Image forming apparatus, image fixing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can supply appropriate power to a fixing heater according to a resistance value of the fixing heater, while allowing reduction of a memory for storing the resistance value from an image fixing device.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus is provided with: an image reading unit that can read an image; an image forming unit that forms the read image on a recording medium; an image fixing unit that has a fixing heater for generating heat with a power supplied thereto, and heats the recording medium on which the image is formed with the fixing heater to fix the image to the recording medium; an identification unit that identifies an information image from the read image; a specification unit that specifies a resistance value of the fixing heater from the identified information image; and a power control unit that controls the power supplied to the fixing heater on the basis of the specified resistance value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image fixing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an image forming apparatus including an image fixing apparatus that fixes an image on a recording medium by heating the recording medium on which the image is formed with a fixing heater. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a memory is provided in an image fixing apparatus and the resistance value of the fixing heater is stored in the memory. In the technique of Patent Document 1 above, the resistance value is read from the memory of the image fixing apparatus, and a configuration is adopted in which the power supplied to the fixing heater is controlled according to the read resistance value. According to the above configuration, even when the image fixing apparatus is replaced, appropriate power can be supplied to the fixing heater of the image fixing apparatus.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a memory in the image fixing apparatus. Therefore, for example, there is a disadvantage that the cost tends to be excessively high as compared with a configuration in which no memory is provided in the image fixing apparatus. In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to be able to reduce the memory for storing the resistance value of the fixing heater from the image fixing apparatus and to be able to supply appropriate power to the fixing heater according to the resistance value.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image reading unit capable of reading an image, an image forming unit that forms the read image on a recording medium, a fixing heater that generates heat by supplied power, and an image fixing unit that fixes the image on the recording medium by heating the recording medium on which the image is formed with the fixing heater, an identifying unit that identifies an information image from the read image, a specifying unit that specifies a resistance value of the fixing heater from the identified information image, and a power control unit that controls the power supplied to the fixing heater based on the specified resistance value.

Advantages of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce a memory for storing the resistance value of the fixing heater from the image fixing device, and it is possible to supply appropriate power to the fixing heater according to the resistance value.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the schematic configuration of an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral Product Printer) 100 which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 100 includes a scanner unit 102, an operation panel 103, a control unit 104, and an image fixing unit 105.

[0008] Among the respective components of the MFP 100, the scanner unit 102, the operation panel 103, and the control unit 104 are provided on the main body unit 101 side of the MFP 100. Also, the image fixing unit 105 is configured to be detachable from the main body unit 101 of the MFP 100. For example, when the image fixing unit 105 is deteriorated in use, the image fixing unit 105 is replaced with a new image fixing unit 105.

[0009] In the specific example of FIG. 1, it is assumed that the image fixing unit 105 is removed from the main body unit 101. The MFP 100 is configured to be able to detect whether or not the image fixing unit 105 is removed. Specifically, an attachment detection sensor is provided in the MFP 100 which becomes ON when the image fixing unit 105 is attached to the main body unit 101 and becomes OFF when the image fixing unit 105 is removed from the main body unit 101. However, the method for detecting whether or not the image fixing unit 105 is attached is not limited to the above example.

[0010] The scanner unit 102 can read various images. Specifically, the scanner unit 102 includes a contact glass and reads an image displayed on printing paper (an example of a recording medium) placed on the contact glass. The MFP 100 can print the image read by the scanner unit 102 on printing paper. Specifically, the MFP 100 forms an image on printing paper using an image forming unit 109 (y, m, c, k), etc. (see FIG. 2) described later.

[0011] The image fixing unit 105 fixes the image formed by the image forming unit 109 or the like onto the printing paper. Specifically, the image fixing unit 105 has a fixing heater 106 that generates heat by the supplied power. The image formed by the image forming unit 109 or the like is heated by the fixing heater after being transferred onto the printing paper. The image formed on the printing paper can be fixed onto the printing paper by being heated by the fixing heater 106.

[0012] Incidentally, the appropriate power to be supplied to the fixing heater 106 can vary depending on the resistance value of the fixing heater. Considering the above circumstances, the control unit 104 of the present embodiment stores the resistance value Dr of the fixing heater 106 in the currently installed image fixing unit 105. Further, the control unit 104 controls the power supplied to the fixing heater 106 based on the stored resistance value Dr. According to the present embodiment described above, for example, there is an advantage that it becomes easier to supply appropriate power to the fixing heater 106 as compared with a configuration in which the power supplied to the fixing heater 106 is controlled without referring to the resistance value Dr.

[0013] However, when the image fixing unit 105 (including the fixing heater 106) is deteriorated by use, it may be replaced with a new image fixing unit 105. Further, when the image fixing unit 105 is replaced, the resistance value of the fixing heater 106 can change. Therefore, in a configuration in which the resistance value Dr stored by the control unit 104 cannot be updated, when the image fixing unit 105 is replaced, there may occur an inconvenience that the resistance value Dr stored by the control unit 104 does not match the actual (after replacement) resistance value of the fixing heater 106.

[0014] Considering the above circumstances, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the resistance value Dr stored by the control unit 104 can be updated to the resistance value of the fixing heater 106 after replacement. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the image fixing unit 105 displays an information image 107. The information image 107 is an image that can specify the resistance value of the fixing heater 106 in the image fixing unit 105 provided with the information image 107. For example, a QR code (registered trademark) can be adopted as the information image 107.

[0015] Note that the information image 107 is not limited to the above example. For example, a character string (number) indicating the resistance value of the fixing heater 106 may be adopted as the information image 107. Also, the configuration for displaying the information image 107 on the image fixing unit 105 can be changed as appropriate. For example, it may be configured such that a sticker printed with the information image 107 is attached to the image fixing unit 105, or it may be configured such that the information image 107 is directly printed on the image fixing unit 105.

[0016] In the above-described embodiment, when the image fixing unit 105 is attached to the MFP 100, the operator causes the scanner unit 102 to read the information image 107 provided on the image fixing unit 105 (step Sa1 in FIG. 1). When the scanner unit 102 reads the information image 107, the MFP 100 identifies the resistance value Dr of the fixing heater 106 from the information image 107. The identified resistance value Dr indicates the resistance value of the fixing heater 106 in the newly attached image fixing unit 105 and is stored in the control unit 104 (step Sa2 in FIG. 1). Thereafter, the operator attaches the image fixing unit 105 to the main body unit 101 of the MFP 100 (step Sa3 in FIG. 1).

[0017] According to the above configuration, the resistance value of the fixing heater 106 in the newly attached image fixing unit 105 can be made to match the resistance value Dr stored in the control unit 104. Details of the above configuration will be described later.

[0018] The operation panel 103 can display various images including button images. By appropriately touching the button images by the operator, for example, an operation for printing an image on printing paper can be executed on the MFP 100. Also, although details will be described later, when the image fixing unit 105 is not attached to the main body unit 101, the operation panel 103 displays a message indicating that the scanner unit 102 should read the information image 107.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the information image 107 is provided on the image fixing unit 105. However, the location where the information image 107 is provided is not limited to the above example. For example, it may be configured to provide the information image 107 on the box that houses the image fixing unit 105. In the above configuration, the operator can place the box that housed the image fixing unit 105 on the contact glass and have the MFP 100 read the information image 107.

[0020] Also, it may be configured to store together with the box that houses the image fixing unit 105 the paper on which the information image 107 is printed. In the above configuration, the operator can have the MFP 100 read the paper that was stored together with the image fixing unit 105, so that the resistance value Dr stored in the MFP 100 (control unit 104) can be updated.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining each component housed inside the MFP 100. The MFP 100 of the present embodiment can print various images on the printing paper S (an example of a recording medium). As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 100 of the present embodiment includes an intermediate transfer belt 108, an image forming unit 109 (y, m, c, k), a secondary transfer unit 110, a cleaning unit 111, and an image fixing unit 105. The image forming unit 109 includes an image forming unit 109y, an image forming unit 109m, an image forming unit 109c, and an image forming unit 109k.

[0022] The image forming unit 109y includes a photosensitive drum on which a yellow image of the image to be printed is formed. The image forming unit 109m includes a photosensitive drum on which a magenta image of the image to be printed is formed. Similarly, the image forming unit 109c includes a photosensitive drum on which a cyan image of the image to be printed is formed, and the image forming unit 109k includes a photosensitive drum on which a black image of the image to be printed is formed. Each of the image forming units 109 includes a transfer brush for transferring (primary transfer) the image on the photosensitive drum to the intermediate transfer belt 108.

[0023] An image of the image forming unit 109 is transferred (primary transfer) to the intermediate transfer belt 108. Specifically, the intermediate transfer belt 108 is formed in an endless belt shape and is configured to be rotatably conveyed in the clockwise direction in the figure by being wound around a plurality of support rollers and drive rollers. An image formed on the photosensitive drum of the image forming unit 109 (y, m, c, k) is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 108, and the image is transferred (secondary transfer) to the printing paper S by the secondary transfer unit 110. The printing paper S onto which the image has been transferred is conveyed to the image fixing unit 105.

[0024] The cleaning unit 111 removes the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 108. Specifically, as described above, the image (toner) primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 108 is secondarily transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 108 to the printing paper S. However, toner may remain on the intermediate transfer belt 108 after the secondary transfer. The cleaning unit 111 removes the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 108 after the secondary transfer.

[0025] The image fixing unit 105 fixes the image transferred to the printing paper S onto the printing paper S. Specifically, the image fixing unit 105 includes a fixing heater 106. The image transferred to the printing paper S by the secondary transfer unit 110 is heated by the fixing heater 106 and fixed (pressure-bonded) to the printing paper S. As a specific configuration for fixing the image on the printing paper S, for example, the configuration described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-164328 can be preferably adopted.

[0026] As described above, the power supplied to the fixing heater 106 is controlled based on the resistance value Dr stored in the MFP 100 (control unit 104). Further, the resistance value Dr stored in the MFP 100 can be updated as the image fixing unit 105 is replaced. That is, in the present embodiment, the power supplied to the image fixing unit 105 is configured to be variable according to the type of the image fixing unit 105 mounted on the MFP 100.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the details of each component in the MFP 100. In FIG. 3, for the sake of explanation, a part of each component in the MFP 100 is extracted and shown (the same applies to FIG. 4 described later). As described above, the image fixing unit 105 includes a fixing heater 106. Further, the image fixing unit 105 is provided with a connector 112 for connecting to the main body 101 (connector 202 of the control unit 200 described later). However, the configuration of the image fixing unit 105 is not limited to the above example.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 101 of the MFP 100 includes a scanner unit 102 and a control unit 200. The control unit 200 includes the above-described control unit 104, a triac 201, and a connector 202. When the image fixing unit 105 is attached to the main body 101, the connector 202 of the control unit 200 and the connector 112 of the image fixing unit 105 are connected. As understood from FIG. 3, when the connector 202 of the control unit 200 and the connector 112 of the image fixing unit 105 are connected, power can be supplied from the external power supply 300 to the image fixing unit 105 (fixing heater 106).

[0029] The control unit 104 of the control unit 200 controls the power supplied from the external power supply 300 to the fixing heater 106. Specifically, when fixing an image on the printing paper, the control unit 104 transmits a heater on signal (H-ON), which is a control signal, to the triac 201. The triac 201 is provided on the path for supplying power from the external power supply 300 to the image fixing unit 105 (fixing heater 106), and is a switching element that supplies power to the fixing heater 106 when it is in the ON state.

[0030] Further, the control unit 104 stores the resistance value Dr of the fixing heater 106, and based on the resistance value Dr, sets the heater on signal to the ON state. That is, the control unit 104 supplies power to the fixing heater 106 based on the currently stored resistance value Dr. For example, the control unit 104 controls the duty ratio of the heater on signal based on the resistance value Dr. As a configuration for controlling the heater on signal based on the resistance value Dr, for example, the technique described in Patent Document 1 above can be adopted. In the present embodiment, a memory for storing the resistance value Dr is provided in the control unit 104. However, the memory for storing the resistance value Dr may be provided at another position in the main body unit 101.

[0031] As described above, in the present embodiment, by the control unit 104 referring to the resistance value Dr of the fixing heater 106, it is possible to supply appropriate power to the fixing heater 106. However, when the image fixing unit 105 (including the fixing heater 106) is deteriorated by use, it may be replaced with another image fixing unit 105. Further, when the image fixing unit 105 is replaced, the resistance value of the fixing heater 106 may change. Considering the above circumstances, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the resistance value of the fixing heater 106 in the newly attached image fixing unit 105 can be made to match the resistance value Dr stored by the control unit 104. The above configuration will be described in detail below.

[0032] FIG. 4 is another diagram for explaining the details of each component in the MFP 100. The specific example of FIG. 4 assumes the case where the image fixing unit 105 is removed from the main body unit 101 of the MFP 100, similar to the specific example shown in FIG. 1 above. In FIG. 4, the image fixing unit 105 in the state of being attached to the main body unit 101 is shown by a dashed line.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, before attaching the image fixing unit 105 to the main body unit 101, the operator causes the scanner unit 102 to read the information image 107 of the image fixing unit 105 (step Sa1 in FIG. 4). The MFP 100 generates image data representing the image read by the scanner unit 102.

[0034] In addition to the information image 107, the image represented by the above image data includes other objects above the contact glass (for example, parts of the image fixing unit 105 other than the information image 107). The MFP 100 identifies the information image 107 from among the objects included in the image represented by the above image data. As a technique for identifying the information image 107 from other objects, a pattern matching technique is preferably employed.

[0035] When the MFP 100 identifies the information image 107, it specifies the resistance value Dr from the information image 107 and stores it in the control unit 104 (on the main body unit 101 side) (step Sa2 in FIG. 4). According to the above step Sa2, the resistance value of the fixing heater 106 in the newly attached image fixing unit 105 is stored in the control unit 104.

[0036] Note that the information specified from the information image 107 is not limited to the resistance value Dr. For example, the type (model ID) of the image fixing unit 105 may be specified from the information image 107. Also, in the above configuration, a model-specific resistance value table that associates the resistance value of the fixing heater 106 with each type of the image fixing unit 105 may be stored. In the above configuration, the type of the image fixing unit 105 may be specified from the information image 107, and the resistance value of the fixing heater 106 in the image fixing unit 105 may be specified using the above model-specific resistance value table.

[0037] After causing the scanner unit 102 to read the information image 107 of the image fixing unit 105, the operator attaches the image fixing unit 105 to the main body unit 101 (step Sa3 in FIG. 4). Specifically, the main body unit 101 of the MFP 100 is provided with an attachment hole portion into which the image fixing unit 105 can be inserted, and a lid portion that can open and close the attachment hole portion. The above-described connector 202 is provided on the inner side of the attachment hole portion, and when the image fixing unit 105 is inserted into the attachment hole portion, the connector 202 (on the main body unit side) connects to the connector 112 of the image fixing unit 105. However, the configuration for attaching the image fixing unit 105 to the main body unit 101 is not limited to the above example.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. For example, when the CPU included in the MFP 100 executes a program stored in the ROM, the MFP 100 functions as the image forming apparatus 10.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading unit 11, an image forming unit 12, an image fixing device 13, an identifying unit 16, a specifying unit 17, a power control unit 18, and a notification unit 19. The image reading unit 11 is capable of reading an image. For example, the above-described scanner unit 102 functions as the image reading unit 11. Further, the image forming unit 12 forms the read image on a recording medium (for example, printing paper). For example, the combination of the above-described intermediate transfer belt 108, the image forming units 109 (y, m, c, k), and the secondary transfer unit 110 functions as the image forming unit 12.

[0040] The image fixing device (image fixing unit) 13 is means for fixing the image formed on the recording medium. For example, the above-described image fixing unit 105 functions as the image fixing device 13. Specifically, the image fixing device 13 has a fixing heater 14 (fixing heater 106) that generates heat by the supplied power, and heats the recording medium on which the image is formed by the fixing heater 14 to fix the image on the recording medium. Further, the image fixing device 13 is detachable from the main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 and displays the information image 15 (information image 107).

[0041] The identifying unit 16 identifies the information image 15 from the read image. Further, the specifying unit 17 specifies the resistance value (Dr) of the fixing heater 14 from the identified information image 15. The power control unit 18 controls the power supplied to the fixing heater 14 based on the specified resistance value (Dr). For example, the above-described control unit 104 functions as the power control unit 18. The notification unit 19 executes a notification to the effect that the image reading unit 11 should read the information image 15 when the image fixing device 13 is removed from the main body 20. For example, the above-described operation panel 103 functions as the notification unit 19.

[0042] Suppose that when a new image fixing device 13 is installed, the operation of reading the information image 15 of the image fixing device 13 is forgotten. In the above case, there is a problem that the resistance value of the new image fixing device 13 is not stored on the main body 101 side. According to the notification unit 19 of the present embodiment, when a new image fixing device 13 is installed, the situation where the operation of reading the information image 15 of the image fixing device 13 is not performed is suppressed, so that the above problem is less likely to occur.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the image fixing device replacement process. The image forming apparatus 10 executes the image fixing device replacement process on a predetermined occasion. For example, the image fixing device replacement process is executed at a predetermined time interval during a period in which the operations for reading an image and forming (printing) an image are not being performed.

[0044] When starting the image fixing device replacement process, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not the image fixing device 13 has been removed from the main body 20 (S101). If it is determined that the image fixing device 13 has not been removed (S101: No), the image forming apparatus 10 ends the image fixing device replacement process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the image fixing device 13 has been removed (S101: Yes), the image forming apparatus 10 executes the processes after step S102. Specifically, when the above-described attachment detection sensor is in the OFF state, a determination of "Yes" is made in step S101.

[0045] In step S102, the image forming apparatus 10 executes a reading instruction start process. The reading instruction start process is a process for instructing (notifying) an operator to cause the image reading unit 11 (scanner unit 102) to read the information image 15. For example, when the reading instruction start process is executed, a reading instruction image for displaying a message "Please scan the information image" is displayed on the notification unit 19 (operation panel 103). The above reading instruction image is displayed until the information image 15 is properly read.

[0046] After that, the image forming apparatus 10 executes an image reading process (S103). The image reading process is executed, for example, when a normal operation for reading an image to be printed (such as an operation of pressing a scan start button) is received. Note that a dedicated button image may be displayed on the operation panel 103 during the period when the reading instruction image is displayed, and the image reading process may be executed when the button image is touched.

[0047] In the image reading process, the image forming apparatus 10 identifies the information image 15 from the image read in the image reading process. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not the information image 15 has been identified from the image read in the image reading process (S104). If the information image 15 is not identified from the image read in the image reading process (S104: No), the image forming apparatus 10 executes an error notification (S105). In the above error notification, for example, a message such as "Please read the information image again" is displayed on the operation panel 103. When the error notification is executed, the image forming apparatus 10 returns the process to the above-described step S102.

[0048] On the other hand, when the information image 15 is included in the image read in the image reading process (S104: Yes), the image forming apparatus 10 specifies the resistance value Dr from the information image 15 (S106) and stores the specified resistance value Dr (S107). After storing the resistance value Dr, the image forming apparatus 10 executes an attachment instruction start process (S108).

[0049] The attachment instruction start process is a process for instructing (notifying) an operator that the image fixing device 13 should be attached to the main body 20. For example, when the attachment instruction start process is executed, an attachment instruction image for displaying a message "Please attach the image fixing unit to the main body" is displayed on the operation panel 103. The above attachment instruction image is displayed until the image fixing device 13 is attached (until it is determined as "Yes" in S109 described later).

[0050] Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the image fixing device 13 is attached (S109). The above step S109 is repeatedly executed until the image fixing device 13 is attached (S109: No). Specifically, step S109 is repeatedly executed until the above-described attachment detection sensor is turned on. When it is determined that the image fixing device 13 is attached (S109: Yes), the image forming apparatus 10 ends the image fixing device replacement process.

[0051] Note that each function executed in the embodiment described above can be realized by one or a plurality of processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in this specification refers to a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a CPU implemented by an electronic circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) designed to execute each function described above, a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), and devices such as conventional circuit modules.

[0052] <Summary of the operations and effects of the exemplary embodiment of the present embodiment> <First aspect> The image forming apparatus (10) of this aspect includes an image reading unit (11) capable of reading an image, an image forming unit (12) that forms the read image on a recording medium, a fixing heater (14) that generates heat by the supplied power, and an image fixing unit (image fixing device 13) that fixes the image on the recording medium by heating the recording medium on which the image is formed with the fixing heater, an identifying unit (16) that identifies an information image from the read image, a specifying unit (17) that specifies the resistance value of the fixing heater from the identified information image, and a power control unit (18) that controls the power supplied to the fixing heater based on the specified resistance value. According to this aspect, while reducing the memory for storing the resistance value of the fixing heater from the image fixing device, it becomes possible to supply appropriate power to the fixing heater according to the resistance value.

[0053] <Second aspect> The image forming apparatus (10) according to this aspect has an image fixing unit that is detachable from a main body unit (20) including at least an image forming unit, and displays an information image 15. According to this aspect, for example, compared with a configuration in which the information image 15 is displayed outside the image fixing unit, the inconvenience of misreading the information image 15 read when attaching the image fixing unit is suppressed.

[0054] <Third Aspect> The image forming apparatus (10) according to this aspect has an image fixing unit that is detachable from a main body unit (20) including at least an image forming unit, and includes a notification unit (19) that executes notification to the effect that an information image should be read by an image reading unit when the image fixing unit is removed from the main body unit. According to this aspect, before the image fixing unit is attached to the main body unit, the operator is clearly notified that an information image should be read by the image reading unit.

[0055] <Fourth Aspect> The image fixing apparatus (13) according to this aspect is an image fixing apparatus that has a fixing heater that generates heat by supplied power, and fixes an image on a recording medium by heating the recording medium on which the image is formed with the fixing heater. The image fixing apparatus is detachable from an image forming apparatus including an image reading unit capable of reading an image, an image forming unit that forms the read image on the recording medium, an identifying unit that identifies an information image from the read image, a specifying unit that specifies a resistance value of the fixing heater from the identified information image, and a power control unit that controls the power supplied to the fixing heater based on the specified resistance value, and displays the information image. According to this aspect, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

[0056] <Fifth Aspect> The information processing method of this aspect is an information processing method in an image forming apparatus including an image reading unit capable of reading an image, an image forming unit that forms the read image on a recording medium, and a fixing heater that generates heat by the supplied power, and an image fixing unit that fixes the image on the recording medium by heating the recording medium on which the image has been formed by the heat generation of the fixing heater. The image forming apparatus includes a step of identifying an information image from the read image (S103 in FIG. 6), a step of specifying the resistance value of the fixing heater from the identified information image (S106 in the same figure), and a step of controlling the power supplied to the fixing heater based on the specified resistance value. According to this aspect, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

[0057] <Sixth Aspect> The program of this aspect causes a computer to execute each step of the fifth aspect. According to this aspect, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0058] 10... Image forming apparatus, 11... Image reading unit, 12... Image forming unit, 13... Image fixing device, 14... Fixing heater, 15... Information image, 16... Identification unit, 17... Specification unit, 18... Power control unit, 19... Notification unit, 20... Main body unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0059]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. An image reading unit capable of reading an image, An image forming unit that forms the read image on a recording medium, An image fixing unit that has a fixing heater that generates heat by the supplied power and heats the recording medium on which the image is formed by the fixing heater to fix the image on the recording medium, An identifying unit that identifies an information image from the read image, A specifying unit that specifies the resistance value of the fixing heater from the identified information image, A power control unit that controls the power supplied to the fixing heater based on the specified resistance value An image forming apparatus comprising.

2. The image fixing unit is detachable from the main body unit including at least the image forming unit, and displays the information image The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The image fixing unit is detachable from the main body unit including at least the image forming unit, When the image fixing unit is removed from the main body unit, it includes a notification unit that executes a notification to cause the image reading unit to read the information image The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. An image fixing apparatus that has a fixing heater that generates heat by the supplied power and heats the recording medium on which the image is formed by the fixing heater to fix the image on the recording medium, An image reading unit capable of reading an image, An image forming unit that forms the read image on a recording medium, An identifying unit that identifies an information image from the read image, A specifying unit that specifies the resistance value of the fixing heater from the identified information image, It is detachable from an image forming apparatus comprising a power control unit that controls the power supplied to the fixing heater based on the specified resistance value, Displays the information image Image fixing device.

5. An image reading unit capable of reading an image, An image forming unit that forms the read image on a recording medium, An image fixing unit that has a fixing heater that generates heat by the supplied power and heats the recording medium on which the image is formed by the fixing heater to fix the image on the recording medium, An information processing method in an image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus, A step of identifying an information image from the read image, A step of specifying the resistance value of the fixing heater from the identified information image, A step of controlling the power supplied to the fixing heater based on the specified resistance value An information processing method comprising.

6. A program for causing a computer to execute each step according to claim 5.

Images