Image forming device, processing system and program

Abstract

To identify correspondence between an image and a condition when an image is formed based on an image formed when an image is formed under various conditions including a case where a toner image is formed without performing charging and exposing.SOLUTION: There is provided an image forming device which comprises an image forming part which transfers a toner image formed on an image holder to a recording medium by an electrophotographic method and one or a plurality of processors which control operations of the image forming part, wherein the processors perform a plurality of operations with different conditions regarding charging and exposure, including at least an operation of forming a toner image on a recording medium by charging and exposing an image holder and an operation of forming a toner image on a recording medium without charging and exposing the image holder in a predetermined order, and controls the image forming part so that margins of different modes are formed on a recording medium in each of the plurality of operations with different conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a processing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses have a function of forming a toner image without charging or exposing a photosensitive drum, and malfunctions in the apparatus are examined using images formed under various conditions regarding charging and exposure. Prior art document 1 discloses a configuration in which an image forming apparatus including a photosensitive member, a charging device for charging the photosensitive member, and a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member with a developer can perform an operation of charging an image formable range of an image holding means with the charging means and developing it with the developer, and an operation of developing an image formable range of an image holding means with the developer without charging it with the charging means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication 2019-139004 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When diagnosing the state of an apparatus using images formed under different conditions regarding the charging and exposure of a photosensitive drum, it is necessary to identify under what conditions each image was formed.

[0005] The present invention provides a means for identifying the correspondence between an image and the conditions under which the image was formed based on the formed image when images are formed under various conditions, including when a toner image is formed without charging or exposing the image to light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is an image forming device comprising an image forming unit that transfers a toner image formed on an image carrier by an electrophotographic method onto a recording medium, and one or more processors that control the operation of the image forming unit, wherein the processor executes a plurality of operations with different conditions related to charging and exposure in a predetermined order, including at least an operation of charging and exposing the image carrier to form a toner image on the recording medium, and an operation of forming a toner image on the recording medium without charging or exposing the image carrier, and controls the image forming unit so that in each of the plurality of operations with different conditions, a margin of a different type is formed on the recording medium. The invention described in claim 2 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, characterized in that the processor controls the image forming unit to form the margins of gradually different configurations on the recording medium in each of the multiple operations having different conditions in accordance with the predetermined order. The invention described in claim 3 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 2, characterized in that the processor controls the image forming unit so as to form margins of gradually different sizes in multiple operations performed according to the predetermined order. The invention described in claim 4 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 2, characterized in that the processor controls the image forming unit to form toner images of gradually different densities in the margins in multiple operations performed according to the predetermined order. The invention described in claim 5 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, characterized in that the processor controls the image forming unit to form the margin extending in a band-like shape in a direction intersecting the feed direction of the recording medium at at least one of the leading end and trailing end sides of the recording medium in the feed direction when the image is formed by the image forming unit. The invention described in claim 6 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 5, characterized in that the processor controls the image forming unit so as to form margins of different widths in each of a plurality of operations performed according to the predetermined order. The invention described in claim 7 is a processing system comprising: an image forming apparatus as described in claims 1 to 6; a reading device that reads the recording medium on which a toner image is formed by the image forming apparatus; and a processing device that extracts the margins from the recording medium read by the reading device and performs a process of identifying the execution order of multiple operations performed under different conditions in the image forming apparatus based on the extracted margins. The invention described in claim 8 is the processing system described in claim 7, characterized in that the processing device analyzes the toner image formed by each of the plurality of operations, identifies the conditions applied to each of the plurality of operations based on the identified order of execution of the plurality of operations, and judges the status of the image forming device based on the analysis results of the toner image and the identified conditions. The invention described in claim 9 is a program for controlling the computer of an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit having a function of transferring a toner image formed on an image holder by an electrophotographic method to a recording medium and forming a toner image without charging and exposing the image to light, and a computer for controlling the operation of the image forming unit, the program being characterized by causing the computer to realize a function of causing the image forming unit to execute a plurality of operations having different conditions related to charging and exposure in a predetermined order, including at least an operation of charging and exposing the image holder to form a toner image on the recording medium, and an operation of forming a toner image on the recording medium without charging or exposing the image holder, and a function of forming a margin of a different type on the recording medium in each of the plurality of operations having different conditions. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the invention of claim 1, it is possible to identify, based on a formed image, the correspondence between the image and the conditions under which the image was formed. According to the invention of claim 2, by varying the state of the margins in stages, it becomes easy to specify the output order of the recording medium. According to the invention of claim 3, the output order of the recording medium can be easily specified by the size of the margin that changes stepwise. According to the invention of claim 4, the output order of the recording medium can be easily specified by the stepwise change in density of the toner image formed in the margin. According to the invention of claim 5, by specifying the position of the margin, it becomes easy to compare the margin in the image formed for each condition. According to the invention of claim 6, the strip-shaped margin can be easily identified. According to the invention of claim 7, it is possible to identify the correspondence between the image and the conditions under which the image was formed, based on the formed image. According to the invention of claim 8, it is possible to identify the correspondence between the image and the conditions under which the image was formed based on the formed image, and to diagnose the image forming apparatus. According to the invention of claim 9, it is possible to identify, based on the formed image, the correspondence between the image and the conditions under which the image was formed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a processing system to which the present embodiment is applied. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control device. [Diagram 5] These are diagrams showing the state of the image forming unit in the diagnostic mode, where Figure 5(A) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit under a first image forming condition, Figure 5(B) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit under a second image forming condition, Figure 5(C) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit under a third image forming condition, Figure 5(D) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit under a fourth image forming condition, and Figure 5(E) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit under a fifth image forming condition. [Figure 6]These figures show examples of margins being formed on paper on which a diagnostic image has been formed, where FIG. 6(A) shows an example of a margin being formed on paper, FIG. 6(B) shows an example of a margin being formed on paper P that is wider than the first margin, and FIG. 6(C) shows papers P with different margins being stacked on top of each other. [Figure 7] These figures show examples of images of different density formed in the margins of a sheet of paper on which a diagnostic image has been formed, where FIG. 7(A) shows an example of an image of one density formed in the margin, FIG. 7(B) shows an example of an image of a density different from one density formed in the margin, and FIG. 7(C) shows sheets of paper on which images of different density have been formed in the margins, stacked together. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Processing system configuration> 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a processing system 1 to which the present embodiment is applied. The processing system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 and an information processing apparatus 3. The apparatuses 2 and 3 are connected via a network. The network is a communication means used for information communication between the image forming apparatus 2 and the information processing apparatus 3, and for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) is used. The image forming apparatus 2 and the information processing apparatus 3 may be connected via the Internet or a public line, or the image forming apparatus 2 and the information processing apparatus 3 may be directly connected via a communication cable.

[0010] The image forming device 2 is a device that reads an original and forms an image on a sheet P, which is an example of a recording medium, in response to a user's operation. The information processing device 3 is a device that reads the sheet P on which the image has been formed, and determines the state of the image forming device 2. The information processing device 3 will be described later.

[0011] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 2 has a housing 10. In the image forming apparatus 2, an image forming section 20, an intermediate transfer belt 30, a secondary transfer roll 40, a belt cleaner 50, a paper feed section 60, a fixing device 70, a display device 80, and a control device 90 are provided in the housing 10. The image forming apparatus 2 also has a communication interface (not shown) used for information communication. On the top surface of the housing 10, an image reading device 100 that reads an image of a document placed on a document table is disposed. The dashed line shown in FIG. 2 indicates a transport path (R1) for the paper P. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 2 employs an electrophotographic system.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the image forming unit 20. As shown in FIG. The image forming unit 20 is configured using four image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K that individually form toner images of four colors, for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In Fig. 3, the image forming unit 20 will be described using one of the image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, K).

[0013] The image forming unit 20 is provided with a photoconductor drum 21. The photoconductor drum 21 receives power from a drive device (not shown) and rotates in the direction of arrow A to form an electrostatic latent image. In addition, a charging device 22, an exposure device 23, a developing device 24, a primary transfer roll 25, and a drum cleaner 26 are provided around the photoconductor drum 21. The charging device 22 charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 21 to a predetermined potential.

[0014] The exposure device 23 exposes the photoconductor drum 21 to, for example, a laser beam, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface. In FIG. 3, the light emitted from the exposure device 23 is indicated by the symbol Bm. The potential of the exposed portion of the photoconductor drum 21, which has been charged by the charging device 22, decreases. Note that the exposure of the photoconductor drum 21 by the exposure device 23 is not limited to using a laser beam. For example, a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) may be provided for each image forming unit 20, and the photoconductor drum 21 may be exposed to light emitted from the light source.

[0015] The developing device 24 visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 with a developer. The developing device 24 includes a storage section 241 that stores the developer. The storage section 241 is formed of, for example, a resin storage housing. The developing device 24 is disposed so as to extend in a direction from the front side to the rear side of the image forming apparatus 2 (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 3).

[0016] Further, the storage section 241 is provided with an opening 243 at a position facing the photosensitive drum 21 (see FIG. 3). The opening 243 is provided with a developing roll 245 for adhering toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The developing roll 245 is formed in a cylindrical shape and arranged to extend along a direction from the front side to the rear side of the image forming apparatus 2 (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 3). The developing roll 245 receives power from a driving device (not shown) and adheres toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 while rotating in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. 3.

[0017] The developer in this embodiment is composed of a powdered dry carrier and a powdered dry toner, and each of the image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, K) uses the powdered dry carrier and the powdered dry toner to form a toner image on the photoconductor drum 21. In this example, the carrier has a positive charging polarity, and the toner has a negative charging polarity.

[0018] The primary transfer roll 25 electrostatically transfers the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 21 onto the image bearing 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 photoconductor drum 21 and the primary transfer roll 25, so that the toner image on the photoconductor drum 21 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 30 sandwiched between the photoconductor drum 21 and the primary transfer roll 25. The drum cleaner 26 is a cleaning member that removes residual toner on the surface of the photoconductor drum 21 after the primary transfer.

[0019] The intermediate transfer belt 30 conveys the toner image transferred onto its image bearing surface to a secondary transfer position T2. ​​As shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate transfer belt 30 is disposed below the image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, K). The intermediate transfer belt 30 is disposed in a state sandwiched between the photoconductor drums 21 and primary transfer rolls 25 provided in each of the image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, K). As shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate transfer belt 30 is rotated at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow B by a drive roll 31a and support rolls 31b-e driven by a drive device (not shown).

[0020] The support roll 31b cooperates with the drive roll 31a to hold the primary transfer surface. The support roll 31c applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 30. The support roll 31d is a backup roll that supports the transfer performed by the secondary transfer roll 40. The support roll 31e is a roll that supports the belt cleaner 50 in cleaning the residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt after the secondary transfer.

[0021] The secondary transfer roll 40 electrostatically transfers the toner image held on the image holding surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 to the paper P at the secondary transfer position T2. ​​As shown in FIG. 2, the secondary transfer roll 40 is disposed facing the support roll 31d via the intermediate transfer belt 30. At the secondary transfer position T2, a potential difference (secondary transfer bias) is generated between the support roll 31d and the secondary transfer roll 40, so that the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 30 sandwiched between the support roll 31d and the secondary transfer roll 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.

[0022] The paper feed section 60 is composed of a paper container 61 and a plurality of feed rolls 62. The paper container 61 stores various types of paper P to be supplied to the secondary transfer position T2. ​​The feed rolls 62 send out the paper P one by one from the paper container 61 to the paper transport path R1, and transport the paper P to the secondary transfer position T2. ​​As shown in FIG. 2, the paper feed section 60 is disposed below the intermediate transfer belt 30. The number of paper containers 61 may be increased or decreased as necessary. In addition, a manual feed tray (not shown) connected to the paper transport path R1 may be disposed outside the housing 10.

[0023] The fixing device 70 is a device that fixes the toner image that has been secondarily transferred onto the paper P. As shown in Fig. 2, the fixing device 70 is disposed below the intermediate transfer belt 30. The fixing device 70 also includes a heating roll and a pressure roll, and as shown in Fig. 2, a fixing process is performed on the paper P by applying heat and pressure at a position where the heating roll and the pressure roll come into contact with each other.

[0024] The paper transport path R1 is a path along which the paper P is transported, and is provided to connect from the paper feed unit 60 to a paper discharge tray (not shown). The paper transport path R1 is indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the feed roll 62, the transport roll 71, and the discharge roll 72 are arranged on the paper transport path R1. As described above, the feed roll 62 sends out the paper P from the paper container 61 to the paper transport path R1 and transports it to the secondary transfer position T2. ​​The transport roll 71 transports the paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred at the secondary transfer position to the fixing device 70. The discharge roll 72 transports the paper P onto which the toner image has been fixed to the paper discharge tray (not shown).

[0025] The display device 80 is, for example, a display installed 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, configured with a touch panel or the like, and is used as a display device and an operation device.

[0026] The control device 90 is provided inside the housing 10, and controls each operation of the image forming device 2. For example, operations such as image reading and image formation, image formation operation in a diagnostic mode described later, and margin formation processing for paper P are controlled by the control device 90. These operations are performed by a CPU 91a as an example of a processor described later, which loads a program stored in an information storage device 92 or the like into a RAM 91c used as a work area and executes it.

[0027] <Control device hardware configuration> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 90. As shown in FIG. The control device 90 is provided with an arithmetic processing unit 91 and an information storage device 92 that stores information. The arithmetic processing unit 91 is configured by a computer. The arithmetic processing unit 91 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91a as an example of a processor that executes various processes described later. The arithmetic processing unit 91 also has a ROM (Read Only Memory) 91b in which a program is stored and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 91c used as a work area. The information storage device 92 is realized by an existing device such as a hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory. The arithmetic processing unit 91 and the information storage device 92 are connected via a bus 93 or a signal line (not shown).

[0028] The program executed by the CPU 91a may 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 (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The program executed by the CPU 91a may also be provided to the control device 90 using a communication means such as the Internet. The program provided to the control device 90 is stored in the information storage device 92.

[0029] In this specification, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). In addition, the operations of the processor may not only be performed by one processor, but may be performed by multiple processors in physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0030] <Image Forming Operation by Image Forming Apparatus> Next, the image forming operation performed by the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. This operation is performed by a CPU 91a, which is an example of a processor, reading a program stored in a ROM 91b or the like into a RAM 91c used as a work area and executing it. Here, a case where a full-color image is formed by combining toner images of four colors (Y, M, C, K) will be described as an example. On the other hand, it is also possible to form a monochrome image by operating only the image forming unit 20(K), for example.

[0031] For example, when the image forming device 2 receives a request for an image forming operation by a user's operation, the image forming device 2 rotates the photoconductor 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 photoconductor drum 21 to a predetermined potential.

[0032] Furthermore, when image data output from the image reading device 100, a PC, or the like is received together with a request for an image forming operation, the image forming device 2 performs image processing on the image data. As a result, image data corresponding to each image forming unit 20 (Y, M, C, K) is generated. The generated image data is then output to the exposure device 23.

[0033] The exposure device 23 irradiates the photoconductor drum 21 with light emitted from, for example, a laser in accordance with the input image data. In this embodiment, after the surface of each photoconductor drum 21 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging device 22, the surface is exposed by the exposure device 23. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of the predetermined potential is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 21.

[0034] Next, the developing device 24 causes the developing roll 245 to adhere toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 21. As a result, a toner image corresponding to each of the four colors (Y, M, C, K) is formed individually on the surface of each photoconductor drum 21.

[0035] Next, as the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates in the direction of arrow B, the toner images formed on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 21 of the image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, K) are electrostatically transferred in order (Y, M, C, K) to the image bearing surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 at the primary transfer position T1. In addition, the toner remaining on the image bearing surface of the photoconductor drum 21 is cleaned by the drum cleaner 26.

[0036] Next, as the intermediate transfer belt 30 further rotates in the direction of arrow B, the intermediate transfer belt 30 transports the toner image that has been primarily transferred and held on its image bearing surface to secondary transfer position T2. ​​Meanwhile, in the paper feed section 60, a feed roll 62 sends out paper P from a paper container 61 through paper conveyance path R1 to secondary transfer position T2. ​​Then, at secondary transfer position T2, the toner image held on the image bearing surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 is secondarily transferred to the paper P. In addition, the toner remaining on the image bearing surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 is cleaned by a belt cleaner 50.

[0037] Next, the paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing device 70 by the transport rolls 71. Then, in the fixing device 70, the paper P is heated and pressed by a heating roll and a pressure roll. This causes the toner image on the paper P to be fixed to the paper P. Then, the paper P is discharged to a discharge tray (not shown) by the discharge rolls 72. The above operations are the image forming operation performed when performing a normal image forming operation (normal time) in the image forming apparatus 2 of this embodiment. When a request for image forming operation for multiple sheets is received, the image forming operation described above is similarly repeated for the number of sheets.

[0038] Here, in this embodiment, it is possible to diagnose a malfunction for each of the image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, K). More specifically, in this embodiment, it is possible to identify the presence or absence of a malfunction and to identify the location of the malfunction for each of the image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, K). In this embodiment, when diagnosing an image forming unit 20, for example, first, a designator such as an operator operates the display device 80 or the like to designate the image forming unit 20 to be diagnosed.

[0039] In this embodiment, the image forming unit 20 designated by the designator, Y, M, C, or K, is the target of diagnosis. The designation of the image forming unit 20 to be diagnosed may be performed by the control device 90 of the image forming device 2 according to a predetermined condition, without the designator. The control device 90 may designate each image forming unit 20 (Y, M, C, K) in order, so that diagnosis is performed for all image forming units 20. When diagnosing the image forming unit 20, the image forming device 2 performs image forming operations in order under a plurality of image forming conditions described later, and forms diagnostic images (hereinafter, diagnostic images are referred to as "diagnostic images") obtained under each image forming condition on the paper P. Hereinafter, in describing the diagnostic image forming operation, the case where a normal image forming operation is performed as described above is referred to as a normal mode. Also, the case where a diagnostic image forming operation is performed is referred to as a 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 or the like into the RAM 91c used as a work area and executing it.

[0040] <Diagnostic mode> In the diagnosis mode in this embodiment, there are five image forming conditions, from the first image forming condition to the fifth image forming condition. In this embodiment, the image forming operations corresponding to the image forming conditions are performed in a predetermined order on the image forming unit 20 to be diagnosed, and the obtained diagnostic image is formed on the paper P. Note that, in this embodiment, the diagnosis is performed using the five image forming conditions, but some of these image forming conditions may be specified and used.

[0041] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit 20 in the diagnostic mode, where Figure 5(A) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit 20 under a first image forming condition, Figure 5(B) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit 20 under a second image forming condition, Figure 5(C) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit 20 under a third image forming condition, Figure 5(D) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit 20 under a fourth image forming condition, and Figure 5(E) is a diagram showing the state of the image forming unit 20 under a fifth image forming condition. In explaining the potentials in FIG. 5, the potential of the photoconductor drum 21 is represented by a solid line, and the potential of the developing roll 245 is represented by a dashed line.

[0042] <First image forming conditions> In the first image forming condition shown in Fig. 5(A), the image forming unit 20 is in the same state as in the normal mode. In other words, the first image forming condition is the same as the image forming condition in the normal mode. In this embodiment, in the normal mode, as shown in Fig. 5(A), the photoconductor drum 21 is charged using the charging device 22, and the surface potential of the photoconductor drum 21 is set to VH.

[0043] Furthermore, during normal operation, the exposure device 23 is used to selectively irradiate the surface of the photoconductor drum 21 with light. Then, as shown in FIG. 5A, the potential of the photoconductor drum 21 is set to a potential VL that is lower than the potential of the development roll 245 for the portion on which the image is to be formed. As a result, toner from the development roll 245 adheres to the portion of the photoconductor drum 21 that has been set to potential VL, and a toner image is formed on the portion that has been set to potential VL. Then, this 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.

[0044] In normal cases, when the density of the image to be formed is reduced, a period during which the photoconductor drum 21 is not irradiated with light is provided in addition to a period during which the photoconductor drum 21 is irradiated with light, so that a non-image forming portion is formed where no image is formed, as shown by reference symbol 5a in Fig. 5(A). A dot-shaped toner image is formed in the portion of the photoconductor drum 21 that is irradiated with light, but no toner adheres to the portion not irradiated with light, resulting in a blank region.

[0045] In this embodiment, the density of the image formed changes depending on the size of the dot-shaped toner image and the size of the blank area, and when the blank area becomes relatively large, the image density appears to the user to be reduced.

[0046] <Second image forming conditions> 5B, similarly to the above, the photoconductor drum 21 is charged, and the surface potential of the photoconductor drum 21 is set to VH. Moreover, under the second image forming condition, the exposure device 23 is used to continuously irradiate the photoconductor drum 21 with light. In other words, under the second image forming condition, the photoconductor drum 21 is continuously irradiated with light so that the blank area is not formed.

[0047] Moreover, under the second image forming condition, a diagnostic image with a low image density is formed. Specifically, under the second image forming condition, the output of the exposure device 23 is reduced compared to the normal time shown in FIG. 5A, and the difference Vs between the potential of the surface of the photoconductor drum 21 and the potential of the developing roll 245 is reduced. As a result, under the second image forming condition, a diagnostic image with a low image density is formed. Here, under the second image forming condition, when forming a diagnostic image with a low image density, a blank area is not provided as described above, but the exposure amount itself is reduced to form a diagnostic image with a low density.

[0048] Under the second image forming condition, exposure is performed uniformly with a low exposure output, and toner from the developing roll 245 adheres to the entire area where this exposure is performed uniformly, and a diagnostic image is formed over the entire area. Under the second image forming condition, if there is unevenness in the light emitted from the exposure device 23, the shading caused by this unevenness appears more clearly in the diagnostic image that is formed. In this case, it is possible to identify a problem with the image forming unit 20 to be diagnosed.

[0049] When the density of the image is reduced by creating dot images and blank areas as in the above normal state, even if there is unevenness in the formed dot images, the effect of this unevenness is unlikely to appear in the diagnostic image. In contrast, under the second image forming condition shown in Fig. 5(B), for example, density unevenness appears more prominently in the diagnostic image, making it clearer that there is a problem with the image forming unit 20.

[0050] <Third image forming condition> 5(C), the charging potential VH of the photoconductor drum 21 and the potential of the developing roll 245 are made smaller than those in the second image forming condition. Also, in the third image forming condition, the exposure device 23 is used to continuously irradiate the photoconductor drum 21 with light, and the output of the exposure device 23 is increased compared to those in the second image forming condition.

[0051] Under the third image forming condition, the charged potential VH of the photoconductor drum 21 is small, and furthermore, the output of the exposure device 23 is increased, so that when exposure is performed, the potential of the photoconductor drum 21 drops to the residual potential of the photoconductor drum 21. Furthermore, under the third image forming condition, the surface of the photoconductor drum 21 is uniformly exposed, as in the above. Over the entire area where this exposure has been performed uniformly, toner from the developing roll 245 adheres, and a diagnostic image is formed over the entire area.

[0052] Under the third image forming condition, even if there is a malfunction in the charging device 22 or the exposure device 23, the malfunction will not affect or will have a small effect on the potential of the photoconductor drum 21. In this case, even if there is a malfunction in the charging device 22 or the exposure device 23, the effect of the malfunction will be less likely to appear in the diagnostic image. Under this condition, regardless of whether there is a malfunction in the charging device 22 or the exposure device 23, the potential of the photoconductor drum 21 drops to the residual potential, and regardless of whether there is a malfunction in the charging device 22 or the exposure device 23, the potential of the photoconductor drum 21 is a constant potential value.

[0053] Here, it is assumed that an image defect such as uneven density or streaks appears in the diagnostic image formed under the second image forming condition described above, where the potential of the photoconductor drum 21 does not drop to the residual potential. On the other hand, it is assumed that the image defect does not appear in the diagnostic image formed under the third image forming condition, where the potential of the photoconductor drum 21 drops to the residual potential. In this case, it becomes possible to detect that there is no problem with the developing device 24 or the primary transfer roll 25.

[0054] <Fourth image forming condition> In the fourth image forming condition shown in FIG. 5(D), as indicated by reference numeral 5d in FIG. 5(D), the potential of the developing roll 245 is made higher than the charging potential VH of the photoconductor drum 21. In addition, in this fourth image forming condition, the exposure process is not performed on the photoconductor drum 21. Since the exposure process is not performed, the potential of the photoconductor drum 21 does not decrease, but since the potential of the developing roll 245 is increased, a development bias is generated between the photoconductor drum 21 and the developing roll 245. Therefore, in this case as well, the toner from the developing roll 245 adheres to the surface of the photoconductor drum 21, and a uniform toner image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 21.

[0055] In the case of the fourth image forming condition, since the exposure process is not performed, the toner adhesion location is not controlled. Therefore, the toner from the developing roll 245 adheres to the entire surface of the charged photoconductor drum 21, and a diagnostic image is formed over the entire surface.

[0056] Under the fourth image forming condition, it is possible to detect whether or not there is a malfunction in the exposure device 23. Here, if, for example, a streak-like image defect occurs in the diagnostic image under the above-mentioned second image forming condition in which the charging process and the exposure process are performed, and if this streak-like image defect does not occur under the fourth image forming condition in which the exposure process is not performed, it is possible to detect that there is a malfunction in the exposure device 23.

[0057] <Fifth Image Forming Condition> In the fifth image forming condition shown in FIG. 5(E), the potential of the photoconductor drum 21 is set to zero. That is, in the fifth image forming condition, the photoconductor drum 21 is not charged. In addition, the potential of the developing roll 245 is set higher than the potential of the photoconductor drum 21. In the fifth image forming condition, the photoconductor drum 21 is not exposed. In the fifth image forming condition, neither the charging nor the exposure is performed, but the potential of the developing roll 245 is increased, so that a developing bias is generated between the photoconductor drum 21 and the developing roll 245. As a result, toner from the developing roll 245 adheres to the surface of the photoconductor drum 21. In this case, too, a diagnostic image is formed over the entire surface of the photoconductor drum 21. In this condition, it is not necessarily required to not perform the exposure process on the entire surface of the paper, and the exposure process may be performed on a part of the paper for printing a picture for inspecting the state of the device or for printing information.

[0058] Under the fifth image forming condition, it is possible to detect a malfunction that may exist in the charging device 22 or the exposure device 23. Here, if an image defect occurs under the above-mentioned second image forming condition in which the charging process and the exposure process are performed, and this image defect does not occur under the fifth image forming condition in which the charging process and the exposure process are not performed, it is possible to detect that there is a malfunction in either the charging device 22 or the exposure device 23.

[0059] Here, the above-mentioned second image forming condition can be said to be a condition for identifying whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the image forming unit 20 of the diagnosis target. Also, the diagnostic image formed under the second image forming condition can be said to be a diagnostic image for identifying whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the image forming unit 20 of the diagnosis target.

[0060] The third to fifth image forming conditions can be considered as conditions for identifying a component having a malfunction among the multiple components constituting the image forming unit 20 to be diagnosed. The diagnostic images formed under the third to fifth image forming conditions can be considered as diagnostic images for identifying a component having a malfunction among the multiple components constituting the image forming unit 20 to be diagnosed.

[0061] <Creating margins> As described above, in this embodiment, a diagnostic image is formed on paper P for each image forming condition of the image forming unit 20 of the diagnosis target. Then, in this embodiment, a different type of margin is formed on each of the sheets of paper P on which the diagnostic image is formed. This process is performed by the CPU 91a, which is an example of a processor, reading a program stored in the information storage device 92 or the like into the RAM 91c used as a work area and executing it. Then, the diagnostic images are distinguished by the different types of margins formed on the sheets of paper P.

[0062] More specifically, image forming operations based on the above-mentioned multiple image forming conditions are performed in a predetermined order, and in each image forming operation, a different type of margin is formed in a predetermined order. This makes it possible to specify the order in which the image forming operation was performed on the paper P, based on the type of margin formed on the paper P, and to specify the image forming conditions applied in that order.

[0063] A method of forming a margin will be described. When an exposure process is performed, a margin may be formed by controlling exposure in the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. In contrast, a method of forming a margin when an exposure process is not performed includes, for example, a method of not supplying a bias voltage for generating a developing bias. In this embodiment, when an exposure process is not performed, a bias voltage is supplied to the developing roll 245, and the potential of the developing roll 245 is made higher than the charging potential VH of the photosensitive drum 21, thereby forming a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Therefore, a toner image is formed while the bias voltage is being supplied, and when the supply of the bias voltage is stopped, a margin is formed at a location corresponding to the toner image. Therefore, the size (width) of the margin can be controlled by controlling the time when the bias voltage is not supplied. Specifically, the size of the margin is reduced if the time when the bias voltage is not supplied is short. Note that even if the supply of the bias voltage is stopped, the charge of the developing roll 245 does not disappear immediately, so the boundary between the margin and the toner image has a certain width. The same is true for the boundary between the margin and the toner image when the supply of the bias voltage is resumed.

[0064] Although the method of not generating the developing bias has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. As another method, there is a method of not supplying a bias voltage for generating a primary transfer bias. In this method, it is not necessary to control the developing device 24. In the image forming operation in this embodiment, after the developing device 24 forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 30 by generating a primary transfer bias at the primary transfer position T1 (see FIG. 2). As a result, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is primarily transferred to the image bearing surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30. Therefore, in the region of the paper P where a margin is to be formed, control is performed so that a bias voltage is not supplied. As a result, the toner image is not transferred to the image bearing surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 while the bias voltage is not supplied. As a result, a margin is formed on the paper P. Also, as in the case of the developing bias, the size (width) of the margin formed on the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 30 can be controlled by controlling the time during which the bias voltage is not supplied between the photosensitive drum 21 and the primary transfer roll 25.

[0065] Further, as a method for forming a margin, a method for not supplying a bias voltage for generating a secondary transfer bias can be mentioned. In the image forming operation in this embodiment, after the toner image is primarily transferred onto the image bearing surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30, the toner image is transferred onto the paper P by generating a secondary transfer bias at the secondary transfer position T2 (see FIG. 2). As a result, the toner image held on the image bearing surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 is secondarily transferred onto the paper P. Therefore, in the region where the margin is formed on the paper P, control is performed so that the bias voltage is not supplied. As a result, the toner image is not transferred onto the paper P while the bias voltage is not supplied. As a result, the margin is formed on the paper P. Also, as in the case of the developing bias, the size (width) of the margin formed on the toner image transferred onto the paper P can be controlled by controlling the time during which the bias voltage is not supplied between the support roll 31d and the secondary transfer roll 40. Note that these operations are controlled by the control device 90.

[0066] In this embodiment, in each of the image forming operations performed in a predetermined order, a different type of margin is formed on the paper P together with the diagnostic image. As an example, a case will be described in which the image forming operations are performed in order from the first image forming condition to the fifth image forming condition, and a margin of a different type is formed stepwise for each sheet P on which a diagnostic image is formed. More specifically, an example in which the size of the margin is increased stepwise will be described as a margin type. Note that in this embodiment, the developing bias is adjusted to form the margin on the paper P.

[0067] When the size of the margin is increased stepwise for each sheet of paper P, the time during which the bias voltage is not supplied is controlled to be increased stepwise for each sheet of paper P. This causes the area on the photoconductor drum 21 where no toner image is formed to become larger stepwise. Accordingly, the size of the margin formed on the sheet of paper P becomes larger stepwise.

[0068] FIG. 6 shows an example of forming a margin m on a sheet P on which a diagnostic image has been formed, where FIG. 6(A) shows an example of forming a margin m1 on the sheet P, FIG. 6(B) shows an example of forming a margin m2 wider than the margin m1 on the sheet P, and FIG. 6(C) shows a state in which sheets P on which different margins have been formed are stacked. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the margins, it will simply be referred to as margin m. The arrow in the figure indicates the paper feed direction. The paper feed direction refers to the direction in which the sheet P on which the image has been formed is discharged.

[0069] In the diagram shown in FIG. 6(A), a margin m1 is formed on the leading edge side in the paper feed direction of the paper P on which the diagnostic image is formed. This margin m1 is formed in a strip-like shape extending in a direction intersecting the paper feed direction. Also, in the diagram shown in FIG. 6(B), a margin m2 having a width (length in the paper feed direction) wider than m1 is formed on the leading edge side in the paper feed direction of the paper P on which the diagnostic image is formed. This margin m2 is formed in a strip-like shape extending in a direction intersecting the paper feed direction, similar to the margin m1. In this embodiment, the size of the margin is gradually increased for each paper P on which the diagnostic image is formed. Therefore, when diagnostic images from the first image forming condition to the fifth image forming condition are formed on each paper P, five sheets of paper P with margins of gradually different sizes are formed.

[0070] In this embodiment, the margin size is controlled to be increased stepwise. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6C, the margin size formed on the paper P is increased stepwise in response to the diagnostic images from the first image forming condition to the fifth image forming condition. As a result, for example, it can be determined that the paper P on which the diagnostic image with the smallest margin size is formed is the one formed under the first image forming condition. In this embodiment, the mode in which the margin size formed on the paper P is increased stepwise has been described, but the margin size may be decreased stepwise. Also, if the image forming operations under each image forming condition are performed in a predetermined order and different types of margins are formed in each image forming operation in a predetermined order, the correspondence between the image forming conditions and the margins can be specified even if the margins are not formed stepwise. In this embodiment, the margin is formed on the leading edge side of the paper P in the paper feed direction, but the margin may be formed on the trailing edge side of the paper feed direction.

[0071] <Other methods for diagnostic image identification using white space> In the above example, a method for identifying diagnostic images by varying the size of the margins has been described, but the method for identifying diagnostic images by the state of the margins is not limited to the above method. For example, another method is to form images with different densities in the margins to make each paper P identifiable. This will be described below.

[0072] The density of the image can be adjusted by the difference Vs between the potential of the surface of the photoconductor drum 21 and the potential of the developing roll 245. For example, when the difference Vs between the potential of the surface of the photoconductor drum 21 and the potential of the developing roll 245 is small, the density of the image is low. On the other hand, when the difference Vs between the potential of the surface of the photoconductor drum 21 and the potential of the developing roll 245 is large, the density of the image is high. This potential difference Vs can be adjusted by controlling the developing potential. In this method, the potential difference Vs is adjusted in the area where the margin is formed for each image forming condition. As a result, images with different densities are formed on the margin m for each image forming condition while the size of the margin m is kept constant.

[0073] In this embodiment, as described above, the image forming operation is performed in order starting from the first image forming condition. Therefore, by predetermining the output order of the density of the image formed in the margin, the image forming condition is identified from the density of the image formed in the margin.

[0074] Fig. 7 shows an example of forming images of different densities in the margins of a sheet P on which a diagnostic image has been formed, Fig. 7(A) shows an example of forming an image of one density c1 in the margin m, Fig. 7(B) shows an example of forming an image of density c2 different from the one density c1 in the margin m, and Fig. 7(C) shows a state in which sheets P on which images of different densities have been formed in the margin m are stacked. Note that when it is not necessary to distinguish between densities, it will simply be described as density c. The arrows in the figures indicate the paper feed direction.

[0075] In the diagram shown in FIG. 7(A), a margin m is formed on the leading edge of the paper feed direction of the paper P on which the diagnostic image is formed, extending in a band shape in a direction intersecting the paper feed direction. An image of one density c1 is formed on this margin m. In the diagram shown in FIG. 7(B), a margin m is formed on the leading edge of the paper feed direction of the paper P on which the diagnostic image is formed, extending in a band shape in a direction intersecting the paper feed direction. An image of density c2 different from c1 is formed on this margin m. Note that the size of the margin m is the same in FIGS. 7(A) and (B). In this embodiment, the density of the image formed on the margin m is increased stepwise for each paper P on which the diagnostic image is formed. Therefore, when the diagnostic images from the first image forming condition to the fifth image forming condition are formed on each paper P, five sheets of paper P are formed with images formed on the margins that differ in stepwise density.

[0076] For example, the control device 90 performs control to gradually increase the potential difference Vs for each image forming condition in the region where the margin is formed. As a result, an image with a gradually increasing density for each image forming condition is formed in the margin m of the paper P on which the diagnostic image is formed.

[0077] In the diagram shown in FIG. 7(C), the density of the image formed in the margin m of the paper P is gradually increased in accordance with the diagnostic images from the first image forming condition to the fifth image forming condition. The size of the margin m of the five sheets of paper P is the same. In this embodiment, the mode in which the density c of the image formed in the margin m is gradually increased has been described with reference to FIG. 7. On the other hand, the mode in which the density c of the image is gradually decreased may be adopted. In the region in which the margin is formed, by controlling the potential difference Vs to be gradually decreased for each image forming condition, an image with gradually decreasing density is formed in the margin m of the paper P. In addition, in this embodiment, the margin m is formed on the leading edge side of the paper P in the paper feed direction, but the margin m may be formed on the trailing edge side of the paper feed direction.

[0078] Next, in this embodiment, the state of the image forming apparatus 2 is judged based on the diagnostic image formed on the paper P and the image forming conditions. As described above, in this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 3 that judges the state of the image forming apparatus 2 based on the diagnostic image formed on the paper P is provided.

[0079] <Configuration of information processing device 3> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 3. The information processing device 3 is provided with an arithmetic processing unit 301, an information storage device 302 that stores information, a display device 303, and an operation device 304. The information processing device 3 is also provided with a communication interface (not shown). The arithmetic processing unit 301 is configured by a computer. The arithmetic processing unit 301 has a CPU 301a as an example of a processor that executes various processes described later. The arithmetic processing unit 301 also has a ROM 301b in which a program is stored, and a RAM 301c used as a work area. The information storage device 302 is realized by an existing device such as a hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory. The arithmetic processing unit 301, the information storage device 302, the display device 303, and the operation device 304 are connected via a bus 305 or a signal line not shown.

[0080] In addition, the operations of the processor may not only be performed by one processor, but may be performed by multiple processors in physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0081] The display device 303 is a device that displays information to a user. For example, a display is used as the display device 303. The operation device 304 is a device that accepts operations from a user. For example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch sensor, etc. are used as the operation device 304. Also, it may be configured as a touch panel that combines a touch sensor and a display. The communication interface is used for information communication with the image forming device 2.

[0082] In this embodiment, a diagnosis of the image forming unit 20 to be diagnosed is performed based on this paper P on which the diagnostic image is formed. This operation is performed by the CPU 301a as an example of a processor reading a program stored in the information storage device 302 or the like into the RAM 301c used as a work area and executing the program.

[0083] Specifically, for example, the above-mentioned designator reads a plurality of sheets of paper P on which diagnostic images are formed together with margins of different types by the image reading device 100 provided in the image forming device 2. Then, using a communication interface between the image forming device 2 and the information processing device 3, the information of the read sheets of paper P is transmitted to the information processing device 3. Then, the CPU 301a of the information processing device 3 extracts the margins from the read sheets of paper P by the operation of the designator. Then, based on the extracted margins, the execution order of a plurality of image forming operations performed under different image forming conditions is identified. Then, based on the execution order of the identified plurality of image forming operations, the image forming conditions applied to each of the image forming operations are specified. Also, the CPU 301a analyzes the toner image from the diagnostic images formed in each of the image forming operations. Then, the CPU 301a judges the state of the image forming device 2 based on the analyzed toner image and the specified image forming conditions.

[0084] For example, in this embodiment, five image forming conditions from the first image forming condition to the fifth image forming condition are used. Therefore, in this case, five sheets of paper P on which diagnostic images having different margins are formed are output. Here, the above-mentioned person who designates reads the five sheets of paper P with the image reading device 100 and transmits information on the sheets P to the information processing device 3. The CPU 301a of the information processing device 3 extracts margins from each of the five sheets of paper P that have been read by the operation of the person who designates. Then, based on the extracted margins, the execution order of the image forming operations performed under the five image forming conditions is identified. Then, based on the execution order of the identified five image forming operations, the image forming conditions applied to each of the image forming operations are specified. Also, the CPU 301a analyzes the toner image from the diagnostic images formed in each of the image forming operations. Then, the CPU 301a judges the state of the image forming device 2 based on the analyzed toner image and the specified image forming conditions.

[0085] In this embodiment, the image forming unit 20 to be diagnosed is provided with components such as a photoconductor drum 21, a charging device 22, an exposure device 23, a developing device 24, and a primary transfer roll 25. Then, based on the analyzed toner image and the specified image forming conditions, the component in which a malfunction occurs is specified. In the above, the image is read using the image reading device 100 provided in the image forming device 2, but this is not limited to this. An image reading device may be provided separately from the image forming device 2. In this case, the information processing device 3 obtains information on the read image from the image reading device using a communication interface.

[0086] The diagnosis of the image forming unit 20 to be diagnosed may be performed by the designator through visual inspection. For example, as shown in Fig. 6(C) and Fig. 7(C), a plurality of diagnostic images with different margin patterns are formed on paper P, and the designator can identify the diagnostic images and the corresponding image forming conditions from the different margin patterns by overlapping the papers P. In this way, the designator performs a diagnosis of the image forming unit 20 to be diagnosed.

[0087] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the present embodiment, an example in which the image forming operation is performed in order from the first image forming condition to the fifth image forming condition has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. By predetermining the output order of the margins in different forms, even if the image forming operation is performed with the application order of the image forming conditions in a different order from the above, the diagnostic image and the image forming condition corresponding to it can be identified from the form of the margin.

[0088] Also, instead of associating the image forming conditions with the order of the margin modes as described above, each image forming condition may be individually associated with each margin mode in advance. Even when a part of a plurality of image forming conditions is used, the image forming conditions can be identified from the margin mode. In addition, various modifications and alternative configurations that do not deviate from the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0089] <Additional Notes> (((1))) An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that transfers a toner image formed on an image carrier by an electrophotographic method onto a recording medium; and one or more processors that control the operation of the image forming unit, wherein the processor executes a plurality of operations with different conditions related to charging and exposure in a predetermined order, including at least an operation of forming a toner image on the recording medium by charging and exposing the image carrier, and an operation of forming a toner image on the recording medium without charging or exposing the image carrier, and controls the image forming unit so that a margin of a different type is formed on the recording medium in each of the plurality of operations with different conditions. (((2))) The image forming apparatus described in (((1))) is characterized in that the processor controls the image forming unit to form margins of gradually different configurations on the recording medium in each of a plurality of operations with different conditions in accordance with the predetermined order. (((3))) The image forming apparatus described in (((1))) or (((2))) is characterized in that the processor controls the image forming unit to form margins of gradually different sizes in a plurality of operations performed in the predetermined order. (((4))) The image forming apparatus described in (((1))) or (((2))), characterized in that the processor controls the image forming unit to form toner images of gradually differing densities in the margins in a plurality of operations performed in the predetermined order. (((5))) The image forming apparatus of any one of (((1))) to (((4))), characterized in that the processor controls the image forming unit to form the margin extending in a band-like shape in a direction intersecting the feed direction of the recording medium at least on one of the leading end and trailing end sides of the recording medium in the feed direction when the image is formed by the image forming unit. (((6))) The image forming apparatus according to any one of ((1))) to (((5))), characterized in that the processor controls the image forming unit so as to form the margins of different widths in each of a plurality of operations performed according to the predetermined order. (((7))) A processing system comprising: an image forming apparatus as described in any one of (((1))) to (((6))); a reading device that reads the recording medium on which a toner image is formed by the image forming apparatus; and a processing device that extracts the margins from the recording medium read by the reading device and performs processing to identify an execution order of a plurality of operations performed under different conditions in the image forming apparatus based on the extracted margins. (((8))) The processing system described in (((7))) is characterized in that the processing device analyzes the toner image formed in each of the plurality of operations, identifies the conditions applied to each of the plurality of operations based on the identified order of execution of the plurality of operations, and judges the state of the image forming device based on the analysis result of the toner image and the identified conditions. (((9))) An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit having a function of transferring a toner image formed on an image holder by an electrophotographic method onto a recording medium and forming a toner image without charging or exposing the image to light, and a computer that controls the operation of the image forming unit, the program controlling the computer being characterized by having the following realization: a function of causing the image forming unit to execute a plurality of operations having different conditions related to charging and exposure in a predetermined order, including at least an operation of charging and exposing the image holder to form a toner image on the recording medium, and an operation of forming a toner image on the recording medium without charging or exposing the image holder; and a function of forming a margin of a different type on the recording medium in each of the plurality of operations having different conditions.

[0090] According to the invention of (((1))), it is possible to identify, based on a formed image, a correspondence between the image and the conditions under which the image was formed. According to the invention of (((2))), by varying the margin mode in stages, it becomes easy to specify the output order of the recording medium. According to the invention of (((3))), the margin size changes stepwise, making it easy to specify the output order of the recording medium. According to the invention of (((4))), the output order of the recording medium can be easily specified by the stepwise change in density of the toner image formed in the margin. According to the invention of (((5))), by identifying the position of the margin, it becomes easy to compare the margin in the image formed for each condition. According to the invention (((6))), it becomes easy to distinguish the strip-shaped margins. According to the invention of ((7)), it is possible to identify, based on a formed image, a correspondence between the image and the conditions under which the image was formed. According to the invention of (((8))), it is possible to identify the correspondence between the image and the conditions under which the image was formed based on the formed image, and to diagnose the image forming apparatus. According to the invention of (((9))), it is possible to identify, based on the formed image, the correspondence between the image and the conditions under which the image was formed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1... processing system, 2... image forming apparatus, 3... information processing apparatus, 10... housing, 20... image forming section, 21... photosensitive drum, 22... charging device, 23... exposure device, 24... developing device, 25... primary transfer roll, 26... drum cleaner, 30... intermediate transfer belt, 40... secondary transfer roll, 50... belt cleaner, 60... paper feed section, 70... fixing device, 80... display device, 90... control device, 100... image reading device

Claims

1. an image forming unit that transfers a toner image formed on an image carrier by an electrophotographic method onto a recording medium; one or more processors for controlling operation of the image forming unit; the processor executes a plurality of operations having different conditions related to charging and exposure in a predetermined order, including at least an operation of forming a toner image on the recording medium by charging and exposing an image carrier, and an operation of forming a toner image on the recording medium without charging or exposing an image carrier, and controls the image forming unit so that a margin of a different type is formed on the recording medium in each of the plurality of operations having different conditions; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The processor, Controlling the image forming unit so as to form the margin in a stepwise different manner on the recording medium in each of the plurality of operations having different conditions according to the predetermined sequence.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

3. The processor, Controlling the image forming unit so as to form the margins of different sizes in stages in the plurality of operations performed in the predetermined order.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. The processor, In the plurality of operations performed in accordance with the predetermined sequence, the image forming unit is controlled so as to form toner images having stepwise different densities in the margins.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

5. The processor, Controlling the image forming unit so as to form the margin extending in a band shape in a direction intersecting the feeding direction on at least one of a leading end side and a trailing end side of the recording medium in a feeding direction when the image is formed by the image forming unit.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

6. The processor, Controlling the image forming unit so as to form the margins of different widths in each of a plurality of operations performed according to the predetermined sequence.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

7. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a reading device that reads the recording medium on which a toner image is formed by the image forming device; a processing device that extracts the blank space from the recording medium read by the reading device, and performs a process of identifying an execution order of a plurality of operations that are executed under different conditions in the image forming device based on the extracted blank space; A processing system comprising:

8. The processing device includes: analyzing the toner images formed in each of the plurality of operations; Identifying the condition applied to each of the plurality of actions based on the identified order of execution of the plurality of actions; determining a state of the image forming apparatus based on a result of the analysis of the toner image and the specified condition; The processing system according to claim 7 .

9. an image forming section that has a function of transferring a toner image formed on an image carrier by an electrophotographic method onto a recording medium and forming a toner image without charging or exposing the toner image to light; A computer that controls the operation of the image forming unit; A program for controlling the computer of an image forming apparatus comprising: The computer includes: a function of causing the image forming unit to execute a plurality of operations having different conditions related to charging and exposure in a predetermined order, the operations including at least an operation of forming a toner image on the recording medium by charging and exposing an image carrier, and an operation of forming a toner image on the recording medium without charging or exposing the image carrier; a function of forming a margin in a different manner on the recording medium in each of the plurality of operations having different conditions; A program for realizing the above.

Images