CN101354554B

CN101354554B - Image forming device and method thereof

Info

Publication number: CN101354554B
Application number: CN2008101282809A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金建豪; 金孝振; 姜范权; 裵孝俊
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Priority date: 2007-07-27
Filing date: 2008-07-04
Publication date: 2013-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2028-07-04
Also published as: KR101437459B1; CN101354554A; KR20090011759A

Abstract

An image forming device having a plurality of developing units is provided. The image forming device includes a control unit to determine whether to perform an auto color registration (ACR) with respect to one or more of the plurality of developing units, and a print engine unit to perform an ACR of the determined developing units.

Description

Imaging device and method thereof

Technical field

This total inventive concept relates to a kind of imaging device and method thereof.More particularly, this total inventive concept relates to a kind of imaging device and method thereof, and it can carry out the auto color alignment by a plurality of developing cells of effective usefulness.

Background technology

Along with the development of electronic technology, except computing machine, also promoted energetically such as the peripherals of printer, scanner etc.Recently, color laser printer, rather than dot printer or ink-jet printer are promoted energetically.Color laser printer uses the toner of four kinds of colors usually, that is, cyan (C), fuchsin (M), yellow (Y) and black (B) show coloured image.In order to print clearly image, color laser printer uses four organic light guide drums (OPC drum) to carry out print out task by the toner color.Simultaneously, for the toner that makes each color is positioned at correct position, use paper transfer belt (PTB) or intermediate transfer belt (ITB) to carry out transfer process.

On the other hand, in order to show color, should use a plurality of OPC drum with transfer interpreter toner accurately to be superposeed and be transferred to identical position.But because printing is to carry out continuously, the color registration of color laser printer may be crooked (distort).Therefore, in order to keep the quality of image, need to carry out auto color alignment (ACR).

ACR is a kind of bearing calibration, is used for when carrying out printing the relative position of four kinds of colors of CMYK being matched each other.That is, ACR is a kind of technology that greatly affects the picture quality of color laser printer, and picture quality becomes better when the ACR greater amount is carried out more continually.

But, be not mounted or toner in imaging device when being consumed when one in C, M, Y or the K developing cell, can be called as the mistake of " CRUM is not installed " or " toner is empty wrong ".As a result, printing can not be performed, and perhaps mistake occurs in ACR operating period, thereby makes ACR or print and can not correctly be carried out.

In addition, even do not wish to use designated color in particular cases the user, printing or ACR also will carry out with all colours, and this will cause the unnecessary consumption of toner.

In addition, in order to carry out ACR one time, need toner and time for the specified quantitative of carrying out ACR, therefore carrying out too continually ACR is inefficiency.Simultaneously, carrying out continually ACR also can make the amount of waste of toner increase.

If the ACR executive condition satisfies, traditional imaging device must be carried out the ACR operation.In this case, if the surplus of toner is inadequate, can not carry out accurate ACR.This can cause the unnecessary waste of toner and time.

Summary of the invention

This total inventive concept provides a kind of imaging device and method thereof, even any in a plurality of developing cells is not mounted or a plurality of developing cell in any in residual quantity of toners be lower than predetermined threshold, described apparatus and method also can be carried out auto color alignment (ACR) and print, and can not stay error message.

This total inventive concept also provides a kind of imaging device and method thereof, if if the unnecessary or failed possibility of ACR is very high, then described apparatus and method are not carried out ACR.

This total inventive concept also provides a kind of imaging device and method thereof, and it can improve the scope of user option by making the user can determine whether carry out ACR when the surplus of toner is not enough.

The other side of the inventive concept that this is total and effectiveness will partly propose in explanation subsequently, and will partly become obviously from instructions, maybe can be by implementing this total inventive concept by acquistion.

Above-mentioned and/or other side and the effectiveness of the inventive concept that this is total can realize by a kind of imaging device and method thereof are provided, described apparatus and method can receive in advance the user and not expect any color of using, and only carry out ACR and printing with remaining color, and the color of not expecting for the user is carried out ACR and printing.

Above-mentioned and/or other side and the effectiveness of the inventive concept that this is total also can realize by a kind of imaging device with a plurality of developing cells is provided, described imaging device comprises control module, and it determines whether for the one or more auto color alignments (ACR) of carrying out in a plurality of developing cells; With the print engine unit, it carries out the ACR of determined developing cell.

Control module can determine whether to carry out the ACR of each developing cell by confirming following at least one item: the user is to the selection of one or more developing cells, and the surplus state of the toner in a plurality of developing cell.

Described imaging device can also comprise judging unit, and the surplus of its toner by confirming each developing cell is judged the printing possibility for the ACR pattern of each developing cell, and the result who judges to the control module report.

Described imaging device can also comprise input block, and it receives the developer information of the developer that its color can not be used during for the ACR of each developing cell, and the developer information that receives to the control module report.

Described imaging device can also comprise judging unit, and it judges the printing possibility of ACR pattern by confirming following at least one item: the surplus of the toner of each developing cell, and each developing cell additional/released state; And the result who judges to control module report, and confirm that at judging unit developing cell is in can not print state the time, input block can provide user interface (User Interface, UI), whether only carries out ACR with printable developing cell with inquiry.

Whether described imaging device can also comprise the condition judgment unit, satisfy to judge the ACR executive condition.

When the input print command, printing can only be carried out with printable developing cell in described print engine unit.

In above-described embodiment of this total inventive concept, described imaging device can comprise four or more developing cell.

This total inventive concept above-mentioned and/other side and effectiveness can realize by a kind of imaging device is provided, described imaging device comprises judging unit, and it is by confirming to judge about the information of residual quantity of toners whether auto color alignment (ACR) pattern is normally exported; And the color registration processing unit, it carries out the ACR operation when judging the ACR pattern and normally exported.

Described imaging device can also comprise control module, and it judges whether predefined ACR executive condition satisfies, and when satisfying the ACR executive condition, whether control judgment unit judges ACR pattern is normally exported.

Described imaging device can also comprise storage unit, and its storage is about the information of residual quantity of toners.

Described color registration processing unit can be carried out ACR with density pattern and ACR pattern.

When the normal output of judging the ACR pattern was impossible, described color registration processing unit can be carried out color registration with previous color registration adjusted value.

Judging the ACR pattern can not the state of normal output under, when inputting ACR from the user and cease and desist order, described color registration processing unit can finish ACR.

When the surplus of the toner by described validation of information was higher than predetermined threshold value, the normal output of described judgment unit judges ACR pattern was possible, and when the surplus of toner was lower than this threshold value, its normal output of judging the ACR pattern was impossible.

Described imaging device can also comprise user interface section, and when judging that the ACR pattern can not normally be exported, it provides user interface window whether to carry out ACR with inquiry.

Described imaging device can also comprise interface unit, and when judging the impossible normal output of ACR pattern, described interface unit provides user interface window to host PC, whether carries out ACR with inquiry.

When judging that the ACR pattern may normally be exported, described color registration processing unit can bring the inspection toner density to transfer printing by the output density pattern, and when toner density is higher than the predetermined density threshold value, carry out the ACR operation by output ACR pattern, and when toner density was lower than density threshold, it carried out color registration with previous color registration adjusted value.

Above-mentioned and/or other aspects and the effectiveness of the inventive concept that this is total can realize by a kind of formation method for imaging device is provided, this imaging device has a plurality of developing cells, this formation method comprises the one or more execution auto color alignments (ACR) that determine whether in a plurality of developing cells, and the ACR that carries out determined developing cell.

Definite operation can comprise, by confirming at least one following ACR that determines whether to carry out one or more developing cells: and to the user selection of a plurality of developing cells, and the surplus state of the toner of a plurality of developing cells.

Described formation method can also comprise, the surplus of the toner by confirming each developing cell is judged the printing possibility for the ACR pattern of each developing cell.

Described formation method can also be included in confirms that developing cell is in can not print state the time, provides user interface (UI) to inquire and whether only carries out ACR with printable developing cell.

Described formation method can also comprise the developer information that receives the developer that its color can not be used during for the ACR of each developing cell.

Described formation method can also comprise judges whether the ACR executive condition is satisfied.

Executable operations can also comprise when the input print command, only carry out printing with determined developing cell.

In above-described embodiment of this total inventive concept, a plurality of developing cells can comprise four or more developing cell.

Above-mentioned and/or other aspects and the effectiveness of the inventive concept that this is total can realize by a kind of formation method is provided, it comprises confirms whether auto color alignment (ACR) executive condition is satisfied, confirm the surplus of toner, and judge according to the affirmation result of residual quantity of toners whether the ACR pattern is normally exported.

Also comprise execution ACR according to the formation method of the embodiment of total inventive concept.

The execution of ACR can comprise with density pattern and ACR pattern carries out ACR.

The surplus of toner is approved to comprise really, confirms the surplus of toner when satisfying the ACR executive condition.

Described formation method can also comprise, when judging that the ACR pattern can not normally be exported, carries out color registration with previous color registration adjusted value.

Described formation method can also comprise, under judging that the ACR pattern can not the state of normal output, when inputting ACR from the user and cease and desist order, finishes ACR.

Described decision operation can comprise, when the surplus of the toner by described validation of information is higher than predetermined threshold, the normal output of judging the ACR pattern is possible, and when the surplus of toner is lower than this threshold value, judges that the normal output of ACR pattern is impossible.

Described formation method also can comprise, when judging that the ACR pattern can not normally be exported, provides user interface window whether to carry out ACR with inquiry.

Provide user interface window to comprise, provide user interface window at the display of imaging device or host PC.

Carrying out ACR can comprise, when judging that the ACR pattern can not normally be exported, brings the inspection toner density by the output density pattern to transfer printing; And when toner density is higher than predetermined density threshold, carries out the ACR operation by output ACR pattern, and when toner density is lower than density threshold, carry out color registration with previous color registration adjusted value.

This total inventive concept above-mentioned and/other aspects and effectiveness also can realize by the imaging device with a plurality of developing cells is provided, this imaging device comprises: control module, and it determines that one or more in a plurality of developing cells are in printable state, determine that auto color alignment (ACR) processes operating conditions and whether be satisfied and control ACR operation or printing; And the print engine unit, when the ACR operating conditions satisfies or when printing is requested, it carries out respectively ACR operation or printing for the determined one or more developing cells that are in printable state under the control of described control module.

When in described a plurality of developing cells at least one was not in printable state, control module can be controlled the print engine unit and only carry out the ACR operation for the developing cell that is in printable state.

When at least one of described a plurality of developing cells was not in printable state, control module can be controlled the print engine unit and only carry out printing for the developing cell that is in printable state.

When in described a plurality of developing cells at least one was not in printable state, control module can ask to confirm to the user, so that the ACR operation is only carried out for the developing cell that is in printable state in control print engine unit.

Control module can be determined according to following at least one item the printable state of a plurality of developing cells: the surplus of the toner in developing cell, the removal of developing cell or installment state and the user selection of getting rid of developing cell.

Described imaging device can also comprise judging unit, and whether its surplus of determining the toner in a plurality of developing cells is lower than scheduled volume, and reports the result that this is determined to control module.

Judging unit can be according to the surplus of determining toner corresponding to the reflectivity of the density pattern of each developing cell.

When in a plurality of developing cells at least one was not in printable state, control module can be controlled the print engine unit and carry out the ACR operation with previous color registration adjusted value.

When in a plurality of developing cells at least one was not in printable state, control module can be controlled the print engine unit and only carry out printing with a developing cell that is in printable state.

Above-mentioned and/or other aspects of the inventive concept that this is total and effectiveness also can realize by a kind of method that operates for the ACR of control imaging device is provided, this imaging device has a plurality of developing cells, and the method comprises determines that one or more in a plurality of developing cells are in printable state, determine whether to satisfy the ACR operating conditions and the control imaging device is carried out the ACR operation for the determined one or more developing cells that are in printable state.

The printable state of developing cell can be determined according to following at least one: the surplus of the toner in the developing cell is higher than the installment state of predetermined threshold, developing cell and the user selection of getting rid of developing cell.

Description of drawings

Above-mentioned and/or other aspects of this total inventive concept and advantage will be from becoming obviously to the description of embodiment below in conjunction with accompanying drawing and being more readily understood, in the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 illustrates according to a block diagram of the structure of the imaging device of an embodiment of total inventive concept.

Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram that illustrates when the structure of the print engine unit of the imaging device that can be applicable to Fig. 1 of C (cyan) when developing cell is excluded, and this print engine unit uses transfer belt to carry out transfer operation.

Fig. 3 illustrates according to a block diagram of the structure of the imaging device of another embodiment of total inventive concept.

Fig. 4 A and 4B illustrate according to a view of the example of the input block of the imaging device that can be applicable to Fig. 3 of total inventive concept;

Fig. 5 A is the view that is illustrated in according to the example of the density pattern (density pattern) that uses in the imaging device of total inventive concept.

Fig. 5 B is the view that the example of the density pattern that uses in imaging device when look is excluded as C (cyan) is shown.

Fig. 6 A is the view that is illustrated in according to the example of the color registration pattern that uses in the imaging device of total inventive concept.

Fig. 6 B is the view that the example of the color registration pattern that uses in imaging device when look is excluded as C (cyan) is shown.

Fig. 7 is the process flow diagram that illustrates according to the formation method of this total inventive concept.

Fig. 8 is in the formation method that is illustrated in detail in according to this total inventive concept, carries out the process flow diagram of the method for ACR by determined developing cell by the surplus of toner.

Fig. 9 is that the selection that usually illustrates even consider the user is determined developing cell and correspondingly carried out the process flow diagram of the method for ACR.

Figure 10 illustrates according to a block diagram of the structure of the imaging device of an embodiment of total inventive concept.

Figure 11 is the block diagram of example that the color registration processing unit of the imaging device that can be applicable to Figure 10 is shown.

Figure 12 is the schematic diagram of example of structure that the print unit of the imaging device that can be applicable to Figure 10 is shown, and this print unit uses transfer printing to bring the execution transfer operation.

Figure 13 illustrates according to a block diagram of the structure of the imaging device of another embodiment of total inventive concept.

Figure 14 A is the view that is illustrated in according to the example of the density pattern that uses in the imaging device of Figure 13 of total inventive concept.

Figure 14 B is the view that is illustrated in according to the example of the color registration pattern that uses in the imaging device of Figure 13 of total inventive concept.

Figure 15 illustrates according to a process flow diagram of the color registration method of an embodiment of total inventive concept; And

Figure 16 is the process flow diagram that is shown specifically the color registration method of Figure 15.

Specific implementation method

The embodiment of present this total inventive concept of specifically reference, the example of embodiment shown in the drawings, wherein identical reference number is indicated identical element all the time.In order to explain this total inventive concept, below by embodiment is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 illustrates according to a block diagram of the structure of the imaging device of the embodiment of total inventive concept.

With reference to figure 1, can comprise control module 110 and print engine unit 120 according to the imaging device of the embodiment of total inventive concept.

Control module 110 determines whether to carry out auto color alignment (ACR) for a plurality of developing cells that are provided in the imaging device.Especially, control module 110 based on the user to the surplus of the toner of the selection of developing cell, each developing cell and additional (attachment) of developing cell/the separates developing cell that (detachment) state is determined execution ACR.That is, control module 110 is got rid of its color not by the developing cell of the surplus deficiency of the developing cell of user selection, toner and the developing cell that removes from imaging device, and carries out ACR for remaining developing cell.

Print engine unit 120 usefulness are carried out ACR by the developing cell that control module 110 is determined in a plurality of developing cells.The concrete structure of print engine unit 120 is described with reference to Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram of structure that is illustrated in the print engine unit of the imaging device that can be applicable to Fig. 1 of C (cyan) when developing cell is excluded, and this print engine unit uses transfer belt to carry out transfer operation.

With reference to figure 2, print engine unit 120 can comprise transfer belt 10, driven roller 20, four T1 transfer rolls 30,40,50 and 60, four organic light guide drums (OPC drum) 35,45,55 and 65,

T2 transfer roll

70,80 and three developing cells 75 of T2 backing roll (backup roller), 85 and 95.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, C (cyan) developing cell can be removed from print engine unit 120, and K (black), M (fuchsin) and Y (yellow) developing

cell

75,85 and 95 can be provided.Toner corresponding to K (black), M (fuchsin), Y (yellow) is attached to respectively in OPC drum 35, the 55 and 65 sub-image parts that form by corresponding development treatment.Therefore, even without the C developing cell is provided, the residue developing cell of also using except C (cyan) developing cell is carried out development treatment, and can not show in a conventional manner the error message such as " CRUM is not installed ".

Correspond respectively to each

OPC drum

35,45,55 and 65

T1 transfer roll

30,40,50 and 60 is arranged along transfer belt 10.Therefore, the toner that is attached to each OPC drum 35 to 65 surfaces at first is transferred to the surface of transfer belt 10 by corresponding T1 transfer roll 30 to 60.In this case, be positioned at position mark 11 on the transfer belt 10 by identification, and make the operation of the operation of each OPC drum 35 to 65 and T1 transfer roll 30 to 60 synchronous, can present a coloured image.Thereby, process by the secondary transfer printing between T2 transfer roll 70 and the T2 backing roll 80, will be transferred to print media 90 at the image that transfer belt 10 forms.Simultaneously, driven roller 20 is used for moving transfer belt 10 with suitable speed.

Print engine unit 120 uses each transfer roll 30 to 60 and each OPC drum 35 to 65 to form the color registration pattern in transfer belt 10.Then, print engine unit 120 mates the transfer printing timing of each transfer roll 30 to 60 according to registration error (misregistration) degree between formed color registration pattern.For example, be formed at after the accurate location if judge the M toner image, that is, be delayed if judge the formation of M toner image, then print engine unit 120 shortens the driving timing of the 3rd T1 roller 50.On the contrary, be formed at before the accurate location if judge the M toner image, that is, if the formation of judging the M toner image early than accurate location, the driving timing of print engine unit 120 delay controls three T1 rollers 50 then.

Go out as shown in Figure 2, if at least one developing cell in a plurality of developing cells lacks at first, or any developing cell is removed during use, and then be in can not print state for this developing cell, so control module 110 is discharged determining about corresponding developing cell.As mentioned above, except add/the separating of the surplus of the toner of each developing cell and each developing cell, controller 110 it is also conceivable that user's selection judges whether the ACR operation that can carry out printing and utilize printing.

On the other hand, when the input print command, printing is carried out in print engine unit 120.In this case, 120 the printable developing cells of usefulness in print engine unit are carried out printing, rather than to come reporting printing operation by output error message as prior device be impossible.For example, do not input print command if in the print engine unit, provide under the state of the state of C (cyan) developing cell or M developing cell toner deficiency, then only carry out printing with the residue toner except C or M color.By scanning laser beam to each OPC drum 35 to 65, form sub-image at each OPC drum 35 to 65, and carry out the development of actual print media with the residue developing cell except C developing cell or M developing cell.Afterwards, except C or M color, the toner of Y and K color is added on the print media 90, then arrives print media 90 by fuser (fuser) (not shown) photographic fixing (fuse), to finish printing.

If the inadequate or any developing cell of the toner of designated color is removed, then can not normally carry out color representation.Therefore, even the single developing cell in C, M and the Y developing cell is removed, even or a kind of toner of color not enough, printing also can only be carried out with K developing cell 75 in print engine unit 120.

Although figure 2 illustrates C, M, Y and K developing cell, according to the embodiment of this total inventive concept, the quantity of developing cell can be different.For example, except C, M, Y and K developing cell, can also comprise shallow C (light C), shallow M (light M), shallow K (light K), dark-grey, photo is blue (photo blue) and black (photo black) developing cell of photo at least one.As mentioned above, developing cell can be realized with the developing cell that existing developing cell and its color can be used afterwards.

Fig. 3 illustrates according to a block diagram of the structure of the imaging device of total inventive concept.

With reference to figure 3, except control module 110 and print engine unit 120, imaging device can also comprise input block 130, judging unit 140 and condition judgment unit 150.

Judging unit 140 judges whether each developing cell is in printable state.Especially, the surplus of the toner of judging unit 140 by confirming each developing cell judges whether each developing cell can normally print the ACR pattern.In addition, judging unit 140 can be by confirming whether developing cell is mounted and whether the surplus of the toner of the developing cell confirmed is higher than predetermined threshold, judges whether developing cell is printable.

Especially, CRUM or the storer that in each developing cell outside the provide residual quantity of toners of confirming each developing cell of judging unit 140 by appending to each developing cell.The surplus of toner is subject to the impact of the quantity of executed printing, the quantity of print point etc.In this case, confirm the surplus of the toner of each developing cell, thereby if the quantity not sufficient of the toner of C (cyan) and M (fuchsin) developing cell, then judging unit 140 judge that corresponding developing cell is in can not print state.

The result that judging unit 140 is judged to control module 110 reports, thus make control module 110 can determine spendable developing cell.

Input block 130 receives users to the selection of the color that will use, and the result who selects to control module 140 reports.

Control module 110 is determined printable developing cell in the developing cell corresponding with the color of selecting by input block 130, and control print engine unit 120 uses determined developing cell to carry out ACR.For example, if select not use C (cyan) color by input block 130, and the surplus of the toner of M (fuchsin) developing cell is lower than reference threshold, then together with C (cyan) developing cell, control module 110 is also got rid of toner from developing cell surplus is lower than M (fuchsin) developing cell of reference threshold, and only uses Y (yellow) and K (black) developing cell to carry out ACR.

Condition judgment unit 150 judges whether the ACR executive condition satisfies.Especially, if carry out continuously printing, then the temperature of the body interior of print engine unit increases, and therefore, driven roller can expand, thereby changes the diameter of driven roller.As a result, even driven roller rotates with identical revolution, the translational speed of transfer belt also is different, thereby needs to carry out ACR.

In addition, even at least one developing cell in C (cyan), M (fuchsin), Y (yellow) and K (black) developing cell is replaced, (distort) also may be crooked in the position of the new developing cell of replacing, and therefore, needs in this case to carry out ACR.

In addition, can preset just the sleep pattern of not carrying out printing keep one section appointment time, main body cover within the time of one section appointment, do not open and situation that the printing of predetermined quantity is printed under carry out ACR.

Condition judgment unit 150 judges whether to satisfy any one in the ACR executive condition, and ACR is carried out according to the result who judges in print engine unit 120.In other embodiment of this total inventive concept, the above-mentioned functions of condition judgment unit 150 can be carried out by control module 110.Equally, can be at inside or the outside color registration processing unit (not shown) that is provided for individually carrying out the ACR operation of print engine unit 120.

Fig. 4 A and 4B illustrate according to a view of the example of the input block 130 of the imaging device that can be applicable to Fig. 3 of total inventive concept.

With reference to figure 4A, input block 130 can receive by the basic print set-up window of main frame (not shown) user's order.In Fig. 4 A, can select " colour " as color mode from the graphic interface (graphic tap) of window.If " colour " is selected as color mode, then can will be for the color of printing by again selecting among C (cyan), M (fuchsin), Y (yellow) and the K (black) at least one to select.

With reference to figure 4B, user command can be by the directly input of user interface (UI) that provides in imaging device.Especially, user command can be by guidance panel and the input of LCD window that provides in imaging device.By selecting at least one color among C (cyan), M (fuchsin), Y (yellow) and the K (black), the user can select will be for the color of printing.

Although do not illustrate among Fig. 4 B, can provide with the LCD window of touch screen according to the input block 130 of the imaging device of this total inventive concept, with the input of the color select command that receives the user.

On the other hand, in Fig. 4 A and 4B, understand that for example the user is selectable with the color of using.But, as an alternative, also can input and select the obsolete color of user.

If judging unit 140 has been confirmed not printable developing cell, then input block 130 can provide UI whether only to carry out ACR with printable developing cell with inquiry.

Especially, if the surplus of the toner of a developing cell is lower than predetermined threshold, and therefore judging unit 140 judges that corresponding developing cell is not printable developing cell, then provide UI according to an input block 130 of the imaging device of total inventive concept, be used for inquiry and whether continue to carry out printing and ACR, rather than output is such as the error message of " CRUM is not installed " or " toner is empty ".

Fig. 5 A illustrates according to a view of the example of the density pattern that uses in the imaging device of Fig. 3 of total inventive concept, and Fig. 5 B is the view that the example of the density pattern that uses in imaging device when color is excluded as C (cyan) is shown.

Especially, as shown in Fig. 5 A, in typical ACR processes, print engine unit 120 is that C (cyan), M (fuchsin), Y (yellow) and K (black) developing cell are printed density pattern shown in Fig. 5 A in transfer belt, if and calculate density value and be lower than predetermined density, then judging needs to carry out ACR.

Judging unit 140 can be judged the developing cell of toner deficiency by confirming the density pattern shown in Fig. 5 A.That is, judging unit is by utilizing light emitting diode and photodiode to check that the reflectivity of the density pattern of each color confirms the toner density of each color.Therefore, if the density of confirming is lower than predetermined threshold densities, then can from ACR operation or printing, get rid of the developing cell of respective color.

On the other hand, with reference to figure 5B, control module 110 only is judged as printable remaining developing cell and carries out the density pattern and print with being judged unit 140, and gets rid of C (cyan) developing cell.

Equally, if by the additional user command of getting rid of other developing cell of input block 130 inputs, then the density pattern of another kind of color also can be got rid of extraly.

Fig. 6 A is the view that is illustrated in according to the example of the color registration pattern that uses in the imaging device of Fig. 3 of total inventive concept, and Fig. 6 B is the view that the example of the color registration pattern that uses in imaging device when color is excluded as C (cyan) is shown.

Especially, as shown in Figure 6A, in typical ACR processes, print engine unit 120 outputs to transfer belt with the color registration pattern that is used for each developing cell as shown in Figure 6A, if and compare with existing output pattern, the registration error of predetermined threshold has occured to surpass, and then can judge needs to carry out ACR.

With reference to figure 6B, the printing of color registration pattern only is judged as printable residue developing cell and carries out with being judged unit 140, and gets rid of C (cyan) developing cell.

Equally, if by the additional user command of getting rid of another developing cell of input block 130 inputs, then shown in Fig. 6 B, another color registration pattern can be got rid of extraly.

On the other hand, carry out printing according to the imaging device of another embodiment of total inventive concept in the mode identical with the imaging device of carrying out ACR.In this case, if the input print command, print engine unit 120 only uses printable developing cell to carry out printing.Because other 26S Proteasome Structure and Function is similar with the imaging device of carrying out ACR, therefore omit concrete description.

Fig. 7 illustrates according to a process flow diagram of the formation method of the embodiment of total inventive concept.

With reference to figure 7, in operation S710, determine whether each developing cell is carried out ACR.Can whether carry out determining of ACR to the selection of developing cell etc. based on the surplus of the toner of each developing cell, user.That is, the developing cell that the developing cell of residual quantity of toners deficiency or user are set to obsolete color can be excluded, and can only use remaining developing cell to carry out ACR.

Then, in operation S720, carry out the ACR operation for the developing cell of determining.

On the other hand, if under with the fixed state of the developing cell that is used, input print command, then can only carry out printing with the developing cell of determining.

Fig. 8 specifically illustrates in the formation method of the inventive concept total according to this, determines developing cell by the surplus according to toner, thereby carries out the process flow diagram of the method for ACR.

With reference to figure 8, in operation S810, confirm whether surplus and the developing cell of toner is provided, and in operation S820, judge whether to exist the developing cell of residual quantity of toners deficiency, perhaps whether removed at least one developing cell in a plurality of developing cells.

If at least one developing cell that the surplus of toner is lower than in predetermined threshold or a plurality of developing cell is removed, then in operation S830, carry out ACR with the residue developing cell except the developing cell of removed developing cell or residual quantity of toners deficiency.On the contrary, if the surplus of toner is higher than predetermined threshold or do not have developing cell to be removed, then in operation S840, carry out ACR for all developing cells.

Fig. 9 illustrates usually even considers that user selection determines developing cell and correspondingly carry out the process flow diagram of the method for ACR.

With reference to figure 9, in operation S910, the color that during printing, can not be used by user selection.

In operation S915, judge whether to satisfy the ACR executive condition.Satisfy if the result who judges is the ACR executive condition, then in operation S920, confirm whether the residual quantity of toners of a plurality of developing cells and developing cell are mounted.

In operation S925, judge that the surplus whether toner of at least one developing cell is arranged in a plurality of developing cells is lower than predetermined threshold value, or whether have at least one developing cell to be removed in a plurality of developing cell.

As the result who judges, if the surplus of the toner of at least one developing cell in a plurality of developing cells is lower than predetermined threshold value, or at least one developing cell in a plurality of developing cells is removed, then in operation S930, carry out ACR with remaining developing cell, and get rid of developing cell or the removed developing cell of toner quantity not sufficient.In other words, carry out ACR with remaining developing cell, and get rid of the developing cell that shows the color of selecting among the operation S910 and the developing cell that is not in printable state.

On the other hand, in operation S925, as the result who judges, if the surplus of the toner of described a plurality of developing cells is higher than predetermined threshold value and does not have developing cell to be removed, then in operation S935, use the developing cell except the developing cell of the color of in operation S910, selecting to carry out ACR.

In operation S940 and S945, judge whether in operation S930 and S935, to carry out printing.

As the result who judges, if want to carry out printing, then in operation S950 and S955, only use the printable developing cell in a plurality of developing cells to carry out printing.

Figure 10 illustrates according to a block diagram of the structure of the imaging device of the embodiment of total inventive concept.

The imaging device of Figure 10 can comprise judging unit 1020 and color registration processing unit 1030.

Judging unit 1020 judges about the information of the surplus of toner whether the ACR operation can normally be carried out by affirmation.Especially, judging unit 1020 is judged what whether the ACR patterns were exported with normal density, and whether the alignment value can accurately be calculated.Namely, the information that judging unit 1020 is confirmed about residual quantity of toners, if and the surplus of toner is higher than predetermined threshold, its normal output of judging the ACR pattern is possible, if and the surplus of toner is lower than predetermined threshold value, then its normal output of judging the ACR pattern is impossible.In this case, judging unit 1020 can read the information about residual quantity of toners of pre-stored, perhaps can use sensor directly to confirm the surplus of remaining toner in toner Cartridge.

Color registration processing unit 1030 is carried out the ACR operation.And color registration processing unit 1030 usefulness density patterns and ACR pattern are carried out the ACR operation.Especially, the details of color registration processing unit 1030 is described with reference to Figure 11 and 12.

Figure 11 is the block diagram of example of structure that the color registration processing unit of the imaging device that can be applicable to Figure 10 is shown.

With reference to Figure 11, color registration processing unit 1030 can comprise color registration control module 1110, print unit 1120, sensing cell 1130 and alignment performance element 1140.If the ACR condition satisfies under imaging device is carried out such as the state of the general operation of image printing, then it switches to the ACR executing state, and therefore color registration processing unit 1030 is carried out the ACR operation.

That is, if imaging device is switched to the ACR state, color registration control module 1110 control print units 1120 output to transfer belt with the color registration pattern.If the color registration pattern is output to transfer belt, the registration error degree in the sensing cell 1130 sense color registration pattern then.The end value of color registration control module 1110 usefulness sensings is calculated the alignment value, and controls alignment performance element 1140 according to the alignment value of calculating and carry out correction.Therefore, alignment performance element 1140 is by ACR algorithm correction data.If Data correction is finished, then color registration control module 1110 finishes the ACR state, and imaging device is switched to the image printing state.

Figure 12 is the schematic diagram of example of structure that the print unit 1120 of the imaging device that can be applicable to Figure 11 is shown, and this imaging device uses transfer belt to carry out transfer operation.

With reference to Figure 12, print unit 1120 can comprise transfer belt 10, driven roller 20, four T1 transfer rolls 30,40,50 and 60, four organic light guide drums (OPC drum) 35,45,55 and 65, T2 transfer roll 70 and T2 backing rolls 80.

Toner corresponding to C (cyan), M (fuchsin), Y (yellow) and K (black) is attached to the sub-image part that forms at OPC drum 35 to 65 by corresponding development treatment.In Figure 12, omitted the diagram to developing cell.

T1 transfer roll 30 to 60 corresponding to each OPC drum 35 to 65 is arranged along transfer belt 10.Therefore, the toner that is attached to the surface of each OPC drum 35 to 65 at first is transferred to the surface of transfer belt 10 by each T1 transfer roll 30 to 60.In this case, by identification be positioned at the position mark 11 on the transfer belt 10 and make the operation of each OPC drum 35 to 65 and the operation of T1 transfer roll 30 to 60 synchronous, a coloured image is presented out.And then the coloured image that is formed on the transfer belt 10 is transferred to print media 90 by the processing of the secondary transfer printing between T2 transfer roll 70 and the T2 backing roll 80.Simultaneously, driven roller 20 is used for moving transfer belt 10 with suitable speed.

Meet the deadline corresponding to the cover of current operation pattern if arrive in the state that print unit 1120 is configured as shown in figure 12, then color registration processing unit 1030 uses each transfer roll 30 to 60 and each OPC drum 35 to 65 to form the color registration pattern in transfer belt 10.Then, color registration processing unit 1030 mates the transfer printing timing of each transfer roll 30 to 60 according to the registration error degree in the formed color registration pattern.For example, be formed at after the accurate location if judge the C toner image, that is, be delayed if judge the formation of C toner image, then color registration processing unit 1030 shortens the driving timing of the 2nd T1 roller 40.On the contrary, be formed at before the accurate location if judge the C toner image, that is, if the formation of judging the C toner image early than accurate location, then color registration processing unit 1030 postpones the driving timing of the 2nd T1 roller 40.As mentioned above, in case satisfy the ACR executive condition, color registration processing unit 1030 is just controlled print unit 1120 and is formed in the given time the color registration pattern groups, and by the color registration pattern relatively being carried out mutually the color registration operation.

Except judging unit 1020 and color registration processing unit 1030, can also comprise storage unit 1010, control module 1040, user interface section 1050 and interface unit 1060 according to the imaging device of another embodiment of total inventive concept.

Storage unit 1010 storages are about the information of the surplus of toner.Especially, storage unit 1010 can be affixed to main body, developing cell or toner bottle.Information about the surplus of toner can be the information that is stored in the direct indication residual quantity of toners in the storage unit 1010, perhaps can be the information such as the quantity of the number of copies of carrying out before or print point that affects residual quantity of toners.Information about the surplus of toner can be stored in the storage unit 1010, or can directly measure and not be stored in the storage unit 1010 from each developing cell.

Control module 1040 judges whether the ACR executive condition satisfies.

Especially, if printing is continuously performed, the temperature of body interior can raise, thereby so driven roller can expand and change the diameter of driven roller.As a result, even driven roller rotates with identical revolution, the translational speed of transfer belt also can be different, therefore need to carry out ACR.

In addition, even at least one developing cell in C (cyan), M (fuchsin), Y (yellow) and K (black) developing cell is replaced, the position of the new developing cell of replacing may be crooked, and therefore needs in this case to carry out ACR.

In addition, can preset just to keep in the situation about not being opened in the time in appointment of covering of time of appointment or main body in the sleep pattern of not carrying out printing and carry out ACR.

Can not normally export if judge the ACR pattern, color registration processing unit 1030 can use previous color registration adjusted value, that is, the color registration adjusted value of recent renewal is carried out color registration.Equally, judging under the state that the ACR pattern can not normally be exported, if the ACR that has inputted from the user ceases and desist order, then color registration processing unit 1030 finishes ACR.

Previous color registration adjusted value can be based on the definite value of data of the ACR of nearest execution.

On the other hand, user interface section 1050 can receive about whether carrying out user's input of ACR.Especially, can not normal output if judge the ACR pattern by judging unit 1020, then user interface section 1050 provides user interface window to receive about whether carrying out user's input of ACR.

Interface unit 1060 provides inquiry whether to carry out the user interface window of ACR to host PC.Especially, if judging unit 1020 judge the ACR pattern can not normal output, then interface unit 1060 provides user interface window to host PC.

If do not use the user command of ACR by user interface section 1050 or interface unit 1060 inputs, then control module 1040 control color registration processing units 1030 use the color registration adjusted value of previous or recent renewal to carry out color registration.

If by judging being stored in the information about residual quantity of toners in the storage unit 1010 or that directly measure, judging the ACR pattern will normally be exported, and then whether judging unit can sufficient by the density pattern being outputed to the surplus of again judging toner on the transfer belt.Be lower than predetermined density threshold if output to the toner density of the density pattern on the transfer belt, then can carry out color registration with the color registration adjusted value that upgrades.

Figure 14 A is the view that is illustrated in according to the example of the density pattern that uses in the imaging device of Figure 13 of total inventive concept, and Figure 14 B is the view that is illustrated in according to the example of the color registration pattern that uses in the imaging device of total inventive concept.

For C, M, Y and K developing cell, if by the density pattern shown in Figure 14 A calculates the density value that is lower than predetermined density in paper transfer belt (PTB) or intermediate transfer belt (ITB) printing, then imaging device is judged needs to carry out ACR.

And imaging device is to paper transfer belt or intermediate transfer belt output color registration pattern as shown in Figure 14B, and if compare with existing output pattern, the registration error of predetermined threshold has occured to surpass, then can judge needs to carry out ACR.

Figure 15 illustrates according to a process flow diagram of the color registration method of the embodiment of total inventive concept, and Figure 16 is the process flow diagram that specifically illustrates the color registration method of Figure 15.

With reference to Figure 15, according to the color registration method, in operation S1510, confirm whether the ACR executive condition satisfies, in operation S1520, confirm the surplus of toner, then, in operation S1530, judge according to the result who confirms residual quantity of toners whether the ACR pattern can normally be exported.

With reference to Figure 16, in operation S1610, judge whether the ACR executive condition satisfies.

Satisfy if judge the ACR executive condition, then in operation S1615, read the information about residual quantity of toners.In this case, can directly be read about the information of residual quantity of toners or the storer from be provided at main body or the CRUM in the Delevoping cartridge read.

In operation S1620, by comparing about the information of residual quantity of toners and the pre-stored information about residual quantity of toners of will reading, judge the normal output possibility of ACR pattern.

As the result who judges, if the normally output of ACR pattern, then in operation S1625, be not enough to carry out ACR to the user report toner, and receive about whether carrying out the input of ACR, then in operation S1630, judge whether to carry out ACR according to user's input.If do not carry out the order of ACR from user's input, then in operation S1635, judge whether to carry out color registration.If input the order of carrying out ACR from the user, then in operation S1640, carry out color registration with the color registration adjusted value of recent renewal.On the other hand, judge whether to carry out color registration, and if inputted the order that stops to carry out color registration from the user, then ACR finishes.

On the other hand, in operation S1620, may normally export if judge the ACR pattern, then in operation S1645, initialization comprises the sensor of photodiode and light emitting diode.

After sensor is initialised, in operation S1650, the density pattern is outputed to paper transfer belt or intermediate transfer belt, and in operation S1655, judge by sensor whether the density pattern of output indicates density to be enough to carry out ACR.

Especially, in operation S1650, by the density pattern is outputed to paper transfer belt or intermediate transfer belt, in operation S1655, can confirm whether the surplus of toner is enough to carry out ACR.If the surplus of toner is not enough, the pattern that then has the density value that is lower than predetermined density is output on paper transfer belt or the intermediate transfer belt, and therefore the catoptrical size by the sensor sensing is lowered.Therefore, based on the value of sensing, judge whether density is enough to normally carry out ACR.On the other hand, the density pattern of output can be changed into specific pattern by the user.

As the result who judges, if density is not enough to carry out ACR, then in operation S1640, carry out color registration with the color registration adjusted value of recent renewal.

On the other hand, if density is enough to carry out ACR, in operation S1660, the color registration pattern is outputed to paper transfer belt or intermediate transfer belt.

Then, in operation S1665, judge whether the color registration pattern is output predetermined number of times (for example, N time) with computational data.

As the result who judges, if the color registration pattern is not output predetermined number of times (for example, N time), then process turns back to operation S1660, in order to calculate accurate data value, and the color registration pattern is output to transfer belt.

On the contrary, if the color registration pattern is output predetermined number of times (for example, N time) in operation S1670, then by ACR algorithm correction data, and in operation S1680, finish the ACR state.

According to this total inventive concept, even when the disappearance of the single developing cell in a plurality of developing cells or when the surplus of the toner of a developing cell is lower than predetermined threshold value, also carry out ACR with printing, rather than send error message, thereby printing and the ACR operation that improves is provided.

And, having improved user's convenience, this is not want the color used because the user can input him in advance, and printing and ACR operate in the situation of the color of having got rid of user selection and carry out.

And, if because the residual quantity of toners deficiency causes ACR not to be performed, can carry out color registration with the color registration adjusted value of previous or recent renewal.Owing to having skipped unnecessary ACR operation, the use that is used for the toner of density pattern and ACR pattern output can reduce, and the user has to carry out ACR during printing inconvenience can be reduced, the result, and the total quality of equipment is improved.

In addition, the user can determine whether to carry out ACR in the situation of the surplus deficiency of toner, has therefore increased the scope of user selection.

Although illustrated and described a few embodiment of this total inventive concept, but it will be understood to those of skill in the art that, in the scope that does not break away from by the principle of appended claims and defined total inventive concept of equivalent thereof and spirit, can change these embodiments.

Claims

1. imaging device, it has a plurality of developing cells, comprising:

Control module, it determines whether for the one or more execution auto color alignment ACR in described a plurality of developing cells; And

The print engine unit, it carries out the ACR of determined developing cell.

2. imaging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control module at least one in the two of the surplus state of the toner of the user selection of described a plurality of developing cells and (2) these a plurality of developing cells, determines whether to carry out the ACR of one or more developing cells by confirming (1).

3. imaging device as claimed in claim 2 also comprises:

Judging unit, the surplus of its toner by confirming each developing cell is judged the printing possibility to the ACR pattern of each developing cell, and judged result is reported to control module.

4. imaging device as claimed in claim 2 also comprises:

Input block, it receives the developer information of the developer that its color can not be used during for the ACR of each developing cell, and the developer information that receives to the control module report.

5. imaging device as claimed in claim 4 also comprises:

Judging unit, the surplus of its toner by confirming (1) each developing cell and (2) each developing cell additional/at least one in the two of released state, judge the printing possibility to the ACR pattern, and to control module report judged result

Wherein, confirm developing cell when judging unit and be in can not print state the time, described input block provides user interface UI whether only to carry out ACR with printable developing cell with inquiry.

6. imaging device as claimed in claim 1 also comprises:

The condition judgment unit, it judges whether the ACR executive condition satisfies.

7. imaging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said a plurality of developing cells comprise four or more developing cell.

8. formation method that is used for having the imaging device of a plurality of developing cells, the method comprises:

Determine whether for the one or more execution auto color alignment ACR in described a plurality of developing cells; With

Carry out the ACR of determined developing cell.

9. formation method as claimed in claim 8 also comprises:

The surplus of the toner by confirming each developing cell is judged the printing possibility of the ACR pattern of each developing cell.

10. formation method as claimed in claim 9 also comprises:

When confirmed to be in can not print state developing cell the time, user interface UI is provided, whether only carry out ACR with printable developing cell with inquiry.

11. formation method as claimed in claim 9 also comprises:

Receive the developer information of the developer that its color can not be used during for the ACR of each developing cell.

12. formation method as claimed in claim 8 also comprises:

Judge whether the ACR executive condition is satisfied.

13. the imaging device with a plurality of developing cells comprises:

Control module, it determines that one or more in described a plurality of developing cell are in printable state, determines whether the operating conditions of auto color registration process ACR satisfies, and control ACR operation or printing; And

The print engine unit, when the ACR operating conditions satisfies or when printing is requested, it carries out respectively ACR operation or printing for the determined one or more developing cells that are in printable state under the control of described control module.

14. imaging device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, when in described a plurality of developing cells at least one was not in printable state, the ACR operation was only carried out for the developing cell that is in printable state in described control module control print engine unit.

15. imaging device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, when in described a plurality of developing cells at least one was not in printable state, printing was only carried out for the developing cell that is in printable state in described control module control print engine unit.

16. imaging device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, when in described a plurality of developing cells at least one was not in printable state, described control module asked to confirm to the user, so that the ACR operation is only carried out for the developing cell that is in printable state in control print engine unit.

17. imaging device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described control module is determined the printable state of described a plurality of developing cells according to following at least one item: the surplus of the toner in the developing cell, the removal of developing cell or installment state and the user selection of getting rid of developing cell.

18. imaging device as claimed in claim 13 also comprises:

Judging unit, whether its surplus of determining the toner in described a plurality of developing cell is lower than scheduled volume, and reports the result that this is determined to control module.

19. imaging device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described judging unit basis is determined the surplus of toner corresponding to the reflectivity of the density pattern of each developing cell.

20. imaging device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, when in described a plurality of developing cells at least one was not in printable state, control module control print engine unit was carried out ACR with previous color registration adjusted value and is operated.

21. imaging device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, when in described a plurality of developing cells at least one was not in printable state, printing was only carried out with a developing cell that is in printable state in described control module control print engine unit.

22. a control has the method for auto color alignment ACR operation of the imaging device of a plurality of developing cells, the method comprises:

Determine that one or more in described a plurality of developing cell are in printable state;

Determine whether the ACR operating conditions satisfies; And

The control imaging device is carried out the ACR operation for the determined one or more developing cells that are in printable state.

23. method as claimed in claim 22, the printable state of wherein said developing cell is determined according to following at least one item: the surplus of the toner in developing cell is higher than the installment state of predetermined threshold value, developing cell and the user selection of getting rid of developing cell.