Image forming apparatus and program

Abstract

To more shorten time elapsed until an image forming apparatus can start image formation after a mounting body is replaced as compared with the case where setting for the mounting body after replacement is performed after the mounting body is replaced.SOLUTION: When a print job 1 is finished, an image forming apparatus is brought into a state where there is no schedule of image formation by a special color image forming unit using a mounting body corresponding to gold toner. In this case, as indicated by a symbol 3C, a CPU starts setting corresponding to the mounting body corresponding to silver toner for the special color image forming unit. As the setting, the CPU performs an information reading process and an information writing process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus including means for displaying that a monochrome job is being input during toner replacement, and means for interrupting toner replacement on the device and permitting monochrome job printing. Patent Document 2 discloses a process of replacing a first printing module with a high toner demand but malfunctioning one among a plurality of printing modules with one or more second printing modules having a lower toner demand but being normal. Patent Document 3 discloses a process of counting the number of printed output pages from the time when it is detected that a toner cartridge has been removed, and when this page number reaches a preset predetermined value, determining that the possibility of printing smudging has increased.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an image forming apparatus, when a mounting body such as a cartridge is replaced, settings corresponding to the newly mounted mounting body may be performed. Here, when settings for the newly mounted mounting body are performed after replacement of the mounting body, a situation may occur in which the timing at which image formation starts is delayed by the time required for this setting. An object of the present invention is to shorten the time from when a mounted body is replaced until image formation can start, compared to the case where settings for the replaced mounted body are made after the mounted body is replaced.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The invention according to claim 1 uses a mounted body that is mounted, and an image forming means for forming an image, and a processor for performing settings for the image forming means corresponding to the mounted body to be mounted. In a state where the mounted body is mounted, it is provided with a processor for performing settings corresponding to another mounted body that is to be mounted in place of the mounted mounted body that is the mounted body. It is an image forming apparatus. The invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor performs the settings corresponding to the other mounted body when there is no plan to form an image by the image forming means on which the mounted mounted body is mounted. The invention according to claim 3 is provided with a plurality of the image forming means, the mounted body is mounted on each of the image forming means, and the processor is used for the mounted mounted body mounted at the location where the other mounted body is to be mounted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the settings corresponding to the other mounted body are performed when there is no plan to form an image. The invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the processor performs the settings corresponding to the other mounted body even if there is a plan to form an image by another image forming means other than the image forming means on which the mounted mounted body is mounted. The invention according to claim 5 is provided with a plurality of the image forming means, the mounted body is mounted on each of the image forming means, and the processor is included in the print jobs scheduled to be executed by the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the settings corresponding to the other mounted body are performed when the print job using the mounted mounted body is not included. The invention according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the use print job is included in the print jobs that the image forming apparatus is scheduled to execute, the processor performs the setting corresponding to the other mounting body after the use print job is executed. The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when a non-use print job, which is a print job that is to be executed prior to the use print job and does not use the already-mounted mounting body, is included in the print jobs that the image forming apparatus is scheduled to execute in addition to the use print job, the processor changes the execution order of the print jobs so that the use print job is executed prior to the non-use print job. The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the processor performs the setting corresponding to the other mounting body, the processor outputs information indicating that image formation using the image forming means in a state where the already-mounted mounting body is mounted is not possible. The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the image forming apparatus receives a use print job, which is a print job using the already-mounted mounting body, after the processor starts the setting corresponding to the other mounting body, the processor causes the use print job not to be executed. The invention according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the processor causes the use print job not to be executed and causes the use print job to be stored in an information storage unit provided in the image forming apparatus. The invention according to claim 11 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein when the already-mounted mounting body that has been removed due to the mounting of the other mounting body in place of the already-mounted mounting body is remounted, the processor causes the use print job stored in the information storage unit to be executed. The invention according to claim 12 is a program executed by a computer provided in an image forming apparatus including image forming means for forming an image using a mounted member, and is a function for setting the image forming means, which corresponds to the mounted member to be mounted, and in a state where the mounted member is mounted, a function for setting corresponding to another mounted member to be mounted in place of the mounted mounted member is realized by the computer provided in the image forming apparatus.

Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, compared with the case where settings for the replaced mounted member are made after the mounted member is replaced, the time until image formation can start after the mounted member is replaced can be made shorter. According to the invention of claim 2, it is possible to make settings corresponding to another mounted member without affecting the formation of an image using the mounted mounted member. According to the invention of claim 3, it is possible to make settings corresponding to another mounted member without affecting the formation of an image using the mounted mounted member. According to the invention of claim 4, compared with the case where settings corresponding to another mounted member are made after the formation of an image by other image forming means other than the image forming means using the mounted mounted member is completed, the time until image formation can start can be made shorter. According to the invention of claim 5, it is possible to prevent settings corresponding to another mounted member from being made when a utilization print job, which is a print job using the mounted mounted member, is being executed. According to the invention of claim 6, it is possible to prevent settings corresponding to another mounted member from being made when a utilization print job, which is a print job using the mounted mounted member, is being executed. According to the invention of claim 7, compared with the case where the order of execution of the print job is not changed, it is possible to start settings corresponding to another mounted member earlier. According to the invention of claim 8, it becomes possible to notify the notified person that image formation using the mounted mounted member cannot be performed. According to the invention of claim 9, it is possible to prevent image formation from being performed using the already-mounted mounting body after the setting corresponding to another mounting body has been started. According to the invention of claim 10, it becomes possible to save the usage print job received by the image forming apparatus after the setting corresponding to another mounting body has been started. According to the invention of claim 11, when the already-mounted mounting body that has been removed due to the mounting of another mounting body in place of the already-mounted mounting body is mounted again, the saved usage print job can be executed. According to the invention of claim 12, after the mounting body is replaced, the time from when the mounting body is replaced until image formation can be started can be made shorter compared to the case where settings for the mounting body after replacement are performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a state when the image forming apparatus 100 is viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is an image forming apparatus of an intermediate transfer type called a tandem type. This image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a plurality of image forming units 200 that form an image to be transferred onto a sheet P, which is an example of a recording medium. In the present embodiment, five image forming units 200 are provided.

[0009] Each of the image forming units 200, as an example of an image forming means, includes a photosensitive drum 11 as an example of an image holding member. Each of the image forming units 200 uses a developer containing toner to form a toner image, which is an image to be transferred onto the sheet P, on this photosensitive drum 11. In other words, each of the image forming units 200 forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 11 using a powdery developer. The developer of the present embodiment is composed of a dry carrier and dry toner. Each of the image forming units 200 uses the carrier and the toner to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 11.

[0010] The five image forming units 200 form toner images on the photosensitive drum 11 using developers of different colors. Specifically, in the present embodiment, among the five image forming units 200, four image forming units 200 indicated by reference numerals 91A to 91D form toner images using any one of four-color developers of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. In other words, these four image forming units form toner images using developers of the basic colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0011] More specifically, among the four image forming units 200, the image forming unit 200 indicated by reference numeral 91A forms a yellow toner image using a yellow developer, and the image forming unit 200 indicated by reference numeral 91B forms a magenta toner image using a magenta developer. Also, the image forming unit 200 indicated by reference numeral 91C forms a cyan toner image using a cyan developer, and the image forming unit 200 indicated by reference numeral 91D forms a black toner image using a black developer.

[0012] The remaining one image forming unit 200 indicated by reference numeral 91E forms a toner image using a developer with a special feature, such as clear, white, gold, silver, pink, green, orange, etc., which are colors other than the above four colors. In addition, examples of the developer with a special feature include a developer containing a toner having magnetism and a developer containing a toner having conductivity. Further, examples of the developer with a special feature include a developer containing a toner that emits light when irradiated with light such as ultraviolet rays or infrared rays. In the present embodiment, a so-called two-component developer in which a carrier and a toner are mixed is used as the developer. However, the developer is not limited to this, and a so-called one-component developer composed only of toner may be used.

[0013] Each of the image forming units 200 is provided with a developing device 14. In addition, each of the image forming units 200 is provided with a supply device 70 that supplies the developer to the developing device 14. The developing device 14 attaches toner, which is the developer, onto the photosensitive drum 11 and visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 with the toner. In other words, the developing device 14 develops the photosensitive drum 11, which is the image holding member, and forms a toner image made of toner on the photosensitive drum 11.

[0014] The supply device 70 supplies the developer to the developing device 14. Specifically, the supply device 70 supplies the developer from a toner cartridge 71 attached to the supply device 70 to the developing device 14. As described above, the developer is composed of a carrier and a toner, and the supply device 70 replenishes the carrier and the toner as the developer to the developing device 14. In the present embodiment, the carrier has a positive charging polarity and the toner has a negative charging polarity.

[0015] Each of the image forming units 200 is provided with a mounting body 80. Each of the image forming units 200 forms a toner image, which is an example of the image to be transferred to the paper P, using the mounting body 80 mounted on the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the mounting body 80 is mounted on each location where the image forming unit 200 is provided in the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, a plurality of concave mounted portions 120 are provided on the apparatus main body 100A side of the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, a mounted portion 120 is provided for each of the image forming units 200. In this embodiment, a corresponding mounting body 80 is inserted into each of the mounted portions 120 and the mounting body 80 is mounted.

[0016] In this embodiment, the mounting body 80 can be attached to and detached from the mounted portion 120, and if necessary, it can be exchanged with another mounting body 80. The mounting body 80 is prepared for each developer used in the image forming unit 200. When the developer used in the image forming unit 200 is switched to another type of developer, the mounting body 80 is also exchanged. Each of the mounting bodies 80 is composed of a plurality of constituent members. In this embodiment, the mounting body 80 includes a photosensitive drum 11, a charging member 12, and a drum cleaner 17 as an example of the constituent members. Note that the mounting body 80 may include other members. For example, as a part of the mounting body, the developing device 14 may also be included. In this case, when the mounting body 80 is exchanged, the developing device 14 will also be exchanged.

[0017] The photosensitive drum 11, which is an example of an image holding member, holds the toner image formed as described above. The photosensitive drum 11 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow A. The charging member 12 is used for charging the photosensitive drum 11. In this embodiment, a voltage is applied between the charging member 12 and the photosensitive drum 11 to charge the photosensitive drum 11. The drum cleaner 17 removes the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 11.

[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an exposure device 13 is provided for each of the image forming units 200. The exposure device 13 irradiates the photosensitive drum 11 with light to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11. The exposure device 13 includes, for example, a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and irradiates the photosensitive drum 11 with the light emitted from this light source.

[0019] Further, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an intermediate transfer belt 15 onto which the toner images formed in each of the image forming units 200 are transferred, and a primary transfer unit 10 that transfers the toner images formed in each of the image forming units 200 to this intermediate transfer belt 15. The primary transfer unit 10 is provided with a primary transfer roll 16 that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 to the intermediate transfer belt 15. The primary transfer unit 10 is configured to include this primary transfer roll 16 that is disposed opposite to the photosensitive drum 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a secondary transfer unit 20 for transferring the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 to the paper P.

[0020] The intermediate transfer belt 15 circulates and moves at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 1 by a driving roll 31 driven by a motor (not shown). In the present embodiment, the toner images on each of the photosensitive drums 11 are sequentially electrostatically attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 15, and a superimposed toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 15. The secondary transfer unit 20 is configured to include a secondary transfer roll 22 disposed on the outer surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and a backup roll 25 disposed on the inner surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 15. In the present embodiment, in the secondary transfer unit 20, the toner image formed by the image forming unit 200 and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 is transferred to the paper P that has been conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 20.

[0021] Further, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a fixing device 60 that fixes the toner image transferred to the paper P onto this paper P. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an information processing unit 240 including a CPU that executes a program. The information processing unit 240 controls each part of the image forming apparatus 100 and performs settings for each part. Also, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an operation reception unit 45 that receives user operations and displays information to the user. The operation reception unit 45 is constituted by, for example, a touch panel, and has not only a function of receiving user operations but also a function of displaying information to the user.

[0022] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an inversion mechanism 900 for inverting the sheet P is provided. The inversion mechanism 900 inverts the front and back of the sheet P on which the toner image has been transferred to one side at the secondary transfer unit 20, and supplies this sheet P to the secondary transfer unit 20 again. Thereby, in the present embodiment, the toner image can be formed on both sides of the sheet P. The inversion mechanism 900 inverts the front and back of the sheet P by feeding the sheet P that has passed through the fixing device 60 into a branch path R2 branched from the sheet conveyance path R1.

[0023] Specifically, after the sheet P passes through the branch portion BP, the inversion mechanism 900 conveys the sheet P in the reverse direction, and further feeds the sheet P into the branch path R2. This branch path R2 merges into the sheet conveyance path R1 upstream of the secondary transfer unit 20. Thereby, in the present embodiment, the sheet P in a state where the front and back are inverted is supplied to the secondary transfer unit 20 again. In this case, the toner image is formed not only on one side but also on the other side of the sheet P, and the toner image is formed on both sides of the sheet P.

[0024] The flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. The image forming apparatus 100 receives, for example, image data output from an image reading apparatus (not shown) or a computer. Then, image processing is performed on this image data. Thereby, image data corresponding to each of the plurality of provided image forming units 200 is generated. The generated image data is output to the exposure device 13 provided in each of the image forming units 200.

[0025] The exposure device 13 irradiates the photosensitive drum 11 with light according to the input image data. In the present embodiment, after the surface of each photosensitive drum 11 is charged by the charging member 12, the surface is scanned and exposed by the exposure device 13. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. Next, development processing is performed by the developing device 14, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11. Then, this toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the primary transfer unit 10.

[0026] After the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15, the toner image moves to the secondary transfer unit 20 due to the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 15. At this time, the paper P from the first paper storage unit 53 and the second paper storage unit 54 is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 20 by the conveyance roll 52 or the like. Then, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is electrostatically transferred onto the paper P all at once in the secondary transfer unit 20.

[0027] Thereafter, the paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 15 and conveyed to the conveyance belt 55. The conveyance belt 55 conveys the paper P to the fixing device 60. The paper P conveyed to the fixing device 60 is heated and pressurized by the fixing device 60. As a result, the toner image on the paper P is fixed to this paper P. Then, this paper P is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. When toner images are formed on both sides of the paper P, after the paper P passes through the fixing device 60, this paper P is supplied again to the secondary transfer unit 20 through the branch path R2. Then, in the secondary transfer unit 20, a toner image is transferred onto the other side of this paper P. Thereafter, this paper P passes through the fixing device 60 again, and the toner image transferred onto the other side is fixed to the paper P.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing unit 240. The information processing unit 240 is implemented by a computer. The information processing unit 240 includes an arithmetic processing unit 111 that executes digital arithmetic processing according to a program, and an information storage unit 19 that stores information. The information storage unit 19 is implemented by an existing information storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, or a magnetic tape.

[0029] The arithmetic processing unit 111 is provided with a CPU 11a as an example of a processor. The arithmetic processing unit 111 is also provided with a RAM 11b used as a working memory of the CPU 11a, etc., and a ROM 11c in which programs executed by the CPU 11a are stored. The arithmetic processing unit 111 is also provided with a non-volatile memory 11d configured to be rewritable and capable of holding data even when the power supply is interrupted, and an interface unit 11e that controls each unit such as a communication unit connected to the arithmetic processing unit 111.

[0030] The non-volatile memory 11d is composed of, for example, an SRAM backed up by a battery or a flash memory. The information storage unit 19 stores various information such as programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit 111. In this embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit 111 reads the programs stored in the ROM 11c and the information storage unit 19, thereby executing the processing performed by the information processing unit 240.

[0031] The program executed by the CPU 11a can be provided to the information processing unit 240 in a state 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. Also, the program executed by the CPU 11a may be provided to the information processing unit 240 using communication means such as the Internet.

[0032] In this specification, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (such as CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (such as GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic devices, etc.). Also, the operation of the processor may be achieved not only by one processor but also by a plurality of physically separated processors working together. Also, the order of each operation of the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment and may be changed.

[0033] 〔Explanation of setting process〕 The setting process performed by CPU11a will be described. The CPU11a of this embodiment performs setting processing for the image forming unit 200 (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the CPU11a performs settings for the image forming unit 200 corresponding to the mounting body 80 mounted on each of the image forming units 200. Each time a new mounting body 80 is mounted on the image forming unit 200, the CPU11a performs settings for image formation performed by the image forming unit 200 corresponding to the mounting body 80 mounted on the image forming unit 200. Thereby, the image forming unit 200 performs image formation by performing processing according to the mounting body 80.

[0034] In this embodiment, for each mounting body 80, settings for the image forming unit 200 are performed, and according to this setting, the processing performed by the image forming unit 200 becomes different. Specifically, according to the setting, for example, the driving conditions of the driving unit provided in the image forming unit 200 are changed, the voltage value of the voltage applied to the image forming unit 200 is changed, or the current value of the current flowing through the image forming unit 200 is changed.

[0035] The CPU 11a performs settings for the image forming unit 200 on which the mounting body 80 is mounted, according to the mounting body 80 to be mounted. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, according to the mounting body 80 to be mounted, a process of writing information associated with this mounting body 80 into a memory provided associated with the image forming unit 200 is performed. In the present embodiment, each of the mounting bodies 80 is provided with an information recording medium (not shown) in which information about the type of the mounting body 80 is stored. Further, on the image forming apparatus 100 side, a reading unit for reading the information stored in this information recording medium is provided. The CPU 11a identifies the type of the mounting body 80 mounted on the image forming apparatus 100 based on the information read from this information recording medium.

[0036] In the present embodiment, as will be described later, when the mounting body 80 is already mounted on the image forming unit 200, the CPU 11a performs settings corresponding to another mounting body 82 that is newly mounted in place of this mounted mounting body 80 (hereinafter referred to as the "already-mounted mounting body 81"). This setting corresponding to the other mounting body 82 may be performed after this other mounting body 82 is actually mounted on the image forming apparatus 100. However, in the present embodiment, before this other mounting body 82 is actually mounted on the image forming apparatus 100, the setting corresponding to this other mounting body 82 is performed.

[0037] In the present embodiment, in a state where the already-mounted mounting body 81 is mounted, settings corresponding to another mounting body 82 that is scheduled to be mounted in place of this already-mounted mounting body 81 are performed. When settings corresponding to the other mounting body 82 are performed in a state where the already-mounted mounting body 81 is mounted, compared with the case where the settings corresponding to this other mounting body 82 are performed after this other mounting body 82 is actually mounted, the resumption of image formation can be performed earlier. In this embodiment, when replacing the mounting body 80, image formation is temporarily stopped. However, if settings corresponding to another mounting body 82 are performed while the already-mounted mounting body 81 is mounted, image formation can be resumed earlier.

[0038] When replacing the mounting body 80, the user of the image forming apparatus 100 gives an instruction to replace the mounting body 80 through the operation reception unit 45, his / her own terminal device (not shown), or the like. Examples of the terminal device include a PC, a smartphone, and a tablet terminal. When giving the replacement instruction, the user inputs information for specifying the image forming unit 200 for which the mounting body 80 is to be replaced, and information for specifying another mounting body 82 that is to be mounted in place of the already-mounted mounting body 81 mounted on this image forming unit 200.

[0039] When receiving an instruction to replace the mounting body 80 from the user, the CPU 11a starts setting corresponding to another mounting body 82 that is to be mounted in place of the already-mounted mounting body 81 at that time. In this embodiment, while the already-mounted mounting body 81 is still mounted, setting corresponding to another mounting body 82 that is to be mounted in place of this already-mounted mounting body 81 is started.

[0040] 〔Details of setting process〕 Details of the setting process by the CPU 11a will be described. When performing the setting, the CPU 11a performs this setting process when there is no scheduled image formation by the image forming unit 200 using the already-mounted mounting body 81. In other words, the CPU 11a starts the setting process when there is no scheduled image formation by the image forming unit 200 in a state where the already-mounted mounting body 81 is mounted.

[0041] In this embodiment, as described above, a plurality of image forming units 200 are provided, and the mounting body 80 is prepared for each of these image forming units 200. For the special image forming unit 200 indicated by reference numeral 91E in FIG. 1 (hereinafter referred to as "special image forming unit 200T"), a plurality of types of mounting members 80 are prepared. In the special image forming unit 200T, in accordance with the user's wishes, for example, a new other mounting member 82 for forming a toner image of another color is mounted in place of the mounted mounting member 81, which is the mounting member 80 that has been mounted until then.

[0042] When there is no plan to form an image using the mounted mounting member 81 at the location where this other mounting member 82, which is scheduled to be mounted, will be mounted, the CPU 11a makes settings corresponding to the other mounting member 82 in the state where the mounted mounting member 81 is mounted. More specifically, for example, when there is no plan to form an image by the special image forming unit 200T in the state where the mounted mounting member 81 is mounted on the special image forming unit 200T, the CPU 11a makes settings regarding the special image forming unit 200T that correspond to the above-mentioned other mounting member 82.

[0043] 〔Specific Example of Processing〕 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of the processing. In this specific example shown in FIG. 3, the case where an instruction to replace the mounting member 80 is given by the user at the timing indicated by reference numeral 3A is illustrated. In this processing example shown in FIG. 3, an example of the case where there is an instruction to replace from the mounted mounting member 81 corresponding to the gold toner, which is an example of the mounted mounting member 81, to the other mounting member 82 corresponding to the silver toner, which is an example of the other mounting member 82, is illustrated.

[0044] In this processing example, when an instruction to replace the mounting member 80 is given by the user, the printing job 1, which is a printing job using the gold toner, which is an example of the special feature, is in the middle of being executed. In this state, the CPU 11a does not start setting corresponding to the other mounting member 82, which is an example of the other mounting member 82 corresponding to the silver toner. After that, in this processing example, when it reaches the timing indicated by reference sign 3B, the printing job 1 using the gold toner ends. Thereafter, the printing jobs after printing job 2 will not include printing jobs using the gold toner.

[0045] When printing job 1 ends, there is no plan to form an image by the special feature image forming unit 200T that uses the mounting body 80 corresponding to the gold toner, which is an example of the mounted mounting body 81. In this case, as shown by reference sign 3C, the CPU 11a starts setting for the special feature image forming unit 200T corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner, which is an example of another mounting body 82. In the present embodiment, as settings, a reading process of information and a writing process of information are performed. Details of the reading process and the writing process will be described later.

[0046] As described above, the special feature image forming unit 200T that forms an image using the mounting body 80 corresponding to the gold toner and the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner has become the image forming unit 200 for special features. Also, in the present embodiment, in addition to the special feature image forming unit 200T, as described above, four image forming units 200 that form toner images using the toners of the basic colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black indicated by reference signs 91A to 91D in FIG. 1 are provided.

[0047] Hereinafter, in this specification, each of these four image forming units 200 other than the special feature image forming unit 200T is referred to as a "basic color image forming unit 200K". Also, hereinafter, in this specification, an image forming unit 200 in a state where the mounted mounting body 81 such as the mounting body 80 corresponding to the above gold toner is mounted and in a state of using this mounted mounting body 81 is referred to as a "used image forming unit 200". The used image forming unit 200 is in a state where it can form an image using the mounted mounting body 81.

[0048] In the processing example shown in FIG. 3, when there is a plan to form an image by the feature image forming unit 200T in a state where the mounting body 80 corresponding to the gold toner, which is an example of the mounted mounting body 81, is mounted, the CPU 11a does not perform the setting corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner. In the present embodiment, at the timing indicated by reference numeral 3A in FIG. 3, there is a plan to form an image by the feature image forming unit 200T in a state where the mounting body 80 corresponding to the gold toner is mounted. In this case, the CPU 11a does not perform the setting corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner. The timing indicated by reference numeral 3A in FIG. 3 is the timing when an instruction to replace the mounting body 80 is given. In the processing example shown in FIG. 3, at the timing when an instruction to replace the mounting body 80 is given, the setting corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner is not started.

[0049] When there is no plan to form an image by the feature image forming unit 200T, the CPU 11a starts the setting corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner. In other words, when there is no plan to form an image by the usage image forming unit 200, which is the image forming unit 200 in a state where an image can be formed using the mounted mounting body 81, the CPU 11a starts the setting corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner. After the timing indicated by reference numeral 3B in FIG. 3, there is no plan to form an image by the feature image forming unit 200T using the mounting body 80 corresponding to the gold toner. In the present embodiment, after the timing indicated by reference numeral 3B in FIG. 3, the CPU 11a starts the setting corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner.

[0050] In the present embodiment, when the CPU 11a receives an instruction to replace from the user, even if there is a plan to form an image by the basic color image forming unit 200K, the CPU 11a performs the setting corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner. When there is no plan to form an image by the special color image forming unit 200T, even if there is a plan to form an image by the basic color image forming unit 200K, the CPU 11a performs settings corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner.

[0051] In the example shown in FIG. 3, after the timing indicated by reference numeral 3B and before the timing indicated by reference numeral 3D when the replacement of the mounting body 80 is actually started, there is no plan to form an image by the special color image forming unit 200T. On the other hand, after the timing indicated by reference numeral 3B and before the timing indicated by reference numeral 3D when the replacement of the mounting body 80 is actually started, there is a plan to form an image by the basic color image forming unit 200K. In this case, in the present embodiment, after the timing indicated by reference numeral 3B, settings corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner are performed for the special color image forming unit 200T. In this case, in a situation where there is a plan to form an image by the basic color image forming unit 200K, settings corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner are performed.

[0052] When the print job scheduled to be executed by the image forming apparatus 100 does not include a use print job that uses the special color image forming unit 200T, which is an example of the use image forming unit 200, the CPU 11a performs the above settings corresponding to the other mounting body 82. In other words, when the print job scheduled to be executed by the image forming apparatus 100 does not include a use print job that uses the special color image forming unit 200T in a state where the mounted mounting body 81 is mounted, the CPU 11a starts settings corresponding to the other mounting body 82.

[0053] More specifically, when the print job scheduled to be executed by the image forming apparatus 100 does not include a use print job that uses the special color image forming unit 200T in a state where the mounting body 80 corresponding to the gold toner is mounted, the CPU 11a performs settings corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner. In the processing example shown in FIG. 3, initially, the mounting body 80 corresponding to the gold toner is mounted at the planned location where the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner to be mounted hereafter is planned to be mounted. When the CPU 11a does not include, among the print jobs that the image forming apparatus 100 is scheduled to execute, a print job that uses the mounting body 80 corresponding to the gold toner mounted at this planned location, the CPU 11a performs settings corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner.

[0054] At the timing indicated by reference numeral 3A in FIG. 3, among the print jobs that the image forming apparatus 100 is scheduled to execute, there is included a print job 1 that is a utilization print job that uses the special feature image forming unit 200T in a state where the mounted mounting body 81 is mounted. In this case, the CPU 11a does not perform settings corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner, which is another mounting body 82. On the other hand, at the timing indicated by reference numeral 3B in FIG. 3, the utilization print job that uses the special feature image forming unit 200T in a state where the mounted mounting body 81 is mounted has been executed.

[0055] At the timing indicated by reference numeral 3B in FIG. 3, among the print jobs that the image forming apparatus 100 is scheduled to execute, there is no utilization print job that uses the special feature image forming unit 200T in a state where the mounted mounting body 81 is used. In this case, the CPU 11a performs settings corresponding to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner, which is an example of another mounting body 82. When the CPU 11a includes a utilization print job among the print jobs that the image forming apparatus 100 is scheduled to execute, after this utilization print job is executed, the CPU 11a performs settings corresponding to another mounting body 82 that is planned to be mounted hereafter.

[0056] In the present embodiment, when the setting process is completed and all the print jobs are finished, as shown by reference numeral 3E in FIG. 3, the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off. Next, in the present embodiment, as shown by reference numeral 3F in FIG. 3, the user replaces the mounting body 80. Specifically, the mounting body 80 corresponding to the gold toner, which is the mounted mounting body 81 mounted on the special feature image forming unit 200T, is replaced with another mounting body 82 corresponding to the silver toner. In this embodiment, when this physical replacement of the mounting body 80 is performed, as indicated by reference numeral 3G, the CPU 11a also performs internal processing corresponding to this replacement.

[0057] After that, the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on, and as indicated by reference numeral 3H, image formation is resumed. In the processing example shown in FIG. 3, the print job that is first executed after the resumption of image formation is the print job 5. This print job 5 is a print job that uses the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner. In the processing example shown in FIG. 3, when image formation is resumed, image formation can be performed using the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner.

[0058] 〔Explanation of Other Processes〕 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of other processes executed by the image forming apparatus 100. In this process shown in FIG. 4, the configuration is such that an instruction to replace the mounting body 80 from the user can be received only after all the print jobs have ended.

[0059] Here, in the above processing example shown in FIG. 3, the configuration was such that an instruction to replace the mounting body 80 from the user could be received before all the print jobs ended. In other words, in the processing example shown in FIG. 3, even if there are print jobs that have not yet been executed, a screen for receiving an exchange instruction from the user is displayed on the operation reception unit 45 or the user's terminal device. As a result, in the processing example shown in FIG. 3, the configuration was such that an instruction to replace the mounting body 80 from the user could be received before all the print jobs ended. On the other hand, in the processing example shown in FIG. 4, in a state where there is a print job that has not yet been executed, the configuration is such that an instruction to replace the mounting body 80 from the user cannot be received. In the processing example shown in FIG. 4, after all the print jobs are completed, the setting corresponding to another mounting body 82 newly mounted is started.

[0060] In this processing example shown in FIG. 4, when this started setting ends, as described above, the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is once turned off, and then, the replacement from the mounted mounting body 81 to another new mounting body 82 is performed. Thereafter, the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on. Thereby, also in this processing example shown in FIG. 4, it becomes possible to form an image using the special feature image forming unit 200T in a state where another new mounting body 82 is mounted. In this processing example shown in FIG. 4, compared with the processing example shown in FIG. 3, the time required until the print processing can be restarted becomes longer.

[0061] In the present embodiment, by replacing the mounting body 80, the color of the image formed on the paper P can be changed. For example, assume a case where the mounting body 80 mounted on the special feature image forming unit 200T is replaced from the mounting body 80 corresponding to the gold toner to the mounting body 80 corresponding to the silver toner. In this case, heretofore, from a state where an image composed of the basic color and gold can be formed, a state where an image composed of the basic color and silver can be formed is obtained.

[0062] When replacing the mounting body 80, processing is performed on both the hardware side and the software side. Here, the "hard" on the hardware side refers to hardware and means a physical device or machine. The "soft" on the software side refers to software and means a program for issuing commands to an electronic computer. The program is a command for the electronic computer and is combined so that a single result can be obtained. In the processing on the hardware side, the user performs the operation of physically replacing the mounting body 80. In the processing on the hardware side, the mounted mounting body 81 mounted on the image forming apparatus 100 is removed, and a new other mounting body 82 is mounted. If the color of the formed image is the same before and after the replacement, only the developer needs to be replaced, and the mounting body 80 does not need to be replaced. On the other hand, if the color of the formed image is different before and after the replacement, it is necessary to replace the mounting body 80.

[0063] In the setting on the software side, for example, reading of information and writing of information are performed. In the setting on the software side, the setting for the image forming unit 200 described above and the setting for each mounting body 80 are performed. In this setting on the software side, reading of information and writing of information are performed. In other words, in the setting process described above, reading of information and writing of information are performed.

[0064] In this setting on the software side, when the mounting body 80 is replaced, first, the set values and adjustment values for the mounted mounting body 81 that has been mounted until then are read from a first memory (not shown) and stored in a second memory (not shown). In the present embodiment, information about the usage history of the mounted mounting body 81 is also stored in the first memory, and information about this usage history is also stored in the second memory. The first memory and the second memory are realized by 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.

[0065] Thereafter, the set values and adjustment values corresponding to the new other mounting body 82 to be mounted are read from the second memory, and the read set values and adjustment values are written into the first memory. In addition, when this other mounting body 82 is a mounting body 80 that has already been used, information about the usage history of this other mounting body 82 is also stored in the second memory. In this case, information about this usage history is also written to the first memory.

[0066] When replacing the mounting body 80, the set values and adjustment values are also changed in accordance with the replacement of the mounting body 80. When replacing the mounting body 80, the set values and adjustment values for the mounted mounting body 81 are read from the first memory. Then, the set values and adjustment values for the new other mounting body 82 to be mounted are written to this first memory.

[0067] In the present embodiment, a first memory provided corresponding to each of the image forming units 200 and a common second memory different from this first memory are provided. The second memory has a larger capacity than the first memory. The above set values and adjustment values corresponding to each of the mounting bodies 80 are stored in the second memory in advance. When replacing from the mounted mounting body 81 to a new other mounting body 82, the set values and adjustment values corresponding to the mounted mounting body 81 are read from the first memory and stored in the second memory. Also, information about the usage history is read from the first memory and stored in the second memory.

[0068] Next, the set values and adjustment values corresponding to the newly mounted other mounting body 82 are read from the second memory and stored in the first memory. As described above, when there is information about the usage history, information about this usage history is also read from the second memory and stored in the first memory. When a new other mounting body 82 is mounted, the information stored in the first memory changes. As a result, in the image forming unit 200 to which the new other mounting body 82 is mounted, the content of the process performed changes.

[0069] Transferring information between the first memory and the second memory often takes time. If this information transfer is performed after all printing jobs are completed, the time required until resuming image formation becomes long. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, regarding the software surface processing, as described above, when the feature image forming unit 200T is not scheduled to be used, even if there is another printing job that uses the basic color image forming unit 200K, the software surface processing is started. As a result, before all printing jobs are completed, the software surface processing is started, and accordingly, the resumption of image formation can be performed earlier.

[0070] 〔Explanation of a series of processes〕 FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes executed by the CPU 11a. FIG. 5 shows the flow of processes after an instruction to replace the mounting body 80 is received from the user. When there is an instruction to replace from the user, the CPU 11a determines whether printing processing is being performed in the image forming apparatus 100 (step S101). In other words, when there is an instruction to replace from the user, the CPU 11a determines whether there is a printing job that has not yet been executed.

[0071] And when the CPU 11a determines that printing processing is not being performed in the image forming apparatus 100, the above-described setting process is performed (step S102). In other words, when there is no printing job scheduled to be executed, the CPU 11a starts the above-described setting process. On the other hand, when the CPU 11a determines in step S101 that printing processing is being performed in the image forming apparatus 100, information indicating that an instruction to replace from the user has been received is output (step S103). As a result, in the present embodiment, information indicating that an instruction to replace has been received is displayed on the operation reception unit 45 (see FIG. 1) and the user's terminal device.

[0072] Next, the CPU 11a determines whether there is a print job to be executed that uses the image forming unit 200 on which the mounted member 81 is mounted among the print jobs scheduled to be executed (step S104). And when the CPU 11a determines that there is no print job to be executed that uses the mounted member 81 among the print jobs scheduled to be executed, it executes the process of step S102 and performs the setting process described above. On the other hand, when the CPU 11a does not determine in step S104 that there is no print job to be executed that uses the mounted member 81 among the print jobs scheduled to be executed, it executes the process of step S104 again.

[0073] 〔Other processing examples〕 FIGS. 6(A) and (B) are diagrams showing an example of other processing. In this processing example shown in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 6(A), initially, the non-use print job is scheduled to be executed before the use print job. As described above, the use print job refers to a print job that uses the special feature image forming unit 200T in a state where the mounted member 81 is mounted, such as the print job 3. In other words, the use print job refers to a print job that uses the image forming unit 200 in a state where the mounted member 81 is mounted. On the other hand, the non-use print job refers to a print job that does not use the special feature image forming unit 200T in a state where the mounted member 81 is mounted, such as the print job 1 and the print job 2. In other words, the non-use print job refers to a print job that does not use the image forming unit 200 in a state where the mounted member 81 is mounted.

[0074] In the processing example shown in FIG. 6(A), the print jobs scheduled to be executed by the image forming apparatus 100 include a use print job and a non-use print job. Also, in the processing example shown in FIG. 6(A), the non-use print job is in a situation of being executed before the use print job. In this case, the CPU 11a changes the execution order of the print jobs so that the use print job is executed before the non-use print job, as shown in FIG. 6(B).

[0075] In this processing example, when the CPU 11a receives an instruction from the user to replace the mounting body 80, it changes the execution order of the print jobs. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the print jobs to be used are executed before the non-used print jobs. When the CPU 11a changes the execution order of the print jobs, similar to the above, after the print jobs to be used are executed, it performs settings corresponding to other mounting bodies 82 that are scheduled to be mounted in the future. In this case, compared with the case where the order of the print jobs is not changed, the settings corresponding to other mounting bodies 82 can be started earlier, and accordingly, the resumption of image formation can be performed earlier.

[0076] 〔Information output processing〕 Next, the information output processing will be described. When the CPU 11a performs the above settings corresponding to other mounting bodies 82, it performs a process of outputting information indicating that image formation using the image forming unit 200 in a state where the mounted mounting body 81 is mounted cannot be performed. More specifically, when the CPU 11a performs the above settings corresponding to other mounting bodies 82, for example, it performs a process of outputting information indicating that image formation using the special feature image forming unit 200T cannot be performed.

[0077] As a result, in this embodiment, information indicating that image formation using the special feature image forming unit 200T cannot be performed is displayed on the operation reception unit 45 and the terminal device operated by the user. Thereby, the user recognizes that image formation using the special feature cannot be performed. In this embodiment, even after an instruction to replace the mounting body 80 is given by the user, the user can give an instruction to the image forming apparatus 100 to form an image using the mounted mounting body 81.

[0078] In other words, in the present embodiment, even after an instruction to replace the mounting body 80 is given by the user, the user can give an instruction to form an image using the feature to the image forming apparatus 100. As described above, when information indicating that an image cannot be formed using the image forming unit 200 in a state where the mounted mounting body 81 is mounted is output, a usage print job using the mounted mounting body 81 is suppressed from being output to the image forming apparatus 100. More specifically, it is suppressed that a usage print job using the mounted mounting body 81 is output from a print instructor, which will be described later, to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0079] 〔Explanation of Persons Related to the Image Forming Apparatus 100〕 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing persons related to the image forming apparatus 100. Various persons are involved with the image forming apparatus 100, and FIG. 7 shows an example of persons related to the image forming apparatus 100. Examples of persons related to the image forming apparatus 100 include, for example, a print instructor, an in - machine administrator, and an in - machine operator. The print instructor is a person who wants to obtain printed matter and outputs a print job to the image forming apparatus 100. The print instructor is not limited to one person and may be a plurality of persons. The in - machine administrator is a person responsible for managing the image forming apparatus 100. The in - machine operator is a person who performs operations on the image forming apparatus 100. The in - machine operator replenishes the paper P and toner to the image forming apparatus 100. Also, the in - machine operator replaces the toner and performs test printing. Further, the in - machine operator performs the replacement operation of the above - mentioned mounting body 80.

[0080] Here, assume a case where during the execution of the print job 1 shown in FIG. 3, the in - machine administrator (see FIG. 7) instructs to replace the mounting body 80 via the operation reception unit 45 (see FIG. 1) or the terminal device. In this case, in the present embodiment, during the execution of the print job 1, information indicating that image formation using the image forming unit 200 with the already-mounted mounting body 81 mounted thereon cannot be performed is displayed on the operation reception unit 45 and the terminal device of the print instructor. Specifically, for example, a display indicating that "the mounting body 80 is being replaced" is performed. As a result, even a print instructor who is not the person who gave the instruction to replace the mounting body 80 will know that the mounting body 80 is being replaced.

[0081] Here, as an example, a case where information indicating that the mounting body 80 is being replaced is output and displayed as information indicating that image formation using the image forming unit 200 with the already-mounted mounting body 81 mounted thereon cannot be performed has been described. However, it is not limited to this. For example, information indicating that image formation with special features cannot be performed may be output, and this information indicating that image formation with special features cannot be performed may be displayed on the operation reception unit 45 and the terminal device of the print instructor.

[0082] By the above processing, in the present embodiment, it is less likely that the print instructor will erroneously give an instruction for image formation based on a print job using special features. In the present embodiment, when the replacement of the mounting body 80 is completed, the CPU 11a outputs information indicating that the replacement has been completed. As a result, information indicating that the replacement of the mounting body 80 has been completed is displayed on the operation reception unit 45 and the terminal device of the print instructor.

[0083] 〔Other Processing〕 In addition, after the CPU 11a starts setting corresponding to the other mounting body 82 described above, if the image forming apparatus 100 receives a usage print job that uses the image forming unit 200 with the already-mounted mounting body 81 mounted thereon, the CPU 11a may prevent this usage print job from being executed. The print job output to the image forming apparatus 100 also includes information about the toner to be used. When the color of the toner specified by this toner information matches the color associated with the already-mounted member 81, the CPU 11a may prevent this print job from being executed.

[0084] By preventing the execution of the utilization print job that uses the image forming unit 200 in a state where the already-mounted member 81 is mounted, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as the formation of an image unintended by the user. In the present embodiment, even after starting the setting corresponding to the other member 82, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to be able to receive the utilization print job. In this case, after starting the setting corresponding to the other member 82, an image may be formed based on the utilization print job, and an image unintended by the user may be formed. In this case, if this utilization print job is not executed, the occurrence of the problem that an image unintended by the user is formed is less likely to occur.

[0085] In addition, when the image forming apparatus 100 receives the utilization print job after starting the setting corresponding to the other member 82, the CPU 11a may prevent this utilization print job from being executed and store this utilization print job in the information storage unit 19 (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, when the already-mounted member 81 that has been removed due to the mounting of another member 82 in place of the already-mounted member 81 is remounted on the image forming unit 200, the CPU 11a may execute the utilization print job stored in the information storage unit 19.

[0086] It is also assumed that the already-mounted member 81 is once removed from the special image forming unit 200T and then remounted on the special image forming unit 200T. In this case, as described above, if the configuration is such that the usage print job is stored in the information storage unit 19, when the mounted member 81 is remounted to the feature image forming unit 200T, the usage print job can be executed. In this case, even if the user does not newly give an instruction for image formation based on this usage print job, image formation based on this usage print job is started.

[0087] Also, in the above, the case of performing settings corresponding to another mounted member 82 during the execution of the non-usage print job was described as an example. In other words, in the above, the case of performing processing on the above software aspect during the execution of the non-usage print job was described. By the way, it is not limited to this, and during the execution of the non-usage print job, a configuration may be adopted in which processing on the hardware aspect can also be performed. More specifically, during the execution of the non-usage print job, a configuration may be adopted in which the mounted member 81 can be replaced with another mounted member 82.

[0088] When adopting a configuration in which processing on the hardware aspect can also be performed during the execution of the non-usage print job, information indicating that the mounted member 80 can be replaced is output from the CPU 11a. Thereby, information indicating that the mounted member 81 can be replaced with another mounted member 82 is displayed on the operation reception unit 45 and the terminal device. In this case, the user can replace the mounted member 81 with another mounted member 82 during the execution of the non-usage print job.

[0089] Also, when adopting a configuration in which processing on the hardware aspect can also be performed during the execution of the non-usage print job, processing such as stopping the power supply to the image forming unit 200 on which the mounted member 81 is mounted is performed. In other words, when adopting a configuration in which processing on the hardware aspect can be performed during the execution of the non-usage print job, the state of the image forming unit 200 on which the mounted member 81 is mounted is set to a state in which the user can remove the mounted member 81.

[0090] Also, when the configuration is such that processing regarding the hardware surface can be performed during the execution of a non-use print job, the state of the image forming unit 200 after the mounted member 81 that is already mounted is removed is set to a state in which a user can mount a new and different mounted member 82. When processing regarding the hardware surface can also be performed during the execution of a non-use print job, the resumption of image formation after the replacement of the mounted member 80 can be performed earlier compared to a configuration in which only processing regarding the software surface is possible.

[0091] Also, the configurations and processes described above may be applied to a so-called monochrome machine in which only one image forming unit 200 is provided. In a monochrome machine, when there is an instruction from the user to replace the mounted member 80 and there is no scheduled image formation by the image forming unit 200, settings corresponding to a new and different mounted member 82 are made.

[0092] (Appendix) (((1))) An image forming apparatus including: image forming means for forming an image using a mounted member; a processor that performs settings corresponding to the mounted member to be mounted for the settings regarding the image forming means, and in a state where the mounted member is mounted, performs settings corresponding to another mounted member that is to be mounted in place of the mounted mounted member that is currently mounted; (((2))) The processor: performs the settings corresponding to the other mounted member when there is no scheduled image formation by the image forming means with the mounted mounted member mounted; The image forming apparatus according to ((1)). (((3))) A plurality of the image forming means are provided, the mounted member is mounted for each of the image forming means, The processor: performs the settings corresponding to the other mounted member when there is no scheduled image formation using the mounted mounted member mounted at the location where the other mounted member is to be mounted; The image forming apparatus according to ((1)). ((4)) The processor performs the setting corresponding to the other mounting body even if there is a plan to form an image by other image forming means other than the image forming means on which the mounted mounting body is mounted. The image forming apparatus according to ((3)). ((5)) A plurality of the image forming means are provided, and the mounting body is mounted on each of the image forming means. The processor performs the setting corresponding to the other mounting body when a print job using the mounted mounting body is not included in the print jobs that the image forming apparatus is scheduled to execute. The image forming apparatus according to ((1)). ((6)) The processor when the print job includes the usage print job, performs the setting corresponding to the other mounting body after the usage print job is executed. The image forming apparatus according to ((5)). ((7)) The processor when the print jobs that the image forming apparatus is scheduled to execute include, in addition to the usage print job, a non-usage print job that is executed before the usage print job and does not use the mounted mounting body, changes the execution order of the print jobs so that the usage print job is executed before the non-usage print job. The image forming apparatus according to ((6)). ((8)) The processor when performing the setting corresponding to the other mounting body, outputs information indicating that image formation using the image forming means in a state where the mounted mounting body is mounted cannot be performed. The image forming apparatus according to ((1)). ((9)) After the processor starts the setting corresponding to the other mounted body, when the image forming apparatus receives a usage print job which is a print job using the mounted mounted body, the processor causes the usage print job not to be executed. The image forming apparatus according to ((1)). (((10))) (((10))) The processor causes the usage print job not to be executed and causes the usage print job to be stored in an information storage unit provided in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to ((9)). (((11))) (((11))) When the mounted mounted body that has been removed due to the mounting of the other mounted body in place of the mounted mounted body is remounted, the processor causes the usage print job stored in the information storage unit to be executed. The image forming apparatus according to ((10)). (((12))) (((12))) A program executed by a computer provided in an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image using a mounted body, A setting for the image forming unit, which is a function of performing a setting corresponding to the mounted body to be mounted, and in a state where the mounted body is mounted, a function of performing a setting corresponding to another mounted body to be mounted in place of the mounted mounted body that is the mounted body. A program for causing the computer provided in the image forming apparatus to realize.

[0093] According to the image forming apparatus according to ((1)), the time until image formation can be started after the mounted body is replaced can be made shorter than when the setting for the replaced mounted body is performed. According to the image forming apparatus according to ((2)), it is possible to perform a setting corresponding to another mounted body without affecting the formation of an image using the mounted mounted body. According to the image forming apparatus according to ((3)), it is possible to perform settings corresponding to other mounting members without affecting the formation of an image using the mounted mounting member. According to the image forming apparatus according to ((4)), the time from when the mounting member is replaced until image formation can start can be made shorter compared to the case where settings corresponding to other mounting members are performed after the formation of an image by other image forming means other than the image forming means using the mounted mounting member is completed. According to the image forming apparatus according to ((5)), it is possible to prevent settings corresponding to other mounting members from being performed while a usage print job, which is a print job using the mounted mounting member, is being executed. According to the image forming apparatus according to ((6)), it is possible to prevent settings corresponding to other mounting members from being performed while a usage print job, which is a print job using the mounted mounting member, is being executed. According to the image forming apparatus according to ((7)), it is possible to start settings corresponding to other mounting members earlier compared to the case where the order of execution of print jobs is not changed. According to the image forming apparatus according to ((8)), it is possible to notify the notified person that image formation using the mounted mounting member cannot be performed. According to the image forming apparatus according to ((9)), it is possible to prevent image formation from being performed using the mounted mounting member after settings corresponding to other mounting members are started. According to the image forming apparatus according to ((10)), it is possible to save a usage print job received by the image forming apparatus after settings corresponding to other mounting members are started. According to the image forming apparatus according to ((11)), when the mounted mounting member that has been removed due to the mounting of another mounting member in place of the mounted mounting member is mounted again, it is possible to execute the saved usage print job. According to the program according to ((12)), the time from when the mounting member is replaced until image formation can start can be made shorter compared to the case where settings for the mounting member after replacement are performed.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 11a…CPU, 19…information storage unit, 80…mounting body, 81…mounted mounting body, 82…other mounting body, 100…image forming apparatus, 200…image forming unit, 200K…image forming unit for basic colors, 200T…image forming unit for special colors

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means for forming an image using a mounted member; a processor that makes settings for the image forming means corresponding to the mounted member to be mounted, and that, in a state where the mounted member is mounted, makes settings corresponding to another mounted member to be mounted in place of the mounted mounted member; an image forming apparatus comprising the above.

2. The processor: makes the settings corresponding to the other mounted member when there is no plan to form an image by the image forming means with the mounted mounted member mounted; The image forming apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. A plurality of the image forming means are provided, the mounted member is mounted on each of the image forming means, The processor: makes the settings corresponding to the other mounted member when there is no plan to form an image using the mounted mounted member mounted at the location where the other mounted member is to be mounted; The image forming apparatus according to Claim 1.

4. The processor: makes the settings corresponding to the other mounted member even if there is a plan to form an image by another image forming means other than the image forming means with the mounted mounted member mounted; The image forming apparatus according to Claim 3.

5. A plurality of the image forming means are provided, the mounted member is mounted on each of the image forming means, The processor: makes the settings corresponding to the other mounted member when the print job scheduled to be executed by the image forming apparatus does not include a usage print job that is a print job using the mounted mounted member; The image forming apparatus according to Claim 1.

6. The processor: makes the settings corresponding to the other mounted member after the usage print job is executed when the print job scheduled to be executed by the image forming apparatus includes the usage print job; The image forming apparatus according to Claim 5.

7. The processor: when the print job scheduled to be executed by the image forming apparatus includes, in addition to the usage print job, a non-usage print job that is a print job that is executed before the usage print job and does not use the mounted mounted member, changes the execution order of the print jobs so that the usage print job is executed before the non-usage print job; The image forming apparatus according to Claim 6.

8. The processor: When performing the setting corresponding to the other mounting body, output information indicating that image formation using the image forming means in the state where the already-mounted mounting body is mounted cannot be performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The processor is When the image forming apparatus receives a use print job which is a print job using the already-mounted mounting body after starting the setting corresponding to the other mounting body, prevent the use print job from being executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The processor is Prevent the use print job from being executed and cause the use print job to be stored in an information storage unit provided in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The processor is When the already-mounted mounting body removed as the other mounting body is mounted in place of the already-mounted mounting body is mounted again, cause the use print job stored in the information storage unit to be executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

12. A program executed by a computer provided in an image forming apparatus including image forming means for forming an image using a mounted mounting body, A function of setting the image forming means, which is a setting corresponding to the mounting body to be mounted, and which, in a state where the mounting body is mounted, has a function of setting corresponding to another mounting body to be mounted in place of the already-mounted mounting body which is the mounted mounting body. A program for causing the computer provided in the image forming apparatus to realize.

Images