Image forming apparatus, method, and program

Abstract

To cause calibration to be executed at an appropriate timing.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: first execution means that executes first calibration; second execution means that executes second calibration; and first output means that, in first notification related to the settings of calibration, outputs a first object for causing the first calibration to be executed, and does not output a second object for causing the second calibration to be executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In MFPs (Multi-Function Peripherals), the density, gradation characteristics, and the like of output images may fluctuate due to environmental changes such as temperature and humidity. Accordingly, by outputting a calibration pattern corresponding to a built-in pattern, placing the pattern on a document platen to read the pattern, and executing calibration that reflects correction to a target value, stable density and gradation characteristics can be obtained even when the environment fluctuates.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus configured to perform a plurality of modes of calibration processing. Patent Document 1 describes displaying a proposal screen such as "Toner replacement is completed. Calibration is recommended." at the time of toner replacement, and displaying a screen prompting calibration when calibration has not been performed for a predetermined period or a period set by a user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] 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.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and aims to enable calibration to be performed at an appropriate time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first execution means for performing a first calibration, and a second execution means for performing a second calibration, Based on the actions taken in response to the guidance notification issued based on the replacement of the drum unit First notification regarding calibration settings If this is output , In the aforementioned first notice, Output a first object for performing the first calibration, and Output a second object for performing the second calibration described above. If the first notification is output based on an operation on a screen different from the guidance notification, the first notification will output a first object for performing the first calibration and a second object for performing the second calibration. It includes an output means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to have the user perform calibration at an appropriate time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [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 illustrating a process of executing calibration from a guidance screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating display processing of a calibration setting screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of a drum unit replacement video. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of a guidance screen. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example of a calibration setting screen. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing an example of a paper selection screen. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of a calibration execution screen. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating display processing of a calibration execution screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart illustrating a process of executing calibration from a guidance screen according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a diagram for explaining a flag management table. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1> Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment is a tandem-type color multifunction peripheral.

[0012] 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 an Automatic Document Feeder 301 that automatically conveys a document, a document reading device 305 that reads an image of the conveyed document, and a document discharge tray 302 to which the document is discharged. Note that the image forming apparatus 1 may not be provided with the Automatic Document Feeder 301.

[0013] The Automatic Document Feeder 301 includes a document feed tray 300 on which documents are set, and conveys the documents placed on the document feed tray 300 one by one to a document reading position on a glass 303. The document conveyed onto the glass 303 is read by the document reading device 305. After that, the Automatic Document Feeder 301 conveys the document and discharges the document onto the document discharge tray 302.

[0014] The document reading device 305 includes a scanner and a full-color CCD sensor (not shown). The scanner performs exposure scanning on the document conveyed onto the glass 303 by the Automatic Document Feeder 301. The CCD sensor converts reflected light from the document generated by the exposure of the scanner into an electrical signal. When the document is subjected to exposure scanning by the scanner, photoelectric conversion is performed in the CCD sensor. As a result, electrical signals of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) components representing an image are sent to the CPU 201 (see Figure 2).

[0015] Further, as shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 304. The operation unit 304 includes a display 307 that displays print condition setting information and the like to a user. As will be described in detail later, the display 307 displays a status message notifying that calibration is required, and a guidance screen (guidance notification) that notifies that calibration is required and accepts execution of calibration. Note that each button displayed on each screen is also referred to as an object.

[0016] The display 307 can display soft keys that are operated by the user touching them with their fingers or other objects. This allows the user to input instruction information such as single-sided printing or double-sided printing from the control panel. The operation unit 304 includes a start key to begin the image forming operation and a stop key to interrupt the image forming operation. The numeric keypad is a key to press when setting the number of items, etc. Note that the start key, stop key, and numeric keypad may be displayed on the display as soft keys rather than hard keys. Various data entered on the operation unit 304 are stored in the RAM 203 via the CPU 201 (see Figure 2).

[0017] 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).

[0018] 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.

[0019] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an intermediate transfer belt 107 to 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. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a secondary transfer roller 109 that transfers the toner pattern on the intermediate transfer belt 107 to recording paper P (also referred to as recording paper or sheet) transported from the paper feeding unit 101, and a fuser 100 that fixes the secondary transferred image to the recording paper P. Although it is stated that the apparatus includes an intermediate transfer belt 107, a configuration with an ETB (ELECTOROSTATIC TRANSPORTATION BELT) instead of the intermediate transfer belt 107 is also possible. The ETB uses electrostatic attraction force to attract a sheet (paper) to the belt, transports the sheet by the rotation of the belt, and transports the toner pattern from the photosensitive drum 103 to the transported sheet.

[0020] Next, we will explain the image formation process.

[0021] The exposure unit 500Y exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 103Y, which has been charged by the charger 104Y. This forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 103Y. Next, the developer 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. Magenta, cyan, and black toner patterns are also transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 107 using a similar image formation process.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The toner patterns transferred from the photosensitive drums 103 of each color to the intermediate transfer belt 107 are detected by the photosensor 150.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Furthermore, information indicating the date and time of installation or replacement detection of the drum unit 518 is 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 drum replacement is necessary (whether the drum has reached the end of its lifespan). The CPU 201 then stores the information indicating whether drum replacement is necessary in the RAM 203.

[0039] 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.

[0040] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 11.

[0041] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 functions as an information processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

[0042] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processes performed by the image forming apparatus 1. The flowchart in Figure 5 starts when the CPU 201 detects that the drum unit of the image forming apparatus 1 is faulty or that drum replacement is necessary based on the information stored in the RAM 203 mentioned above. The processing in this flowchart is realized when the CPU 201 executes a program stored in the ROM 202 or HDD 204.

[0043] In step S501, the CPU 201 determines whether the replacement was performed by the user. If it is determined in step S501 that the replacement was performed by the user, the process proceeds to step S502. On the other hand, if it is determined that the replacement was not performed by the user, the process of this flowchart is terminated. A case that is not performed by the user is, for example, a replacement performed by a service technician. The method for determining whether the replacement was performed by the user will be explained using the flag management table 1400 in Figure 14. The flag management table 1400 manages drum replacement display flags 1401 to 1404, which indicate whether a replacement message for drum unit 518 needs to be displayed, and guidance screen display flag 1405, which determines whether to display the calibration setting screen 900 from the guidance screen 800 described later, and these are stored in RAM 203 or HDD 204. Drum replacement display flags 1401 to 1404 are the drum replacement display flags for drum unit 518Y, drum unit 518M, drum unit 518C, and drum unit 518K, respectively. If any one of the drum replacement indicator flags 1401 to 1404 is set to YES, the CPU 201 determines that a drum replacement message needs to be displayed. Since the drum replacement message is only displayed in the case of user replacement, if the flag is YES, it can be determined that the replacement was performed by the user. In the example in Figure 14, drum replacement indicator flags 1401, 1402, and 1404 are set to YES. Therefore, it can be determined that a drum replacement message should be displayed due to user replacement. On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, if all of the drum replacement indicator flags 1401 to 1404 are set to NO, it can be determined that a drum replacement message should not be displayed due to user replacement. The flag management table 1400 contains flags that are pre-set by service technicians or administrators. In devices where it is determined that user replacement of the drum unit is necessary, drum replacement indicator flags 1401 to 1404 are set to YES. On the other hand, in devices where it is determined that drum unit replacement is necessary by a service technician or administrator, drum replacement indicator flags 1401 to 1404 are set to NO. The flag management table 1400 shown in Figure 14 is pre-stored in the RAM 203 or HDD 204 of the image forming apparatus 1 and is available from the first startup of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0044] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5, in step S502, the CPU 201 displays the drum unit replacement video 700 shown in Figure 7. The drum unit replacement video 700 instructs the user to replace the drum unit through playback, stop, and scene skip operations. By selecting the close button 701, the drum unit replacement video 700 can be closed even if the drum unit replacement is not yet complete. Alternatively, by selecting the maintenance icon displayed on the status line of the display 307 (not shown), the drum unit replacement video 700 can be displayed again.

[0045] In step S503, 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 S503 that the drum unit has been replaced, the process proceeds to step S504. 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.

[0046] In step S504, CPU201 hides the drum unit replacement video 700.

[0047] In step S505, the CPU 201 displays a guidance screen 800 prompting calibration on the display 307, as shown in Figure 8. This notifies the user that a replacement with a new drum unit 518 has been detected and that calibration, such as automatic gradation correction, is required. The guidance screen 800 displays an OK button 801 to display the calibration settings screen 900 shown in Figure 9(a). Note that the guidance screen 800 shown in Figure 8 does not display any buttons to prevent the calibration settings screen 900 from being displayed, other than the OK button 801 to display the calibration settings screen 900 shown in Figure 9(a). This allows the user to be appropriately guided to perform a full calibration, which is a type of calibration described later.

[0048] In step S506, the CPU 201 determines whether the OK button 801 on the guidance screen 800 has been pressed. If the CPU 201 determines that the OK button 801 has been pressed, it proceeds to step S507. If it does not determine that the OK button 801 has been pressed, it repeats the processing in this step.

[0049] In step S507, the CPU 201 sets the guidance screen display flag to YES. The guidance screen display flag is explained using the flag management table 1400 in Figure 14. The guidance screen display flag 1405 is initially set to NO, and is changed to YES when the OK button 801 is selected on the guidance screen 800. It is also changed back to NO when the calibration setting screen 900 is closed (when the OK button 903 is pressed). When the calibration setting screen 900 is displayed, if the guidance screen display flag 1405 is set to YES, it indicates that the calibration setting screen 900 has been displayed from the guidance screen 800, and if the guidance screen display flag 1405 is set to NO, it indicates that the calibration setting screen 900 has not been displayed from the guidance screen 800. The guidance screen display flag 1405 may also be changed to NO based on the press of the print start button 1101 in Figure 11.

[0050] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5, in step S508, CPU 201 hides the guidance screen 800.

[0051] In step S509, CPU201 executes the calibration execution subprocess.

[0052] Here, with reference to Figures 6 and 9-11, the details of the calibration execution subprocess in step S509 will be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the calibration execution subprocess in step S509. Although the calibration execution subprocess is executed in S509, it is also executed when the normal calibration settings screen, which will be described later, is displayed.

[0053] In step S601, the CPU 201 refers to the guidance screen display flag 1405 and determines whether the calibration setting screen 900 was displayed from the guidance screen 800. If the guidance screen display flag 1405 is set to YES in step S601, the CPU 201 determines that the calibration setting screen 900 was displayed based on the OK button 801 being pressed on the guidance screen 800, and proceeds to step S602. On the other hand, if the guidance screen display flag 1405 is set to NO in step S601, the CPU 201 determines that it was not displayed from the guidance screen 800, and proceeds to step S603. If the processing of this flowchart is executed in S509 (i.e., if the guidance screen display flag is set to YES in S507), the CPU 201 proceeds to S601.

[0054] In step S602, the CPU 201 displays the calibration settings screen 900 shown in Figure 9(a) on the display 307. The calibration settings screen 900 in Figure 9(a) displays a full calibration button 901, a "Use Feeder During Full Calibration" button 902, and an OK button 903.

[0055] The Full Correction button 901 is for performing a more precise calibration. Full correction involves printing a calibration pattern and then scanning the calibration pattern to adjust the color and gradation output by the image forming apparatus 1. In other words, it performs calibration using paper. When the Full Correction button 901 is selected, the paper selection screen 1000 shown in Figure 10 (described later) is displayed. The Use Feeder during Full Correction button 902 is for selecting whether to scan the calibration pattern from the document transporter 301 or from the pressure plate when performing calibration. If the user selects the Use Feeder during Full Correction button 902, the calibration pattern is read from the document transporter 301. On the other hand, if the Use Feeder during Full Correction button 902 is not selected, the pattern is read from the pressure plate. In the case of an image forming apparatus 1 without a document transporter 301, the Use Feeder during Full Correction button 902 is hidden, and only scanning from the pressure plate is enabled.

[0056] After the drum unit is replaced, in order to properly guide the user to perform a full correction, Figure 9(a) does not display any correction type buttons other than the full correction button 901. In other words, the quick correction button 904, which will be shown in Figure 9(b) later, is not displayed. As a result, the user can select the full correction button 901 and perform a full correction without hesitation. In this embodiment, Figure 9(a) is described in a form in which no correction type buttons other than the full correction button 901 are displayed, but Figure 9(a) may be displayed in other forms. For example, it is acceptable for the quick correction button 904 to be grayed out so that the user cannot select the quick correction button 904. Alternatively, a warning may be displayed indicating that a full correction should be performed when the quick correction button 904 is selected, and as a result, the quick correction may not be performed.

[0057] Figure 10 shows the paper selection screen 1000, which is displayed when the full correction button 901 is selected on the calibration settings screen 900 in Figure 9. On the paper selection screen 1000, you select the paper size to be used to print the calibration pattern. Only paper feed trays with available paper sizes can be selected; paper feed trays with unusable paper sizes or empty paper are grayed out and cannot be selected.

[0058] In the example of paper selection 1000, it indicates that paper tray 1001 is selected. Selecting the OK button 1003 confirms the selected paper tray setting. Selecting the Cancel button 1002 cancels the paper tray selection and returns to the calibration settings screen 900.

[0059] Figure 11 shows the calibration execution screen 1100, which appears when the OK button 1003 is selected in paper selection 1000. If you select print start 1101, the full calibration execution will begin. If you select cancel 1102, you will return to the calibration settings screen 900.

[0060] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6, in step S603, the CPU 201 displays the calibration settings screen 900 shown in Figure 9(b) on the display 307. The calibration settings screen 900 in Figure 9(b) displays a full calibration button 901, a "Use Feeder During Full Calibration" button 902, an OK button 903, and a quick calibration button 904. By selecting the quick calibration button 904, a simplified calibration can be performed.

[0061] Figure 9(b) shows the normal calibration settings screen (notification) that is configured by the user or administrator. The normal calibration settings screen in Figure 9(b) is a screen that is displayed on the display 307 of the image processing device, and is different from the guidance screen 800, when a predetermined operation is performed on that screen. In other words, the normal calibration settings screen in Figure 9(b) is not displayed when the OK button 801 is pressed on the guidance screen 800 as described above, but rather when the predetermined operation for displaying the normal calibration settings screen is performed. Based on the fact that the predetermined operation for displaying the normal calibration settings screen has been performed, the flowchart in Figure 6 is executed. As mentioned above, the guidance screen display flag is set to YES when the OK button 801 is pressed on the guidance screen 800, so when the flowchart in Figure 6 is started based on the predetermined operation being performed, the guidance screen display flag is set to NO. In other words, in this case, the CPU 201 proceeds to S602.

[0062] If Quick Correction 904 is selected, the Quick Correction execution screen (not shown) will be displayed, and the correction can be started. Quick Correction performs a simplified calibration that does not require printing or scanning calibration patterns. In other words, it performs a paperless calibration. Quick Correction is less accurate than the full correction described above, but because it has fewer processing items, the calibration execution time is shorter than that of full correction.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, when replacing the drum unit 518 with a new one, a guidance screen 800 is displayed to notify the user that calibration is required and to accept the request to perform calibration, thereby prompting the user to perform calibration. Furthermore, after replacing the drum unit 518, the calibration setting screen 900 shown in Figure 9(a) is displayed to perform only full calibration. This allows the user to perform full calibration without confusion after replacing the drum unit.

[0064] <Second Embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 12.

[0065] In the first embodiment, when the OK button 801 is selected on the guidance screen 800, the calibration setting screen 900 and the paper selection screen 1000 are displayed, and the process of allowing the user to set the type of correction, whether or not to use a feeder during full correction, and the selection of the paper feed stage was described.

[0066] In the second embodiment, when the OK button 801 is selected on the guidance screen 800, the calibration setting screen 900 and the paper selection screen 1000 are not displayed, and the calibration execution screen 1100 is displayed and the calibration is performed. In other words, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 performs the optimal settings for the items that need to be set on the calibration setting screen 900 and the paper selection screen 1000, and the calibration is performed without requiring any settings from the user.

[0067] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processes executed by the image forming apparatus 1. The processes in the flowchart of Figure 12 are initiated based on the detection of a drum unit failure in the image forming apparatus 1 or the need for drum replacement based on the information stored in the RAM 203 mentioned above. The processes in this flowchart are realized by the CPU 201 executing a program stored in the ROM 202 or HDD 204. This is a flowchart showing the processes executed by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0068] In step S1201, the CPU 201 refers to the guidance screen display flag 1405 and determines whether the calibration settings screen 900 was displayed from the guidance screen 800. If the guidance screen display flag 1405 is set to YES in step S1201, it is determined that the calibration settings screen 900 was displayed from the guidance screen 800, and the process proceeds to step S1202. On the other hand, if the guidance screen display flag 1405 is set to NO in step S1201, it is determined that the calibration settings screen 900 was not displayed from the guidance screen 800, and the process proceeds to step S1207.

[0069] In this embodiment, a means for determining whether or not the calibration setting screen 900 was displayed from the guidance screen was described using the guidance screen display flag 1405, but other means may also be used to make the determination.

[0070] Step S1207 is the same process as step S603, so its explanation is omitted.

[0071] In step S1202, the CPU 201 determines whether the document transport device 301 is usable in the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the CPU 201 determines whether the document transport device 301 is attached to the reader unit 306. If it is determined in step S1202 that the document transport device 301 is usable, the process proceeds to step S1203. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1202 that the document transport device 301 is unusable, the process proceeds to step S1204.

[0072] In step S1203, CPU201 sets up ADF scanning. This setting is the same as when the "Use Feeder" button 902 is selected during full calibration on the calibration settings screen 900.

[0073] In step S1204, CPU201 sets up plate scanning. This setting is the same as when the "Use Feeder" button 902 is not selected during full calibration on the calibration settings screen 900.

[0074] In step S1205, the CPU 201 determines which paper types are available for calibration and sets the paper feed tray to the one with the available paper type. If there are multiple paper feed trays with the available paper type, the CPU 201 will, for example, set the paper feed tray with the smallest number assigned to it. This process is the same as selecting a paper feed tray on the paper selection screen 1000.

[0075] In step S1206, CPU201 displays the calibration execution screen 1100.

[0076] As described above, when replacing with a new drum unit 518, the system notifies the user that calibration is required and displays the calibration execution screen 1200, thereby encouraging the user to perform the calibration while minimizing user intervention.

[0077] Furthermore, it is possible that either the calibration settings screen 900 or the paper selection screen 1000 is displayed, while the other screen is not. In other words, it is possible that at least one of the calibration settings screen 900 or the paper selection screen 1000 is not displayed.

[0078] <Third Embodiment> A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 13.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the process of displaying a drum unit replacement video, a guidance screen 800, and a calibration setting screen 900 in the case of user replacement was described.

[0080] In the third embodiment, the process of guiding the service technician to the calibration setting screen 900 after drum replacement will be described. Since the service technician has knowledge of parts replacement, it is unnecessary to display the replacement video or the guidance screen 800 that leads to calibration. Therefore, by executing a process that directly displays the calibration setting screen 900 without displaying the replacement video or the guidance screen 800 that leads to calibration, unnecessary display processes for the service technician can be omitted.

[0081] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the image forming apparatus 1. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 13 is initiated when the image forming apparatus 1 detects that a drum replacement is necessary, either due to a failure of the drum unit or based on information stored in the RAM 203 indicating whether drum replacement is required. This is achieved by the CPU 201 executing a program stored in the ROM 202 or HDD 204.

[0082] Steps S1301 to S1309 involve the same processing as steps S501 to S509 in Figure 5, so their explanation is omitted.

[0083] In step S1310, 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 (whether or not there is a new drum) by reading the memory electrode 121 with the memory interface 321. If the CPU 201 determines that the drum unit has been replaced, it proceeds to step S1311; if it determines that the drum unit has not been replaced, it repeats this process. In this way, the CPU 201 obtains information about the drum unit 518 from the image forming apparatus 1 and determines whether or not the drum unit 518 has been replaced with a new one.

[0084] In step S1311, the CPU 201 executes the calibration execution subprocess. This process is the same as in step S1309 or step S509, and since it executes the calibration execution subprocess process shown in Figure 6 or Figure 12, the explanation is omitted.

[0085] As described above, when replacing the drum unit 518 with a new one, the service technician can be directly shown the calibration setting screen 900 or the calibration execution screen 1100 shown in Figure 9, allowing them to perform the calibration quickly.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] (Other embodiments) The above-described embodiment describes an image forming apparatus 1 that performs printing processing using toner, but is not limited to this. For example, an inkjet image forming apparatus that performs printing processing using ink may also perform the processing of the above-described embodiment.

[0089] In the embodiment described above, the calibration setting screen 900 shown in Figure 9(a) was displayed to perform a full calibration after replacing the drum unit 518. However, there may be cases where the user wants to perform a quick calibration instead of a full calibration after replacing the drum unit. Therefore, a screen that appropriately guides the user to perform a quick calibration instead of a full calibration may be displayed as the calibration setting screen 900. In this case, for example, the full calibration button 901 shown in Figure 9(a) is not displayed on the calibration setting screen 900, and the quick calibration button 904 shown in Figure 9(b) is displayed. This allows the user to perform a quick calibration without confusion after replacing the drum unit.

[0090] The embodiments described above can also be realized by performing the following process: supplying software (programs) that realize the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and having the computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of that system or device read and execute the program. The program may be executed on a single computer or executed in conjunction with multiple computers. Furthermore, it is not necessary to realize all of the above processes in software; some or all of the processes may be realized in hardware such as ASICs. Also, the CPU is not limited to one CPU that performs all the processing; multiple CPUs may perform the processing in coordination as appropriate.

[0091] Furthermore, the functionality of the aforementioned embodiment is not only realized by the execution of program code read by the computer. It also includes cases where the operating system running on the computer performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of that program code, and the functionality of the aforementioned embodiment is realized through that processing.

[0092] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Composition 1) An image forming apparatus, A first execution means for performing a first calibration, A second execution means for performing a second calibration, In a first notification regarding calibration settings, a first output means outputs a first object for performing the first calibration, but does not output a second object for performing the second calibration. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first calibration is a calibration with higher accuracy than the second calibration. (Composition 3) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first calibration is a calibration using paper. (Composition 4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second calibration is a paperless calibration. (Composition 5) The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a screen for setting the paper used for the first calibration is displayed based on the fact that the first object is pressed. (Composition 6) The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, based on the operation of an object indicating that the paper to be used for the first calibration has been determined on the paper setting screen, an object for initiating the execution of the first calibration is displayed. (Composition 7) The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, based on the pressing of the first object, an object is displayed to initiate the execution of the first calibration without displaying the paper setting screen used for the first calibration. (Composition 8) The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a second notification means for performing an inductive notification to perform the first calibration, wherein the first output means outputs the first notification based on the operation of an object relating to the performance of the first calibration displayed in the inductive notification. (Composition 9) The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, in the guidance notification, no object indicating that the first calibration will not be performed is displayed. (Composition 10) The system further includes a determination means for determining whether or not the first notification was output based on the fact that an object related to the execution of the first calibration was manipulated in the aforementioned guidance notification, If it is determined that the first notification was output based on the operation of the object related to the execution of the first calibration in the guidance notification, the first notification shall output the first object and not output the second object. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, if it is determined in the guidance notification that the first notification has not been output based on the fact that an object related to the execution of the first calibration has been manipulated, the first notification outputs the first object and the second object. (Composition 11) The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the case in which it is determined that the first notification has not been output based on the operation of an object related to the execution of the first calibration in the guidance notification is the case in which the first notification has been output based on the operation of an object for causing the calibration to be executed in the settings screen related to the calibration settings. (Composition 12) The system includes a third notification means for providing a second notification regarding the replacement of the drum unit, The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the induction notification is performed based on the fact that the second notification has been performed and a new drum unit has been installed. (Composition 13) An acquisition means for acquiring information about the drum unit from an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper using the drum unit, The system further comprises a detection means for detecting whether or not the new drum unit has been installed based on the information about the drum unit acquired by the acquisition means, The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the detection means performs the guidance notification based on the fact that the new drum unit has been installed. (Composition 14) If the image forming apparatus is one in which the drum unit is replaced by the user, the first notification, the guidance notification, and the second notification shall be executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, if the image forming apparatus is one in which the drum unit is replaced by a service technician, the first notification, the guidance notification, and the second notification are not performed. (Composition 15) If the image forming apparatus is an apparatus in which the drum unit is replaced by the user, the first notification, the guidance notification, and the second notification shall be executed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, if the image forming apparatus is an apparatus in which the drum unit is replaced by a serviceman, the first notification and the guidance notification are not performed, and the second notification is performed. (Composition 16) The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the calibration is a process that adjusts the color and gradation output by the image forming apparatus. (Method 1) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, A first execution step in which the first calibration is performed, The second execution step involves performing a second calibration, In a first notification regarding calibration settings, a first output step outputs a first object for performing the first calibration, but does not output a second object for performing the second calibration. A control method characterized by having the following features. (Program 1) In the computer of the image forming apparatus, A first execution step in which the first calibration is performed, The second execution step involves performing a second calibration, In a first notification regarding calibration settings, a first output step outputs a first object for performing the first calibration, but does not output a second object for performing the second calibration. A program characterized by causing the execution of a specific action. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1. Image forming apparatus 201 CPU 518 Drum Unit

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, A first execution means for performing a first calibration, A second execution means for performing a second calibration, If a first notification regarding calibration settings is output based on an operation on a guidance notification output based on the replacement of the drum unit, the first notification outputs a first object for performing the first calibration, and does not output a second object for performing the second calibration. If the first notification is output based on an operation on a screen different from the guidance notification, the first notification outputs an output means for outputting a first object for performing the first calibration and a second object for performing the second calibration. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising:

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the operation on a screen different from the guidance notification is an operation on a setting screen relating to the calibration settings.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first calibration is a calibration using paper.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second calibration is a paperless calibration.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a screen for setting the paper used for the first calibration is displayed based on the manipulation of the first object.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, based on the operation of an object indicating that the paper to be used for the first calibration has been determined on the paper setting screen, an object for initiating the execution of the first calibration is displayed.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, based on the manipulation of the first object, an object is displayed to initiate the execution of the first calibration without displaying the paper setting screen used for the first calibration.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the output means outputs the first notification based on the fact that the object relating to the execution of the first calibration, which was output in the guidance notification, has been manipulated.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the guidance notification, no object indicating that the first calibration will not be performed is displayed.

10. The guidance notification further includes a determination means for determining whether the first notification was output based on the fact that an object related to the execution of the first calibration was manipulated, If it is determined in the guidance notification that the first notification was output based on the operation of an object related to the execution of the first calibration, the first notification outputs the first object and does not output the second object. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, if it is determined in the guidance notification that the first notification was output without the operation of an object related to the execution of the first calibration, the first notification outputs the first object and the second object.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the first notification is output in the guidance notification without being based on the operation of an object related to the execution of the first calibration when the first notification is output based on the operation of an object for causing the calibration to be executed in the setting screen for the calibration settings.

12. The output means outputs a second notification regarding the replacement of the drum unit based on the fact that the drum unit has been replaced, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the output of the guidance notification is performed based on the fact that the output of the second notification has been performed and a new drum unit has been installed.

13. An acquisition means for acquiring information about the drum unit from an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper using the drum unit, The system further comprises a detection means for detecting whether or not the new drum unit has been installed based on the information about the drum unit acquired by the acquisition means, The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the detection means performs the guidance notification based on the fact that the new drum unit has been installed.

14. The output means, when the drum unit is replaced by the user, outputs the first notification, the guidance notification, and the second notification. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, if the drum unit is replaced by a service technician, the output of the first notification, the guidance notification, and the second notification is not performed.

15. The output means, when the drum unit is replaced by the user, executes the first notification, the induction notification, and the second notification. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, when the drum unit is replaced by a service technician, the output of the second notification and the guidance notification is not performed, and the output of the first notification is performed.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the calibration is a process that adjusts the color and gradation output by the image forming apparatus.

17. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, A first execution step in which a first calibration is performed, A second execution step in which a second calibration is performed, If a first notification regarding calibration settings is output based on an operation in response to a guidance notification output based on the replacement of the drum unit, the first notification outputs a first object for performing the first calibration and does not output a second object for performing the second calibration. If the first notification is output based on an operation on a screen different from the guidance notification, the first notification outputs a first object for performing the first calibration and a second object for performing the second calibration in an output step. A control method characterized by having the following features.

18. In the computer of the image forming apparatus, A first execution step in which a first calibration is performed, A second execution step in which a second calibration is performed, If a first notification regarding calibration settings is output based on an operation in response to a guidance notification output based on the replacement of the drum unit, the first notification outputs a first object for performing the first calibration and does not output a second object for performing the second calibration. If the first notification is output based on an operation on a screen different from the guidance notification, the first notification outputs a first object for performing the first calibration and a second object for performing the second calibration in an output step. A program characterized by causing the execution of a specific action.

Images