print job, and acquiring the size parameters of the image content area in the current print job; determining the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed based on the size parameters of the image content area, the size parameters of the paper to be printed, and a preset print allowance value; the matching level includes a first matching level and a second matching level; when the matching level is the first matching level, executing a print cleaning strategy; when the matching level is the second matching level, executing a print intervention strategy. The first matching level is higher than the second matching level. This method can eliminate transfer roller contamination at the source and completely avoid dirt on the back of the paper in scenarios involving continuous printing of medium-to-long-sized originals onto shorter paper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of image forming technology, and more particularly to an image forming method and related equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In image forming apparatuses employing electrophotographic methods, during continuous printing operations, users can enable the "ignore paper size mismatch" function. This allows printing to continue even when the set paper size differs from the actual loaded paper size, without forcibly stopping due to an error. However, when continuously printing medium-length originals onto paper shorter than the original, if the height and / or width of the effective image exceeds the length and / or width of the paper, the toner image in the area exceeding the paper size cannot be transferred to the paper by the transfer roller, remaining on the photosensitive surface. During subsequent rotation of the photosensitive surface, this residual toner is transferred to the transfer roller surface. When the next sheet of paper passes through the transfer roller, the residual toner on the transfer roller adheres to the back of the paper, causing back-side smudges and severely affecting print quality. Therefore, in continuous printing, effectively avoiding back-side smudges caused by the mismatch between the effective image size and the paper size while maintaining printing efficiency is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an image forming method and related equipment, which can solve the problem of paper back stains caused by the mismatch between the image content area and the paper size during continuous printing.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an image forming method, the image forming method comprising: Get the size parameters of the paper to be printed for the current print job, and get the size parameters of the image content area in the current print job; Based on the size parameters of the image content area, the size parameters of the paper to be printed, and the preset printing allowance, the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed is determined; the matching level includes a first matching level and a second matching level. When the matching level is the first matching level, the print cleaning strategy is executed; When the matching level is the second matching level, a printing intervention strategy is executed, where the first matching level is higher than the second matching level.

[0005] In one possible implementation, the size parameters of the image content area include vertical and horizontal size parameters; the size parameters of the paper to be printed include paper length and paper width; the preset printing allowance includes vertical and horizontal printing allowances; determining the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed based on the size parameters of the image content area, the size parameters of the paper to be printed, and the preset printing allowance includes: The longitudinal dimension parameter is combined with the longitudinal printing allowance value and compared with the paper length to obtain the longitudinal matching level; The lateral dimension parameter is combined with the lateral printing allowance value and compared with the paper width to obtain the lateral matching level; Based on the vertical matching level and the horizontal matching level, the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed is determined.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the vertical dimension parameters include the top margin of the image and the image height; the horizontal dimension parameters include the left margin of the image and the image width. The step of combining the longitudinal dimension parameter with the longitudinal printing allowance value and comparing it with the paper length to obtain the longitudinal matching level includes: When the paper length is greater than or equal to the difference between the sum of the top margin of the image and the image height minus the vertical printing allowance, and less than or equal to the sum of the top margin of the image, the image height, and the vertical printing allowance, the vertical matching level is determined to be the first vertical matching level. When the paper length is less than the difference between the sum of the top margin of the image and the image height minus the vertical printing allowance, the vertical matching level is determined to be the second vertical matching level; the first vertical matching level is higher than the second vertical matching level. The step of combining the lateral dimension parameter with the lateral printing allowance value and comparing it with the paper width to obtain the lateral matching level includes: When the paper width is greater than or equal to the difference between the sum of the left margin of the image and the image width minus the horizontal printing allowance, and less than or equal to the sum of the left margin of the image, the image width and the horizontal printing allowance, the horizontal matching level is determined to be the first horizontal matching level. When the paper width is less than the difference between the sum of the left margin of the image and the image width minus the horizontal printing allowance, the horizontal matching level is determined to be the second horizontal matching level; the first horizontal matching level is higher than the second horizontal matching level.

[0007] In one possible implementation, determining the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed based on the vertical matching level and the horizontal matching level includes: When the vertical matching level is the first vertical matching level and the horizontal matching level is the first horizontal matching level, the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed is determined to be the first matching level. When the vertical matching level is the second vertical matching level, or the horizontal matching level is the second horizontal matching level, the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed is determined to be the second matching level.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the print cleaning strategy includes performing a cleaning action on the transfer roller after the end of the paper to be printed passes through the transfer roller. The cleaning action performed on the transfer roller includes: Calculate the vertical difference and the horizontal difference. The vertical difference is the difference between the sum of the top margin of the image, the image height and the vertical print allowance, and the paper length. The horizontal difference is the difference between the sum of the left margin of the image, the image width and the horizontal print allowance, and the paper width. A first cleaning time is determined based on the longitudinal difference, and a second cleaning time is determined based on the transverse difference. The larger of the first cleaning time and the second cleaning time is used as the base time for cleaning the transfer roller. In one possible implementation, the cleaning time is added to the base duration when any of the following conditions are met: The image content area extends beyond the paper to be printed, and the average blackness of the portion extending beyond the paper exceeds a preset blackness threshold. The average blackness is calculated by parsing the printing data of the current printing job. The matching level of the current sheet to be printed and the subsequent consecutive sheets to be printed are all at the first matching level.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the printing intervention strategy includes: The imaging intervention position of the current print job is determined based on the vertical print reservation value, and the imaging intervention position is located before the image formation position on the photoreceptor; When the end of the paper to be printed corresponding to the current print job is detected to reach the imaging intervention position, the developing bias voltage is turned off or the laser scanning unit is stopped from emitting light, so that no toner image is formed on the photoreceptor surface beyond the area of ​​the paper to be printed.

[0010] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an image forming apparatus, comprising: The acquisition module is used to acquire the size parameters of the paper to be printed corresponding to the current print job, and to acquire the size parameters of the image content area in the current print job; The matching module is used to determine the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed based on the size parameters of the image content area, the size parameters of the paper to be printed, and the preset printing allowance value. An execution module is configured to execute a print cleaning strategy when the matching level is a first matching level; and to execute a print intervention strategy when the matching level is a second matching level, wherein the first matching level is higher than the second matching level.

[0011] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device, comprising: At least one processor; and At least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein: The memory stores program instructions that can be executed by the processor, and the processor can execute the method described in the first aspect by calling the program instructions.

[0012] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of an electronic device, causes the electronic device to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0013] In this embodiment of the invention, by dividing the comparison results between the image content area and the size of the paper to be printed into different matching levels, and by executing printing cleaning strategies and printing intervention strategies for critical matching and obvious exceeding respectively, it is possible to eliminate transfer roller contamination from the source and completely avoid dirt on the back of the paper in the scenario of continuously printing medium and long originals to shorter paper. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 A flowchart of an image forming method provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in the embodiments of this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0019] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0020] It should be understood that although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe numbers in embodiments of the present invention, these numbers should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish numbers from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention, a first number may also be referred to as a second number, and similarly, a second number may also be referred to as a first number.

[0021] To address the problem that during continuous printing, a mismatch between the image content area size and the paper size causes toner images exceeding the paper area to remain on the photosensitive surface and transfer to the transfer roller, resulting in subsequent paper backing smudges, this application provides an image forming method applicable to image forming apparatuses employing electrophotographic methods, such as laser printers, multifunction printers, or copiers. Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an image forming method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the method includes: Step 101: Obtain the size parameters of the paper to be printed corresponding to the current print job, and obtain the size parameters of the image content area in the current print job.

[0022] The image content area's dimensions include vertical and horizontal dimensions. The vertical dimension describes the image area along the paper's transport direction, while the horizontal dimension describes the image area along the photoreceptor axis. The paper's dimensions include length and width. The paper length corresponds to the transport direction, and the paper width corresponds to the photoreceptor axis.

[0023] The image content area refers to the effective area in the print job where a toner image needs to be formed. The size parameters of the image content area are obtained by parsing the page description language data of the print job. The size parameters of the paper to be printed are obtained by detecting the specifications of the currently supplied paper using sensors configured on the image forming apparatus.

[0024] For example, the printer controller interprets the received print page description language data and extracts parameters of the image content area, including the top margin, height, left margin, and width of the image. Simultaneously, it detects the length and width of the currently supplied paper using a paper length sensor.

[0025] Step 102: Determine the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed based on the size parameters of the image content area, the size parameters of the paper to be printed, and the preset printing allowance.

[0026] The print allowance is a preset redundancy value designed to absorb paper feed errors and sensor detection errors; numerically, it represents the allowable fluctuation range in the length and width directions. Matching levels include a first matching level and a second matching level.

[0027] The first matching level indicates that the image content area and the paper to be printed are in a critical matching state, meaning that the difference between the image size and the paper size is within the allowable range of the printing allowance. The second matching level indicates that the image content area significantly exceeds the allowable range of the printing allowance. Therefore, in terms of the fit between the image content area and the paper size, the first matching level is higher than the second matching level.

[0028] In one possible embodiment, the size matching between the image content area and the paper to be printed can be categorized into three types: complete matching, partial matching, and complete mismatch. The first matching level corresponds to partial matching, indicating that the size difference between the image content area and the paper is at a critical point. The second matching level corresponds to complete mismatch, indicating that the image content area significantly exceeds the paper size. A complete matching is neither the first nor the second matching level, meaning the image content area falls entirely within the paper size, and no printing cleaning or intervention strategies are implemented. From the perspective of the fit between the image content area and the paper size, complete matching is superior to partial matching, and partial matching is superior to complete mismatch. For example, assuming the top margin of the image is 5mm, the image height is 250mm, and the vertical printing allowance is 5mm, then the vertical requirement for the image content area is 255mm. If the paper length detection value is 258mm, then the difference between the paper length and the vertical requirement is 3mm, which is within the vertical printing allowance range; in this case, the vertical matching is considered a critical match. If the paper length detection value is 180mm, the difference far exceeds the vertical printing allowance, indicating a significant overshoot in vertical matching. The overall matching level is determined based on both vertical and horizontal matching. If the paper length detection value is 300mm, the paper length exceeds the vertical printing requirement plus the allowance, indicating a perfect vertical match. The overall matching level is determined based on both vertical and horizontal matching.

[0029] Step 103: When the matching level is the first matching level, execute the print cleaning strategy. When the matching level is the second matching level, execute the print intervention strategy.

[0030] The printing cleaning strategy removes any residual toner from the transfer roller when the image content area is at a critical match with the paper to be printed, thus preventing the transfer roller from contaminating the back of subsequent paper. The printing intervention strategy preemptively cuts off the toner image formation on the photoreceptor when the image content area significantly extends beyond the paper to be printed, preventing residual toner from being generated at the source.

[0031] For example, when the matching level is the first matching level, the image forming apparatus performs a cleaning action on the transfer roller after the end of the paper to be printed passes through it. This cleaning action involves alternately applying positive and negative high voltage for transfer one or more cycles, causing any trace amounts of residual toner adhering to the surface of the transfer roller to be returned to the photoreceptor, where it is then removed by the photoreceptor cleaning device. When the matching level is the second matching level, the image forming apparatus turns off the developing bias or stops the laser scanning unit from emitting light before the end of the paper to be printed passes through the image forming position on the photoreceptor, preventing toner images from forming beyond the paper area. This prevents toner from exceeding the paper's surface on the photoreceptor and avoids contamination of the transfer roller, thus eliminating the need for a cleaning action and allowing for rapid feeding of the next sheet, ensuring printing efficiency.

[0032] In some embodiments, the preset print allowance values ​​include a portrait print allowance value and a landscape print allowance value. The specific process for determining the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed is as follows: The portrait dimension parameter is compared with the portrait print allowance value and the paper length to obtain the portrait matching level. The landscape dimension parameter is compared with the landscape print allowance value and the paper width to obtain the landscape matching level. Based on the portrait and landscape matching levels, the overall matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed is determined.

[0033] Vertical matching levels include three cases: complete vertical match, first vertical match level, and second vertical match level. Complete vertical match corresponds to a complete match, first vertical match level corresponds to a partial match, and second vertical match level corresponds to a complete mismatch. Horizontal matching levels are similar, including complete horizontal match, first horizontal match level, and second horizontal match level.

[0034] For example, in an image forming apparatus equipped with width detection capabilities, the apparatus calculates the paper length and width in real time using sensors, while simultaneously extracting the vertical and horizontal dimension parameters of the image content area from the print data. The width detection capability means that the image forming apparatus is equipped with a sensor for detecting the paper width, enabling real-time acquisition of the specific paper width value and allowing for simultaneous vertical and horizontal matching judgments. Its purpose is to improve the accuracy of matching level judgments and avoid back-side smudge problems caused by relying solely on paper length and neglecting horizontal dimension mismatches.

[0035] The vertical dimension parameter is combined with the vertical print allowance to form a vertical comparison range, which is then compared with the paper length to obtain the vertical matching level. The same applies to the horizontal dimension. In image forming apparatuses lacking a width detection device, the horizontal matching level can be directly defaulted to the first horizontal matching level, and the overall matching level can be determined solely based on the vertical matching level to ensure effective control of vertical mismatch even when horizontal information is missing. In some embodiments, the vertical dimension parameter includes the top margin of the image and the image height. The horizontal dimension parameter includes the left margin of the image and the image width. The vertical matching level is obtained by comparing the vertical dimension parameter with the vertical print allowance and the paper length as follows: When the paper length is greater than or equal to the difference between the sum of the image top margin and image height minus the vertical print allowance, and less than or equal to the sum of the image top margin, image height, and vertical print allowance, the vertical matching level is determined to be the first vertical matching level. When the paper length is less than the difference between the sum of the image top margin and image height minus the vertical print allowance, the vertical matching level is determined to be the second vertical matching level. The first vertical matching level is higher than the second vertical matching level. When the paper length is greater than the sum of the image top margin and image height plus the vertical print allowance, the vertical matching level is determined to be a perfect vertical match. Combining the horizontal dimension parameters with the horizontal print allowance and paper width, the specific horizontal matching level is as follows: When the paper width is greater than or equal to the difference between the sum of the image left margin and image width minus the horizontal print allowance, and less than or equal to the sum of the image left margin, image width, and horizontal print allowance, the horizontal matching level is determined to be the first horizontal matching level. When the paper width is less than the difference between the sum of the image left margin and image width minus the horizontal print allowance, the horizontal matching level is determined to be the second horizontal matching level. The first horizontal matching level is higher than the second horizontal matching level. When the paper width is greater than the sum of the left margin of the image and the image width plus the horizontal printing allowance, the horizontal matching level is determined to be a perfect horizontal match.

[0036] In terms of the fit between the image content area and the size of the paper to be printed, a perfect horizontal match is better than the first horizontal match level, and the first horizontal match level is better than the second horizontal match level; a perfect vertical match is better than the first vertical match level, and the first vertical match level is better than the second vertical match level.

[0037] For example, if the top margin of an image is 5mm, the image height is 250mm, and the portrait print allowance is 5mm, then the sum of the top margin and the image height is 255mm. Subtracting the portrait print allowance gives 250mm, and adding the portrait print allowance gives 260mm. If the detected paper length is 258mm, then 258mm falls between 250mm and 260mm, and the portrait matching level is the first level. If the detected paper length is 180mm, then 180mm is less than 250mm, and the portrait matching level is the second level. Similarly, if the left margin of an image is 3mm, the image width is 190mm, and the landscape print allowance is 5mm, then the lower horizontal limit is 188mm, and the upper horizontal limit is 198mm. If the paper width is 195mm, then 195mm falls between 188mm and 198mm, and the landscape matching level is the first level. If the paper width is 170mm, then 170mm is less than 188mm, and the landscape matching level is the second level. If the detected paper length is 300mm, then 300mm is greater than 260mm, and the vertical matching level is vertical perfect match. Similarly, if the paper width is 210mm, then 210mm is greater than 198mm, and the horizontal matching level is horizontal perfect match.

[0038] Based on the aforementioned methods for determining the vertical and horizontal matching levels, the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed is determined according to these two levels. Specifically: when both the vertical and horizontal matching levels are at the first vertical matching level, the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed is determined to be at the first matching level. When either the vertical or horizontal matching level is at the second vertical matching level, the matching level is determined to be at the second matching level. When both the vertical and horizontal matching levels are at a perfect vertical match and a perfect horizontal match, the matching level is determined to be a perfect match, and neither the print cleaning strategy nor the print intervention strategy is executed.

[0039] For example, in the above embodiment, the paper length is 258mm, and the vertical matching level is the first vertical matching level. The paper width is 195mm, and the horizontal matching level is the first horizontal matching level. Both directions are at the first matching level, therefore the overall matching level is the first matching level, and a print cleaning strategy is executed. As another example, if the paper length changes to 180mm, the vertical matching level is the second vertical matching level. Even if the horizontal matching level remains the first horizontal matching level, as long as one direction is at the second matching level, the overall matching level is the second matching level, and a print intervention strategy is executed.

[0040] In some embodiments, when implementing a print cleaning strategy, a vertical difference and a horizontal difference are calculated. The vertical difference is equal to the sum of the top margin and the image height, plus a vertical print allowance, minus the paper length. The horizontal difference is equal to the sum of the left margin and the image width, plus a horizontal print allowance, minus the paper width. A first cleaning duration is determined based on the vertical difference, and a second cleaning duration is determined based on the horizontal difference. The larger of the first and second cleaning durations is used as the base duration for cleaning the transfer roller. The cleaning duration is increased based on the base duration when any of the following conditions are met: the image content area extends beyond the paper to be printed, and the average blackness of the portion extending beyond the paper exceeds a preset blackness threshold, the average blackness being calculated by parsing the print data of the current print job; or, the matching level of the current print job and subsequent consecutive print jobs is the first matching level.

[0041] For example, the vertical difference equals 5mm top margin of the image plus 250mm image height plus 5mm vertical printing allowance minus 258mm paper length, which equals 2mm. The horizontal difference equals 3mm left margin of the image plus 190mm image width plus 5mm horizontal printing allowance minus 195mm paper width, which equals 3mm. The preset mapping rule is that when the difference is less than 3mm, one cleaning cycle is performed; when the difference is less than 5mm, 1.5 cleaning cycles are performed. Therefore, the first cleaning time is one cycle, the second cleaning time is 1.5 cycles, and the larger value of 1.5 cycles is taken as the base time. The transfer roller cleaning is achieved by alternating between positive and negative high pressure during transfer, with one cycle being one alternation. Within 1.5 cycles, the trace amounts of residual toner adhering to the surface of the transfer roller are sent back to the photoreceptor and then removed by the photoreceptor cleaning device.

[0042] For example, if the vertical difference is 8mm and the horizontal difference is 4mm, the preset mapping rule is that when the difference is less than 3mm, one cleaning cycle is required; when the difference is less than 5mm and greater than or equal to 3mm, 1.5 cleaning cycles are required; and when the difference is less than 10mm and greater than or equal to 5mm, two cleaning cycles are required. In this case, the first cleaning time is 2 cycles based on the vertical difference of 8mm falling within the range of 5mm to 10mm. The second cleaning time is 1.5 cycles based on the horizontal difference of 4mm falling within the range of 3mm to 5mm. The base time is the larger value of 2 cycles.

[0043] In some embodiments, when implementing a print cleaning strategy, the cleaning duration can be dynamically adjusted based on the image coverage of the out-of-area area and the number of consecutive pages cleaned. Specifically, after determining the basic cleaning duration through vertical and horizontal differences, the print data of the current print job is further analyzed to calculate the average blackness of the portion of the image content area extending beyond the printable paper. The average blackness is calculated by extracting the grayscale values ​​of each pixel within the out-of-area area and calculating its average blackness. When an out-of-area area exists and the average blackness exceeds a preset blackness threshold, the cleaning duration is increased based on the basic duration. For example, if the basic duration is 1.5 cycles, and the average blackness of the out-of-area area is 30%, exceeding the preset blackness threshold of 20%, the cleaning duration is increased from 1.5 cycles to 2 cycles. As another example, if the average blackness of the out-of-area area is 40%, and the preset blackness threshold remains at 20%, the basic duration is also increased by 0.5 cycles.

[0044] Additionally, when the matching level of the current sheet to be printed and the matching level of the next three consecutive sheets to be printed are both at the first matching level, the cleaning time is increased from the base cleaning time per page. For example, if the matching level of the current sheet to be printed is the first matching level, and the matching level of the next three consecutive sheets to be printed is also the first matching level, then the base cleaning time per page is increased by 0.5 cycles, that is, from 1.5 cycles to 2 cycles, to prevent continuous contamination accumulation from causing dirt on the back side.

[0045] Furthermore, when both conditions are met simultaneously—that is, the average blackness of the portion of the image content area extending beyond the printing paper exceeds a preset blackness threshold, and the matching level of the current printing paper and subsequent consecutive printing pages is at the first matching level—an additional cleaning time is added to the base cleaning time. For example, if the base time is 1.5 cycles, adding 0.5 cycles for the average blackness exceeding the threshold, and adding another 0.5 cycles for consecutive pages at the first matching level, the final cleaning time increases to 2.5 cycles. In this way, in scenarios with large excess areas, high image blackness, and continuous contamination, the cleaning time dynamically increases with the degree of contamination, ensuring cleaning effectiveness while avoiding efficiency loss due to over-cleaning.

[0046] In this embodiment of the invention, by dividing the comparison results between the image content area and the size of the paper to be printed into different matching levels, and by executing printing cleaning strategies and printing intervention strategies for critical matching and obvious exceeding respectively, it is possible to eliminate transfer roller contamination from the source and completely avoid dirt on the back of the paper in the scenario of continuously printing medium and long originals to shorter paper.

[0047] In some embodiments, when executing the printing intervention strategy, the imaging intervention position of the current print job is first determined based on the longitudinal printing reservation value. When the tail end of the paper to be printed corresponding to the current print job is detected to have reached the imaging intervention position, the developing bias voltage is turned off or the laser scanning unit is stopped from emitting light so that no toner image is formed on the photosensitive surface beyond the area of ​​the paper to be printed.

[0048] The imaging intervention position is located before the image formation position on the photoreceptor. The image formation position can be an exposure point (such as a laser irradiation point), an LED exposure point, or a slit light strip that simulates the exposure method on the photoreceptor.

[0049] The aforementioned imaging intervention position can be a predetermined trigger position located upstream of the image formation position along the rotation direction of the photoreceptor, with an arc length equal to the longitudinal print allowance value. When the tail end of the paper to be printed corresponding to the current print job reaches the imaging intervention position, the print engine will shut off the developing bias voltage or stop the laser scanning unit from emitting light, in order to prevent the portion exceeding the tail end of the paper from forming a toner image. For example, the longitudinal print allowance value is 5mm. When the tail end of the paper to be printed reaches a movement distance of 5mm before the laser irradiation point, the controller shuts off the developing high voltage or stops the laser scanning unit from emitting light. From this position onwards, no new toner image is formed on the photoreceptor. In this way, the portion exceeding the length of the paper will not leave toner residue on the photoreceptor, and the transfer roller will not be contaminated. Therefore, a specific transfer roller cleaning sequence is not required, and the next sheet of paper can be supplied for printing quickly, ensuring high printing efficiency.

[0050] In the overall workflow of continuous printing, after printing begins, the image content area parameters are first acquired, including the top margin, height, left margin, and width of the image. Then, it is determined whether the paper spacing meets the paper feeding requirements. If not, the process waits until the paper spacing meets the requirements before re-evaluating. Once the paper spacing is satisfied, paper feeding and imaging begin, while the size of the paper to be printed is detected. A matching level is determined based on the detected paper size and the image content area size. When the matching level is the first matching level, the transfer roller cleaning time is calculated, and positive and negative pressure cleaning actions are performed. The cleaning process is then checked to see if it is complete. If not, it waits until cleaning is complete before re-evaluating. After cleaning, the printing task is checked again to see if it is complete. When the matching level is the second matching level, image formation is prematurely terminated, and the printing task is checked again to see if it is complete. If the printing task is not complete, the process returns to the step of acquiring the image content area parameters and begins processing the next sheet of paper to be printed.

[0051] When the matching level is determined to be a perfect match (i.e., the paper length is greater than the sum of the image's top margin and height plus the portrait print allowance, and the paper width is greater than the sum of the image's left margin and width plus the landscape print allowance), no print cleaning or intervention strategies are executed, and printing continues continuously at the nominal speed. For example, if the paper length is 300mm, the paper width is 200mm, the image top margin is 5mm, the image height is 250mm, the image left margin is 3mm, the image width is 190mm, and both the portrait and landscape print allowances are 5mm, then the portrait requirement is 255mm, which becomes 260mm after adding the allowance (300mm is greater than 260mm), and the landscape requirement is 193mm, which becomes 198mm after adding the allowance (200mm is greater than 198mm). The image content area falls entirely within the paper to be printed, and no cleaning or intervention is performed. If the printing task is not completed, return to the step of obtaining the image content area parameters to process the next sheet of paper to be printed.

[0052] In some embodiments, the preset portrait and lateral print allowance values ​​can be corrected or dynamically adjusted based on the model of the image forming apparatus, sensor accuracy, or paper type. A self-calibration process can be performed to determine system deviations upon factory shipment or first use. For example, a test page containing a rectangular frame of known dimensions is printed on standard A4 paper, and the firmware uses a paper sensor to detect the actual paper feed length. If the detected value deviates from the known dimensions, this deviation is stored as a system deviation, and the portrait and lateral print allowance values ​​in subsequent print jobs are dynamically increased by this deviation value to improve the accuracy of the matching level determination. When the user sets the media type to thin paper or recycled paper in the print driver, the firmware automatically multiplies the portrait and lateral print allowance values ​​by a coefficient greater than 1 to address the increased detection error caused by thin paper slippage.

[0053] For example, when the image forming apparatus leaves the factory, it prints a rectangular test page with dimensions of 277mm x 190mm on standard A4 paper. The firmware uses a paper sensor to detect the actual paper feed length. If the detected value is 279mm, the system deviation is calculated to be +2mm. The firmware stores this deviation value and dynamically increases both the vertical and horizontal print allowances by 2mm in subsequent print jobs. When the user sets the media type to thin paper or recycled paper in the print driver, the firmware automatically multiplies the vertical and horizontal print allowances by a factor of 1.5, adjusting them from 5mm to 7.5mm to compensate for increased detection errors caused by thin paper slippage.

[0054] Through the above, this application embodiment achieves the selection of either a printing cleaning strategy or a printing intervention strategy during continuous printing based on the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed. When the matching is close to perfect, back-side contamination is avoided by cleaning the transfer roller. When the matching is significantly imperfect, contamination is prevented at the source by prematurely truncating image formation. This method maximizes printing efficiency while eliminating back-side contamination.

[0055] During continuous printing, changes in ambient temperature and humidity can increase toner adhesion, potentially leaving abnormal residues on the transfer roller surface that may not be completely removed by a preset cleaning cycle alone. To address this issue, this invention provides a cleaning method. During or after the cleaning process, a low-cost reflective photoelectric sensor (either existing or added) is used to detect the reflectivity of the non-transfer area of ​​the transfer roller. For example, this reflective photoelectric sensor can be a reused sensor for detecting toner concentration. If the detected reflectivity is lower than a clean baseline value, it indicates that toner residue remains on the transfer roller surface. An additional cleaning cycle is then added until the detection passes or the cleaning cycle limit is reached. For example, if the sensor detects a reflectivity of 60% on the transfer roller surface after cleaning, while the clean baseline reflectivity is 80%, the cleaning is deemed incomplete, and one additional cleaning cycle is added. After the additional cycle, the reflectivity is detected again. If it reaches 80% or higher, cleaning stops; if it remains below the baseline value, additional cycles are added, up to a maximum of three. This feedback mechanism completely eliminates the risk of incomplete cleaning due to abnormal conditions.

[0056] During continuous printing, when it is determined that the next page will also be at the first matching level and requires cleaning, using a fixed paper gap may not allow sufficient space for a longer cleaning time. Forcibly extending the cleaning time would reduce the continuous printing speed. To address this issue, this invention provides a solution. Specifically, after determining that the matching level of the current paper to be printed is the first matching level, the matching level of subsequent consecutive pages is further predicted. When it is predicted that the next page will also be at the first matching level and requires cleaning, the controller can intelligently increase the paper gap between the current paper and the next page slightly in advance, for example, by a few millimeters, to allow for a longer cleaning time. This allows for deep cleaning with a longer paper gap without reducing the continuous printing speed. The increase in paper gap can be within a range imperceptible to the user, for example, less than 1 mm. For example, if the normal paper gap is 20 mm, and the next page is predicted to be at the first matching level, the paper gap between the current paper and the next page is adjusted to 20.8 mm, with the added 0.8 mm used for additional cleaning, without affecting the user-perceived printing speed. This approach allows for a better balance between quality and efficiency.

[0057] In duplex printing, during the second side printing, paper size detection may be affected by paper shrinkage or the image on the first side. If the matching threshold used during the first side printing is still applied, the matching level may be inaccurate, thus affecting the back-side smudge control. To address this issue, this invention provides a matching degree judgment and control method extended to duplex printing scenarios. Extending the matching degree judgment and control strategy to the duplex printing process, during the second side printing, the printing allowance value for the second side is symmetrically corrected based on the matching result of the first side. For example, if the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed is determined to be the first matching level during the first side printing, and the vertical difference is positive 2mm, then during the second side printing, the vertical printing allowance value is corrected to the original value plus the vertical difference from the first side, i.e., from 5mm to 7mm. This allows for more accurate judgment of the matching level during the second side printing, optimizing back-side smudge control in duplex printing.

[0058] In color laser printers, each color imaging unit corresponds to a different photosensitive element and transfer belt or direct transfer roller structure. When only one or a few colors' effective images exceed the paper size, for example, only the edges of black text exceed the paper size, uniformly performing a shutdown of the developing bias or enhanced cleaning action on all colors would lead to unnecessary energy consumption and time wastage. To address this problem, embodiments of the present invention provide an independent cleaning control method for different color channels. In color printers, when it is detected that only one or a few colors' effective images exceed the paper size, the timing of shutting off the developing high voltage for the corresponding color is independently controlled, and the cleaning action for the transfer process of that color is specifically enhanced. For example, in a four-color laser printer, the black image exceeds the paper edge, while the cyan, magenta, and yellow images are all within the paper's range. In this case, only the developing bias of the black color channel is shut off or the black laser scanning unit is stopped from emitting light, and only the transfer process corresponding to black is enhanced with cleaning; other color channels do not undergo additional cleaning actions. This avoids wasting unnecessary cleaning energy consumption and time while ensuring the printing efficiency of other color channels.

[0059] Corresponding to the image forming method described above, this embodiment of the invention provides an image forming apparatus. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the image forming apparatus includes: an acquisition module 201, a matching module 202, and an execution module 203.

[0060] The acquisition module 201 is used to acquire the size parameters of the paper to be printed corresponding to the current print job, and to acquire the size parameters of the image content area in the current print job.

[0061] The matching module 202 is used to determine the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed based on the size parameters of the image content area, the size parameters of the paper to be printed, and the preset printing allowance value.

[0062] Execution module 203 is used to execute a print cleaning strategy when the matching level is the first matching level, and to execute a print intervention strategy when the matching level is the second matching level, where the first matching level is higher than the second matching level.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the aforementioned electronic device may include at least one processor and at least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein the memory stores program instructions executable by the processor, and the processor can execute this specification by calling the program instructions. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment provides an image forming method.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the electronic device is represented in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of the electronic device may include, but are not limited to: one or more processors 310, communication interface 320 and memory 330, and a communication bus 340 connecting different system components (including memory 330, communication interface 320 and processor 310).

[0065] Communication bus 340 represents one or more of several bus architectures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a graphics acceleration port, a processor, or a local bus using any of the various bus architectures. For example, these architectures include, but are not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) buses, Micro Channel Architecture (MAC) buses, Enhanced ISA buses, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local buses, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) buses.

[0066] Electronic devices typically include a variety of computer-readable media. These media can be any available media that can be accessed by the electronic device, including volatile and non-volatile media, and removable and non-removable media.

[0067] Memory 330 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The electronic device may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. Memory 330 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions of the embodiments described herein.

[0068] A program / utility having a set (at least one) of program modules may be stored in memory 330. Such program modules include—but are not limited to—an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment. The program modules typically perform the functions and / or methods described in the embodiments of this specification.

[0069] Processor 310 executes various functional applications and data processing by running programs stored in memory 330, such as implementing the functions described in this specification. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment provides an image forming method.

[0070] This specification provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the functions described in this specification. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment provides an image forming method.

[0071] This specification provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer instructions that cause an electronic device to execute this specification. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment provides an image shaping method.

[0072] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be any combination of one or more computer-readable media. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or flash memory, optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that may be used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0073] The foregoing has described specific embodiments of this specification. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims may be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and may still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are possible or may be advantageous.

[0074] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this specification. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0075] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this specification, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0076] Any process or method described in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of this specification includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of this specification pertain.

[0077] Depending on the context, the word "if" as used here can be interpreted as "when," "when," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determination" or "if detection (of the stated condition or event)" can be interpreted as "when determination," "in response to determination," "when detection (of the stated condition or event)," or "in response to detection (of the stated condition or event)."

[0078] It should be noted that the devices involved in the embodiments of this specification may include, but are not limited to, personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless handheld devices, tablet computers, mobile phones, MP3 displays, MP4 displays, etc.

[0079] In the several embodiments provided in this specification, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0080] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this specification can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software functional units.

[0081] The integrated units implemented as software functional units described above can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These software functional units, stored in a storage medium, include several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a connector, or a network device, etc.) or a processor to execute some steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this specification. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0082] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this specification should be included within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0083] The same or similar parts between the various embodiments in this specification can be referred to mutually. In particular, the device embodiments and terminal embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description in the method embodiments.

Claims

1. An image forming method, applied to an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The image forming method includes: Get the size parameters of the paper to be printed for the current print job, and get the size parameters of the image content area in the current print job; Based on the size parameters of the image content area, the size parameters of the paper to be printed, and the preset printing allowance, the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed is determined; the matching level includes a first matching level and a second matching level. When the matching level is the first matching level, the print cleaning strategy is executed; When the matching level is the second matching level, a printing intervention strategy is executed, where the first matching level is higher than the second matching level.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The size parameters of the image content area include vertical and horizontal dimensions; the size parameters of the paper to be printed include paper length and paper width; the preset printing allowance includes vertical and horizontal printing allowances; determining the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed based on the size parameters of the image content area, the size parameters of the paper to be printed, and the preset printing allowance includes: The longitudinal dimension parameter is combined with the longitudinal printing allowance value and compared with the paper length to obtain the longitudinal matching level; The lateral dimension parameter is combined with the lateral printing allowance value and compared with the paper width to obtain the lateral matching level; Based on the vertical matching level and the horizontal matching level, the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed is determined.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vertical dimension parameters include the top margin of the image and the image height; the horizontal dimension parameters include the left margin of the image and the image width. The step of combining the longitudinal dimension parameter with the longitudinal printing allowance value and comparing it with the paper length to obtain the longitudinal matching level includes: When the paper length is greater than or equal to the difference between the sum of the top margin of the image and the image height minus the vertical printing allowance, and less than or equal to the sum of the top margin of the image, the image height, and the vertical printing allowance, the vertical matching level is determined to be the first vertical matching level. When the paper length is less than the difference between the sum of the top margin of the image and the image height minus the vertical printing allowance, the vertical matching level is determined to be the second vertical matching level; the first vertical matching level is higher than the second vertical matching level. The step of combining the lateral dimension parameter with the lateral printing allowance value and comparing it with the paper width to obtain the lateral matching level includes: When the paper width is greater than or equal to the difference between the sum of the left margin of the image and the image width minus the horizontal printing allowance, and less than or equal to the sum of the left margin of the image, the image width and the horizontal printing allowance, the horizontal matching level is determined to be the first horizontal matching level. When the paper width is less than the difference between the sum of the left margin of the image and the image width minus the horizontal printing allowance, the horizontal matching level is determined to be the second horizontal matching level; the first horizontal matching level is higher than the second horizontal matching level.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determining the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed based on the vertical matching level and the horizontal matching level includes: When the vertical matching level is the first vertical matching level and the horizontal matching level is the first horizontal matching level, the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed is determined to be the first matching level. When the vertical matching level is the second vertical matching level, or the horizontal matching level is the second horizontal matching level, the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed is determined to be the second matching level.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The printing cleaning strategy includes: performing a cleaning action on the transfer roller after the end of the paper to be printed passes through the transfer roller; Performing a cleaning operation on the transfer roller includes: Calculate the vertical difference and the horizontal difference. The vertical difference is the difference between the sum of the top margin of the image, the image height and the vertical print allowance, and the paper length. The horizontal difference is the difference between the sum of the left margin of the image, the image width and the horizontal print allowance, and the paper width. A first cleaning time is determined based on the longitudinal difference, and a second cleaning time is determined based on the transverse difference. The larger of the first cleaning time and the second cleaning time is used as the base time for cleaning the transfer roller.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cleaning time is increased from the base time when any of the following conditions are met: The image content area extends beyond the paper to be printed, and the average blackness of the portion extending beyond the paper exceeds a preset blackness threshold. The average blackness is calculated by parsing the printing data of the current printing job. The matching level of the current sheet to be printed and the subsequent consecutive sheets to be printed are all at the first matching level.

7. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The printing intervention strategy includes: The imaging intervention position of the current print job is determined based on the vertical print reservation value, and the imaging intervention position is located before the image formation position on the photoreceptor; When the end of the paper to be printed corresponding to the current print job is detected to reach the imaging intervention position, the developing bias voltage is turned off or the laser scanning unit is stopped from emitting light, so that no toner image is formed on the photoreceptor surface beyond the area of ​​the paper to be printed.

8. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: The acquisition module is used to acquire the size parameters of the paper to be printed corresponding to the current print job, and to acquire the size parameters of the image content area in the current print job; The matching module is used to determine the matching level between the image content area and the paper to be printed based on the size parameters of the image content area, the size parameters of the paper to be printed, and the preset printing allowance value. An execution module is configured to execute a print cleaning strategy when the matching level is a first matching level; and to execute a print intervention strategy when the matching level is a second matching level, wherein the first matching level is higher than the second matching level.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein: The memory stores program instructions that can be executed by the processor, and the processor can execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 by calling the program instructions.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the program is executed by the processor of the electronic device, the electronic device performs the method described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images