Information processing device, its control method, and program

Abstract

To notify a user that calibration is necessary at an appropriate timing.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 comprises: acquisition means that acquires information on a drum unit 518; management means that stores and manages a calibration necessary flag indicating the necessity of calibration in a storage medium, and when replacement with a new drum unit 518 is identified from the information acquired by the acquisition means, turns the calibration necessary flag to necessary; and notification means that notifies a user that calibration is necessary based on the calibration necessary flag through a display 307. When the calibration necessary flag is turned to necessary, the notification means notifies the user that calibration is necessary in a constant display area 1001 on a screen displayed on the display 307.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, That control a method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In an MFP (MULTI-FUNCTION PERIPHERALS), due to fluctuations in the environment such as temperature and humidity, the density and gradation characteristics of the output image may vary. Therefore, by outputting a calibration pattern according to the built-in pattern, placing this on the platen and reading it, and performing calibration to reflect the correction to the target value, stable density and gradation characteristics can be obtained even when the environment changes. Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus configured to perform calibration processing in multiple modes. Patent Document 1 describes that when toner is replaced, a proposal screen such as "Toner replacement has been completed. It is recommended to execute calibration" is displayed, or when calibration has not been performed for a preset period or a period set by the user, a screen prompting calibration is displayed (paragraph

[0058] ).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a suggestion screen is displayed during toner replacement, as in Patent Document 1, if calibration is not performed at that time, the user may not realize that calibration is necessary afterward. In Patent Document 1, if calibration has not been performed for a predetermined period or a period set by the user, a screen prompting calibration is displayed, but the user may not realize that calibration is necessary until this period has passed.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and aims to enable the user to be notified at an appropriate time that calibration is required. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a display control means that, when a drum unit is replaced, displays a first screen containing information on whether or not to perform a calibration process on a display unit, and the display control means displays a second screen containing information prompting the execution of the calibration process based on the first screen indicating that the calibration process should not be performed. The second screen is a home screen for selecting multiple functions of the information processing device, including at least a copy function. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the user can be notified at an appropriate time that calibration is required. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the surrounding structure of the drum unit. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the drum unit. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the processes performed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the flag management table. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a guidance screen. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of the calibration execution subprocess. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a calibration operation screen. [Figure 10] This diagram shows an example of a screen with an always-on display area. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the processes performed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the processes performed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating the flag management table. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1> Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is a tandem-type color multifunction printer. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a reader unit 306, which is a reading device. The reader unit 306 includes a document transport device 301 that automatically transports the document, a document reader device 305 that reads the image of the transported document, and a document output tray 302 on which the document is ejected.

[0010] The original document feeding device 301 includes an original document feeding tray 300 on which the original document is set, and conveys the original documents placed on the original document feeding tray 300 one by one to the original document reading position on the glass 303. The original document conveyed onto the glass 303 is read by the original document reading device 305. Thereafter, the original document feeding device 301 conveys the original document and discharges the original document onto the original document discharge tray 302. The original document reading device 305 includes a scanner and a full-color CCD sensor (not shown). The scanner exposes and scans the original document conveyed onto the glass 303 by the original document feeding device 301. The CCD sensor converts the reflected light of the original document due to the exposure of the scanner into an electrical signal. When the original document is exposed and scanned by the scanner, photoelectric conversion is performed by the CCD sensor. As a result, electrical signals of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) components indicating an image are sent to the CPU 201 (see FIG. 2).

[0011] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 304. The operation unit 304 includes a display 307 that displays setting information of printing conditions and the like for the user. Although details will be described later, the display 307 displays a status message notifying that calibration is necessary, and a guidance screen notifying that calibration is necessary and accepting the execution of calibration. The display 307 can display soft keys that are operated when the user touches them with a finger or the like. Thereby, the user can input instruction information such as single-sided printing or double-sided printing from the operation panel. The operation unit 304 includes a start key that is pressed when starting the image forming operation, and a stop key that is pressed when interrupting the image forming operation. The numeric keys are keys that are pressed when performing setting of values and the like. Note that the start key, the stop key, and the numeric keys may be displayed on the display as soft keys instead of hard keys. Various data input by the operation unit 304 are stored in the RAM 203 through the CPU 201 (see FIG. 2).

[0012] The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained in more detail. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes four image forming units 102Y, 102M, 102C, and 102K that form toner patterns of the respective colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). Each image forming unit 102Y, 102M, 102C, and 102K is equipped with a photosensitive drum 103Y, 103M, 103C, and 103K (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "photosensitive drum 103"). Each image forming unit 102Y, 102M, 102C, and 102K is also equipped with a charger 104Y, 104M, 104C, and 104K (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "charger 104") for charging the photosensitive drums 103Y, 103M, 103C, and 103K, respectively. Furthermore, the image forming units 102Y, 102M, 102C, and 102K are equipped with LED (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE) exposure units 500Y, 500M, 500C, and 500K, which serve as exposure light sources that emit light to expose the photosensitive drums 103Y, 103M, 103C, and 103K. In addition, the image forming units 102Y, 102M, 102C, and 102K are equipped with developers 106Y, 106M, 106C, and 106K (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "developer 106") that develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 103 with toner and develop toner patterns of each color on the photosensitive drum 103. Note that the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 employs a so-called "bottom exposure method" in which the photosensitive drum 103 is exposed from below. The following explanation assumes an image forming apparatus employing a bottom exposure method, but an image forming apparatus employing a "top exposure method" in which the photosensitive drum 103 is exposed from above may also be used.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an intermediate transfer belt 107 onto which a toner pattern formed on a photosensitive drum 103 is transferred, and primary transfer rollers 108Y, 108M, 108C, and 108K that sequentially transfer the toner pattern formed on the photosensitive drum 103 to the intermediate transfer belt 107. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a secondary transfer roller 109 that transfers the toner pattern on the intermediate transfer belt 107 to a recording sheet P (also referred to as a recording paper or a sheet) conveyed from a paper feeding unit 101, and a fixing device 100 that fixes the secondarily transferred image to the recording sheet P. Although the intermediate transfer belt 107 is provided, a configuration including an ETB (ELECTOROSTATIC TRANSPORTATION BELT) instead of the intermediate transfer belt 107 may also be used. The ETB adsorbs a sheet (paper) to the belt using an electrostatic adsorption force, conveys the sheet by rotating the belt, and transfers the toner pattern from the photosensitive drum 103 to the conveyed sheet.

[0014] Next, the image forming process will be described. The exposure unit 500Y exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 103Y charged by the charger 104Y. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 103Y. Next, the developing unit 106Y develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 103Y with yellow toner. The yellow toner pattern developed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 103Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 107 by the primary transfer roller 108Y. The magenta, cyan, and black toner patterns are also transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 107 by the same image forming process.

[0015] The toner patterns of each color transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 107 are transported by the intermediate transfer belt 107 to the secondary transfer section T2. ​​A transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 109 located in the secondary transfer section T2 to transfer the toner patterns to the recording paper P. The toner patterns transported to the secondary transfer section T2 are transferred to the recording paper P transported from the paper feed section 101 by the transfer bias of the secondary transfer roller 109. The recording paper P on which the toner patterns have been transferred is transported to the fuser 100. The fuser 100 fixes the toner patterns to the recording paper P using heat and pressure. The recording paper P that has been fixed by the fuser 100 is discharged to the paper discharge section 111.

[0016] Next, the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1. The CPU 201 is a control circuit that controls each unit. The ROM 202 stores the control programs necessary to control the driving of the optical print heads 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "optical print head 105"), which are executed by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is the system work memory for the operation of the CPU 201. The HDD 204 stores image data transferred from the reader unit 306 and the personal computer, as well as setting information input from the operation unit 304.

[0017] The LED light emission control unit 210 corrects the image data by applying various image processing to it under the control of the CPU 201. These color signals sent from the document reader 305 to the CPU 201 are converted into image data (dot data) for each color in the LED light emission control unit 210 and input to the optical print head 105 corresponding to each color. In addition to the data conversion described above, the LED light emission control unit 210 also controls the amount of light emitted and the timing of light emission of the LEDs (light-emitting elements) of the optical print head 105. The LED light emission control unit 210 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC, or it may be implemented by the CPU 201 executing a pre-stored program.

[0018] Image data corrected by the LED light emission control unit 210 is transferred to each of the optical print heads 105. Each optical print head 105 is controlled based on the image data corrected by the LED light emission control unit 210. The optical print head 105Y exposes the photosensitive drum 103Y and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 103Y based on the image data. The same process is followed for other colors. The toner patterns transferred from the photosensitive drums 103 of each color to the intermediate transfer belt 107 are detected by the photosensor 150.

[0019] Furthermore, each color of photosensitive drum 103 is unitized to form drum units 518Y, 518M, 518C, and 518K (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "drum unit 518"). Each color of drum unit 518 is equipped with a memory electrode 121. The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a memory interface 321 that contacts the memory electrode 121 to acquire information about the drum unit 518. The information read from the memory electrode 121 by the memory interface 321 is transferred to the unit information management unit 315. The information acquired by the unit information management unit 315 is transferred to the CPU 201. Although the unit information management unit 315 is shown as a separate block from the CPU 201, the CPU 201 may also function as the unit information management unit 315.

[0020] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the surrounding structure of the drum unit 518. Figure 3(a) is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the drum unit 518 and the surrounding area of ​​the developing unit 641. Figure 3(b) shows the drum unit 518 inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. In the following explanation, "front" (front side or near side) refers to the side from which the drum unit 518 is inserted into and removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. It also refers to the side from which the user stands when operating the image forming apparatus 1. "Rear" (back side or far side) is the opposite side. Figure 3 shows each of the defined directions. The rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 103 is the direction that coincides with the front-to-back direction shown in Figure 3.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a replaceable cartridge, which is a drum unit 518. The user replaces the drum unit 518 by inserting and removing it from the side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The drum unit 518 rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 103. Specifically, the photosensitive drum 103 is rotatably supported by the frame of the drum unit 518. The drum unit 518 may also be configured without a charger 104 or a cleaning device.

[0022] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with developing units 641Y, 641M, 641C, and 641K (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "developing unit 641"), which are separate from the drum unit 518. The developing unit 641 is a cartridge in which the developer unit 106 and the toner storage unit shown in Figure 1 are integrated. The developer unit 106 is equipped with a developing sleeve (not shown) that carries the developer. The developing unit 641 is provided with multiple gears for rotating a screw to agitate the toner and carrier. When these gears deteriorate over time, etc., the user removes the developing unit 641 from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and replaces them. The drum unit 518 and the developing unit 641 may also be integrated into a single cartridge.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), the image forming apparatus 1 comprises a front plate 642 made of sheet metal and a rear plate 643 also made of sheet metal. The front plate 642 is a side wall provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. The front plate 642 forms part of the housing of the apparatus body on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. The rear plate 643 is a side wall provided on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1. The rear plate 643 forms part of the housing of the apparatus body on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1. The front plate 642 and the rear plate 643 are arranged facing each other, and a sheet metal beam (not shown) bridges between them. The front plate 642, the rear plate 643, and the beam (not shown) each constitute part of the frame of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0024] An opening is formed in the front plate 642 so that the drum unit 518 and the developing unit 641 can be inserted and removed from the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. The drum unit 518 and the developing unit 641 are mounted in predetermined positions in the image forming apparatus 1 through the opening. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes covers 558Y, 558M, 558C, and 558K (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "cover 558") that cover the front sides of both the drum unit 518 and the developing unit 641 mounted in predetermined positions. One end of the cover 558 is fixed to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 by a hinge and is rotatable relative to the image forming apparatus 1 by the hinge. The replacement work is completed when the user opens the cover 558, removes the drum unit 518 or developing unit 641 from inside the main body, inserts a new drum unit 518 or developing unit 641, and closes the cover 558.

[0025] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the drum unit 518. The configuration of the drum unit 518 is substantially the same for each color. As shown in Figure 4, the drum unit 518 comprises a photosensitive drum 103 and a frame 125 that rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 103. The frame 125 is positioned relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The drum unit 518 is attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 by inserting and removing it from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 103.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a memory electrode 121 is attached to the frame 125. The memory electrode 121 stores information such as the serial number and printable period of the drum unit 518 to which the memory electrode 121 is attached. The electrode portion is made of metal and can communicate information by making contact with the memory interface 321 provided on the image forming apparatus 1. Other examples of the memory electrode 121 include RFID (Radio Frequency IDENTIFICATION) tags, barcodes, and QR codes (registered trademarks). Thus, it is not limited to contact-type tags, but may also be a contactless type tag. The form of the memory electrode 121 is not limited as long as it is a means of writing the identification information of the drum unit 518. The memory electrode 121 has a built-in memory chip that stores information related to the drum unit 518 and communicates information with the memory interface 321 via the electrode terminals. The type of memory interface 321 should be determined according to the type of memory electrode 121.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a memory interface 321 as a means for communicating with the memory electrode 121. In this embodiment, the memory interface 321 also has electrode terminals. When these electrode terminals come into contact with the electrode terminals of the memory electrode 121, the memory interface 321 obtains information about the drum unit 518 from the memory electrode 121 via both terminals. When the drum unit 518 is replaced, the memory interface 321 reads the memory electrode 121 to identify whether or not it has been replaced with a new drum unit 518. Note that the identification of whether or not it has been replaced with a new drum unit 518 may be performed by the memory interface 321 or the CPU 201.

[0028] Furthermore, the date and time of installation or replacement detection of the drum unit 518 can be stored in the RAM 203 via the CPU 201, and by adding the printable period read from the memory electrode 121, it is possible to determine whether or not the drum needs to be replaced.

[0029] Here, the memory interface 321 constantly detects contact with the memory electrode 121 while it is in contact with it. Therefore, when the drum unit 518 is removed from the image forming apparatus 1 and the contact between the memory electrode 121 and the memory interface 321 is released, the CPU 201 recognizes that the drum unit 518 has been removed from the image forming apparatus 1. The memory interface 321 can also periodically read information from the memory electrode 121 to determine whether or not the drum unit 518 is still mounted in the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, if the drum unit 518, which is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1, is removed and then reinstalled, the CPU 201 recognizes that the drum unit 518 has been removed.

[0030] <Processing performed by the image forming apparatus 1> The following describes the processes performed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 functions as an information processing device to which the present invention is applied. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processes performed by the image forming apparatus 1. The flowchart in Figure 5 is realized when the CPU 201 executes a program stored in the ROM 202 or HDD 204. In step S501, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the drum unit 518 has been replaced with a new one. As described above, the CPU 201 can determine whether or not the drum unit 518 has been replaced with a new one by reading the memory electrodes 121 with the memory interface 321. If it is determined in step S501 that the drum unit has been replaced, the process proceeds to step S502. In this way, the CPU 201 obtains information about the drum unit 518 from the image forming apparatus 1 and determines whether or not it has been replaced with a new drum unit 518.

[0031] In step S502, CPU201 updates the value of the calibration required flag 601 to Yes. Figure 6 shows a flag management table 600 that manages a calibration requirement flag indicating whether calibration is necessary. The calibration requirement flag corresponds to the calibration information in this invention. The flag management table 600 is stored in ROM 202 or HDD 204 and managed by CPU 201. If calibration is not required, the value of the calibration requirement flag 601 is No (not required), as shown in Figure 6(a). If calibration is required, the value of the calibration requirement flag 601 is Yes (required), as shown in Figure 6(b). If it is determined in step S501 that replacement is necessary, in step S502, the value of the calibration requirement flag 601 is updated to Yes, as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0032] In step S503, the CPU 201 displays a guidance screen 700 prompting calibration on the display 307, as shown in Figure 7. This notifies the user that the replacement of the drum unit 518 with a new one has been detected and that calibration, such as automatic gradation correction, is required. The guidance screen 700 displays a Yes button 701 and a No button 702, accepting the request to perform calibration. In this way, the replacement of the drum unit 518 with a new one is used as a trigger to prompt calibration.

[0033] In step S504, the CPU 201 determines whether to perform calibration immediately by receiving input from either the Yes button 701 or the No button 702 on the guidance screen 700. If the Yes button 701 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S505. If the No button 702 is pressed, step S505 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S506.

[0034] In step S505, CPU201 executes the calibration execution subprocess. Here, with reference to Figures 8 and 9, the details of the calibration execution subprocess in step S505 will be explained. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the calibration execution subprocess in step S505. Figures 9(a), (b), and (c) show examples of the calibration operation screen 901. The calibration operation screen 901 is usually a screen that the user manually calls up from the home screen or the like. In step S801, the CPU 201 displays the calibration operation screen 901 on the display 307. Calibration requires various settings and user operations. On the calibration operation screen 901, the user can select the type of calibration, as shown in Figure 9(a), or the type of paper to be corrected, as shown in Figure 9(b). Then, as shown in Figure 9(c), the user can instruct the system to print a calibration pattern by pressing the print start button 904 on the calibration operation screen 901. The calibration operation screen 901 also has a cancel button 905, allowing the user to cancel the calibration operation at any time. In step S802, the CPU201 determines whether the calibration operation is complete and calibration has been performed. If calibration has been performed, the process proceeds to step S803. If calibration has not been performed, the calibration execution subprocess is terminated. In step S803, the CPU 201 updates the value of the calibration requirement flag 601 to No, as shown in Figure 6(a), and terminates the calibration execution subprocess. If calibration was not performed in step S802, the value of the calibration requirement flag 601 remains Yes, as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0035] Returning to the explanation in Figure 5, in step S506, the CPU 201 determines the value of the calibration required flag 601. If the value of the calibration required flag 601 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S507. If the value of the calibration required flag 601 is No, the flowchart is exited. When exiting this flowchart, if a status message was displayed in the always-on display area 1001 in step S507, the status message is hidden.

[0036] In step S507, the CPU 201 displays a status message indicating that calibration is required in the always-on display area 1001 of the screen displayed on the display 307, as shown in Figure 10(a). The screen displayed on the display 307 is divided into a function display area 1002 and a always-on display area 1001. For example, as shown in Figure 10(b), even if the function display area 1002 transitions to the copy settings screen, the user can always check the contents of the always-on display area 1001. After executing step S507, the CPU 201 returns to step S506 and repeats steps S506 and S507 until the calibration required flag becomes No.

[0037] As described above, when replacing the drum unit 518 with a new one, a guidance screen 700 is displayed to notify the user that calibration is required and to accept the calibration request, thereby prompting them to perform the calibration. If calibration is not performed at that time, the system will then display a notification in the always-on display area 1001 of the screen shown on the display 307 that calibration is required. This allows the user to be notified of the need for calibration at the appropriate time.

[0038] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the processes performed by the image forming apparatus 1. The flowchart in Figure 11 is realized by the CPU 201 executing a program stored in the ROM 202 or HDD 204. In step S1101, the CPU 201 determines whether the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on or not. Whether the power is on or not is determined, for example, based on whether or not power has been supplied from the image forming apparatus 1. If it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on, the process proceeds to step S1102. If it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1 is not powered on, the process exits this flowchart.

[0039] In step S1102, CPU201 determines the value of the calibration required flag 601. If the value of the calibration required flag 601 is Yes, proceed to step S1103. If the value of the calibration required flag 601 is No, exit this flowchart.

[0040] In step S1103, the CPU 201 displays a guidance screen 700 prompting calibration on the display 307, as shown in Figure 7. In this way, calibration is prompted when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned ON.

[0041] In step S1104, the CPU 201 determines whether to perform calibration immediately by receiving input from either the Yes button 701 or the No button 702 on the guidance screen 700. If the Yes button 701 is pressed, proceed to step S1105. If the No button 702 is pressed, exit this flowchart.

[0042] In step S1105, CPU201 executes the calibration execution subprocess. Details of the calibration execution subprocess in step S1105 are shown in Figures 8 and 9. Although omitted in Figure 11, steps S506 and S507 may be executed after the calibration execution subprocess in step S1105, similar to the flowchart in Figure 5. In this case, if the No button 702 is pressed in step S1104, the value of the calibration required flag 601 is known to be Yes in step S1102, so the process should proceed to step S507.

[0043] As described above, when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, a guidance screen 700 is displayed that notifies the user that calibration is required and accepts the request to perform calibration, thereby prompting the user to perform calibration. This allows the user to be notified of the need for calibration at an appropriate time.

[0044] Next, with reference to Figure 12, we will explain an example of the process when multiple drum units need to be replaced. Alternatively, steps S501 and S502 in the flowchart of Figure 5 may be replaced with the steps in the flowchart of Figure 12. As described above, the CPU 201 stores the installation or replacement detection date and time of the drum unit 518 in the RAM 203 and can determine whether the drum unit 518 needs to be replaced by adding the printable period read from the memory electrode 121. Whether or not the drum unit 518 needs to be replaced is determined for each color of drum unit 518Y, drum unit 518M, drum unit 518C, and drum unit 518K. Also, as shown in Figure 13, drum replacement required flags 1301 to 1304, which indicate whether or not the drum unit 518 needs to be replaced, are managed together with the calibration required flag 601 in the flag management table 600 stored in the ROM 202 or HDD 204. The drum replacement required flags correspond to the replacement information in this invention. The drum replacement required flags 1301 to 1304 are the drum replacement required flags for drum unit 518Y, drum unit 518M, drum unit 518C, and drum unit 518K, respectively.

[0045] In step S1201, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the drum unit 518 has been replaced with a new one. If it is determined in step S1201 that a replacement has been made, the process proceeds to step S1202. In step S1202, CPU201 updates the value of the calibration required flag 601 to Yes. In step S1203, the CPU 201 determines whether there are no Yes (required) flags 1301-1304 for drum replacement, that is, whether the values ​​of the drum replacement flags 1301-1304 for all colors are No (not required). If it is determined that there are no Yes flags for drum replacement, the process exits this flowchart and proceeds to step S503 in the flowchart of Figure 5. If it is determined that there are no Yes flags for drum replacement, the process returns to step S1201.

[0046] For example, in Figure 13(a), the drum replacement flag 1301 is Yes, indicating that the drum unit 518C needs to be replaced. If it is determined in step S1201 that the drum unit 518C needs to be replaced, the process proceeds through step S1202 to the state shown in Figure 13(b). In Figure 13(b), the values ​​of the drum replacement flags 1301 to 1304 for all colors are No, so the process proceeds from step S1203 to step S503 in the flowchart of Figure 5.

[0047] In Figure 13(c), the drum replacement flags 1301 and 1302 are set to Yes, indicating that drum units 518C and 518M need to be replaced. If step S1201 determines that drum unit 518C needs to be replaced, the process proceeds through step S1202 to the state shown in Figure 13(d). In Figure 13(d), the values ​​of the drum replacement flags 1301 to 1304 for all colors are not set to No, and drum unit 518M needs to be replaced with a new one. Therefore, the process returns from step S1203 to step S1201 and waits.

[0048] As described above, the guidance screen 700 can be displayed only after all necessary drum units 518 have been replaced, provided that the values ​​of the drum replacement flags 1301 to 1304 for all colors are set to No.

[0049] Although the present invention has been described above along with its embodiments, these embodiments are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or its main features. In this embodiment, the information processing device to which the present invention is applied has been described as being integrated into the image forming apparatus 1. However, the information processing device to which the present invention is applied may be configured as a separate device from the image forming apparatus. (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1: Image forming apparatus, 201: CPU, 202: ROM, 203: RAM, 204: HDD, 307: Display, 321: Memory interface, 315: Unit information management unit, 518: Drum unit

Claims

1. An information processing device, The system includes a display control means that displays a first screen containing information on whether or not to perform a calibration process when the drum unit is replaced, on the display unit. Based on the fact that the display control means has received an instruction on the first screen not to perform the calibration process, it displays a second screen containing information prompting the execution of the calibration process. The second screen is a home screen for selecting multiple functions of the information processing device, including at least a copy function. An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control means displays information prompting the execution of the calibration process on the third screen even when transitioning from the second screen to a third screen different from the second screen.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the third screen is a settings screen that allows settings related to the copy function of the information processing apparatus.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the display control means displays information prompting the execution of the calibration process in the constantly displayed area of ​​the screen displayed on the display unit.

5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it performs the calibration process when it receives an instruction to perform the calibration process via the first screen.

6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the display control means receives an instruction to perform the calibration process via the first screen, it displays a screen for performing the calibration process and performs the calibration process.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the information displayed on the first screen regarding whether or not to perform the calibration process includes information indicating that the calibration process is necessary.

8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first screen is a screen for selecting whether or not to perform a calibration process.

9. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an acquisition means for acquiring information about a drum unit configured to form an image on a sheet.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a determination means for determining whether or not the drum unit has been replaced with a new one based on the information acquired by the acquisition means.

11. When the display control means displays the first screen and receives an instruction to perform the calibration process, the determination means determines whether the calibration process has been completed and whether the calibration process has been performed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the display control means displays information prompting the execution of the calibration process on the second screen when the determination means determines that the calibration process has not been completed or has not been executed.

12. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a management means for storing calibration information indicating whether calibration is required in a storage medium for managing information related to the calibration process, and updating the calibration information to "required" when replacement of the drum unit is detected based on the information acquired by the acquisition means.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the display control means displays information prompting the execution of the calibration process in the continuously displayed area of ​​the second screen displayed on the display unit when the calibration information managed by the management means is "required".

14. The display control means, when the power of the information processing device is turned on, displays the first screen on the display unit if the calibration information managed by the management means is "required". The information processing apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the management means receives an instruction to perform the calibration process via the first screen, and updates the calibration information to "unnecessary" when the calibration process is performed.

15. The management means stores and manages replacement information indicating whether or not the drum unit needs to be replaced, for each color, in the storage medium. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the display control means displays the first screen when it is determined that the drum unit has been replaced with a new one and all of the replacement information is "unnecessary".

16. A method for controlling an information processing device, The system includes a display control step in which, when the drum unit is replaced, a first screen containing information regarding whether or not to perform a calibration process is displayed on the display unit. The display control step, based on receiving an instruction on the first screen not to perform the calibration process, displays a second screen containing information prompting the execution of the calibration process. The second screen is a home screen for selecting multiple functions of the information processing device, including at least a copy function. A control method characterized by the following:

17. A program for controlling an information processing device, If the drum unit is replaced, the computer is instructed to perform a display control process that displays a first screen containing information on whether or not to perform a calibration process on the display unit. The display control step, based on receiving an instruction on the first screen not to perform the calibration process, displays a second screen containing information prompting the execution of the calibration process. The second screen is a home screen for selecting multiple functions of the information processing device, including at least a copy function. A program characterized by the following features.

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