JP2004017525A - Image formation device and test pattern output method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device which lets a user know a detailed status of a printer easily without using special tools for error checking, and to provide a test pattern output method. <P>SOLUTION: Each specific error of a printer engine is recognized beforehand. When a command to make a test print is given (S1), a test pattern corresponding to the recognized error or to no-error is printed out (S5 or S9). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a test print performed by a user, a service person, or an operator on a production line to know an error state of a printer and can be performed by a printer alone without using an external device such as a PC.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection in an image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer, and FIG. 4 is a simple flowchart showing a test print control process from an image controller in a conventional image forming apparatus; FIG. 5 is a simple flowchart showing a process for controlling a test print from a printer engine in a conventional image forming apparatus.
[0003]
In FIG. 3, a user usually sends image data from an external device such as a PC 101 to an image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer 102 via an external device I / F 118, and a controller of an image controller unit 103 in the laser beam printer 102. The ASIC 106 develops and processes the image data, and sends a print instruction signal 120 to the printer engine unit 104 that fixes the toner on recording paper as a recording material. After receiving the print instruction signal 120, the engine ASIC 108 of the printer engine unit 104 performs laser exposure on the photoconductor in the toner cartridge 116 in the printer engine unit 104, a cartridge memory 117, a toner remaining amount sensor 113, The state of the fixing unit 115 and the like for fixing the toner by pressing and heating the recording paper is monitored, and if there is no error, the recording paper is fed, and the horizontal synchronization signal 121 and the state in the printer engine unit 104 are checked. Is transmitted to the image controller 103. The image controller 103 sends image data 119 to the printer engine 104 in synchronization with the horizontal synchronization signal 121. The printer engine unit 104 performs exposure on the photoconductor in accordance with the received image data 119, transfers the toner to the recording paper, fixes the toner on the recording paper by the fixing unit 115, and discharges the toner from the paper exit.
[0004]
A user or a serviceman, or a detailed state such as whether or not any error has occurred in the image forming apparatus such as the laser beam printer 102 without using an external apparatus such as the PC 101, or the like. The laser beam printer 102 has a function of performing a printing test by itself so that a worker on the production line can know.
[0005]
The print test function described above is started when the image controller 103 in the laser beam printer 102 has a print test image pattern in advance and the controller test print switch on the operation panel 105 is pressed, and the image data is sent to the printer engine 104. The printer engine 104 is provided with an “image controller test print function” for forming an image according to the sent image data 119, and the engine ASIC 108 in the printer engine 104 is provided with a print test pattern in advance. The test print switch 110 is started when the switch is pressed, and sends a control signal to the laser scanner unit 114 in accordance with the print test pattern to scan the photosensitive drum with laser light to form an image. It is classified in the footprint ".
[0006]
That is, as shown in FIG. 4, when the controller test print switch of the operation panel 105 connected to the image controller unit 103 is pressed, the controller test print switch is pressed from the operation panel 105 to the image controller unit 103. This is reported as a hardware signal or communication data (see S1, the same applies hereinafter).
[0007]
If a fatal error that disables the printing operation such as JAM, no paper, laser failure, and fixing unit 115 failure has not occurred in the printer engine unit 104, the print instruction signal 120 or the command data 122 is sent out ( S3).
[0008]
At this time, a print operation is possible but some error occurs, such as a low toner level, a communication error in the cartridge memory 117, a communication error in the operation panel 105, a BD error 114, an optional communication error (not shown), and the like. If the printing has been performed, or if an error has occurred during the immediately preceding printing, it is referred to as a printable state.
[0009]
The printer engine unit 104 starts the image forming operation, becomes ready to receive the image data 119, and sends a horizontal synchronization signal 121 to the image controller unit 103.
[0010]
The controller ASIC 106 sends the print test pattern image data 119 to the printer engine unit 104 in synchronization with the horizontal synchronization signal 121, and the printer engine unit 104 sends a control signal to the laser scanner unit 114 in accordance with the received image data 119. Then, the laser beam is scanned on the photosensitive drum to form an image (S4).
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 5, when it is detected that the engine test print switch 110 connected to the engine ASIC 108 is pressed (S11), the JAM, no paper, laser failure, and the fixing unit 115 are sent to the printer engine unit 104. If a fatal error that disables the printing operation such as a failure has not occurred (S12), a print test printing operation is started (S13).
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as laser beam printers have remarkably advanced high-speed conveyance and high-definition image formation. Accordingly, the control has become more complicated, and there is a need to easily and in detail recognize a certain error or a state to be warned that an error will occur in the near future.
[0013]
However, in the conventional image controller test print or engine test print, as described above, except for the case where a fatal error that disables the print operation has occurred, the image is normally output and a detailed error condition is output. Could not know.
[0014]
The present invention has been made in such a situation, and provides an image forming apparatus and a test pattern output method which can easily know a detailed state of a printer without using a special error checking tool. It is intended to do so.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, the image forming apparatus is configured as described in the following (1) to (3) and (5) to (7), and the test pattern output method is described as the following (4). To be configured.
[0016]
(1) recognition means for recognizing various errors of the printer engine;
Storage means for storing a plurality of different test patterns corresponding to no error and each of the various errors,
Instruction means for instructing a test print;
When receiving an instruction from the instructing unit, read out a test pattern corresponding to the error or no error recognized by the recognizing unit from the storage unit, and control to print and output;
An image forming apparatus comprising:
[0017]
(2) In the image forming apparatus according to (1),
The image forming apparatus includes the various errors including at least one of a low toner amount error, a cartridge memory communication error, an operation panel communication error, a BD error, and an optional communication error.
[0018]
(3) In the image forming apparatus according to (1),
The plurality of different test patterns include a test pattern composed of images having different sizes, a test pattern composed of images having different line types and thicknesses, and a standardized image that can be read with a barcode. An image forming apparatus that is at least one type of test pattern among test patterns and test patterns composed of images in which error contents are described in characters.
[0019]
(4) A test print output method in the image forming apparatus,
Step A for recognizing various errors of the printer engine;
Step B for instructing a test print;
A step C of printing out a test pattern corresponding to the various errors recognized in the step A or no error when the instruction in the step B is given;
Test print output method with
[0020]
(5) An image forming apparatus comprising: an image controller for processing image data received from an external device such as a PC; and a printer engine for fixing an image on recording paper in response to a control signal from the image controller. At
Even when the image controller unit does not receive image data from the external device such as a PC, the image data and control signal of a test pattern for a print test to be performed for self-diagnosing an error of the entire image forming apparatus are transmitted. An image controller and a test print function for sending to the printer engine unit and fixing an image on recording paper,
The image controller section includes a plurality of types of test patterns. During the image controller test print, when a fatal error that cannot be printed occurs, the printer operation is stopped, and no error occurs. An image forming apparatus that prints a different test pattern according to the state of the printer when printing is possible but some error has occurred, or when warning / caution is required.
[0021]
(6) An image forming apparatus comprising: an image controller for processing image data received from an external device such as a PC; and a printer engine for fixing an image on recording paper in response to a control signal from the image controller. At
An engine for fixing a test pattern for a print test performed for self-diagnosing an error of the printer engine unit to a recording sheet even when the printer engine unit does not receive image data and a control signal from the image controller unit.・ Has a test print function,
The printer engine unit includes a plurality of types of test patterns, at the time of the engine test printing, if a fatal error that cannot be printed has occurred, stops the printer operation, if no error has occurred, Or, an image forming apparatus that prints different test patterns according to the state of the printer, such as when printing is possible but some error has occurred, or when warning / caution is required.
[0022]
(7) The image forming apparatus according to (5) or (6), wherein the printed test pattern is a standardized barcode pattern.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples of an image forming apparatus. The present invention is not limited to the form of the apparatus, but can be implemented in the form of a method supported by the description of the embodiments.
[0024]
【Example】
(Example 1)
Since the hardware configuration of the "image forming apparatus" of the first embodiment is the same as that of the conventional example (FIG. 3), FIG. 3 and the description thereof will be referred to.
[0025]
FIG. 1 is a flowchart simply showing processing of print test print control in the present embodiment. In particular, an operation at the time of image controller test print will be described.
[0026]
In FIG. 3, the operation of the image forming apparatus 102 during normal printing in which image data is transmitted from an external device other than during the print test is the same as that of the conventional example.
[0027]
The operation of the image controller test print of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. At this time, it does not depend on the presence or absence of the connection 118 of the external device 101 such as a PC.
[0028]
The engine ASIC always monitors the states of the scanner unit 114, the fixing unit 115, various sensors (not shown) in the printer engine unit 104, and communicates with the cartridge memory 117, optional devices (not shown), etc. It is controlled to be in a state.
[0029]
The controller ASIC 106 in the image controller 103 always communicates with the engine ASIC 108 in the printer engine 104 to recognize the state of the printer engine.
[0030]
When a controller / test print switch provided on the operation panel 105 connected to the image controller unit 103 is pressed, the pressing of the controller / test print switch from the operation unit 105 to the image controller unit 103 indicates that a hard signal or communication It is reported as data (S1).
[0031]
If there is no fatal error in the printer engine unit 104 that disables the printing operation such as JAM, no paper, laser failure, fixing unit 115 failure (S2), the print instruction signal 120 or the command data 122 Is transmitted (S3).
[0032]
At this time, a print operation is possible but some error occurs, such as a low toner level, a communication error in the cartridge memory 117, a communication error in the operation panel 105, a BD error 114, an optional communication error (not shown), and the like. If the printing has been performed, or if an error has occurred during the immediately preceding printing, it is referred to as a printable state.
[0033]
The printer engine unit 104 starts the image forming operation, becomes ready to receive image data, and sends a horizontal synchronization signal 121 to the image controller unit 103.
[0034]
The controller ASIC 106 sends the print test pattern image data 119 to the printer engine unit 104 in synchronization with the horizontal synchronization signal 121, and the printer engine unit 104 sends a control signal to the laser scanner unit 114 in accordance with the received image data 119. Then, the laser beam is scanned on the photosensitive drum to form an image (S4).
[0035]
At this time, the test pattern A (S6) when the state of the printer engine unit 104 notified from the engine ASIC 108 before receiving the horizontal synchronizing signal 121 is error-free, and the test pattern B (S7) when the remaining amount of toner is small. ), A test pattern C (S8) in the case of a communication error with the cartridge memory 117, and a test pattern D (S9) in the case of a communication error with the operation panel 105 connected to the image controller 103. Is sent.
[0036]
The plurality of different print test pattern data are provided in the image controller unit 103 in advance.
[0037]
When a plurality of errors overlap, the image controller unit 103 includes image data completely different from that at the time of occurrence of one error, or combines the image data.
[0038]
Further, during the printing operation, during the image writing, an error other than the fatal error that disables the printing operation as described above occurs, and the controller ASIC 106 is notified of this error from the engine ASIC 108, and the image data 119 is If it is possible to switch according to the error that has occurred, switch to the print test image data that indicates the error that has occurred.If switching the image data takes time or complicates control, the next recording paper or job The image data corresponding to the error generated from is transmitted.
[0039]
The above-described image patterns corresponding to a plurality of types of errors are standardized such that images having different sizes or types of lines, different thicknesses, or barcodes can be read, as long as control, logic, and ROM capacity are acceptable. Optimized specifications such as images with errors and images with text of errors.
[0040]
As described above, by changing the image data 119 of the test pattern transmitted from the image controller unit 103 depending on the state of the printer, the presence or absence of an error, and the type of the error, the serviceman, the worker on the production line, and the user can use the test pattern. The printer itself can be recognized in detail by itself without using an external device such as a PC or a special inspection jig.
[0041]
(Example 2)
Since the hardware configuration of the "image forming apparatus" of the second embodiment is the same as that of the conventional example (FIG. 3), FIG. 3 and its description will be referred to.
[0042]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart simply showing the processing of the print test print control according to the present embodiment. In particular, the operation at the time of test printing by the printer engine will be described.
[0043]
In FIG. 2, the operation of the image forming apparatus 102 during normal printing, in which image data is transmitted from an external device, other than at the time of a print test, is the same as the conventional operation.
[0044]
The operation of the printer engine test print of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. At this time, it does not depend on the connection 118 of the external device 101 such as a PC or the connection of the image controller 103.
[0045]
The engine ASIC 108 constantly monitors the status of the scanner unit 114, the fixing unit 115, various sensors (not shown) in the printer engine unit 104, and communicates with the cartridge memory 117, optional devices (not shown), etc. And recognizes the state of the printer engine.
[0046]
When it is detected that the engine test print switch 110 connected to the engine ASIC 108 has been pressed (S11), the printer engine unit 104 disables print operations such as JAM, no paper, laser failure, and fixing unit 115 failure. If no fatal error has occurred (S12), a print test print operation is started (S13).
[0047]
When the printer engine unit 104 detects that the image data can be received, it sends a control signal to the laser scanner unit 114 in synchronization with the horizontal synchronization signal 121 in accordance with the image data of the print test pattern. An image is formed by scanning the drum with a laser beam.
[0048]
At this time, before receiving the horizontal synchronization signal, the test pattern A (S15) when the state of the printer engine unit 104 detected by the engine ASIC 108 has no error, and the test pattern B (S16) when the remaining amount of toner is small. ), A test pattern C (S17) in the case of a communication error with the cartridge memory 117, and a test pattern D (S18) in the case of a communication error with the optional device, and a plurality of different print test image data.
[0049]
The image data of the plurality of different print test patterns is provided in the engine ASIC 108 in advance.
[0050]
When a plurality of errors overlap, the engine ASIC 108 provides image data completely different from that at the time of occurrence of one error, or combines the image data.
[0051]
Further, during the printing operation, during image writing, when an error that is not impossible to print occurs as described above, and when the engine ASIC 108 detects this error, the image data being printed can be switched according to the generated error. If this is the case, switch to the print test image data that indicates the error that has occurred, and if switching the image data takes time or complicates the control, the image corresponding to the error that occurred from the next recording paper or job Send data.
[0052]
The image patterns corresponding to the multiple types of errors described above are simply images with different image sizes, or standardized images that can be read with barcodes, and text of errors, as long as control, logic, and ROM capacity are acceptable. Optimize the specifications with the images described in.
[0053]
As described above, by changing the test pattern output from the printer engine unit 104 depending on the state of the printer, the presence / absence of an error, and the type of error, a serviceman, a worker on a production line, and a user can use a PC or the like. The printer status can be recognized in detail by the printer alone without using an external device or a special inspection jig.
[0054]
In particular, this engine test print does not even require the image controller section 103, making inspection on the production line simpler and more accurate.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a detailed state of an image forming apparatus such as a printer can be easily known without using a special error checking tool.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a print test print control process according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a print test print control process according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a laser beam printer. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a print test print control process in a conventional example. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a print test print control process in a conventional example.
103 Image controller 104 Printer engine 105 Operation panel (with controller and test print switch)
106 Controller ASIC
108 Engine ASIC
110 Engine test print switch

Claims (7)

Recognition means for recognizing various errors of the printer engine;
Storage means for storing a plurality of different test patterns corresponding to no error and each of the various errors,
Instruction means for instructing a test print;
When receiving an instruction from the instructing unit, read out a test pattern corresponding to the error or no error recognized by the recognizing unit from the storage unit, and control to print and output;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the various errors include at least one of a low toner amount error, a cartridge memory communication error, an operation panel communication error, a BD error, and an optional communication error. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The plurality of different test patterns include a test pattern composed of images having different sizes, a test pattern composed of images having different line types and thicknesses, and a standardized image that can be read with a barcode. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the image forming apparatus is at least one kind of test pattern among a test pattern and a test pattern composed of an image in which an error content is described in characters. A test print output method in an image forming apparatus,
Step A for recognizing various errors of the printer engine;
Step B for instructing a test print;
A step C of printing out a test pattern corresponding to the various errors recognized in the step A or no error when the instruction in the step B is given;
A test print output method comprising: An image forming apparatus comprising: an image controller that processes image data received from an external device such as a PC; and a printer engine that fixes an image on recording paper in response to a control signal from the image controller.
Even when the image controller unit does not receive image data from the external device such as a PC, the image data and control signal of a test pattern for a print test to be performed for self-diagnosing an error of the entire image forming apparatus are transmitted. An image controller and a test print function for sending to the printer engine unit and fixing an image on recording paper,
The image controller section includes a plurality of types of test patterns. During the image controller test print, when a fatal error that cannot be printed occurs, the printer operation is stopped, and no error occurs. An image forming apparatus which prints a different test pattern according to the state of the printer when printing is possible but some error has occurred, or when warning / caution is required. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image controller that processes image data received from an external device such as a PC; and a printer engine that fixes an image on recording paper in response to a control signal from the image controller.
An engine for fixing a test pattern for a print test performed for self-diagnosing an error of the printer engine unit to a recording sheet even when the printer engine unit does not receive image data and a control signal from the image controller unit.・ Has a test print function,
The printer engine unit includes a plurality of types of test patterns, at the time of the engine test printing, if a fatal error that cannot be printed has occurred, stops the printer operation, if no error has occurred, An image forming apparatus which prints a different test pattern according to the state of the printer when printing is possible but some error has occurred, or when a warning or caution is required. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the printed test pattern is a standardized barcode pattern.

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