Image formation device and display method

Abstract

To support a user in replacing a component of an image formation device.SOLUTION: An image formation device includes a display unit and a display control unit. The display control unit controls the display unit to display a first display element relating to replacement of an object component. The display control unit changes whether to display a second display element relating to a warning on an object component on the display unit while disabling operation to the first display element in accordance with a state of the object component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a display method. [Background technology]

[0002] In the maintenance work of an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), the control panel of the MFP displays various notices to the user. For example, the control panel displays an error warning regarding an error in the device. The maintenance work includes the work in which the user directly touches the consumable parts, such as replacement of the consumable parts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-91343 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the control panel only displays such a warning temporarily, and if a user starts replacing the consumable parts while ignoring or missing the warning, the user's hand may come into contact with the consumable parts, resulting in burns or electric shock.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique for assisting a user in replacing parts of an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a display unit and a display control unit. The display control unit causes the display unit to display a first display element related to replacement of the target part. The display control unit changes whether or not to display a second display element related to a warning about the target part in a manner that makes the first display element inoperable, on the display unit, according to a state of the target part. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a replacement part selection screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an exchange guidance screen according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a warning screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a display process in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the sake of explanation, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may omit configurations.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of an image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 100 prints by an electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, an MFP, a copier, a printer, or a facsimile. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes, for example, a paper feed tray 101, a manual feed tray 102, a paper feed roller 103, a toner cartridge 104, an image forming unit 105, an optical scanning device 106, a transfer belt 107, a transfer roller 108, a fixing unit 109, a paper discharge tray 110, a duplex unit 111, a scanning unit 112, a document feeder 113, and a control panel 114.

[0010] The paper feed tray 101 accommodates an image forming medium P to be used for printing. The manual feed tray 102 is a platform for manually feeding the image forming medium P thereon. The paper feed roller 103 is rotated by the action of a motor, thereby carrying out the image forming medium P accommodated in the paper feed tray 101 or the manual feed tray 102 from the paper feed tray 101 .

[0011] The toner cartridge 104 stores toner to be supplied to the image forming unit 105. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of toner cartridges 104. As an example, the image forming apparatus 100 includes four toner cartridges 104, namely, a toner cartridge 1041, a toner cartridge 1042, a toner cartridge 1043, and a toner cartridge 1044, as shown in FIG. 1. The toner cartridges 1041, 1042, 1043, and 1044 store toner corresponding to each color of CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, key (black)). Note that the color of the toner stored in the toner cartridge 104 is not limited to each color of CMYK, and may be other colors. The toner stored in the toner cartridge 104 may be a special toner. For example, the toner cartridge 104 may store a decolorizable toner that is decolorized and becomes invisible at a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature.

[0012] The image forming unit 105 prints an image by an electrophotographic method. That is, the image forming unit 105 forms an image on an image forming medium P or the like using toner. The image forming medium P is, for example, a sheet of paper. The image forming unit 105 includes a developing unit and a photosensitive drum. The developing unit develops an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum using toner supplied from a toner cartridge 104. As a result, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum is transferred (primary transfer) onto a transfer belt 107. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of image forming units 105. As an example, the image forming apparatus 100 includes four image forming units 105, namely, an image forming unit 1051, an image forming unit 1052, an image forming unit 1053, and an image forming unit 1054, as shown in FIG. 1. The image forming units 1051, 1052, 1053, and 1054 each receive a supply of toner corresponding to each of the colors CMYK and form an image.

[0013] The optical scanning device 106 is also called an LSU (Laser Scanning Unit). The optical scanning device 106 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum surface of each image forming unit 105 by using a laser beam controlled according to image data. The optical scanning device 106 includes, as an example, a laser unit corresponding to each color of CMYK. Each laser unit emits a laser beam. Each laser unit controls the emission of the laser beam according to a control signal according to the image data. Also, each laser unit modulates the laser beam according to a control signal according to the image data. The optical scanning device 106 includes, as an example, a polygon mirror. The polygon mirror reflects the laser beam emitted from each laser unit. The polygon mirror rotates by a polygon motor to polarize and scan each laser beam.

[0014] The transfer belt 107 is, for example, an endless belt, and can be rotated by the action of rollers. The transfer belt 107 conveys images transferred from each image forming unit to the position of the transfer roller 108 by rotating.

[0015] The transfer roller 108 includes two rollers facing each other. The transfer roller 108 transfers (secondary transfer) an image formed on the transfer belt 107 onto the image forming medium P passing between the transfer rollers 108.

[0016] The fixing unit 109 applies heat and pressure to the image forming medium P onto which the image has been transferred, thereby fixing the image transferred onto the image forming medium P. The fixing unit 109 includes a heat roller 1091 and a pressure roller 1092 that face each other.

[0017] The heat roller 1091 is, for example, a roller that includes a heat source for heating the heat roller 1091. The heat source is, for example, a heater. The roller heated by the heat source heats the image forming medium P.

[0018] The pressure roller 1092 applies pressure to the image forming medium P passing between the pressure roller 1092 and the heat roller 1091 .

[0019] The fixing unit 109 includes a temperature sensor 1093. The temperature sensor 1093 measures the temperature of the fixing unit 109. For example, the temperature sensor 1093 measures the temperature of the heat roller 1091 or the temperature around the heat roller 1091. The temperature sensor 1093 also outputs temperature data.

[0020] The paper discharge tray 110 is a platform onto which the image forming medium P is discharged after printing. The double-sided unit 111 makes the image forming medium P in a state where printing can be performed on the back side. For example, the double-sided unit 111 uses a roller or the like to switch back the image forming medium P, thereby inverting the image forming medium P.

[0021] The scanning unit 112 reads an image from a document on which an image is formed. The scanning unit 112 reads an image from the document. The scanning unit 112 corresponds to a scanner for reading an image from a document. The scanner is, for example, an optical reduction type having an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor. Alternatively, the scanner is a contact sensor (CIS (Contact Image Sensor)) type having an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor. Alternatively, the scanner is another known type. The image forming apparatus 100 realizes a document copy by printing an image read from a document using the scanning unit 112 on an image forming medium P using the image forming unit 105.

[0022] The document feeder 113 is also called, for example, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder). The document feeder 113 transports documents placed on a document tray one after another. Images of the transported documents are read by the scanning unit 112. The document feeder 113 may also include a scanner for reading images from the back side of the documents.

[0023] Control panel 114 includes buttons and a touch panel for operation by a user of image forming apparatus 100. The touch panel is, for example, a stack of a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display and a pointing device that accepts touch input. Therefore, the buttons and the touch panel function as an input device that accepts operations by the user of image forming apparatus 100. In addition, the display included in the touch panel functions as a display device that notifies the user of image forming apparatus 100 of various information. Control panel 114 is an example of a display unit.

[0024] The main circuit configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. As an example, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a processor 121, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 122, a RAM (Random-Access Memory) 123, an auxiliary storage device 124, a communication interface 125, an RTC (Real-Time Clock) 126, an opening / closing sensor 127, a printing unit 128, a scanning unit 112, and a control panel 114.

[0025] The processor 121 corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processes such as calculations and controls required for the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The processor 121 loads a program stored in the ROM 122 or the auxiliary storage device 124, etc., into the RAM 123. The program is a program that causes the processor 121 of the image forming apparatus 100 to realize each unit described below. The processor 121 executes various operations by executing the program loaded into the RAM 123. The processor 121 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Alternatively, the processor 121 is a combination of a plurality of these.

[0026] The ROM 122 corresponds to a main memory device of a computer with the processor 121 at its core. The ROM 122 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. The ROM 122 stores the above-mentioned programs. The ROM 122 also stores data or various setting values ​​used by the processor 121 when performing various processes.

[0027] The RAM 123 corresponds to a main storage device of a computer centered around the processor 121. The RAM 123 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 123 is used as a so-called work area for storing data that is temporarily used when the processor 121 performs various processes.

[0028] The auxiliary storage device 124 corresponds to an auxiliary storage device of a computer with the processor 121 as its core. The auxiliary storage device 124 is, for example, an Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) (registered trademark), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a Solid State Drive (SSD). The auxiliary storage device 124 may also store the above-mentioned programs. The auxiliary storage device 124 also stores data used by the processor 121 when performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 121, various setting values, and the like. Note that, instead of the auxiliary storage device 124 or in addition to the auxiliary storage device 124, the image forming apparatus 100 may be provided with an interface into which a storage medium such as a memory card or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory can be inserted.

[0029] The communication interface 125 is an interface for the image forming apparatus 100 to communicate via a network or the like.

[0030] The RTC 126 is a clock or a circuit with a built-in clock function.

[0031] Open / close sensor 127 is a sensor that detects whether a cover constituting a housing of image forming apparatus 100 is open. Open / close sensor 127 outputs a signal indicating that the cover is open in response to detection that the cover is open. Image forming apparatus 100 may be provided with multiple open / close sensors for each cover.

[0032] The printing unit 128 is a printer that prints an image on an image forming medium P based on image data. The printing unit 128 includes, for example, a printer processor 1281, a toner cartridge 104, an image forming unit 105, an optical scanning device 106, a transfer belt 107, a transfer roller 108, and a fixing unit 109.

[0033] The printer processor 1281 performs processes such as calculation and control required for the print operation of the image forming apparatus 100 to realize the print function. The printer processor 1281 performs processes such as calculation and control required for the print operation based on instructions from the processor 121 and various programs. The printer processor 1281 also outputs the processing results to the processor 121. The various programs may be stored in a storage unit such as the ROM 122 or the auxiliary storage device 124, or may be incorporated in the circuit of the printer processor 1281. Alternatively, the various programs may be stored in a storage unit provided in the print unit 128. The printer processor 1281 is, for example, a CPU, an MPU, an SoC, a DSP, a GPU, an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA.

[0034] Each unit implemented in the above-mentioned processor 121 will be described. The processor 121 implements a display control unit 1211, an acquisition unit 1212, a determination unit 1213, and a count unit 1214. Each unit implemented in the processor 121 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented in the processor 121 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the processor 121, the ROM 122, and the RAM 123.

[0035] A display control unit 1211 controls the display of various screens on the control panel 114. A screen is also called a display element.

[0036] The acquisition unit 1212 acquires temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093 .

[0037] The determination unit 1213 determines whether the state of the target part satisfies the criterion. The target part is a part to be replaced selected by the user from among the parts constituting the image forming apparatus 100. Various consumable parts constituting the image forming apparatus 100 can be the target part. Here, the fixing unit 109 is used as an example of the target part for explanation. The criterion is a criterion for classifying the state of the target part into a state suitable for replacement of the target part and a state unsuitable for replacement. A state in which the state of the target part satisfies the criterion corresponds to a state in which the state of the target part is suitable for replacement. A state in which the state of the target part does not satisfy the criterion corresponds to a state in which the state of the target part is unsuitable for replacement. A state suitable for replacement is a state in which there is no danger when the user replaces the target part. A state unsuitable for replacement is a state in which there is danger when the user replaces the target part. The criterion can be changed as appropriate.

[0038] For example, a case where the target part is the fixing unit 109 will be described. The criterion is a threshold value related to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1093 for classifying the state of the fixing unit 109 into a state suitable for replacing the fixing unit 109 and a state unsuitable for replacing the fixing unit 109. The state suitable for replacing the fixing unit 109 is a state in which there is no risk of a burn when the user replaces the fixing unit 109. The state unsuitable for replacing the fixing unit 109 is a state in which there is a risk of a burn due to high temperature when the user replaces the fixing unit 109. For example, when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1093 is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the state of the fixing unit 109 satisfies the criterion. When the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1093 exceeds the threshold value, the state of the fixing unit 109 does not satisfy the criterion. The threshold value can be changed as appropriate.

[0039] The criteria are not limited to the temperature threshold value, and may vary depending on the type of target component.

[0040] The counter 1214 counts the elapsed time.

[0041] Several examples of screens displayed on the control panel 114 will now be described.

[0042] First, the replacement part selection screen will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a replacement part selection screen. The replacement part selection screen is a screen for selecting a target part.

[0043] The replacement part selection screen displays a list of multiple consumable parts (consumable parts "AAA", "BBB", and "CCC") that are due for replacement. The user can select a target part from the list on the replacement part selection screen by operating the control panel 114.

[0044] In one example, the control panel 114 displays the replacement part selection screen based on a display request for the replacement part selection screen by a user on the control panel 114. In another example, the control panel 114 displays the replacement part selection screen based on detection by the open / close sensor 127 that the cover is open.

[0045] The "Cancel" button on the replacement part selection screen is a button for clearing the replacement part selection screen. Clearing includes hiding and closing the screen. For example, the user presses the "Cancel" button when canceling the replacement of the target part.

[0046] The "OK" button on the replacement part selection screen is a button for confirming the target part. For example, the user presses the "OK" button when confirming the target part selected from the list.

[0047] Next, the replacement guidance screen will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the replacement guidance screen. The replacement guidance screen is an example of a screen related to replacement of a target part. The screen related to replacement of a target part is a screen for completing replacement of the target part. The screen related to replacement of a target part is also referred to as a first display element.

[0048] The control panel 114 displays a replacement guidance screen for the target part selected on the replacement part selection screen. The screen displayed on the control panel 114 transitions from the replacement part selection screen to a replacement guidance screen based on the selection of the target part on the replacement part selection screen. For example, the control panel 114 displays a replacement guidance screen for the fixing unit 109. The user completes the replacement of the target part by following the display on the replacement guidance screen.

[0049] The "Cancel" button on the replacement guidance screen is a button for returning to the replacement part selection screen. For example, the user presses the "Cancel" button when canceling the replacement of the target part.

[0050] The "Help Video" button on the replacement guidance screen is a button for displaying a two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code stores a URL associated with a guidance video for replacing the target part. For example, a user can read the two-dimensional code with a terminal such as a smartphone, and access the URL to display the video on the terminal. The user can follow the guidance to replace the target part.

[0051] The "Finish" button on the replacement guidance screen is a button for completing the replacement of the target part. For example, the user presses the "Finish" button after physically replacing the target part. For example, based on the pressing of the "Finish" button, the image forming apparatus 100 performs internal processing associated with the physical replacement of the target part. For example, the internal processing may be resetting to zero a counter for the usage time of the target part. This causes the image forming apparatus 100 to complete the replacement of the target part.

[0052] Next, the warning screen will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the warning screen. The warning screen is an example of a screen related to a warning of the target part. The screen related to the warning of the target part is a screen for warning that the state of the target part is not suitable for replacement. The screen related to the warning of the target part is also referred to as a second display element.

[0053] The control panel 114 displays the warning screen in a manner that makes the replacement guidance screen inoperable. For example, the manner in which the replacement guidance screen is inoperable is a manner in which at least each button on the replacement guidance screen is inoperable (for example, inactive). For example, the control panel 114 displays a warning screen superimposed on the replacement guidance screen. The warning screen may cover a part of the replacement guidance screen, or may cover the entirety of the replacement guidance screen. Note that the control panel 114 may display the warning screen in a manner that makes the replacement guidance screen inoperable by erasing the replacement guidance screen and displaying a warning screen. This prevents the user from operating the replacement guidance screen. Inoperable includes the meaning of unavailable. Operable includes the meaning of available.

[0054] The warning screen displays warning cancellation conditions. The warning cancellation conditions are conditions under which the warning is cancelled and the warning screen is cleared. The conditions under which the warning screen is cleared correspond to the conditions under which the replacement guidance screen becomes operable. The conditions under which the warning screen is cleared correspond to the conditions under which the state of the target part transitions from a state unsuitable for replacement to a state suitable for replacement. The conditions under which the warning screen is cleared correspond to the conditions under which the state of the target part transitions from a state that does not satisfy the criteria to a state that satisfies the criteria.

[0055] In one example, the warning cancellation condition is the time from when the warning screen is displayed until the warning screen is deleted (hereinafter also referred to as the completion time). The completion time is the time estimated to be required for the state of the target part to transition from a state that does not satisfy the criteria to a state that satisfies the criteria. It is preferable that the completion time be a time with a generous margin. The completion time may be a time that is predetermined for each target part. The completion time may be a time that varies depending on the state of the target part. The completion time may be a time that varies taking into account the environmental temperature. The completion time can be changed as appropriate.

[0056] In another example, the warning cancellation condition is the time when the warning screen is erased (hereinafter, also referred to as the completion time), such as "Completion time" shown in Fig. 5. The completion time is the time obtained by adding the completion time to the display time of the warning screen.

[0057] A case will be described where the target part is the fixing unit 109. The warning cancellation condition is the completion time. For example, the completion time is the time obtained by adding the completion time to the current time. The completion time is the time estimated to be required for the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1093 to drop from a value exceeding the threshold to a value below the threshold. The completion time may be a time determined in advance for the fixing unit 109. The completion time may be a time whose length varies depending on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1093. The completion time may be a time whose length varies taking into account the environmental temperature.

[0058] The "Cancel" button on the warning screen is a button for returning to the replacement part selection screen. For example, the user presses the "Cancel" button when canceling the replacement of the target part. In response to pressing the "Cancel" button, the control panel 114 displays the replacement part selection screen instead of the replacement guidance screen. Therefore, even if the user presses the "Cancel" button, he or she cannot operate the replacement guidance screen.

[0059] The procedure of the display process in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the display process.

[0060] The display control unit 1211 causes a replacement part selection screen to be displayed on the control panel 114 (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the display control unit 1211 causes the control panel 114 to display the replacement part selection screen based on a display request by a user on the control panel 114. For example, the display control unit 1211 causes the control panel 114 to display the replacement part selection screen based on detection by the open / close sensor 127 that the cover is open.

[0061] The display control unit 1211 detects the selection of a target part on the replacement part selection screen (ACT2). In ACT2, for example, the display control unit 1211 detects pressing of an "OK" button after the target part is selected on the replacement part selection screen. If the display control unit 1211 does not detect the selection of a target part (ACT2, No), it continues to detect the selection of the target part. Here, it is assumed that the fuser 109 is selected as the target part by the user. It is noted that the processor 121 stops the power supply to the target part based on the detection of the selection of the target part. Here, it is assumed that the processor 121 stops the power supply to the fuser 109.

[0062] When the display control unit 1211 detects the selection of the fixing unit 109 as the target component (ACT2, Yes), the acquisition unit 1212 acquires temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093 (ACT3). In ACT3, for example, the acquisition unit 1212 activates the temperature sensor 1093 and acquires current temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093. The temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093 is an example of data for detecting the state of the target component.

[0063] The determination unit 1213 determines whether the state of the fixing unit 109 satisfies the criterion (ACT4). In ACT4, for example, the determination unit 1213 compares the value of the temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093 with a threshold value. If the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1093 is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the determination unit 1213 determines that the state of the fixing unit 109 satisfies the criterion. If the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1093 exceeds the threshold value, the determination unit 1213 determines that the state of the fixing unit 109 does not satisfy the criterion. As described below, the display control unit 1211 changes whether or not to display a warning screen on the control panel 114 in a manner that makes the replacement guidance screen inoperable, depending on the state of the fixing unit 109.

[0064] When the state of the fixing unit 109 satisfies the criteria (ACT4, Yes), the display control unit 1211 displays a replacement guidance screen on the control panel 114 (ACT5). In ACT5, for example, the display control unit 1211 displays a replacement guidance screen for the fixing unit 109 on the control panel 114. When the state of the fixing unit 109 satisfies the criteria, the display control unit 1211 does not display a warning screen on the control panel 114. Therefore, each button on the replacement guidance screen displayed on the control panel 114 is active. Since the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1093 is equal to or lower than the threshold, the state of the fixing unit 109 is suitable for replacement. The user can replace the fixing unit 109 safely without risk of burns by following the display on the replacement guidance screen. After replacing the fixing unit 109, the user can press the "Finish" button to complete the replacement of the fixing unit 109.

[0065] If the state of the fixing unit 109 does not satisfy the criteria (ACT4, No), the display control unit 1211 causes the control panel 114 to display a replacement guidance screen (ACT6). In ACT6, for example, the display control unit 1211 causes the control panel 114 to display a replacement guidance screen for the fixing unit 109.

[0066] The display control unit 1211 displays a warning screen on the control panel 114 in a mode in which the replacement guidance screen cannot be operated (ACT7). In ACT7, the display control unit 1211 displays a warning screen on the control panel when the state of the fixing unit 109 does not satisfy a criterion. For example, the display control unit 1211 displays a warning screen on the control panel 114 at the same timing as the display of the replacement guidance screen in ACT6. This allows the image forming apparatus 100 to reduce the possibility that the user will replace the target part during the period in which the replacement guidance screen cannot be operated. With the reduction in the possibility of performing replacement of the target part, the image forming apparatus 100 can also reduce the possibility that the user will be injured, such as burned, during replacement of the target part.

[0067] Furthermore, in ACT7, the display control unit 1211 displays the warning cancellation conditions on the warning screen. For example, the display control unit 1211 appropriately sets the completion time as described above, and displays the completion time or completion time on the warning screen. When displaying the completion time, the display control unit 1211 displays a countdown of the remaining time as time passes. This allows the image forming apparatus 100 to notify the timing when the state of the target part will satisfy the criteria.

[0068] The counting unit 1214 counts the time after the warning screen is displayed (ACT8). In ACT8, for example, the counting unit 1214 counts the time using the RTC 126. The counting unit 1214 detects that the time after the warning screen is displayed has passed the completion time (ACT9). In ACT9, for example, the counting unit 1214 successively compares the time after the warning screen is displayed with the completion time. The time after the warning screen is displayed having passed the completion time corresponds to the current time passing the completion time. If the time after the warning screen is displayed has not passed the completion time (ACT9, No), the counting unit 1214 continues to detect that the time after the warning screen is displayed has passed the completion time.

[0069] If the time since the warning screen was displayed has passed the completion time (ACT9, Yes), the acquisition unit 1212 acquires temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093 (ACT10). In ACT10, for example, the acquisition unit 1212 activates the temperature sensor 1093 as in ACT3, and acquires current temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093. Because the power supply to the fixing unit 109 is stopped, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1093 decreases over time. Therefore, the value of the temperature data acquired from the temperature sensor 1093 in ACT10 is lower than the value of the temperature data acquired from the temperature sensor 1093 in ACT3.

[0070] The determination unit 1213 determines whether the state of the fixing unit 109 satisfies a criterion (ACT11). In ACT11, for example, the determination unit 1213 compares the value of the temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093 with a threshold value, similar to ACT4.

[0071] If the state of the fixing unit 109 does not satisfy the criteria (ACT11, No), the process transitions from ACT11 to ACT 10. In this case, the display control unit 1211 may extend the completion time or completion time displayed on the warning screen.

[0072] When the state of the fixing unit 109 satisfies the criteria (ACT11, Yes), the display control unit 1211 erases the warning screen (ACT12). In ACT12, the display control unit 1211 erases the warning screen when the state of the fixing unit 109 satisfies the criteria after displaying the warning screen. For example, in ACT12, the display control unit 1211 erases the warning screen and displays the replacement guidance screen on the control panel 114 in an operable mode. Therefore, each button of the replacement guidance screen displayed on the control panel 114 is active. Since the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1093 has transitioned to a value equal to or lower than the threshold value, the state of the fixing unit 109 is suitable for replacement. The image forming apparatus 100 can make the replacement guidance screen operable at the timing when the state of the fixing unit 109 becomes suitable for replacement. The user can safely replace the fixing unit 109 without risk of being burned by following the display of the replacement guidance screen. After replacing the fixing unit 109, the user can press the "Finish" button to complete the replacement of the fixing unit 109.

[0073] In addition, the processor 121 may turn on a fan (not shown) installed near the fuser 109 in order to promote cooling of the fuser 109. If the determination unit 1213 determines in ACT4 that the state of the fuser 109 does not satisfy the criteria, the processor 121 may turn on the fan. If the determination unit 1213 determines in ACT11 that the state of the fuser 109 does not satisfy the criteria, the processor 121 may turn on the fan.

[0074] In ACT10, the acquisition unit 1212 acquires the temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093 at the timing when the completion time has elapsed since the warning screen was displayed, but this is not limited thereto. The acquisition unit 1212 may continuously acquire the temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093 while counting the completion time from the warning screen display. In this example, every time the acquisition unit 1212 acquires the temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093, the determination unit 1213 can determine whether the state of the fixing unit 109 satisfies the criterion. The display control unit 1211 may change the completion time or the completion time displayed on the warning screen at any time based on the transition status of the temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093. The processor 121 may turn on the fan when the transition status of the value of the temperature data acquired from the temperature sensor 1093 is higher than the predicted curve of the temperature drop.

[0075] Here, the fixing unit 109 has been described as an example of the target part, but the same applies when other consumable parts are the target parts. For example, the target part may be a photoconductor drum. In this example, the acquisition unit 1212 can acquire temperature data from a temperature sensor (not shown) installed near the photoconductor drum. The temperature data from the temperature sensor installed near the photoconductor drum is an example of data for detecting the state of the photoconductor drum. The temperature sensor installed near the photoconductor drum may be a sensor that measures the environmental temperature inside the image forming apparatus 100.

[0076] For example, the target part may be a consumable part located near the fixing unit 109. In this example, the acquisition unit 1212 acquires temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093. The temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093 is used because the heat of the fixing unit 109 has an effect when replacing a consumable part located near the fixing unit 109. The temperature data from the temperature sensor 1093 is an example of data for detecting the state of a consumable part located near the fixing unit 109.

[0077] According to the embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 changes whether or not to display a warning screen on the control panel 114 in a manner that makes the replacement guidance screen inoperable, depending on the state of the target part. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 can make the replacement guidance screen inoperable by displaying the warning screen while the state of the target part is not suitable for replacement. The image forming apparatus 100 can make the replacement guidance screen operable by not displaying the warning screen while the state of the target part is suitable for replacement. The image forming apparatus 100 can change the state of the replacement guidance screen in conjunction with the state of the target part. The image forming apparatus 100 can notify the timing of replacement of the target part according to the state of the target part while reducing the risk associated with the replacement of the target part, depending on the presence or absence of the warning screen. In this way, the image forming apparatus 100 can support the user in replacing parts of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0078] A modification of the embodiment will be described. The display control unit 1211 may change whether or not to display a warning screen depending on the type of the target part. In this example, the image forming apparatus 100 may store in the auxiliary storage device 124 a list data of consumable parts that require the display of a warning screen and a list data of consumable parts that do not require the display of a warning screen. The list data of consumable parts that require the display of a warning screen and the list data of consumable parts that do not require the display of a warning screen can be changed as appropriate. Consumable parts that require the display of a warning screen are those that are likely to cause injury such as burns during replacement work due to the influence of heat, etc., depending on the state of the consumable parts. For example, a consumable part that requires the display of a warning screen is the fixing unit 109. Consumable parts that do not require the display of a warning screen are those that are unlikely to cause injury such as burns during replacement work due to the influence of heat, etc., regardless of the state of the consumable parts. For example, consumable parts that do not require the display of a warning screen are those that do not become hot during operation, or those that drop in temperature immediately after operation is stopped.

[0079] When a consumable part requiring the display of a warning screen is selected as a target part on the replacement part selection screen, the processor 121 processes ACT4 to ACT12 as shown in Fig. 6. When a consumable part requiring no display of a warning screen is selected as a target part on the replacement part selection screen, the processor 121 causes the control panel 114 to display an exchange guidance screen for the target part. The processor 121 does not cause the control panel 114 to display a warning screen regardless of the state of the target part. In this case, the process by the determination unit 1213 of whether or not the state of the target part satisfies the criteria can be omitted.

[0080] Since the image forming apparatus 100 changes whether or not a warning screen is required depending on the type of target part, the replacement guidance screen can be operated at a timing suitable for replacement for each target part, allowing the user to efficiently replace parts of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0081] In addition, the transfer of the image forming apparatus is generally performed in a state where the program is stored in the main memory or an auxiliary storage device. However, this is not limited to this, and the program may be transferred in a state where it is not stored in the main memory or an auxiliary storage device. In this case, the program transferred separately from the image forming apparatus is written to a writable storage device provided in the image forming apparatus in response to an operation by a user or the like. The program can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it can store the program and can be read by the image forming apparatus. In addition, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) or the like in the image forming apparatus.

[0082] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100...image forming apparatus, 101...paper feed tray, 102...manual feed tray, 103...paper feed roller, 104...toner cartridge, 105...image forming section, 106...optical scanning device, 107...transfer belt, 108...transfer roller, 109...fuser, 110...paper output tray, 111...duplex unit, 112...scanning section, 113...document feeder, 114...control panel, 121...processor, 122...ROM, 123...RAM, 124...auxiliary storage device, 125...communication interface, 127...opening / closing sensor, 128...printing unit, 1041...toner cartridge, 1042...toner cartridge, 1043...toner cartridge, 1044...toner cartridge, 1051...image forming unit, 1052...image forming unit, 1053...image forming unit, 1054...image forming unit, 1091...heat roller, 1092...pressure roller, 1093...temperature sensor, 1211...display control unit, 1212...acquisition unit, 1213...judgment unit, 1214...counting unit, 1281...printer processor.

Claims

1. A display unit; a display control unit that causes a first display element related to replacement of a target part to be displayed on the display unit, and changes whether or not a second display element related to a warning about the target part in a manner that makes the first display element inoperable according to a state of the target part is displayed on the display unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the second display element when the state of the target part does not satisfy a criterion, and erases the second display element when the state of the target part satisfies the criterion after displaying the second display element.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit displays, on the second display element, a condition for erasing the second display element.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit changes whether or not the second display element is to be displayed depending on a type of the target part.

5. displaying a first display element related to replacement of a target part in the image forming apparatus on a display unit; changing whether or not a second display element relating to a warning about the target part is displayed on the display unit in a manner that makes the first display element inoperable depending on a state of the target part.

Images