U.S. patent application number 16/759530 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-14 for image forming apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.. Invention is credited to Atsushi Ishizaki, Lu Lin.
Application Number | 20210318650 16/759530 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005866148 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210318650 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lin; Lu ; et al. |
October 14, 2021 |
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS
Abstract
It is an object of the present invention to diagnose image
quality of a print image without using an open communication
network and output the print image, a diagnosis result of image
quality, and information of the print parameters while avoiding
disclosure of confidential information to users. A test print
control portion causes a print device to execute a test print
process to form a test image on a sheet. An image quality diagnosis
portion diagnoses image quality of the test image included in the
image read by an image reading device. A code image generating
portion generates a code image that represents information of print
parameters adopted in the test print process. An output control
portion causes an output device to output a diagnosis image that
includes an image representing a diagnosis result of image quality
of the test image, and the code image.
Inventors: |
Lin; Lu; (Osaka, JP)
; Ishizaki; Atsushi; (Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc. |
Osaka-shi, Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005866148 |
Appl. No.: |
16/759530 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
August 27, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2019/033497 |
371 Date: |
April 27, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 15/5062 20130101;
G03G 15/55 20130101; G06T 7/0004 20130101; G03G 2215/00042
20130101; G03G 15/5016 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G03G 15/00 20060101
G03G015/00; G06T 7/00 20060101 G06T007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 24, 2018 |
JP |
2018-199794 |
Claims
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a print device configured
to form an image on a sheet; an image reading device configured to
read an image from a document sheet; a test print control portion
configured to cause the print device to execute a test print
process to form a predetermined test image on a sheet; an image
quality diagnosis portion configured to diagnose image quality of
the test image included in the image read by the image reading
device; a code image generating portion configured to generate a
code image that represents information of print parameters adopted
in the test print process; and an output control portion configured
to cause an output device to output a diagnosis image that includes
an image representing a diagnosis result of image quality of the
test image, and the code image, wherein the output device is the
print device, and the output control portion causes the print
device to execute a process to form the diagnosis image on the
sheet in different output mode depending on the image quality
degradation detected in the diagnosis of image quality of the test
image.
2. (canceled)
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when
the image quality diagnosis portion detects an image quality
degradation in an image in a specific region of the test image, the
output control portion causes the print device to execute a process
to form the diagnosis image in a region of the print region of the
sheet that is different from the region in which the image quality
degradation was detected.
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when
the image quality diagnosis portion detects an image quality
degradation with respect to a specific color among a plurality of
developing colors in the test image, the output control portion
causes the print device to execute a process to form the diagnosis
image in a color that is different from a color among the plurality
of developing colors for which the image quality degradation was
detected.
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when
the image quality diagnosis portion detects an image quality
degradation of developer fog in the test image, the output control
portion causes the print device to execute a process to form the
diagnosis image in a larger size with a lower resolution than in a
case where an image quality degradation of developer fog is not
detected.
6. An image forming apparatus comprising: a print device configured
to form an image on a sheet; an image reading device configured to
read an image from a document sheet; a test print control portion
configured to cause the print device to execute a test print
process to form a predetermined test image on a sheet; an image
quality diagnosis portion configured to diagnose image quality of
the test image included in the image read by the image reading
device; a code image generating portion configured to generate a
code image that represents information of print parameters adopted
in the test print process; an output control portion configured to
cause an output device to output a diagnosis image that includes an
image representing a diagnosis result of image quality of the test
image, and the code image; and a parameter correcting portion
configured to, when an image quality degradation has been detected
in the diagnosis of image quality of the test image, correct a
print parameter corresponding to the image quality degradation,
wherein the code image generating portion generates the code image
for each of: information of the print parameters before correction
that corresponds to the diagnosis result of image quality of the
test image; and information of the print parameters after
correction.
7. An image forming apparatus comprising: a print device configured
to form an image on a sheet; an image reading device configured to
read an image from a document sheet; a test print control portion
configured to cause the print device to execute a test print
process to form a predetermined test image on a sheet; an image
quality diagnosis portion configured to diagnose image quality of
the test image included in the image read by the image reading
device; a code image generating portion configured to generate a
code image that represents information of print parameters adopted
in the test print process; an output control portion configured to
cause an output device to output a diagnosis image that includes an
image representing a diagnosis result of image quality of the test
image, and the code image; and an encryption portion configured to
encrypt information of the print parameters adopted in the test
print process, wherein the code image generating portion generates
a code image that represents: character string information
representing the diagnosis result of image quality of the test
image; and the encrypted information of the print parameters, and
the output control portion causes the output device to output, as
the code image, an image representing the diagnosis result of image
quality of the test image.
8. (canceled)
9. An image forming apparatus comprising: a print device configured
to form an image on a sheet; an image reading device configured to
read an image from a document sheet; a test print control portion
configured to cause the print device to execute a test print
process to form a predetermined test image on a sheet; an image
quality diagnosis portion configured to diagnose image quality of
the test image included in the image read by the image reading
device; a code image generating portion configured to generate a
code image that represents information of print parameters adopted
in the test print process; and an output control portion configured
to cause an output device to output a diagnosis image that includes
an image representing a diagnosis result of image quality of the
test image, and the code image, wherein the code image generating
portion generates the code image only for, among information of a
plurality of print parameters adopted in the test print process,
partial information corresponding to an image quality degradation
detected in the diagnosis of image quality of the test image.
10. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus
having a function to diagnose a print image quality.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] An image forming apparatus such as a copier, a facsimile
apparatus, or a multifunction peripheral includes a print device
and an image reading device, wherein the print device forms an
image on a sheet, and the image reading device reads an image from
a document sheet.
[0003] There is known a copier that diagnoses a failure of the
copier itself, and transmits, via an e-mail, data representing a
diagnosis result to a host computer (see, for example, PTL1).
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0004] [PTL 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
2003-67166
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] Meanwhile, the image forming apparatus may have an image
quality diagnosis function to diagnose image quality of a print
image and output a diagnosis result. The image quality diagnosis
function contributes to appropriately correcting print parameters,
and furthermore to appropriately maintaining the print quality.
[0006] For example, it is often the case that a worker such as a
repair person of the image forming apparatus can quickly and
appropriately adjust print parameters by consulting a print image
and information of the print parameters at the time of an image
quality degradation when a diagnosis result showing the image
quality degradation is obtained.
[0007] Accordingly, if the image forming apparatus has a function
to transmit a diagnosis result of image quality, and a print image
and information of the print parameters at the time of the
diagnosis result, to a management apparatus or the like to which
the worker is accessible, the workability of the worker is
improved.
[0008] However, the image forming apparatus may not be connected to
an open communication network such as the Internet or a public
line. In that case, the image forming apparatus cannot transmit
information of the print parameters or the like to the management
apparatus or the like.
[0009] On the other hand, information of the print parameters
concerning developing bias or transfer bias is confidential
information for the maker of the image forming apparatus. It is
desirable that such confidential information is not easily known to
the user.
[0010] The present invention has been made in view of such
conventional circumstances, and it is an object of the present
invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can diagnose
image quality of the print image without using an open
communication network and output the print image, a diagnosis
result of image quality, and information of the print parameters
while avoiding disclosure of confidential information to users.
Solution to the Problems
[0011] An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the
present invention includes a print device, an image reading device,
a test print control portion, an image quality diagnosis portion, a
code image generating portion, and an output control portion. The
print device forms an image on a sheet. The image reading device
reads an image from a document sheet. The test print control
portion causes the print device to execute a test print process to
form a predetermined test image on a sheet. The image quality
diagnosis portion diagnoses image quality of the test image
included in the image read by the image reading device. The code
image generating portion generates a code image that represents
information of print parameters adopted in the test print process.
The output control portion causes an output device to output a
diagnosis image that includes an image representing a diagnosis
result of image quality of the test image, and the code image.
Advantageous Effects of the Invention
[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to
provide an image forming apparatus that can diagnose image quality
of the print image without using an open communication network and
output the print image, a diagnosis result of image quality, and
information of the print parameters while avoiding disclosure of
confidential information to users.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of
an image quality management process executed in the image forming
apparatus according to the embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a test image
output by the image forming apparatus according to the
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a diagnosis image
output by the image forming apparatus according to the
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The following describes an embodiment of the present
invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be
noted that the following embodiment is an example of a specific
embodiment of the present invention and should not limit the
technical scope of the present invention.
[0018] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 10]
[0019] An image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of
the present invention includes a print device 1 and an image
reading device 2. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 is a
copier or a multifunction peripheral.
[0020] The print device 1 is configured to execute a print process
to form an image on a sheet 91. The image reading device 2 executes
an image reading process to read an image from a document sheet
92.
[0021] In the following description, the image formed by the print
device 1 on the sheet 91 during the print process is referred to as
a print image. In addition, the image read from the document sheet
92 by the image reading device 2 during the image reading process
is referred to as a read image.
[0022] The image forming apparatus 10 is configured to communicate
with a host apparatus (not shown) via a network such as a LAN
(Local Area Network). The host apparatus is a computer that can
communicate with the image forming apparatus 10.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes,
in addition to the print device 1 and the image reading device 2, a
user interface device 3, a communication device 4, and a control
device 5.
[0024] The control device 5 includes a print engine 50, a CPU 51, a
RAM (Random Access Memory) 52, and a secondary storage device
53.
[0025] The user interface device 3 includes an operation device 3a
and a display device 3b. The operation device 3a is a device for
receiving user operations and includes, for example, operation
buttons and a touch panel. The display device 3b includes a display
panel such as a liquid crystal panel that can display information
such as images.
[0026] The communication device 4 is a communication interface
device configured to perform a communication with the host
apparatus via a network. The control device 5 performs all of data
transmissions to and receptions from the host apparatus, via the
communication device 4.
[0027] The print device 1 is configured to execute a print job by a
predetermined method such as an electrophotographic method or an
inkjet method. In the present embodiment, the print device 1
executes the print process based on the data of the read image or a
print request that is received from the host apparatus via the
communication device 4.
[0028] In the present embodiment, the print device 1 executes the
print process by the electrophotographic method. In this case, the
print device 1 includes a sheet conveyance mechanism 1a, a
photoconductor 1b, a charging device 1c, a laser scanning unit 1d,
a developing device 1e, a transfer device 1f, and a fixing device
1g.
[0029] The sheet conveyance mechanism 1a conveys the sheet 91 along
a predetermined path. The charging device 1c charges the surface of
the photoconductor 1b. The laser scanning unit 1d writes an
electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the
photoconductor 1b.
[0030] The developing device 1e develops the electrostatic latent
image on the photoconductor 1b into a toner image. The transfer
device if transfers the toner image on the photoconductor 1b to the
sheet 91. The toner is an example of developer.
[0031] In a case where the print device 1 is configured to form a
color image on the sheet 91, the print device 1 includes a
plurality of image creation devices (not shown) that generate toner
images of different colors. Each of the image creation devices
includes the photoconductor 1b, the charging device 1c, and the
developing device 1e.
[0032] Furthermore, the transfer device if includes: an
intermediate transfer belt that is an endless belt; a plurality of
primary transfer devices corresponding to a plurality of
photoconductors 1b; and a secondary transfer device. The plurality
of primary transfer devices form a color toner image on the
intermediate transfer belt by transferring the toner images from
the plurality of photoconductors 1b to the surface of the
intermediate transfer belt. It is noted that the plurality of
primary transfer devices may transfer toner images of a single
color from the photoconductors 1b to the intermediate transfer
belt.
[0033] The secondary transfer device transfers the single-color
toner image or the color toner image from the intermediate transfer
belt to the sheet 91. The fixing device 1g heats the single-color
toner image or the color toner image on the sheet 91 in order to
fix the image to the sheet 91.
[0034] The image reading device 2 includes a light source 2a, a
scan mechanism 2b, an image sensor 2c, and an AFE (Analog Front
End) 2d.
[0035] The light source 2a emits light toward the document sheet
92. The scan mechanism 2b causes the light from the light source 2a
to scan the document sheet 92. The image sensor 2c receives
reflection light from the document sheet 92, and outputs a signal
representing a detected amount of received light, as an image
signal. The AFE 2d converts the analog image signal into digital
image data.
[0036] The control device 5 is configured to perform various
calculations, data processing, and control of various electric
devices included in the image forming apparatus 10. The control
device 5 is configured to transmit and receive data and control
signals to/from the print device 1, the image reading device 2, the
user interface unit 3, and the communication device 4.
[0037] The print engine 50 causes the print device 1 to execute the
print process by controlling the print device 1 in accordance with
a command from the CPU 51. It is noted that the print engine 50 is
an example of a print control portion.
[0038] The print engine 50 is implemented by a processor, such as
an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor),
or a circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated
Circuit) that are not shown.
[0039] The secondary storage device 53 is a computer-readable
nonvolatile storage device. The secondary storage device 53 is
configured to store computer programs and various types of data.
For example, either or both of a hard disk drive and a SSD (Solid
State Drive) may be adopted as the secondary storage device 53.
[0040] The RAM 52 is a computer-readable volatile storage device.
The RAM 52 primarily stores: the computer programs executed by the
CPU 51; and data that is output or consulted by the CPU 51 during
execution of the computer programs.
[0041] The CPU 51 is a processor configured to execute various
types of data processing and perform control by executing the
computer programs stored in the secondary storage device 53. It is
noted that another processor, such as the DSP, may execute the data
processing and perform the control in place of the CPU 51.
[0042] The CPU 51 operates as a main control portion 5a, a print
control portion 5b, and a reading control portion 5c when it
executes the computer programs.
[0043] The main control portion 5a mainly monitors operations
performed on the operation device 3a and data received by the
communication device 4, and controls starting a process in
accordance with a detected operation or received data.
[0044] Furthermore, the main control portion 5a controls the
display device 3b and displays various types of notification
screens and operation screens on the display device 3b.
[0045] The print control portion 5b supplies, to the print engine
50, target data of the print process specified by the print
request, or data of the read image, and, via the print engine 50,
causes the print device 1 to execute the print process.
[0046] The reading control portion 5c controls the image reading
device 2 to execute the image reading process.
[0047] Meanwhile, as described below, the image forming apparatus
10 has an image quality diagnosis function to diagnose image
quality of a print image and output a diagnosis result. The image
quality diagnosis function contributes to appropriately correcting
print parameters adopted in the print process, and to appropriately
maintaining the print quality.
[0048] For example, it is often the case that a worker such as a
repair person of the image forming apparatus 10 can quickly and
appropriately adjust the print parameters by consulting a print
image and information of the print parameters at the time of an
image quality degradation when a diagnosis result showing the image
quality degradation is obtained.
[0049] Accordingly, if the image forming apparatus 10 has a
function to transmit a diagnosis result of image quality, and a
print image and information of the print parameters at the time of
the diagnosis result, to a management apparatus or the like to
which the worker is accessible, the workability of the worker is
improved.
[0050] However, the image forming apparatus 10 may not be connected
to an open communication network such as the Internet or a public
line. In that case, the image forming apparatus 10 cannot transmit
information of the print parameters or the like to the management
apparatus or the like.
[0051] On the other hand, information of the print parameters
concerning developing bias or transfer bias is confidential
information for the maker of the image forming apparatus 10. It is
desirable that such confidential information is not easily known to
the user.
[0052] In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10
executes an image quality management process that is described
below. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to diagnose image
quality of the print image without using an open communication
network and output the print image, a diagnosis result of image
quality, and information of the print parameters while avoiding
disclosure of confidential information to users.
[0053] By executing the computer programs, the CPU 51 further
operates as an image quality diagnosis portion 5d, an encryption
portion 5e, a code image generating portion 5f, and a parameter
correcting portion 5g.
[0054] Upon detecting that a predetermined image quality management
start operation was performed on the operation device 3a, the main
control portion 5a starts the image quality management process.
[0055] [Image Quality Management Process]
[0056] The following describes an example of the image quality
management process with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2.
In the following description, S1, S2, are identification signs
representing a plurality of steps of the image quality management
process.
[0057] <Step S1>
[0058] In the image quality management process, first the print
control portion 5b executes the process of step S1, and moves the
process to step S2.
[0059] In step S1, the print control portion 5b causes, via the
print engine 50, the print device 1 to execute a test print process
to form a predetermined test image G1 on the sheet 91 (see FIG.
3).
[0060] Referring to an example shown in FIG. 3, the test image G1
is an image used to diagnose quality of a print image. In the
example shown in FIG. 3, the test image G1 includes a plurality of
single-color test images G11 used to diagnose image quality with
respect to developer fog and image density, for each color of the
toner. Each of the single-color test images G11 is an image of
toner of a single color.
[0061] Furthermore, the test image G1 shown in FIG. 3 further
includes one or more synthesized color test images G12 used to
diagnose a state of color drift of a color image synthesized from
toner images of a plurality of colors.
[0062] In addition, in the test image G1 shown in FIG. 3, a
plurality of single-color test images G11 of a same color and a
plurality of synthesized color test images G12 are arranged in
different regions of an output image.
[0063] Furthermore, in step S1, the print control portion 5b
further causes the print device 1 to form a first date/time image
G2 and a first identification image G3 on the sheet 91 during the
test print process. The first date/time image G2 represents the
date and time on which the test print process is executed. The
first identification image G3 represents identification information
of the test print process.
[0064] It is noted that the print control portion 5b executing the
process of step S1 is an example of a test print control portion
that causes the print device 1 to execute the test print process to
form a predetermined test image G1 on the sheet 91.
[0065] <Step S2>
[0066] In step S2, the main control portion 5a causes the display
device 3b to output a predetermined print reading message, and
moves the process to step S3.
[0067] The print reading message is a message that urges the user
to set a print that was obtained in the test print process, on the
image reading device 2, and perform a predetermined reading start
operation on the operation device 3a. The reading start operation
is performed to cause the image reading device 2 to start executing
the image reading process.
[0068] The print that is obtained in the test print process is a
sheet 91 with the test image G1 formed thereon. In addition, the
print that is set on the image reading device 2 by the user in
response to the process of step S2 is a document sheet 92 on which
the test image G1 has been formed in the test print process.
[0069] <Step S3>
[0070] In step S3, the main control portion 5a waits until the
reading start operation performed on the operation device 3a is
detected, and after the reading start operation is detected, the
main control portion 5a moves the process to step S4.
[0071] <Step S4>
[0072] In step S4, the reading control portion 5c causes the image
reading device 2 to execute the image reading process, and moves
the process to step S5. This allows the image reading device 2 to
read the test image G1 from the document sheet 92.
[0073] <Step S5>
[0074] In step S5, the image quality diagnosis portion 5d executes
an image quality diagnosis process to diagnose image quality of the
test image G1 included in the read image obtained by the image
reading device 2 in step S4, and moves the process to step S6.
[0075] For example, the image quality diagnosis portion 5d
determines, for each color of toner, whether or not an image
quality degradation of insufficient density or excessive density
has occurred by comparing an average density of a plurality of
pixels in the single-color test images G11 with a predetermined
target density range.
[0076] Furthermore, the image quality diagnosis portion 5d
determines, for each color of toner, whether or not an image
quality degradation of uneven density has occurred by comparing
variation in density of the plurality of pixels in the single-color
test images G11 with a predetermined allowable variation range.
[0077] Furthermore, the image quality diagnosis portion 5d
determines whether or not an image quality degradation of color
drift has occurred by comparing a pixel position for each color of
toner in the synthesized color test images G12 with a predetermined
target position range.
[0078] Furthermore, the image quality diagnosis portion 5d
identifies a position where the image quality degradation has
occurred, by determining at which of the plurality of single-color
test images G11 of each color of toner and the plurality of
synthesized color test images G12, the image quality degradation
has occurred.
[0079] <Step S6>
[0080] In step S6, the encryption portion 5e encrypts, by a
predetermined method, information of the one or more print
parameters adopted in the test print process, and moves the process
to step S7.
[0081] For example, the print parameters include control parameters
for controlling: a charging voltage supplied to the charging device
1c; output timing of a laser beam in the laser scanning unit 1d; a
developing bias voltage supplied to the laser scanning unit 1d; and
a transfer bias voltage supplied to the operation portion 11.
[0082] <Step S7>
[0083] In step S7, the code image generating portion 5f generates
one or more code images G41 that represent information of the one
or more print parameters adopted in the test print process (see
FIG. 4). Thereafter, the code image generating portion 5f moves the
process to step S8.
[0084] In the present embodiment, the code image generating portion
5f generates a code image G41 that represents information of the
print parameters encrypted in step S6.
[0085] The code image G41 shown in FIG. 4 is an image of a
two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). It
is noted that the code image G41 may be an image of a
one-dimensional code such as a bar code.
[0086] <Step S8>
[0087] In step S8, the print control portion 5b executes a process
to organize a diagnosis image G4 such as the one shown in FIG. 4,
and then moves the process to step S9.
[0088] The diagnosis image G4 includes: a diagnosis result image
G42 that indicates a diagnosis result of diagnosing image quality
of the test image G1 obtained in step S5; and the code image G41
generated in step S7.
[0089] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the diagnosis result image
G42 is a character string image indicating the diagnosis result of
image quality of the test image.
[0090] Furthermore, in step S8, the print control portion 5b
organizes the diagnosis image G4 that includes, in addition to the
code image G41 and the diagnosis result image G42, a second
date/time image G5 and a second identification image G6. The second
date/time image G5 indicates the date and time on which the
diagnosis image G4 is output in the next step, namely step S9.
[0091] The second identification image G6 represents identification
information of the test print process in which the print parameters
represented by the code image G41 were adopted. That is, the second
identification image G6 represents the same information as the
first identification image G3 formed on the sheet 91 in step
S1.
[0092] By consulting the first identification image G3 formed on
the sheet 91 in the test print process and the second
identification image G6 formed on the sheet 91 in the next step,
step S9, it is possible to confirm the correspondence relations
among the test image G1, the code image G41, and the diagnosis
result image G42.
[0093] <Step S9>
[0094] In step S9, the print control portion 5b, via the print
engine 50, causes the print device 1 to execute a process to form
the diagnosis image G4 on the sheet 91 (see FIG. 4). Thereafter,
the print control portion 5b moves the process to step S10.
[0095] In the above-described step S5, there may be a case where
the image quality diagnosis portion 5d detects an image quality
degradation only in a specific region of the test image G1 in the
single-color test images G11 or the synthesized color test images
G12, and does not detect an image quality degradation in the other
regions.
[0096] In the above-described case, the print control portion 5b
causes the print device 1 to execute a process to form the
diagnosis image G4 in a region of the print region of the sheet 91
that is different from the region in which the image quality
degradation was detected. This makes it possible to avoid that the
diagnosis image G4 is output in a state of having the image quality
degradation.
[0097] It is noted that when it is not the case that an image
quality degradation is detected only in a specific region, the job
control portion 5b causes the print device 1 to execute a process
to form the diagnosis image G4 in a predetermined region of the
sheet 91.
[0098] In addition, in the step S5, the image quality diagnosis
portion 5d may detect an image quality degradation with respect to
a specific color among a plurality of developing colors in the test
image G1. In the present embodiment, the developing colors are
colors of the toner.
[0099] In the above-described case, the print control portion 5b
causes the print device 1 to execute a process to form the
diagnosis image G4 in a color that is different from a color among
the plurality of developing colors for which the image quality
degradation was detected. This makes it possible to avoid that the
diagnosis image G4 is output in a state of having the image quality
degradation.
[0100] In addition, in the step S5, the image quality diagnosis
portion 5d may detect an image quality degradation of developer fog
in the test image G1. The developer fog is a phenomenon in which
pixels that should not be developed are developed.
[0101] In the above-described case, the print control portion 5b
causes the print device 1 to execute a process to form the
diagnosis image G4 in a larger size with a lower resolution than in
a case where an image quality degradation of developer fog is not
detected.
[0102] In the case where the developer fog has occurred, if the
code image G41 is formed in a small size with a high resolution, a
reading error is apt to occur easily when the code image G41 is
read through a camera or the like.
[0103] Forming the code image G41 in a large size with a low
resolution makes it difficult for the reading error to occur.
However, in this case, the diagnosis image G4 may not fit in one
sheet 91, and it may be required to form the diagnosis image G4
divided into a plurality of sheets 91.
[0104] As described above, the print control portion 5b causes the
print device 1 to execute a process to form the diagnosis image G4
on the sheet 91 in different output mode depending on the image
quality degradation detected in the diagnosis of image quality of
the test image G1.
[0105] The print device 1 that forms the diagnosis image G4 on the
sheet 91 in step S9 is an example of an output device that outputs
the diagnosis image G4. In addition, the print control portion 5b
that executes the process of step S9 is an example of an output
control portion that causes the print device 1 to output the
diagnosis image G4.
[0106] <Step S10>
[0107] In step S10, the image quality diagnosis portion 5d selects
the process to be executed next depending on the result of the
image quality diagnosis process executed in step S5. That is, when
an image quality degradation has been detected in the image quality
diagnosis process, the image quality diagnosis portion 5d moves the
process to step S11, and when an image quality degradation has not
been detected, the image quality diagnosis portion 5d moves the
process to step S14.
[0108] <Step S11>
[0109] In step S11, the image quality diagnosis portion 5d
determines whether or not the latest diagnosis result that an image
quality degradation was detected, is a result of the first-time
image quality degradation diagnosis in the current image quality
management process.
[0110] Upon determining that the latest diagnosis result that an
image quality degradation was detected, is a result of the
first-time image quality degradation diagnosis, the image quality
diagnosis portion 5d moves the process to step S12, and otherwise,
moves the process to step S13.
[0111] <Step S12>
[0112] In step S12, the parameter correcting portion 5g
automatically executes a parameter correction process to correct a
print parameter based on the diagnosis result of image quality of
the test image G1, and moves the process to step S1. The process of
step S12 is executed when an image quality degradation has been
detected in the diagnosis of image quality of the test image
G1.
[0113] For example, in a case where an image quality degradation of
uneven density has been detected, the parameter correcting portion
5g corrects a parameter for controlling the amplitude or the
frequency of the AM component of the charging voltage supplied to
the charging device 1c so that the amplitude or the frequency
increases.
[0114] In addition, in a case where an image quality degradation of
color drift has been detected, the parameter correcting portion 5g
corrects a parameter for controlling the output timing of the laser
light in the laser scanning unit 1d.
[0115] It is noted that with regard to an image quality degradation
that is detected for each color of toner, the parameter correcting
portion 5g corrects a print parameter for each color of toner.
[0116] After the process of step S12 is executed, the test print
process adopting the corrected print parameter is executed in step
S1, and the processes of steps S2 to S10 are executed again in
correspondence with the text print process adopting the corrected
print parameter.
[0117] Accordingly, in a case where the process of step S12 is
executed, the code image generating portion 5f executes the process
of step S7 twice. Thus the code image generating portion 5f
generates the code image G41 for each of: information of the print
parameters before correction that corresponds to the diagnosis
result of image quality of the test image G1; and information of
the print parameters after correction.
[0118] <Step S13>
[0119] In step S13, the main control portion 5a executes a process
to output a predetermined error message to the display device 3b,
and ends the image quality management process.
[0120] For example, the error message urges the user to keep the
print of the test image G1 obtained during the process of step S1
and the print of the diagnosis image G4 obtained during the process
of step S9, and contact a predetermined service center.
[0121] <Step S14>
[0122] In step S14, the main control portion 5a executes a process
to output a predetermined excellent result message to the display
device 3b, and ends the image quality management process.
[0123] For example, the excellent result message notifies that the
result of the image quality diagnosis process was excellent.
[0124] As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 diagnoses
image quality of the test image G1 that is an example of the print
image, and causes the print device 1 to output the diagnosis result
together with the code image G41 that represents the information of
the print parameters adopted in the print process of the test image
G1.
[0125] Accordingly, even in a case where the image forming
apparatus 10 is not connected to an open communication network, the
test image G1 and information of the print parameters corresponding
to the test image G1 are output so as to be conveyed to a specific
worker such as a repair person.
[0126] In addition, since the information of the print parameters
is output as the code image G41, disclosure of confidential
information to users is avoided.
[0127] In addition, even in a case where the code image G41 is a
general-purpose code such as the QR code (registered trademark),
since the code image G41 that represents information of encrypted
print parameters is generated, disclosure of confidential
information to users is avoided.
[0128] On the other hand, workers such as repair persons can
confirm the information of the print parameters by using a terminal
apparatus that converts the code image G41 into character string
information.
[0129] For example, the terminal apparatus includes: a camera that
photographs the code image G41; and an image processing apparatus
that processes the code image G41 photographed by the camera. The
image processing apparatus includes a code restoring portion and a
decryption portion, wherein the code restoring portion restores the
code image G41 to character string information, and the decryption
portion decrypts the character string information to information
before encryption.
[0130] It is noted that the process of step S6 for encrypting the
information of the print parameters may be omitted. In this case,
too, with only seeing the diagnosis image G4, the user cannot
recognize the information of the print parameters.
First Application Example
[0131] The following describes a first application example of the
image forming apparatus 10.
[0132] In the present application example, in the process of step
S9 shown in FIG. 2, the main control portion 5a outputs the
diagnosis image G4 to the display device 3b. In this case, the
display device 3b is an example of an output device that outputs an
image. Furthermore, the main control portion 5a is an example of an
output control portion that causes the output device thereof to
output the diagnosis image G4.
Second Application Example
[0133] The following describes a second application example of the
image forming apparatus 10.
[0134] In the present application example, the image forming
apparatus 10 does not include the parameter correcting portion 5g.
That is, in the image quality management process shown in FIG. 2,
the processes of steps S11 and S12 are omitted.
[0135] In the present application example, when an image quality
degradation is detected, the process moves from step S10 to step
S13. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 does not execute
the parameter correction process automatically, but a specific
worker such as the repair person adjusts the print parameters by
consulting the test image G1 and the diagnosis image G4.
Third Application Example
[0136] The following describes a third application example of the
image forming apparatus 10.
[0137] In the above-described embodiment, the diagnosis result
image G42 is a character string image indicating a diagnosis result
of image quality of the test image G1 (see FIG. 4).
[0138] The code image generating portion 5f of the present
application example generates, in step S7 of FIG. 2, the code image
G41 that represents: character string information representing the
diagnosis result of image quality of the test image G1; and
encrypted information of the print parameters.
[0139] In addition, in step S9 of FIG. 2, the print control portion
5b causes the print device 1 to output, as the code image G41, an
image representing the diagnosis result of image quality of the
test image G1. This prevents users from easily recognizing
information of the diagnosis result of image quality of the test
image G1. In addition, this makes it possible to efficiently record
more information in a limited print region of the sheet 91.
Fourth Application Example
[0140] The following describes a fourth application example of the
image forming apparatus 10.
[0141] The code image generating portion 5f of the present
application example generates, in step S7 of FIG. 2, the code image
G41 only for, among information of a plurality of print parameters
adopted in the test print process, partial information
corresponding to an image quality degradation detected in the
diagnosis of image quality of the test image G1. The correspondence
relation between the information of the print parameters and the
image quality degradation is preliminarily determined.
[0142] According to the present application example, in a case
where the amount of information of the print parameters is so large
that a plurality of code images G41 are required, it is possible to
reduce the generated number of code images G41.
* * * * *