Management device, management system, management method, and management program

Abstract

This allows for more accurate calculation of the amount of colorant used by the image forming apparatus. [Solution] The system includes an interface 30 for connecting an image forming apparatus 200 that forms images of print data and correction patches on a medium, a print rate acquisition means 3 for acquiring the print rate of the correction patch image from the image forming apparatus 200, a temperature and humidity information acquisition means 4 for acquiring temperature and humidity information of the image forming apparatus 200, a colorant adhesion rate information acquisition means 5 for acquiring the toner transfer rate, which is a function of the temperature and humidity information, and a colorant consumption calculation means 6 for calculating toner consumption by multiplying the amount of colorant adhesion derived from the print rate of the print data image and the print rate of the correction patch image by the toner transfer rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management device, a management system, a management method, and a management program, and more particularly, to a management device for managing an image forming apparatus that performs color printing on a transparent medium.

Background Art

[0002] Printing apparatuses using an inkjet method or a toner transfer method are known. The inkjet method ejects ink onto a medium by heat or pressure to perform printing. The toner transfer method transfers toner onto a medium and fixes the transferred toner. In a printing apparatus, when ink shortage is predicted, a user can replenish ink in advance, so it is preferable to estimate the ink consumption in advance. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for calculating the ink consumption when printing is performed by an inkjet printing apparatus. This calculation of the ink consumption is based on adjustment data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technique of Patent Document 1 calculates the ink consumption based on adjustment data, but does not consider changes in the environmental temperature and humidity. In particular, a printing apparatus using dry toner, which is a powder, has a fixing device, so the increase or decrease in toner usage due to temperature and humidity changes is large.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a management device, a management system, a management method, and a management program capable of more accurately calculating the usage amount of a coloring material used by an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above-mentioned problems of the present invention are solved by the following means.

[0007] (1) A management device comprising: an interface for connecting an image forming apparatus that forms original images and non-original images (e.g., images of correction patches) on a medium; a print rate acquisition means for acquiring the print rate of the non-original images from the image forming apparatus; a temperature and humidity information acquisition means for acquiring temperature and humidity information of the image forming apparatus; a colorant adhesion rate information acquisition means for acquiring a colorant adhesion rate (e.g., toner transfer rate) which is a function of the temperature and humidity information; and a colorant consumption calculation means for calculating information regarding colorant consumption (toner consumption) by multiplying the amount of colorant adhesion derived from the print rate of the original image and the print rate of the non-original image by the colorant adhesion rate.

[0008] (2) The control device according to (1) above, wherein the colorant adhesion rate is the toner transfer rate, the non-original image is the image of the correction patch used for image quality correction, and the information regarding colorant consumption is either or both of the toner consumption amount and the consumption cost.

[0009] (3) The temperature and humidity information acquisition means is the control device described in (1) above, which calculates an average value obtained by averaging the temperature and humidity information over a set period.

[0010] (4) The temperature and humidity information acquisition means is the control device described in (1) above that acquires the temperature and humidity information of the image forming apparatus.

[0011] (5) The temperature and humidity information acquisition means is the control device described in (1) above, which acquires indoor temperature and humidity information via a network.

[0012] (6) The management device according to (1) above, further comprising a display control unit that causes the display unit to compare and display information on colorant consumption calculated by the colorant consumption calculation means with information on colorant consumption when the temperature and humidity are under worst conditions, when the temperature and humidity are under the same conditions, and when the temperature and humidity are at the average value.

[0013] (7) The management device according to (1) above, further comprising a display control unit that displays on a display unit a graph plotting in chronological order the information on colorant consumption calculated in the past by the colorant consumption calculation means.

[0014] (8) A management system comprising an image forming apparatus for forming original images and non-original images on a medium, and a management device for managing the image forming apparatus, wherein the management device comprises: a printing rate acquisition means for acquiring the printing rate of the non-original image from the image forming apparatus; a temperature and humidity information acquisition means for acquiring temperature and humidity information of the image forming apparatus; a colorant adhesion rate information acquisition means for acquiring a colorant adhesion rate which is a function of the temperature and humidity information; and a colorant consumption calculation means for calculating information regarding colorant consumption by multiplying the amount of colorant adhesion derived from the printing rate of the original image and the printing rate of the non-original image by the colorant adhesion rate.

[0015] (9) A management method performed by a management device connected to an image forming apparatus that forms original images and non-original images on a medium, the management method being performed by: a print rate acquisition step of acquiring the print rate of the non-original image from the image forming apparatus; a temperature and humidity information acquisition step of acquiring temperature and humidity information of the image forming apparatus; a colorant adhesion rate information acquisition step of acquiring a colorant adhesion rate which is a function of the temperature and humidity information; and a colorant consumption calculation step of calculating information regarding colorant consumption by multiplying the amount of colorant adhesion derived from the print rate of the original image and the print rate of the non-original image by the colorant adhesion rate.

[0016] (10) A management program to be executed by a management device that connects an image forming apparatus for forming a document image and a non-document image on a medium, the management program causing the management device to perform: a printing rate acquisition step of acquiring a printing rate of the non-document image from the image forming apparatus; a temperature and humidity information acquisition step of acquiring temperature and humidity information of the image forming apparatus; a color material adhesion rate information acquisition step of acquiring a color material adhesion rate that is a function of the temperature and humidity information; a color material consumption amount calculation step of multiplying an amount of color material derived from the printing rate of the document image and the printing rate of the non-document image by the color material adhesion rate to calculate information regarding color material consumption.

Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to more accurately predict in advance the usage amount of toner used by an image forming apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a configuration diagram of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an example of a toner transfer rate table. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed when starting toner consumption prediction. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart for explaining the operation when an image forming apparatus acquires printing rate information of a correction patch. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart for explaining the operation when an image forming apparatus acquires a variation factor. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of toner adhered on a drum with respect to gradation. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart for explaining the operation when a management device displays a screen of toner consumption amount. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when comparing a predicted toner consumption amount with a toner consumption amount under worst conditions. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when comparing the predicted toner consumption with that under the same temperature and humidity conditions. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when comparing the predicted toner consumption with the average value. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a variation graph display screen showing the variation of toner consumption.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] In the following embodiments, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing only schematically shows the present invention to such an extent that it can be sufficiently understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited only to the illustrated examples. Also, in each drawing, common components and similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0020] The management device of the present invention includes an interface for connecting an image forming device that forms a document image and a non-document image (for example, an image of a correction patch) on a medium, a printing rate acquisition means for acquiring the printing rate of the non-document image from the image forming device, a temperature and humidity information acquisition means for acquiring the temperature and humidity information of the image forming device, a colorant adhesion rate information acquisition means for acquiring a colorant adhesion rate (for example, toner transfer rate) that is a function of the temperature and humidity information, and a colorant consumption amount calculation means for calculating information related to colorant consumption (for example, toner consumption) by multiplying the colorant adhesion amount derived from the printing rate of the document image and the printing rate of the non-document image by the colorant adhesion rate.

[0021] (Embodiment) FIGS. 1 and 2 are configuration diagrams of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The management system S includes a management device 100, an image forming device 200, and a display operation unit 50 as a display unit. Note that the management system S may further include a thermometer and hygrometer unit 120 via a network (for example, a LAN (Local Area Network)).

[0022] The management device 100 is a PC (Personal Computer) comprising a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, an interface 30, and a communication unit 40. The interface 30 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface that connects to the image forming apparatus 200. The communication unit 40 connects to the temperature and humidity measurement unit 120 via a network. The temperature and humidity measurement unit 120 measures the temperature and humidity of the room. Alternatively, the management device 100 may connect to the image forming apparatus 200 via a network and the communication unit 40 instead of the interface 30. In this case, the communication unit 40 functions as an interface.

[0023] The memory unit 20 includes a non-volatile memory unit (not shown) that stores the management program 21 and the colorant adhesion rate 22, and a volatile memory unit (not shown) that stores the colorant adhesion amount 23 and the toner consumption amount 24. In some cases, the consumption cost may be stored instead of the toner consumption amount 24.

[0024] Figure 2 is a table showing an example of a toner transfer rate table. The colorant adhesion rate 22, which indicates the toner transfer rate, is stored as a table where the primary transfer rate is associated with each temperature and humidity. Here, the primary transfer rate refers to the transfer rate between the rotating drum on which the toner is adsorbed and the media or intermediate transfer belt. For example, in the colorant adhesion rate 22 table, the primary transfer rate is 97.4% at a temperature and humidity of 30°C and 80%, and 96.7% at 24°C and 60%. Furthermore, in the same table, the primary transfer rate is 96.0% at 24°C and 50%, and 95.1% at 24°C and 40%. Also, in the same table, the primary transfer rate is 94.2% at 10°C and 20%. The secondary transfer rate refers to the transfer rate between the intermediate transfer belt and the media.

[0025] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, the control unit 10 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and, by executing the management program 21, realizes the following functions. In other words, the control unit 10 realizes the functions of the RIP (Raster Image Processor) unit 1, the histogram extraction unit 2, the print density acquisition means 3, the temperature and humidity information acquisition means 4, the colorant adhesion rate information acquisition means 5, and the colorant consumption calculation means 6.

[0026] The RIP unit 1 converts vector data of print data (original image data) input via interface 30 and communication unit 40 into raster data. The histogram extraction unit 2 extracts density and other information for each toner color name (yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, black BK, white W). The print density acquisition means 3 uses the extraction results from the histogram extraction unit 2 to acquire the print density of the original image. The print density acquisition means 3 also acquires the print density of a non-original image (for example, a correction patch image 92) from the image forming apparatus 200.

[0027] The temperature and humidity information acquisition means 4 acquires temperature and humidity information (temperature and humidity information) inside the image forming apparatus 200 using a temperature and humidity measurement unit 80 built into the image forming apparatus 200. The temperature and humidity information acquisition means 4 also calculates an average value by averaging the acquired temperature and humidity information over a set period. This set period is, for example, a period showing the change of seasons or a period showing the rainy season and dry season. The colorant adhesion rate information acquisition means 5 acquires the toner transfer rate (colorant adhesion rate 22), which is a function of temperature and humidity. Here, non-original image means, for example, an image of a patch used for image quality correction to correct the image quality printed by the image forming apparatus 200 (correction patch image 92). The colorant consumption amount calculation means 6 calculates information regarding colorant consumption (either or both of toner consumption amount 24 and consumption cost) by multiplying the colorant adhesion amount 23 (mg / sheet), which is derived from the print rate of the original image and the print rate of the non-original image, by the toner transfer rate (colorant adhesion rate 22).

[0028] The image forming apparatus 200 forms original images and non-original images (for example, correction patch images 92) on a medium using colorants (developers including dry toner). The medium is typically white paper, but also includes transparent media. The image forming apparatus 200 may print a white underlay on a transparent medium and then print color on top of it. In this case, the amount of white toner used increases. The image forming apparatus 200 comprises an image forming unit 60, a control unit 70, a temperature and humidity measurement unit 80, and a storage unit 90. The image forming unit 60 prints by transferring dry toner to the medium and then heat-fixing the transferred medium. Since the image forming unit 60 has a fixing device that heat-fixes the dry toner to the medium, the amount of toner used changes with temperature and humidity. The control unit 70 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the image forming unit 60 by executing a program. The temperature and humidity measurement unit 80 measures the temperature and humidity inside the apparatus. The memory unit 90 includes an area for storing the print density 91 and the correction patch image 92.

[0029] Figure 3 shows an example of the display screen that appears when toner consumption forecasting is started. When the operator drags and drops an icon or similar object representing the original document data onto the screen, and then double-clicks that icon or similar object, the toner consumption prediction start screen 300 is displayed on the display operation unit 50 (Figure 1). The toner consumption forecast start screen 300 includes a "Printer" selection button 301, a "Toner Consumption Forecast" button 302, a "Layout" button 304, and the like. The toner consumption forecast start screen 300 also displays the print image 303 to be printed in two places.

[0030] The "Printer" selection button 301, when clicked, displays a dropdown menu showing one or more connected printers (for example, the image forming apparatus 200 (Figure 1)). The user can then select a printer to print to, thereby linking the job to that printer.

[0031] Next, when the user presses the "Layout" button 304, a pull-down menu will appear with options such as "Color," "Paper," "Imposition Layout," and "Layout Work." The user can then select the appropriate option from the menu and configure the settings.

[0032] Next, when the user presses the "Toner Consumption Forecast" button 302, the management program 21 (Figure 1) is executed.

[0033] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart is activated by pressing the "Toner Consumption Prediction" button 302 (Figure 3). In the image forming apparatus 200, the flowcharts shown in Figures 5 and 6, described later, are activated.

[0034] The control unit 10 (Figure 1) determines whether or not there is a response from the image forming apparatus 200 (step S1). If there is no response ("none" in step S1), the control unit 10 waits until there is a response from the image forming apparatus 200.

[0035] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an image forming apparatus when it acquires variable factors (for example, temperature and humidity information, the amount of pigment deposited on the drum, etc.). The control unit 70 of the image forming apparatus 200 determines whether or not there is an inquiry from the management device 100 (step S11). If there is no inquiry (none in step S11), the control unit 70 waits until an inquiry is received. On the other hand, if there is an inquiry (yes in step S21), the control unit 70 acquires sensor values ​​(e.g., temperature and humidity information), adjustment values, and correction patch printing rate information, and generates transmission data (step S12). After processing in step S22, the control unit 70 transmits the amount of toner deposited on the drum, along with the serial number, to the management device 100 (Figure 1) (step S13). After processing in step S13, the control unit 70 repeats the processing in step S11.

[0036] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, if the image forming apparatus 200 responds ("Yes" in step S1), the control unit 10 acquires predetermined information (step S2). This predetermined information includes the serial number, temperature and humidity information, and the amount of colorant deposited on the drum 23 (mg / sheet). At this time, the temperature and humidity information may be acquired not only from the image forming apparatus 200 but also from the network via the communication unit 40 (temperature and humidity information acquisition step). The amount of colorant deposited 23 is derived from the print density of the original image and the print density of the non-original image. After processing in step S2, the control unit 10 stores the serial number and the amount of colorant deposited on the drum 23 (Figure 1) information, along with the reception date and time, in the storage unit 20 (step S3).

[0037] After the processing in step S3, the RIP unit 1 of the control unit 10 performs RIP processing on the print data (step S4). After step S4, the histogram extraction unit 2 calculates a histogram (step S5). After the processing in step S5, the control unit 10 determines whether the print density is less than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, 3%) (step S6). The print density of the original image is determined from the processing result of RIP processing of the print data. The print density of the non-original image (correction patch) is obtained from the image forming apparatus 200 (print density acquisition step). At this time, the flow shown in Figure 6 is executed in the image forming apparatus 200.

[0038] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus when it acquires print density information of the correction patch. The print density acquisition means 3 of the control unit 70 (Figure 1) of the image forming apparatus 200 determines whether the correction patch is set to a 5mm patch or a 9.6mm patch (step S21). If it is set to a 9.6mm patch (9.6mm patch), the print density acquisition means 3 of the control unit 70 stores a value of 2.5% print density in the print density 91 area of ​​the storage unit 90, and stores the information of the 9.6mm patch in a part of the correction patch image 92 area (step S22), and the process ends.

[0039] On the other hand, if it is set to a 5mm patch (5mm patch), the control unit 70 stores a value of 1.3% print density in the print density area 91 of the storage unit 90, stores the 5mm patch information in a part of the area of ​​the correction patch image 92 (step S23), and the process ends.

[0040] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, when the print density exceeds a predetermined value (No in step S6), the colorant consumption calculation means 6 of the control unit 10 performs a prediction calculation of the toner consumption amount 24 (Figure 1) or consumption cost (step S7, colorant consumption calculation step). The toner consumption amount 24 is calculated by multiplying the amount of colorant attached 23 obtained in step S2 by the toner transfer rate (colorant attachment rate 22). At this time, the control unit 10 obtains the colorant attachment rate 22 from the storage unit 20 (colorant attachment rate information acquisition step). After processing in step S7, the control unit 10 stores the calculated value (toner consumption amount 24) calculated in step S7 together with the original ID, the serial number of the image forming apparatus 200, the amount of colorant attached on the drum 23, and the reception date and time in the storage unit 20 (step S8), and the process ends.

[0041] On the other hand, when the print density is below a predetermined value (Yes in step S6), the control unit 10 calculates the toner consumption by multiplying the correction patch size by the patch print density (step S9). Here, the correction patch size is the patch width (width perpendicular to the media feeding direction) × the image sub-scan width (width in the media feeding direction). After the processing in step S9, the control unit 10 executes the processes in steps S7 and S8, and the processing is completed.

[0042] Figure 7 shows the relationship between the amount of toner deposited on the drum and the grayscale. The horizontal axis represents the grayscale x (0 to 255), and the vertical axis represents the amount of toner deposited on the drum y [mg]. The amount of toner deposited is represented by a straight line passing through the intercept -b. In other words, if a is the slope, the amount of toner deposited y is expressed as y = ax - b. The point where this line intersects the horizontal axis (the axis of grayscale x) is called the highlight adjustment value (for example, up to grayscale x = approximately 10). The region R from grayscale 0 to the highlight adjustment value is the highlight area (the bright or white area).

[0043] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management device when it displays the toner consumption screen. This flowchart is activated when the process in Figure 4 is completed and the toner consumption display button (not shown) is pressed. Note that the user has pre-set one of the following display settings in the memory unit 20 (Figure 1): worst-case conditions, same temperature and humidity conditions, or average values.

[0044] The control unit 10 of the management device 100 reads the display settings (step S31). After processing in step S31, the control unit 10 determines whether the display settings are "worst-case conditions" or not (step S32). If it is "worst-case conditions" (determined as "worst-case conditions" in step S32), the display control unit (not shown) of the control unit 10 causes the display operation unit 50 (Figure 1) to perform a comparative display comparing the toner consumption calculated in step S7 (Figure 4) with the toner consumption under "worst-case conditions" (step S33), and the process ends.

[0045] Figure 9 shows an example of a display screen when comparing predicted toner consumption with toner consumption under worst-case conditions. The predicted toner consumption display screen 310 is composed of a predicted toner consumption display area 311 and a worst-case toner consumption display area 312 placed side by side. The predicted toner consumption display area 311 displays text such as the date and time "August 22, 2024, 10:00 AM" and the temperature and humidity "Predicted at 24 degrees Celsius and 40% humidity". The predicted toner consumption display area 311 also displays the color name (Yellow Y, Magenta M, Cyan C, Black BK, White W), the "coverage" for each color, and the calculated value of the "total toner amount (including correction amount)". Here, coverage is the percentage of the printable area calculated from the actual toner consumption, with the toner consumption when printing the entire printable area of ​​a page with one color being 100%.

[0046] For example, with a coverage of 29%, the predicted total dose of yellow (Y) is 23 mg, of which the correction amount is +9 mg. With a coverage of 36%, the predicted total dose of magenta (M) is 31 mg, of which the correction amount is +8 mg. With a coverage of 19%, the predicted total dose of cyan (C) is 21 mg, of which the correction amount is +8 mg. With a coverage of 14%, the predicted total dose of black (BK) is 17 mg, of which the correction amount is +10 mg. With a coverage of 39%, the predicted total dose of white (W) is 30 mg, of which the correction amount is +10 mg.

[0047] The worst-case toner consumption display area 312 displays, for example, the date and time "July 15, 2024, 9:00 AM", temperature and humidity "predicted at 40 degrees Celsius and 90% humidity", and calculated values ​​for each color's "coverage" and "total toner amount (including correction amount)". Under the worst-case conditions of "temperature 40 degrees Celsius and humidity 90%", for example, yellow (Y) increases to a total of 40 mg (including a correction of +22 mg), magenta (M) increases to a total of 61 mg (including a correction of +38 mg). Cyan (C) increases to a total of 44 mg (including a correction of +31 mg), black (BK) increases to a total of 34 mg (including a correction of +27 mg), and white (W) increases to a total of 70 mg (including a correction of +50 mg).

[0048] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 8, if the settings are not under the worst-case conditions (No in step S32), the control unit 10 determines whether the temperature and humidity are the same (step S34). If the temperature and humidity are the same (Yes in step S34), the display control unit (not shown) of the control unit 10 causes the display operation unit 50 (Figure 1) to display a comparison of the toner consumption calculated in step S7 (Figure 4) with the toner consumption under "same temperature and humidity conditions" (step S35), and the process ends.

[0049] Figure 10 shows an example of a display screen when comparing predicted toner consumption with that under the same temperature and humidity conditions. The predicted toner consumption display screen 320 is composed of a predicted toner consumption display area 321 and a toner consumption display area 322 under the same conditions, arranged side by side. The predicted toner consumption display area 321 contains the same image as the predicted toner consumption display area 311 (Figure 9).

[0050] The toner consumption display area 322 under the same conditions displays the calculated value of "total toner amount (including correction amount)" corresponding to the temperature and humidity "predicted at 24 degrees Celsius and 40% humidity" and "coverage" for each color, as of the date and time "June 22, 2023, 10:00 AM". For example, Yellow Y has a total amount of 23 mg (including a correction amount of +9 mg), and Magenta M has a total amount of 30 mg (including a correction amount of +7 mg). Also, Cyan C has a total amount of 22 mg (including a correction amount of +10 mg), and Black BK has a total amount of 17 mg (including a correction amount of +10 mg). Furthermore, White W has a total amount of 32 mg (including a correction amount of +12 mg). In other words, Magenta M and Cyan C have a variation of 1 mg, and White W has a variation of 2 mg.

[0051] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 8, if the settings are not under the same temperature and humidity conditions (No in step S34), the control unit 10 determines whether the settings are the average value (step S36). If the settings are the average value (Yes in step S36), the display control unit (not shown) of the control unit 10 causes the display operation unit 50 (Figure 1) to display a comparison between the toner consumption calculated in step S7 (Figure 4) and the "average" toner consumption (step S37), and the process ends.

[0052] Figure 11 shows an example of a display screen when comparing predicted toner consumption with the average value. The predicted toner consumption display screen 330 is composed of a predicted toner consumption display area 331 and an average toner consumption display area 332 placed side by side. The predicted toner consumption display area 331 displays the calculated value of "total toner amount (including correction amount)" corresponding to the date and time "August 22, 2024, 10:00 AM", temperature and humidity "predicted at 24 degrees Celsius and 40% humidity", and "coverage" for each color.

[0053] The average toner consumption display area 332 displays the calculated value of the "total toner amount (including correction amount)" corresponding to the "coverage" of each color, predicted based on the average temperature and humidity "temperature 28 degrees Celsius, humidity 50%" averaged over a period of approximately 1 year and 6 months from "February 2, 2022 to August 22, 2024". For example, Yellow Y has a total amount of 27 mg (including a correction amount of +12 mg), Magenta M has a total amount of 36 mg (including a correction amount of +13 mg), Cyan C has a total amount of 26 mg (including a correction amount of +13 mg), Black BK has a total amount of 22 mg (including a correction amount of +15 mg), and White W has a total amount of 35 mg (including a correction amount of +15 mg).

[0054] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in Figure 8, if the setting is not the average value (No in step S36), the display control unit (not shown) of the control unit 10 causes the display operation unit 50 (Figure 1) to display the toner consumption fluctuation graph calculated in step S7 (Figure 4) (step S38), and the process ends.

[0055] Figure 12 shows an example of a screen displaying a fluctuation graph showing the variation in toner consumption. The fluctuation graph display screen 340 consists of a predicted toner consumption display area 341 and a fluctuation graph 342 placed side by side. The predicted toner consumption display area 341 displays, similar to the predicted toner consumption display area 311 (Figure 9), the string indicating the date and time "August 22, 2024, 10:00 AM", the string indicating the predicted temperature and humidity "Predicted at 24 degrees Celsius and 40% humidity", and the calculated value of "Total Toner Amount (including Correction Amount)" corresponding to the "Coverage" of each color.

[0056] The fluctuation graph 342 has the date and time on the horizontal axis and the correction amount on the vertical axis. The fluctuation graph 342 is a graph that plots the information on the consumption of the aforementioned colorants calculated in the past over time. Note that the time when the device was installed is set to t=0. The fluctuation graph 342 shows the temporal change in the correction amount for each toner color: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (BK), and white (W).

[0057] (Comparative example) In the above embodiment, toner usage was predicted by considering temperature and humidity information in the print data, but it is also possible to predict toner usage using only the print data (image data).

[0058] Predicting toner usage based solely on image data can result in errors of up to 22% for maximum toner deposition, 11% for outdoor temperature and humidity, and 15% for sacrificial patch / real-time color correction patch. These can add up to a maximum error of 46.9%.

[0059] Here, by applying the technology of Patent Document 1, the maximum error of 22% in the maximum toner adhesion amount can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the technology of the above embodiment, the error of 11% in outdoor temperature and humidity and the maximum error of 15% in the sacrificial patch / real-time color correction patch can be further reduced. In other words, toner consumption needs to be measured with high precision. This allows for accurate quotations during toner sales negotiations. As a result, it reduces the likelihood of issuing quotations that are too low and result in losses, or issuing quotations that are unnecessarily inflated and lead to lost deals.

[0060] (modified version) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified and implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention, for example, as follows (a) to (d). (a) In the above embodiment, the control unit 10 of the management device 100 acquires temperature and humidity information and information on the amount of colorant deposited on the drum 23 (Figure 1) from the image forming apparatus 200 (step S2). This amount of colorant deposited 23 is derived from the print rate of the original image and the print rate of the non-original image. Therefore, the management device 100 may acquire the print rate from the image forming apparatus 200 and the control unit 10 may calculate the amount of colorant deposited 23.

[0061] (b) The control device 100 of the above embodiment acquires temperature and humidity information from the image forming apparatus 200 or the temperature and humidity measurement unit 120 (Figure 1) (step S2). Furthermore, the control device 100 uses a table of toner transfer rates (colorant adhesion rates 22 (Figures 1, 2)) stored in the storage unit 20 (step S7). Alternatively, the control device 100 may acquire the toner transfer rate (colorant adhesion rate 22) corresponding to the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature and humidity measurement unit 80 (Figure 1) from the image forming apparatus 200. As a result, the control unit 10 multiplies the amount of colorant adhesion 23 acquired in step S2 by the toner transfer rate (colorant adhesion rate 22) corresponding to the temperature and humidity information. This calculates the toner consumption 24.

[0062] (c) In the above embodiment, the management device 100 was connected to the image forming apparatus 200, but it may also be connected to a digital front end (DFE) that incorporates an ICC (International Color Consortium) profile, or a management information system (MIS). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 3 Method for obtaining printing rate 4 Temperature and humidity information acquisition means 5. Means for acquiring colorant adhesion rate information 6 Color material consumption calculation means 10,70 Control Unit 20 Memory section 21 Management Program 22. Colorant adhesion rate (toner transfer rate) 23. Amount of colorant applied 24 Toner consumption 30 Interfaces 40. Communication section (interface) 50 Display operation section (display section) 60 Image forming unit 80,120 Temperature and Humidity Measurement Unit 92 Correction patch image 100 Management device 200 Image forming apparatus 300 Toner Consumption Prediction Start Screen 302 "Toner Consumption Forecast" button 310 Predicted toner consumption display screen 320 Predicted toner consumption display screen 330 Predicted toner consumption display screen 340 Fluctuation graph display screen S Management System

Claims

1. An interface for connecting an image forming apparatus that forms original images and non-original images on a medium, A printing rate acquisition means for obtaining the printing rate of the non-original image from the image forming apparatus, A temperature and humidity information acquisition means for acquiring temperature and humidity information of the image forming apparatus, A means for acquiring colorant adhesion rate information, which is a function of the temperature and humidity information, A colorant consumption calculation means calculates information regarding colorant consumption by multiplying the amount of colorant deposited, derived from the printing density of the original image and the printing density of the non-original image, by the colorant deposition rate. A control device having the following features.

2. The aforementioned colorant adhesion rate is the toner transfer rate. The aforementioned non-original image is an image of a correction patch used for image quality correction. The information regarding the consumption of colorants may be either the amount of toner consumed or the consumption cost, or both. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The temperature and humidity information acquisition means calculates an average value obtained by averaging the temperature and humidity information over a set period. The control device according to claim 1.

4. The temperature and humidity information acquisition means acquires temperature and humidity information from the image forming apparatus. The control device according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned temperature and humidity information acquisition means acquires indoor temperature and humidity information via a network. The control device according to claim 1.

6. The system further includes a display control unit that compares and displays on the display unit the colorant consumption information calculated by the colorant consumption calculation means with the colorant consumption information for one of the following conditions: when the temperature and humidity are under worst-case conditions, when the temperature and humidity are under the same conditions, or when the temperature and humidity are at the average value. The control device according to claim 1.

7. The display control unit further includes a display unit that displays a graph plotting the information regarding colorant consumption calculated by the colorant consumption calculation means in the past in chronological order. The control device according to claim 1.

8. A management system comprising an image forming apparatus for forming original images and non-original images on a medium, and a management device for managing the image forming apparatus, The aforementioned control device is A printing rate acquisition means for obtaining the printing rate of the non-original image from the image forming apparatus, A temperature and humidity information acquisition means for acquiring temperature and humidity information of the image forming apparatus, A means for acquiring colorant adhesion rate information, which is a function of the temperature and humidity information, A colorant consumption calculation means calculates information regarding colorant consumption by multiplying the amount of colorant deposited, derived from the printing density of the original image and the printing density of the non-original image, by the colorant deposition rate. has Management system.

9. A management method performed by a management device connected to an image forming apparatus that forms original images and non-original images on a medium, A print rate acquisition step in which the print rate of the non-original image is obtained from the image forming apparatus, A step of acquiring temperature and humidity information for the image forming apparatus, A step to obtain colorant adhesion rate information, which is a function of the temperature and humidity information, A colorant consumption calculation step involves calculating information regarding colorant consumption by multiplying the amount of colorant deposited, derived from the print density of the original image and the print density of the non-original image, by the colorant deposition rate. A management method for executing this.

10. A management program to be executed by a management device connected to an image forming apparatus that forms original images and non-original images on a medium, A print rate acquisition step in which the print rate of the non-original image is obtained from the image forming apparatus, A step of acquiring temperature and humidity information for the image forming apparatus, A step to obtain colorant adhesion rate information, which is a function of the temperature and humidity information, A colorant consumption calculation step involves calculating information regarding colorant consumption by multiplying the amount of colorant deposited, derived from the print density of the original image and the print density of the non-original image, by the colorant deposition rate. A management program that executes commands.

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