JP5305944B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor and an information processing system, which simulate an image forming apparatus forming an image on a sheet-shaped recording material, to verify the result. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor is configured to simulate the control operation of an image forming apparatus, and to specify a region on a sheet to which an image is formed by executing each image forming process, based on the simulation result, and to verify whether or not the region satisfies a predetermined criterion. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a control method thereof for simulating an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet-like recording material and verifying the result.

  In general, in the design process of an image forming apparatus that is an embedded system, control software to be incorporated into the image forming apparatus is constructed in accordance with the control specifications. When constructing the control software, it is desirable that the constructed control software can be legitimately evaluated even when there is no actual image forming apparatus. Therefore, a method for evaluating the validity of the constructed control software by executing a simulation related to the control software on an information processing apparatus such as a computer and verifying a log of the simulation result has been proposed.

For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a simulation apparatus that simulates control software of an embedded system and evaluates the control software based on the simulation log. In addition, the simulation apparatus has a function of determining the validity of the control software by comparing the output log with an expected value set in advance or an output result of the previous simulation.
JP 2005-49947 A

  However, the above-described conventional technology has the following problems. For example, when determining the legitimacy of the control software, there is a problem that the timing of control by the software is not considered. Assuming that a simulation related to the control operation of the image forming apparatus is executed, only the output value of each image forming process is evaluated, and the control timing of each process is not evaluated. As a result, even if the output value of the image forming process is valid, if the control timing is not valid, there is a problem that an image cannot be formed at an appropriate position on the recording material.

  In addition, there is a problem in that it is not assumed that parameter settings necessary for evaluating the validity of the control software are changed in the simulation process. For example, in an image forming apparatus, when image formation is continuously performed on a recording material, there is a problem in that the correctness of the control operation cannot be properly evaluated when image forming conditions are changed during the process.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides an information processing apparatus and an information processing system that execute a simulation related to a control operation of an image forming apparatus and verify a simulation result based on a control timing of the control operation. It is intended to provide.

  The present invention can be realized as an information processing apparatus, for example. An information processing apparatus includes a simulation unit that simulates a control operation of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, and a verification unit that verifies a simulation log by the simulation unit The simulation unit includes a first setting unit that sets an image forming condition in the image forming apparatus as a simulation condition, and a recording material conveyance timing to a transfer unit that transfers an image to the recording material based on the simulation condition. Simulation execution means for simulating a control operation for controlling each load of the image forming apparatus according to the above, and outputting an output value indicating the control state of each load in time series as a simulation log. The output value by the execution means was output In imming, the first reference for determining whether or not the processing for each load has been executed based on the output value, and whether or not the image forming area that is the position where the image is formed on the recording material are valid A second setting means for setting the second reference for determining whether the recording material reaches the transfer portion of the output value by referring to the time-series output value by the simulation execution means. When a signal is detected by a signal detection unit that detects a signal serving as a calculation reference, and when the signal detection unit detects the signal, the timing at which the recording material reaches the transfer portion is calculated, and when the load corresponds to each load at the calculated timing A first identification unit that refers to the output value of the series, determines whether each of the output values satisfies the first criterion, and identifies a period during which the process is executed in each load; Special by means And determining whether the image forming area specified by the second specifying means and the image forming area specified by the second specifying means satisfy the second reference based on the period of each load. When the determination means and the determination means determine that the second criterion is satisfied, the information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is valid is output, and the second criterion is not satisfied. And output means for outputting information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is not valid when it is determined.

  The present invention can be realized as an information processing apparatus, for example. An information processing apparatus includes a simulation unit that simulates a control operation of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, and a verification unit that verifies a simulation log by the simulation unit The simulation unit includes a first setting unit that sets an image forming condition in the image forming apparatus as a simulation condition, and a recording material conveyance timing to a transfer unit that transfers an image to the recording material based on the simulation condition. Simulation execution means for simulating a control operation for controlling each load of the image forming apparatus according to the above, and outputting an output value indicating the control state of each load in time series as a simulation log. The output value by the execution means was output In imming, when a change occurs in the output value of each load, a second setting means for setting a first reference for determining whether or not the timing of the change and the output value are valid When the vertical synchronization signal is detected by the signal detection means and the signal detection means among the output values with reference to the time-series output values by the simulation execution means, each load corresponds to each load. Change detection means for detecting a change in the output value with reference to the time-series output value, and the timing of the change and the output value each time a change in the output value is detected by the change detection means Are the first determination means for determining whether or not the first criterion is satisfied, the determination result by the first determination means, the timing of all changes in the time series of output values, and all the timings at each timing. Output Is determined to satisfy the first criterion, information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is valid is output, and the timing of any change in the time series of the output value or the relevant And output means for outputting information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is not valid when it is determined that the output value at the timing does not satisfy the first criterion.

The present invention can be realized as an information processing system, for example. An information processing system includes a simulation device that simulates a control operation of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, and a verification device that verifies a simulation log by the simulation device The simulation apparatus includes a first setting unit that sets an image forming condition in the image forming apparatus as a simulation condition, and a conveyance timing of the recording material to a transfer unit that transfers an image to the recording material based on the simulation condition. Simulation execution means for simulating a control operation for controlling each load of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the output and outputting an output value indicating the control state of each load in time series as a simulation log. The output value by the execution means is output. The first reference for determining whether or not the processing at each load has been executed at the determined timing based on the output value and the image forming area that is the position where the image is formed on the recording material are valid. The second setting means for determining whether or not, the second setting means for setting, and the time-series output values by the simulation execution means, the recording material reaches the transfer portion of the output values When the signal is detected by the signal detection means that detects the timing calculation reference signal and the signal detection means, the timing at which the recording material reaches the transfer portion is calculated, and each load is supported at the calculated timing. A first specifying means for determining whether each of the output values satisfies the first standard, and specifying a period during which the processing is executed in each load; Means of identification Based on the period of each more specified load, a second specifying unit for specifying the image forming region and whether the image forming region specified by the second specifying unit satisfies the second criterion. When the determination means and the determination means determine that the second criterion is satisfied, the information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation device is valid is output and the second criterion is satisfied. And output means for outputting information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation apparatus is not valid when it is determined that the simulation result is not valid.

The present invention can be realized as an information processing system, for example. An information processing system includes a simulation device that simulates a control operation of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, and a verification device that verifies a simulation log by the simulation device The simulation apparatus includes a first setting unit that sets an image forming condition in the image forming apparatus as a simulation condition, and a conveyance timing of the recording material to a transfer unit that transfers an image to the recording material based on the simulation condition. Simulation execution means for simulating a control operation for controlling each load of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the output and outputting an output value indicating the control state of each load in time series as a simulation log. The output value by the execution means is output. When a change occurs in the output value of each load at the determined timing, a second reference is set to determine whether the timing at which the change occurs and the output value are valid. With reference to the time series output values by the setting means and the simulation execution means, when the vertical synchronization signal is detected by the signal detection means and the signal detection means among the output values, each load is detected. With reference to the corresponding time-series output value, a change detection means for detecting that a change has occurred in the output value, and each time a change in the output value is detected by the change detection means, the timing of the change, A first determination unit that determines whether or not the output value satisfies the first criterion; a timing of all changes in the time series of the output value as a result of the determination by the first determination unit; and each timing All in The output value and is, if it is determined to satisfy the first criterion, and outputs information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation device is valid, of any change in the time series of the output values When it is determined that the timing or the output value at the timing does not satisfy the first criterion, an output means for outputting information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation device is not valid is provided. .

  The present invention can be realized as a method for controlling an information processing apparatus, for example. A control method includes: a simulation unit that simulates a control operation of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that performs image formation on a recording material; and a verification unit that verifies a simulation log by the simulation unit. In the control method, the simulation means sets a first setting step for setting an image forming condition in the image forming apparatus as the simulation condition, and the recording material to the transfer unit that transfers the image to the recording material based on the simulation condition. A simulation operation step of simulating a control operation for controlling each load of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the conveyance timing, and outputting an output value indicating a control state of each load in time series as a simulation log, and a verification unit The simulation execution step A first reference for determining whether processing at each load has been executed based on the output value at the timing when the output value is output, and an image forming area that is a position where an image is formed on the recording material The second reference for determining whether or not is valid is referred to, the second setting step for setting, and the time-series output value by the simulation execution step, and the output value is recorded in the transfer unit When a signal is detected by a signal detection step for detecting a signal that serves as a calculation reference for the timing at which the material arrives, and the signal detection step, the timing at which the recording material reaches the transfer portion is calculated, and at the calculated timing, A first time for referring to time-series output values corresponding to each load, determining whether each of the output values satisfies the first criterion, and specifying a period during which processing is executed in each load The second specifying step for specifying the image forming area based on the specifying step, the period of each load specified by the first specifying step, and the image forming area specified by the second specifying step are the second If the determination step determines whether or not the second criterion is satisfied and the determination step determines that the second criterion is satisfied, information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is valid is output. However, when it is determined that the second criterion is not satisfied, an output step of outputting information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation unit is not valid is executed.

  The present invention can be realized as a method for controlling an information processing apparatus, for example. A control method includes: a simulation unit that simulates a control operation of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that performs image formation on a recording material; and a verification unit that verifies a simulation log by the simulation unit. In the control method, the simulation means sets a first setting step for setting an image forming condition in the image forming apparatus as the simulation condition, and the recording material to the transfer unit that transfers the image to the recording material based on the simulation condition. A simulation operation step of simulating a control operation for controlling each load of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the conveyance timing, and outputting an output value indicating a control state of each load in time series as a simulation log, and a verification unit The simulation execution step When a change occurs in the output value of each load at the timing when the output value is output, a first reference is set for determining whether the timing at which the change occurs and the output value are valid. When the vertical synchronization signal is detected by the signal detection step of detecting the vertical synchronization signal and the signal detection step of the output value with reference to the time-series output values of the second setting step and the simulation execution step. , Referring to the time-series output value corresponding to each load, detecting a change in the output value, and whenever a change in the output value is detected by the change detection step, the change The first determination step for determining whether or not the timing and the output value satisfy the first criterion, and the result of determination by the first determination step, all of the output values in time series When it is determined that the change timing and all the output values at each timing satisfy the first standard, information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is valid is output, and the output value When it is determined that the timing of any change in the time series or the output value at the timing does not satisfy the first reference, output indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is not valid And executing the step.

The present invention can be realized as a control method of an information processing system, for example. A control method includes: a simulation apparatus that simulates a control operation of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that performs image formation on a recording material; and a verification apparatus that verifies a simulation log by the simulation apparatus. A simulation method includes: a first setting step for setting an image forming condition in an image forming apparatus as a simulation condition; and a recording material to a transfer unit that transfers an image to the recording material based on the simulation condition. A simulation operation that controls each load of the image forming apparatus according to the conveyance timing is simulated, and a simulation execution step that outputs an output value indicating a control state of each load in time series is executed as a simulation log, and the verification apparatus The simulation execution step The first reference for determining whether or not the processing for each load has been executed at the timing when the output value is output, and image formation that is the position where the image is formed on the recording material The second reference for determining whether the region is valid or not, the second setting step for setting, and the time-series output value by the simulation execution step are referred to. A signal detection step for detecting a signal that serves as a calculation reference for the timing at which the recording material arrives, and when the signal is detected by the signal detection step, the timing at which the recording material reaches the transfer portion is calculated. Referring to the time-series output values corresponding to each load, determine whether each of the output values satisfies the first standard, and specify the period during which the process was executed in each load A first specifying step, a second specifying step for specifying an image forming area based on a period of each load specified by the first specifying step, and an image forming area specified by the second specifying step, A determination step for determining whether or not the second criterion is satisfied, and information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation device is valid when the determination step determines that the second criterion is satisfied. Is output, and when it is determined that the second criterion is not satisfied, an output step of outputting information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation apparatus is not valid is executed.

The present invention can be realized as a control method of an information processing system, for example. A control method includes: a simulation apparatus that simulates a control operation of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that performs image formation on a recording material; and a verification apparatus that verifies a simulation log by the simulation apparatus. A simulation method includes: a first setting step for setting an image forming condition in an image forming apparatus as a simulation condition; and a recording material to a transfer unit that transfers an image to the recording material based on the simulation condition. A simulation operation that controls each load of the image forming apparatus according to the conveyance timing is simulated, and a simulation execution step that outputs an output value indicating a control state of each load in time series is executed as a simulation log, and the verification apparatus The simulation execution step When a change occurs in the output value of each load at the timing at which the output value is output, the first criterion for determining whether the timing at which the change has occurred and the output value is valid is used. A vertical synchronization signal is detected by a signal detection step of detecting a vertical synchronization signal and a signal detection step of the output value with reference to a second setting step to be set and a time-series output value by the simulation execution step. And a time series output value corresponding to each load, a change detecting step for detecting that the output value has changed, and a change in the output value detected by the change detecting step, A first determination step for determining whether the timing of the change and the output value satisfy the first criterion; and, as a result of determination by the first determination step, And timing of the change in Te, and all of the output value at each timing, when it is determined to satisfy the first criterion, and outputs information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation apparatus is legitimate, When it is determined that the timing of any change in the time series of the output value or the output value at the timing does not satisfy the first criterion, information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation device is not valid is output. And performing an output step.

  According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing system that can execute a simulation related to a control operation of an image forming apparatus and verify a simulation result based on a control timing of the control operation. Furthermore, the present invention can provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing system that can arbitrarily change settings necessary for verification in the verification process.

  An embodiment of the present invention is shown below. The embodiments described below will help to understand various concepts such as the superordinate concept, intermediate concept and subordinate concept of the present invention. Further, the technical scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the claims, and is not limited by the following embodiments.

<First Embodiment>
<Overall configuration of image forming apparatus to be simulated>
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14 and FIG.

  First, an image forming apparatus that is a target of computer simulation by the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. An image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer forms a toner image in accordance with an image signal, and forms the image by transferring the toner image onto a sheet-like recording material (paper) 11. The image forming apparatus sequentially executes a plurality of image forming processes such as exposure, development, transfer, and fixing in an image forming process.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus to be simulated in the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus is an in-line image forming apparatus, and includes photosensitive drums 3a to 3d that are four image carriers that form toner images of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Each of the photosensitive drums 3a to 3d is a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a toner image having a normal charging polarity and a negative polarity is formed on each surface. Around the photosensitive drums 3a to 3d, charging rollers 4a to 4d and developing devices 8a to 8d are arranged, and these are integrally provided in the process cartridges 6a to 6d. Exposure units 5a to 5d are disposed above the photosensitive drums 3a to 3d, and an intermediate transfer belt (hereinafter referred to as “ITB”) 2 serving as an intermediate transfer member is disposed below the photosensitive drums 3a to 3d. The ITB 2 stretched around the rollers 21, 23 and 24 and the primary transfer rollers 22a to 22d is driven by the roller 21 and rotated in the direction of the arrow at substantially the same speed as the photosensitive drums 3a to 3d. Hereinafter, the flow of image formation in the image forming apparatus will be described.

  The photosensitive drums 3a to 3d are negatively charged by the charging rollers 4a to 4d that are in contact with each other. For the charged photosensitive drums 3a to 3d, the exposure units 5a to 5d expose light images of respective colors based on the color-separated image signals. Thereby, latent images of the respective colors are formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 3a to 3d. Each latent image is reversely developed by the developing devices 8a to 8d, and toner images of respective colors are sequentially formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 3a to 3d. The toner images of the respective colors on the photosensitive drums 3a to 3d are sequentially primary transferred electrostatically to the outer peripheral surface of the ITB 2 by a primary transfer bias (positive voltage) applied to the primary transfer rollers 22a to 22d. The As a result, toner images of a plurality of colors are formed on the ITB 2 in a superimposed manner.

  Next, the paper 11 is fed from the paper storage cassette 13 by the pickup roller 12, reaches the registration sensor 15, and stops. Thereafter, the sheet 11 is fed to the transfer unit by the registration roller 14 at a predetermined timing. At the same time, a secondary transfer bias (positive voltage) is applied to the secondary transfer roller 7, whereby the toner image is electrostatically transferred from the ITB 2 to the paper 11. The sheet 11 is conveyed to the fixing unit 10 by the registration roller 14 and the secondary transfer roller 7, and the transferred toner image is melted and fixed. Thus, a color image is formed on the paper 11.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment executes the simulation related to the control operation of the image forming apparatus as described above, and executes verification processing including verification of control timing for the validity of the simulation result. Further, information on the validity of the control operation of the image forming apparatus based on the simulation is output.

<Schematic configuration of information processing apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The information processing apparatus 100 can be realized by a personal computer, a workstation, or the like. The central processing unit (CPU) 101 accesses the devices 102 to 109 via the bus 120 and controls them. The ROM 102 is a read-only memory that can be accessed from the CPU 101 via the bus 120. The RAM 103 is a readable / writable memory. The input interface 104 receives input from the user via the input device 105 such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a tablet. The output interface 106 is an interface for displaying and outputting data to the output device 107. The output device 107 includes a display device 107a such as a CRT or LCD, and an output device 107b such as a printer or a plotter. The external storage interface 108 is an interface for inputting / outputting data to / from the external storage device 110 such as the hard disk 109, FD, CD-ROM, MO, CF. The hard disk 109 stores a processing program 109a for realizing an image forming process verification function, various setting data 109b including information on a device to be verified for the image forming process, and firmware 109c.

  In the verification process of the image forming process, the processing program 109a, the setting data 109b, and the firmware 109c are loaded into the RAM 103, and the program is executed by the CPU 101 of the information processing apparatus 100.

  In the information processing apparatus 100, the simulation and verification processing according to the present embodiment is executed via an operating system (OS) that is a basic program. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, Windows (registered trademark) manufactured by Microsoft (registered trademark) is described as an example of the OS of the information processing apparatus 100, but the present invention is not limited to this.

<Functional configuration of information processing apparatus>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The information processing apparatus 100 includes, as functional modules, a simulation unit 200 that performs a simulation of a control operation in the image forming apparatus and a verification unit 210 that verifies the simulation result. Below, while explaining the function of each part of information processor 100, the simulation and verification processing concerning this embodiment are explained. In addition, although demonstrated as the information processing apparatus 100 provided with the simulation part 200 and the verification part 210 here, this invention is realizable also as an information processing system provided with a simulation apparatus and a verification apparatus.

  When the information processing apparatus 100 starts a simulation of a control operation in the image forming apparatus, the information processing apparatus 100 inputs the image forming conditions input by the user to the simulation unit 200. The image forming conditions include various information such as paper size, number of printed sheets, color image or monochrome image, single-sided printing or double-sided printing, and outside air temperature.

  The simulation unit 200 sets the input image forming conditions as simulation conditions. This process corresponds to the process by the first setting means. The simulation unit 200 includes a CPU simulator 201 and an external factor simulator 202, and executes a simulation of the image forming apparatus according to simulation conditions. The CPU simulator 201 executes simulation using control software that is actually mounted on the CPU of the image forming apparatus. The external factor simulator 202 simulates each load (image forming process) in the image forming process. The external factor simulator 202 outputs an output signal of each process to the CPU simulator 201 so that the CPU simulator 201 can operate in the same manner as the actual machine. Specifically, the external factor simulator 202 outputs output signals from a paper detection sensor, a drive actuator, and the like to the CPU simulator 201 in accordance with the output from the CPU simulator 201. The simulation unit 200 outputs an output value indicating the control state of each process in time series as a log of the simulation, and stores it in a file. The output log (hereinafter referred to as “timing log”) is output to the verification unit 210 and used for the simulation result verification process. Note that the simulation in the simulation unit 200 corresponds to processing by a simulation execution unit.

  The verification unit 210 includes a user setting unit 211, a setting information storage unit 212, an input information storage unit 213, an analysis unit 214, and a determination unit 217. The analysis unit 214 includes a single process analysis unit 215 and a composite process analysis unit 216. The verification unit 210 inputs a timing log that is a simulation result of the simulation unit 200 as information to be verified. Below, the function of each component of the verification unit 210 will be described.

  The user setting unit 211 functions as an interface for a user to set data necessary for verification of a simulation result, such as a timing log, a sheet size, a speed, an image forming process position, an image forming process determination condition, and a reference image area. . Each setting data set in the user setting unit 211 is stored in the setting information storage unit 212. Here, each setting data set in the user setting unit 211 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8. 3 to 8 show setting screens displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus (not shown in FIG. 2). The process in the user setting unit 211 corresponds to the process by the second setting unit.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a setting screen for setting a timing log file given to the verification unit 210 and a reference signal for detecting the leading edge of the conveyed paper from the timing log according to the first embodiment. FIG. The timing log file is generated in a predetermined format in the simulation unit 200. In the file, numerical values indicating the occurrence and state of events in each process are described as a time series log. Note that a timing log file can be generated by using an existing real machine. In the setting screen of FIG. 3, the verification unit 210 selects a file to be verified. The reference signal selected together with the file is a signal that serves as a reference for detecting the leading edge of the paper, and serves as a reference for verifying the time-series timing log in the verification unit 210. As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the paper detection signal in the secondary transfer unit is selected as the reference signal. The paper detection signal is a signal that is output when a paper is detected in a secondary transfer unit where a formed image is transferred to the paper. As a reference signal, a vertical synchronization signal (hereinafter referred to as “/ TOP signal”) can be selected.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting the paper size used in the simulation according to the first embodiment. The paper size specified here is used for determination regarding the validity of the image forming process in the simulation. It is also possible to automatically detect the paper size based on an external input signal.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a conveyance speed (hereinafter referred to as “process conveyance speed”) when an image formed based on execution of each image forming process according to the first embodiment is conveyed from each processing unit to the transfer unit. And a conveyance speed when the sheet is conveyed to the transfer unit (hereinafter referred to as “sheet conveyance speed”). The image forming apparatus can arbitrarily change the process transport speed and the paper transport speed according to the conditions for image formation. For example, when printing on a thicker sheet than usual, the image forming apparatus performs image formation at a lower speed because both the amount of heat required for fixing the image increases than usual. At the time of verification in the verification unit 210, the user sets the speed used for the simulation on the setting screen of FIG. It is possible to set a different process conveyance speed for each image forming process. As will be described later, the setting data here is used to calculate the position where the image processed by each image forming process is transferred on the paper.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting a distance from a reference position to a position where each image forming process is performed according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the position of the secondary transfer portion is set as a reference position. The distance represents a physical distance from the time when each image forming process is executed in the image forming apparatus to the time when an image formed based on the execution of the process reaches the secondary transfer unit through each process. . Note that the position of each processing unit in which each image forming process is executed differs depending on the structure of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the user needs to set the distance based on the structure of the image forming apparatus simulated by the simulation unit 200.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting conditions used for determining whether or not each image forming process is being executed according to the first embodiment. This determination condition value corresponds to a first reference for determining whether or not each image forming process has been executed based on the output value in the timing log. If the output value of the image forming process to be verified in the timing log satisfies the condition shown in FIG. 7, it is determined that the process is being executed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting an allowable range of a position where an image formed by each image forming process is transferred on a sheet according to the first embodiment. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the set value set in FIG. 8 is used as a reference for determining the validity of each image forming process. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the positions of the leading and trailing edges of the formed image with respect to the paper transport direction are within a predetermined range from the leading and trailing edges of the paper (hereinafter referred to as “reference image region”). In the case of the above, finally, information indicating that the simulation result is valid is output. Note that this criterion corresponds to a second criterion for determining whether or not the position where an image is formed on a sheet (on a recording material) is valid.

  As described above, the setting value set by the user setting unit 211 using each setting screen is stored in the setting information storage unit 212. The timing log output from the simulation unit 200 and input to the verification unit 210 is stored in the input information storage unit 213. The analysis unit 214 analyzes the simulation result using the timing log stored in the input information storage unit 213 and the setting data stored in the setting information storage unit 212.

  A single process analysis unit 215 of the analysis unit 214 analyzes a time series of output values of each image forming process. First, the single process analysis unit 215 refers to the time series of output values of each image forming process in the timing log, and determines whether each output value satisfies the criteria set by the conditions set in FIG. Determine. Thereby, in each image forming process, the period during which the process is executed is specified. Note that the processing in the single process analysis unit 215 corresponds to processing by the first specifying unit.

  Here, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the execution timing in the single image forming process and the sheet detection timing based on the sheet detection signal according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 9, it can be seen that the image forming process A is performed within an allowable period between TA1 and TA2 that satisfies the set determination condition. An image formed based on the execution of the process in this period reaches the transfer section between TA1 'and TA2' after a predetermined transport time ΔTA. The conveyance time ΔTA is obtained by ΔTA = (LA / VA) based on the distance LA between the processing unit position of the image forming process A and the secondary transfer unit and the process conveyance speed VA. Further, in FIG. 9, as a result of the signal detection by the paper detection signal, paper exists in the secondary transfer portion between T1 and T2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the image formed based on the execution of the process between TA1 and TA2 is transferred onto the paper. As described above, the image forming apparatus executes each image forming process in accordance with the timing at which the formed image is transferred to the paper.

  Next, the composite process analysis unit 216 of the analysis unit 214 uses the analysis result of the single process analysis unit 215 to analyze image formation processing based on the execution of each image formation process. Specifically, the composite process analysis unit 216 specifies a position (hereinafter, referred to as an “image forming area”) on which an image formed through execution of each image forming process is transferred on a sheet.

  Here, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between execution timings in a plurality of image forming processes and sheet detection timing based on a sheet detection signal according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the execution timing of each image forming process specified by the single process analysis unit 215 is different. This is because a transfer unit (secondary transfer) from a processing unit of each image forming process such as a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, and a transfer unit (primary transfer unit) to an intermediate transfer member in each color image forming unit. This is due to the difference in physical distance between the two). That is, each image forming process needs to be executed at an appropriate timing so that the formed image is superimposed and transferred to an appropriate position on the paper. First, the composite process analysis unit 216 uses the analysis result of the single process analysis unit 215, and the image formed based on the execution of each image forming process reaches the secondary transfer unit and is transferred to the sheet. Calculate the period. The period can be calculated by adding an image conveyance time corresponding to ΔTA in FIG. 9 to the process execution time obtained in the single process analysis unit 215. Based on the calculated information, the composite process analysis unit 216 identifies an image forming area.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a plurality of image forming processes and image forming areas according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 11, the image conveyance time in the image forming processes A to E is ΔTA to ΔTE. Considering the image transport time in each image forming process, the image formed based on the execution of each process is transferred to the position shown in FIG. 11 on the paper. At this time, the overlapping part of the period in which each image forming process is executed, that is, the period in which all the image forming processes are executed is specified as the image forming area. The composite process analysis unit 216 outputs data relating to the identified image forming area to the determination unit 217. Note that the processing in the composite process analysis unit 216 corresponds to processing by the second specifying unit.

  The determination unit 217 compares the data related to the image forming area input from the composite process analysis unit 216 with the setting data related to the reference image area stored in the setting information storage unit 212, and determines the image at a valid position on the sheet. It is determined whether or not is formed. Further, the determination result is output as a verification result by the verification unit 210. Hereinafter, a comparison and determination method in the determination unit 217 will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the sheet position and the image forming area according to the first embodiment. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 12A, the determination unit 217 determines that the image forming process is valid when the image forming area is located on almost the entire surface of the sheet and image formation is performed on the area. It shall be determined. On the other hand, when the image forming area protrudes from the sheet as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12D, the determination unit 217 displays the image on the sheet as shown in FIGS. 12C and 12E. When the number of forming areas is small, or when the image forming area is interrupted on the sheet as shown in FIG. 12F, it is determined that the image forming process is not valid.

  In order to determine whether or not the image forming area is properly positioned on the sheet, for example, the determination unit 217 executes the following processing. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination method related to the validity of the image forming area according to the first embodiment. First, the determination unit 217 specifies the positions of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the image forming area, and determines whether or not each position is in the reference image area shown in FIG. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the positions of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the image forming area are within the range between the area 1301 and the area 1302 set on the setting screen of FIG. Further, in an area 1303 between the area 1301 and the area 1302, it is determined whether or not the image forming area is interrupted. Based on the above determination process, the determination unit 217 determines the validity of the image forming process, and outputs the result as the verification result of the verification unit 210. The verification unit 210 saves the verification result in an export file as necessary. Further, by giving the export file as an input to the verification unit 210, it is possible to display the verification result on a display unit (not shown).

  In the present embodiment, each functional module of the simulation unit 200 and the verification unit 210 may be realized as a software module. In the case of a software module, the module is stored in the external storage device 110 before execution of the simulation and verification processing, and is expanded in the RAM 103 and executed by the CPU 101 at the time of execution. In addition, each functional module may be implemented by configuring an information processing system by being mounted on a separate device and transmitting / receiving data between the devices.

<Procedure of verification processing in information processing apparatus>
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a verification processing procedure in the verification unit 210 of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. As described above, the information processing apparatus 100 first executes the simulation of the control operation in the image forming apparatus in the simulation unit 200 based on the simulation condition set by the user. Regarding the output result obtained by the simulation, the information processing apparatus 100 executes a verification process based on the following flow in the verification unit 210.

  In step S101, as described above, the user performs settings necessary for the verification process in the user setting unit 211. Next, in step S <b> 102, the verification unit 210 reads a timing log, which is a simulation result and is a target of verification processing, and stores it in the input information storage unit 213. Further, in step S103, the verification unit 210 initializes a counter x for counting the number of pages of the sheet onto which the formed image is transferred to 0, and proceeds to step S104. Note that the counter may be managed inside the verification unit 210.

  In step S104, the verification unit 210 adds 1 to the counter x in order to verify the control operation of the image forming process for the first page of paper. In step S105, the verification unit 210 refers to a time series of output values of the sheet detection signal in the timing log, and searches for a signal that is a calculation reference for the timing at which the first page sheet reaches the secondary transfer unit. . Here, the verification unit 210 detects a predetermined change (for example, rise or fall of the signal, change to a predetermined value, or the like) in the time series of the output value of the paper detection signal. In step S106, the verification unit 210 determines whether a predetermined change is detected in the signal. If the predetermined change is not detected, the verification unit 210 determines that the simulation has ended, and ends the verification process. On the other hand, if a predetermined change is detected, the verification unit 210 determines that a paper detection signal has been detected, and proceeds to step S107. After step S107, the verification unit 210 calculates the timing at which the paper reaches the secondary transfer unit based on the detected signal, and verifies the simulation result of the image forming process based on the timing. Note that the processing in step S106 corresponds to processing by the signal detection means.

  In step S107, the verification unit 210 refers to the output value of each image forming process in the timing log using the single process analysis unit 215. In step S108, the verification unit 210 determines whether each output value satisfies the determination condition set in FIG. 7 in each image forming process, and the process is executed in the time series of output values. Specify the period. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, the verification unit 210 determines whether all image forming processes have been executed. When all the image forming processes are executed, the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if any one of the image forming processes is not executed, the process proceeds to step S114, and information indicating that the image forming process is not valid is output.

  In step S <b> 110, the verification unit 210 uses the composite process analysis unit 216 to specify an image forming area. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S111.

  In step S111, the verification unit 210 determines whether the leading edge and the trailing edge of the identified image forming area are in the reference image area. When the leading edge and the trailing edge of the image forming area are in the reference image area, the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, when the leading edge and the trailing edge of the image forming area are not in the reference image area, the process proceeds to step S114, and information indicating that the image forming process is not valid is output.

  In step S112, the verification unit 210 determines whether there is no break between the leading edge and the trailing edge in the identified image forming area. If there is no break in the image forming area, the process proceeds to step S113. On the other hand, if there is a break in the image forming area, the process proceeds to step S114, and information indicating that the image forming process is not valid is output.

  In step S113, the verification unit 210 outputs information indicating that the image forming process for the currently verified paper is valid as a result of the verification. Thereafter, the process returns to step S104, 1 is added to the counter x, and the process proceeds to the verification of the image forming process for the next sheet.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment simulates the control operation of the image forming apparatus and executes verification processing on the simulation result. Specifically, an area formed by executing each image forming process is identified as an area to be transferred on a sheet, and it is verified whether or not the area satisfies a predetermined standard. Accordingly, it can be determined whether or not the image forming apparatus appropriately controls each process in accordance with the sheet conveyance timing. Further, the validity of the image forming process can be determined based on the determination result.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that printing is continuously performed under the same printing conditions as the simulation conditions in the simulation unit 200. The user performs settings necessary for the verification process in the user setting unit 211 of the verification unit 210 according to the simulation conditions. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, simulation conditions are set on the assumption that the printing conditions are changed during continuous printing on a plurality of pages of paper. The verification unit 210 sets a condition for determining execution of each image forming process in accordance with the change of the simulation condition. Hereinafter, only a technique different from the first embodiment will be described in detail.

  Here, there are the following cases where the printing conditions are different. For example, in the image forming apparatus, when a monochrome image print command is given during printing of a color image, the image forming process to be executed changes. Specifically, an image forming process relating to four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is executed for printing a color image, whereas an image forming process relating to black is used for printing a monochrome image. Only executed. Further, when the outside air temperature in the environment where the image forming apparatus is installed changes, the output value of each image forming process changes. In response to such simulation conditions, the verification unit 210 needs to change the image forming process to be verified or change the conditions for determining execution of the image forming process.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment reads the simulation conditions set in the simulation unit 200 from the timing log input from the simulation unit 200 to the verification unit 210. Further, the setting data necessary for the verification process is automatically changed based on the read simulation conditions.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting conditions used for determining whether or not the image forming process is being executed according to the second embodiment. For example, the user sets a determination condition in the user setting unit 211 for each printing condition that changes in the simulation unit 200. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the user assigns an ID for identifying the printing condition for each printing condition of the simulation unit 200. In addition, the user sets a signal line for notifying the printing condition from the simulation unit 200 to the verification unit 210 and a value to be input to the signal line in accordance with the ID of the printing condition. Here, the signal line corresponds to an internal variable used in the simulation unit 200, and is output to the timing log as a result of the simulation. When the verification unit 210 determines printing conditions based on a plurality of signal lines, a plurality of signal lines are set for the same printing condition ID.

  In the present embodiment, the verification unit 210 reads signal line information including a value indicating a printing condition from the input timing log. Further, the verification unit 210 identifies, for each sheet, conditions set by the simulation unit 200 when executing the simulation, and inputs setting data necessary for verification processing to the analysis unit 214. The analysis unit 214 determines execution of each image forming process based on the setting data, and specifies an image forming area.

<Procedure of verification processing in information processing apparatus>
Next, FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a verification processing procedure in the verification unit 210 of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. As described above, in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, simulation conditions based on a plurality of printing conditions are set for the simulation unit 200. The simulation unit 200 executes a control operation simulation in the image forming apparatus based on the set simulation conditions. Regarding the output result obtained by the simulation, the information processing apparatus 100 executes a verification process based on the following flow in the verification unit 210.

  Steps S201 to S206 are the same processes as steps S101 to S106 in FIG. 26 of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  In step S207, the verification unit 210 refers to the output value of each image forming process in the timing log using the single process analysis unit 215. Thereafter, in step S208, the verification unit 210 identifies the printing condition in the simulation unit 200 from the output value of each image forming process, and sets the condition for determining the execution of the process based on this. Here, for example, the verification unit 210 reads a value indicating the printing condition from the timing log at the timing when the leading edge of the sheet is detected in step S206. The verification unit 210 reads the conditions for determining execution of each image forming process from the setting information storage unit 212 to the analysis unit 214 based on the identified printing conditions. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S209, the verification unit 210 specifies a period during which each image forming process is executed based on the determination condition set in step S208. Based on this, in step S210 and subsequent steps, the verification unit 210 executes a simulation verification process. Note that steps S210 to S215 are the same processing as steps S109 to S114 in FIG. 26 of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment automatically changes the condition for determining the execution of each image forming process in accordance with the change of the simulation condition. Further, the information processing apparatus sets the determination condition by identifying the simulation condition in the verification unit. As a result, even in a simulation in which printing is continuously performed on a plurality of sheets, even when the printing condition is changed during the simulation, it is possible to determine the validity of the image forming process based on the simulation.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment is characterized in that the simulation unit 200 executes the simulation and the verification unit 210 executes the simulation verification process at the same time. Hereinafter, only a technique different from the first embodiment will be described in detail.

  The functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is realized by the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, a simulation unit 200 according to the present embodiment outputs an output value of each image forming process as a simulation result in real time. The verification unit 210 inputs this as a timing log in real time and stores it in the input information storage unit 213.

  Next, FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a simulation in the simulation unit 200 and a verification process in the verification unit 210 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment.

  In step S <b> 301, the user performs setting of simulation conditions and settings necessary for verifying the simulation conditions on the information processing apparatus 100. In combination with the second embodiment, it is also possible to set a plurality of printing conditions and execute simulation and verification processing.

  In step S <b> 302, based on a user operation, the simulation unit of the information processing apparatus 100 executes a simulation of a control operation in the image forming apparatus in the simulation unit 200. The simulation unit outputs the output result obtained by the simulation in real time. On the other hand, the verification unit 210 reads the output result as a timing log in real time and stores it in the input information storage unit 213.

  In step S303, the verification unit 210 initializes a counter x for counting the number of pages of the paper to be verified to 0. The counter is managed inside the verification unit 210. Thereafter, in step S304, the verification unit 210 adds 1 to the counter x in order to verify the control operation of the image forming process for the first page sheet, and the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S305, the verification unit 210 refers to the output value of the paper detection signal in the timing log input in real time, and monitors a signal indicating that the paper to be analyzed is detected. If the verification unit 210 does not detect a sheet, the verification unit 210 determines that the simulation has ended, and ends the verification process. On the other hand, when a sheet is detected, the process proceeds to step S306, and a simulation verification process regarding image formation on the sheet is performed.

  In step S306, the verification unit 210 calculates a required time ΔTP for image formation on the paper at the timing when the paper is detected. For example, ΔTP can be obtained by ΔTP = (LP / VP) where LP is the sheet length and VP is the sheet conveyance speed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S307. Note that LP and VP are obtained by referring to a timing log at the timing when the paper is detected or by referring to a value set in advance by the user setting unit 211.

  In step S307, the verification unit 210 waits until ΔTP has elapsed and the simulation of the analysis target paper is completed. When ΔTP has elapsed, the verification unit 210 proceeds to step S308 in order to execute a simulation verification process for the sheet. Note that steps S308 to S315 are the same as steps S107 to S114 in FIG. 26 of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment inputs the simulation result in the simulation unit to the verification unit in real time. Thereby, at the same time as executing the simulation related to the image forming process, the verification process for the result of the simulation can be executed.

<Fourth Embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 16 thru | or FIG. 19, and FIG. 29, 4th Embodiment in this invention is described. In the first to third embodiments, an area to which an image formed by executing each image forming process is transferred is specified, and it is verified whether or not the area satisfies a predetermined standard. . On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the validity is not verified based on the area finally transferred to the sheet, but the validity of the output value of each image forming process up to the transfer process. Verify sex. Specifically, the verification unit 210 refers to a time series of output values included in the timing log output from the simulation unit 200, and when a change in the output value is detected, the detection timing and the output value It is characterized by determining validity. Hereinafter, a technique different from that of the first embodiment will be described.

<Functional configuration of information processing apparatus>
The fourth embodiment can be realized by a configuration similar to the functional configuration example shown in FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment. Moreover, since the simulation part 200 of the information processing apparatus 100 is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As in the first embodiment, the verification unit 210 includes a user setting unit 211, a setting information storage unit 212, an input information storage unit 213, an analysis unit 214, and a determination unit 217. However, in the fourth embodiment, the composite process analysis unit 216 is not used in the analysis unit 214, and only the single process analysis unit 215 is used. Below, the part which concerns on this embodiment among the functions of each component of the verification part 210 is demonstrated.

  The user setting unit 211 functions as an interface for the user to set data necessary for verification of simulation results. Among the data to be set in the user setting unit 211, the timing log, paper size, speed, and image forming process position are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the / TOP signal is selected as a reference signal for detecting the leading edge of the conveyed paper from the timing log on the setting screen of FIG. The / TOP signal is a signal that serves as a reference of timing for starting execution of each image forming process in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the verification unit 210 executes a simulation result verification process based on the timing at which the / TOP signal is detected in the timing log.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting a single process determination condition in the single process analysis unit 215 according to the fourth embodiment. The single process determination condition set here corresponds to a first reference used in the single process analysis unit 215 to determine whether the analysis result is valid. On the setting screen, the user can use the input signal corresponding to each image forming process included in the timing log and the relative value until a change is detected in the output value of each process included in each input signal based on the / TOP signal. Time and a valid value that the output value should take at the detection timing of the change are set. In the case where a change occurs in output values at a plurality of timings in one image forming process, each may be set in time series as shown in FIG. Further, for a process in which the output value does not change or a process in which determination regarding the validity of the process is not performed, the input field may be left blank (signals B, F, J, and N in FIG. 18).

  In addition, an allowable error can be set on the setting screen shown in FIG. Here, the allowable error represents a range allowed as a control error of the image forming apparatus itself with respect to each set relative time or an error caused by the performance of the simulator. If the change timing detected by the single process analysis unit 215 is within an allowable error range with respect to the set relative time, it is determined that the change timing is valid. As an allowable error, a common value may be set for all processes as shown in FIG. 16, or a different value may be set for each process.

  As described above, the setting values set using the setting screens by the user setting unit 211 are stored in the setting information storage unit 212 as in the first embodiment. The single process analysis unit 215 of the analysis unit 214 analyzes the timing log input from the simulation unit 200 to the input information storage unit 213 of the verification unit 210 based on the setting data stored in the setting information storage unit 212.

  The single process analysis unit 215 refers to the time series of output values of the image forming process to be verified in the timing log and detects the change. At that time, the single process analysis unit 215 obtains a relative time from the / TOP signal to the detection timing. Here, FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a single process determination condition for an input signal in each image forming process according to the fourth embodiment. The single process analysis unit 215 analyzes the output value for each image forming process (A to E) based on setting data set in time series. For example, in the image forming process A, the values of a′1, a′2, a′3, and a′4 are sequentially set at the relative times a1, a2, a3, and a4 from the output timing of the / TOP signal. If the output changes, the process is determined to be valid. Conversely, if the output value does not change at any timing, it is determined that the process is not valid. The determination result is sent to the determination unit 217 and used for the final determination process in the determination unit 217.

  Based on the determination result of the single process analysis unit 215, the determination unit 217 executes final determination processing regarding the validity of the image forming processing for each sheet. In other words, when the processing in all image forming processes executed based on the output of each / TOP signal is valid, information indicating that image formation on the paper is valid is the verification result in the verification unit 210. Output as. On the other hand, if the process in any of the image forming processes is not valid, information indicating that the image formation on the sheet is not valid is output.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the / TOP signal and the output value change timing in each image forming process according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 shows a case where the image forming apparatus continuously forms an image on each sheet by outputting the / TOP signal continuously at a short time interval. As shown in FIG. 18, in each image forming process, the time from the output timing of the / TOP signal corresponding to each sheet to the timing of actually starting the processing is different from each other. This is because, as described above, the position where each image forming process is executed differs depending on the structure of the image forming apparatus. As a result, the next / TOP signal may be output before the processing of all the image forming processes based on the previous / TOP signal is completed. For example, in FIG. 18, in the image formation for the first / TOP signal output, the timings e1 and e2 of the image forming process E are after the second / TOP signal output timing. In this case, during the execution of the image forming process for the previous / TOP signal, processing for the next / TOP signal is started in another image forming process. Accordingly, even in such a case, the single process analysis unit 215 needs to be able to normally perform the determination regarding the validity of the output value of the image forming process. This can be dealt with by the following processing, for example.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a reference position of determination data for each image forming process in the single process analysis unit 215 according to the fourth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the single process analysis unit 215 manages the reference position of the determination data illustrated in FIG. 17 for each image forming process every time the output of the / TOP signal is detected from the timing log. In each image forming process, the single process analysis unit 215 updates the reference position so as to refer to the next determination data each time a change in the value of the time-series output value is detected. Further, in the image formation based on the / TOP signal, when all the determination data is referred to, a value (END) indicating the end is set as the management information of the reference position of the image forming process. Further, in the image forming process, the process proceeds to image formation based on the next / TOP signal.

  Further, in the single process analysis unit 215, when each image forming process is analyzed, the output value does not change as shown in FIG. 17D, or the control software of the image forming process is caused by a defect. Thus, even when the output value does not change, it is necessary to be able to correctly determine the validity of image formation. For this reason, in this embodiment, a timeout time for determination of each image forming process is set. As the time-out time, as shown by e2 in FIG. 18, the largest relative time is set among the set judgment conditions for all image forming processes. In any one of the image forming processes, when the output value corresponding to all the set determination conditions does not change and the timeout time has elapsed, information indicating that is notified to the determination unit 217. Based on the notification, the determination unit 217 outputs information indicating that the image formation based on the / TOP signal is not valid as a result of the verification process.

<Procedure of verification processing in information processing apparatus>
Next, FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a verification processing procedure in the verification unit 210 of the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 first executes a simulation of a control operation in the image forming apparatus in the simulation unit 200 based on a simulation condition set by a user. Regarding the output result obtained by the simulation, the information processing apparatus 100 executes a verification process based on the following flow in the verification unit 210.

  In step S401, as described above, the user performs settings necessary for the verification process in the user setting unit 211. Based on the set value, the verification unit 210 sets the above-described timeout time. Next, in step S <b> 402, the verification unit 210 reads a timing log, which is a simulation result and is subject to verification processing, and stores it in the input information storage unit 213. Further, in step S403, the verification unit 210 initializes a counter x managed internally to 0 and a counter y to 1, and proceeds to step S404. Here, the counter x is the number of times the / TOP signal is detected from the read timing log, and counts the number of pages of the paper on which image formation is to be performed. The counter y stores the number of pages being determined.

  In step S404, the verification unit 210 sequentially refers to information included in the timing log in time series in order to start verification of the timing log. The timing log is created with time-series output values. Thereafter, in step S405, the verification unit 210 determines whether or not a change has occurred in the output value. When the output value has changed, the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, when the output value has not changed, the process proceeds to step S420, and it is determined whether or not the output value is a value indicating the end of the simulation. In step S420, if the output value is a value indicating the end of the simulation, the verification process is ended. If the output value is not a value indicating the end, the process returns to step S404, and the reference of the timing log is continued. Note that the processing in step S405 corresponds to processing by the change detection means.

  In step S406, the verification unit 210 determines whether the change in the output value is due to detection of the / TOP signal. If the / TOP signal is detected, the process proceeds to step S407, and 1 is added to the counter x. In step S408, the verification unit 210 initializes the reference position information of the determination data as shown in FIG. Here, since there is no change in the output value, when there is an image forming process that does not include determination data, END is set in advance as the reference position of the process. Thereafter, the process returns to step S404, and the reference of the timing log is continued.

  On the other hand, when the / TOP signal is not detected in step S406, the verification unit 210 proceeds to step S409. In step S409, the verification unit 210 determines whether a change in the output value of each image forming process has been detected. If no change in the output value is detected, the process returns to step S404 to continue referring to the timing log. On the other hand, when a change in the output value of the image forming process is detected, the process proceeds to step S410. In step S410, if the counter x is 1 or more and the / TOP signal has already been detected, the verification unit 210 proceeds to step S411. On the other hand, if the counter x is 0 and the / TOP signal has not been detected yet, it is determined that some signal change has been detected when the image forming process is not executed, and the process returns to step S404 to continue referring to the timing log. To do.

  In step S411, the verification unit 210 determines whether the detected change timing and the output value at the timing are valid. Here, regarding the correctness of the timing, the verification unit 210 performs determination in consideration of the above-described allowable error. Here, when the timing and the output value are not valid, the verification unit 210 proceeds to step S412 and outputs information indicating that to the determination unit 217. On the other hand, if the timing and output value are valid, the process proceeds to step S413. Note that the processing in step S411 corresponds to processing by the first determination unit.

  In step S413, the verification unit 210 determines whether all set single process determination conditions have been referenced. Here, the verification unit 210 performs the determination process depending on whether or not the reference position of the determination condition in all image forming processes is set to END. When all the determination conditions are referred to, the process proceeds to step S416. On the other hand, if all the determination conditions have not been referred to yet, the process proceeds to step S414. In step S414, the verification unit 210 refers to whether or not the timeout time has elapsed. If the time-out period has not elapsed, the process returns to step S404 to continue referring to the timing log. When the timeout time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S415. In step S415, the verification unit 210 outputs information indicating that the timeout time has elapsed to the determination unit 217, and proceeds to step S416.

  In step S416, the determination unit 217 determines whether the image forming process for the y-th page is valid. Here, when the time-out time has elapsed, or when any change in the output value in any image forming process is not valid, the determination unit 217 proceeds to step S417, and the image forming process for the y-th page is performed. Information indicating that it is not valid is output as a verification result of the verification unit 210. On the other hand, if the time-out period has not elapsed and all the output value changes are valid in all image forming processes, the process proceeds to step S418, and information indicating that the image forming process for the y-th page is valid is output. To do. Thereafter, 1 is added to the counter y in step S419, and the process returns to step S404 to continue referring to the timing log.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment performs detection when a change is detected in the time series of the output values of each image forming process included in the timing log output from the simulation unit. The validity of the timing and output value is determined. Accordingly, it is possible to determine the validity of the simulation result related to each image forming process from the start of image formation to transfer to a sheet. Further, it is possible to determine the validity of the simulation result of the entire image forming process based on the determination result.

  It is possible to combine this embodiment with the first to third embodiments.

<Fifth Embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 20 thru | or FIG. 23, and FIG. 30, 5th Embodiment in this invention is described. In the fourth embodiment, for each image forming process, the timing at which a change in output value occurs and the validity of the output value are individually determined in the time series of output values included in the timing log. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, the validity of the output value of another related image forming process is further determined at the timing when the output value changes in any of the image forming processes. And In the following, the present embodiment will be described with a focus on technologies different from the first to fourth embodiments.

<Functional configuration of information processing apparatus>
The fifth embodiment can be realized by the same configuration as the functional configuration example shown in FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment. Moreover, since the simulation part 200 of the information processing apparatus 100 is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As in the first embodiment, the verification unit 210 includes a user setting unit 211, a setting information storage unit 212, an input information storage unit 213, an analysis unit 214, and a determination unit 217. Below, the part which concerns on this embodiment among the functions of each component of the verification part 210 is demonstrated.

  The user setting unit 211 functions as an interface for the user to set data necessary for verification of simulation results. Among the data to be set in the user setting unit 211, the timing log, paper size, speed, and image forming process position are the same as those in the first and fourth embodiments. The setting of the single process determination condition is the same as that in the fourth embodiment.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting a composite process determination condition in the composite process analysis unit 216 according to the fifth embodiment. The composite process determination condition set here corresponds to a second reference used in the composite process analysis unit 216 to determine whether the analysis result is valid. In the setting screen, the user sets a related image forming process (related process), a related condition, and a related valid value for an arbitrarily selected image forming process (main process). As will be described later, when the output value in the main process changes to the value set in the related condition, the composite process analysis unit 216 refers to the output value in the related process and satisfies the condition set in the related legal value. Determine whether.

  As described above, the setting values set by the user setting unit 211 using the setting screens are stored in the setting information storage unit 212 as in the first embodiment. The single process analysis unit 215 and the composite process analysis unit 216 of the analysis unit 214 store the timing log input from the simulation unit 200 to the input information storage unit 213 of the verification unit 210 and the setting data stored in the setting information storage unit 212. Analyze based on Note that the single process analysis unit 215 operates in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a composite process determination condition for an input signal in each image forming process according to the fifth embodiment. When the composite process analysis unit 216 detects a change in the time series of the output value in the main process, the composite process analysis unit 216 refers to the output value in the related process and determines whether or not the related valid value is satisfied. For example, in FIG. 21, in the image forming process A set as the main process, when the output value changes to a ″ 1, the output values in the image forming processes B and C, which are related processes, are referred to. It is determined whether or not “1” and “c” are 1. The determination result is output to the determination unit 217 and used in the final determination process in the determination unit 217.

  As described above, the position at which each image forming process is executed depends on the structure of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, each image forming process is performed at a timing at which an image can be formed at an appropriate position on a sheet. Executed. Therefore, in the determination, the composite process analysis unit 216 executes determination processing based on the timing at which the image formed based on each image forming process is transferred to the sheet in the secondary transfer unit. Here, FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the / TOP signal and the output value change timing in each image forming process according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 23 shows an example of the relationship between the change in the output value of each image forming process and the position at which the image formed based on the execution of the process is transferred to the sheet according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. In FIG. 21 to FIG. 23, the execution relationships of the image forming processes correspond to each other. For example, when the output value of the image forming process A, which is the main process, changes to a ″ 1 in a1, in FIG. 23, reference is made to the output values of processes B and C. Here, according to the time relationship of FIG. 23, at the timing when the output value of process A changes to a ″ 1, the output values of related processes B and C are b. “1” and “c” 1 satisfy the determination condition shown in FIG. As a result, the composite process analysis unit 216 outputs information indicating that the determination result is valid to the determination unit 217.

  As described above, when the determination process of the composite process analysis unit 216 is executed based on the transfer timing of the image onto the sheet, the output value change timing in the main process and the output value of the related process to be referred to There is a difference in timing. Therefore, in the present embodiment, this is dealt with by referring to an output value at an appropriate timing in the time series of output values in the timing log. Further, as in the third embodiment, in the verification unit 210, when the simulation result of the simulation unit 200 is read in real time, the input information storage unit 213 buffers the timing log.

<Procedure of verification processing in information processing apparatus>
Next, FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a verification processing procedure in the verification unit 210 of the information processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 first executes a simulation of a control operation in the image forming apparatus in the simulation unit 200 based on a simulation condition set by a user. Regarding the output result obtained by the simulation, the information processing apparatus 100 executes a verification process based on the following flow in the verification unit 210. In addition, since the following steps S501-S512 are the same as steps S401-S412 in 4th Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the process in the single process analysis unit 215 is completed by step S512, the verification unit 210 starts the process in the composite process analysis unit 216 in step S513 and subsequent steps.

  In step S513, the verification unit 210 determines in the composite process analysis unit 216 whether the output value satisfies a related condition for the image forming process in which the change in the output value has occurred. When the relevant condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S516. On the other hand, when the relevant condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S514.

  In step S514, the composite process analysis unit 216 refers to the output value of the image forming process set as the related process in the timing log for the image forming process in which the change of the output value has occurred. Thereafter, in step S515, the composite process analysis unit 216 verifies whether the output value of the related process is valid. Further, the composite process analysis unit 216 outputs the verification result to the determination unit 217, and the process proceeds to step S516. Note that the processing in steps S513 to S515 corresponds to processing by the second determination unit.

  Steps S516 to S523 are the same as steps S413 to S420 in the fourth embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment determines the validity of the output value of another related image forming process at the timing when the output value changes in any of the image forming processes. To do. Thereby, it is possible to determine the validity of the image forming process from both the validity of the output value of each image forming process and the validity of the output value of another image forming process related to the image forming process.

  It is possible to combine this embodiment with the first to third embodiments.

<Sixth Embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 2, 24, 25, and 30, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the validity of the output value of another related image forming process is determined at the timing when the output value changes in any of the image forming processes. On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment, when a change occurs in the output value in any one of the image forming processes, another image forming process related to the process is delayed when the change in the output value is delayed. The validity of the output value is determined. In the following, the present embodiment will be described with a focus on technologies different from the first to fifth embodiments.

<Functional configuration of information processing apparatus>
The sixth embodiment can be realized by the same configuration as the functional configuration example shown in FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment.

  The simulation unit 200 is the same as that in the first embodiment. However, when a change occurs in the output value of the image forming process, a predetermined delay time is generated for each image forming process. The simulation unit 200 executes a simulation taking the delay time into consideration, and outputs the result to the verification unit 210.

  As in the first embodiment, the verification unit 210 includes a user setting unit 211, a setting information storage unit 212, an input information storage unit 213, an analysis unit 214, and a determination unit 217. Below, the part which concerns on this embodiment among the functions of each component of the verification part 210 is demonstrated.

  Among the data to be set in the user setting unit 211, the timing log, paper size, speed, and image forming process position are the same as those in the first embodiment. The single process determination condition and the composite process determination condition are the same as those in the fourth and fifth embodiments.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting a delay time in each image forming process according to the sixth embodiment. The user can set different delay times for each image forming process. The delay time set here is used by the composite process analysis unit 216 to determine whether the analysis result is valid. Although not shown in FIG. 24, different delay times may be set according to the amount of change in the output value in each image forming process.

  Next, a method for verifying the simulation result in consideration of the above-described delay time in the composite process analysis unit 216 will be described. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a setting value set in the simulation unit 200 and an output value considering delay time according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 25, in the image forming process A, when the output value of the simulation result is shifted from the state before the change to the state after the change with respect to the output set value, a predetermined delay time is generated and the output value is It shows that it becomes indefinite. Here, it is assumed that the image forming process A is a related process for other processes. In this case, if the output value of the other process is changed and the value of the image forming process A, which is a related process, is indefinite, the composite process analysis unit 216 does not accept the output value of the related process. The information which shows that is output.

<Procedure of verification processing in information processing apparatus>
The verification process in the verification unit 210 of the information processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment is realized by the same flowchart as FIG. 30 of the fifth embodiment. Here, only the parts different from the fifth embodiment will be described.

  First, the information processing apparatus 100 executes a simulation of a control operation in the image forming apparatus in the simulation unit 200 based on a simulation condition set by a user. Here, the simulation unit 200 sets the above-described delay time as a simulation condition, and executes the simulation. Regarding the output result obtained by the simulation, the information processing apparatus 100 executes a verification process based on the following flow in the verification unit 210.

  In step S501, the user performs settings necessary for the verification process in the user setting unit 211, as in the first to fifth embodiments. Here, the user makes settings related to the delay time according to the sixth embodiment. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S502. Steps S502 to S514 are the same as those in the fifth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In step S515, the composite process analysis unit 216 verifies whether the output value of the related process with respect to the main process is valid. At this time, if the output value of the related process is indefinite, the information indicating that it is not valid is determined. The composite process analysis unit 216 outputs the verification result to the determination unit 217, and the process proceeds to step S516.

  Steps S516 to S523 are the same as those in the fifth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment assumes a case where a change occurs in the output value when a change occurs in the output value in any of the image forming processes, and the process The validity of the output value of the other image forming process related to is determined. Thereby, compared with the information processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, when a more realistic condition is set as the simulation condition, the validity of the simulation result can be determined.

  It is possible to combine this embodiment with the first to third embodiments.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen for setting the timing log file given to a verification part based on 1st Embodiment, and the reference signal for detecting the front-end | tip of the conveyed paper from a timing log. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen for setting the paper size used for the simulation based on 1st Embodiment. The conveyance speed when an image formed based on execution of each image forming process according to the first embodiment is conveyed from each processing unit to the transfer unit, and the conveyance rate when the sheet is conveyed to the transfer unit It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen for setting. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting a distance from a reference position to a position where each image forming process is performed according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting conditions used for determining whether or not each image forming process is being executed according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting an allowable range of a position where an image formed by each image forming process is transferred on a sheet according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an execution timing in a single image forming process and a sheet detection timing based on a sheet detection signal according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between execution timings in a plurality of image forming processes and sheet detection timing based on a sheet detection signal according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the several image formation process and image formation area based on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a sheet position and an image forming area according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the determination method regarding the correctness of an image formation area based on 1st Embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus to be simulated. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting a condition used for determining whether or not an image forming process is being executed according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen for setting the single process determination condition in the single process analysis part based on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the single process determination conditions with respect to the input signal in each image formation process based on 4th Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a / TOP signal and output value change timing in each image forming process according to the fourth embodiment. It is a figure which shows the reference position of the data for determination for every image formation process in the single process analysis part based on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen for setting the composite process determination condition in the composite process analysis part based on 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the composite process determination conditions with respect to the input signal in each image formation process based on 5th Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a / TOP signal and output value change timing in each image forming process according to the fifth embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the change of the output value of each image formation process based on 5th Embodiment, and the position where the image formed based on execution of the said process is transcribe | transferred to a paper. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen for setting the delay time in each image formation process based on 6th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the setting value set in the simulation part, and the output value which considered delay time based on 6th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the verification process in the verification part of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the verification process in the verification part of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the simulation in the simulation part of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, and the verification process in a verification part. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the verification process in the verification part of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the verification process in the verification part of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

100: Information processing apparatus 101: Central processing unit (CPU)
102: ROM
103: RAM
104: input interface 105: input device 106: output interface 107: output device 107a: display device 107b: output device 108: external storage device interface 109: hard disk 109a: processing program 109b: setting data 109c: firmware 110: external storage device 120 : Bus 200: Simulation unit 201: CPU simulator 202: External factor simulator 210: Verification unit 211: User setting unit 212: Setting information storage unit 213: Input information storage unit 214: Analysis unit 215: Single process analysis unit 216: Composite process analysis unit 217: Determination unit 2: Intermediate transfer belt (ITB)
3a, 3b, 3c, 3d: photosensitive drums 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d: charging rollers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d: exposure units 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d: process cartridge 7: secondary transfer rollers 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d: Developer 10: Fixing unit 11: Paper 12: Pickup roller 13: Paper storage cassette 14: Registration roller 15: Registration sensors 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d: Primary transfer roller

Claims (17)

An information processing apparatus comprising simulation means for simulating control operations of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that performs image formation on a recording material, and verification means for verifying a simulation log by the simulation means,
The simulation means includes
First setting means for setting image forming conditions in the image forming apparatus as simulation conditions;
Based on the simulation conditions, a control operation for controlling each load of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the conveyance timing of the recording material to the transfer unit that transfers the image to the recording material is simulated, and each load is used as a log of the simulation. Simulation execution means for outputting in time series output values indicating the control state of
The verification means includes
At the timing when the output value is output by the simulation execution means, a first reference for determining whether or not processing at each load has been executed based on the output value, and an image is formed on the recording material A second setting means for setting a second reference for determining whether or not the image forming area as the position to be set is valid;
Referring to the time-series output values by the simulation execution means, and detecting a signal serving as a calculation reference for the timing at which the recording material reaches the transfer portion among the output values;
When the signal is detected by the signal detection means, the timing at which the recording material reaches the transfer portion is calculated, and at the calculated timing, the time-series output values corresponding to the respective loads are referred to, A first specifying means for determining whether each of the output values satisfies the first criterion, and specifying a period during which the processing is executed in each load;
Second specifying means for specifying the image forming area based on the period of each load specified by the first specifying means;
Determining means for determining whether or not the image forming area specified by the second specifying means satisfies the second reference;
If the determination means determines that the second criterion is satisfied, the information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is valid is output, and the second criterion is not satisfied. An information processing apparatus comprising: output means for outputting information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is not valid when it is determined. The second specifying means includes:
2. The image forming area is identified by comparing a timing at which the recording material reaches the transfer portion and a timing at which an image formed in the period reaches the transfer portion. The information processing apparatus described in 1. The second criterion is:
The leading edge and the trailing edge of the image forming area with respect to the conveyance direction of the recording material are present in a predetermined range from the leading edge and the trailing edge of the recording material, and between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the image forming area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming area is a criterion for determining that the image forming area is valid when there is no area where an image is not formed. The first setting means includes
In response to a plurality of the image forming conditions, a plurality of the simulation conditions are set,
The second setting means includes
4. The first reference is set according to a change in the image forming condition identified from the output value by referring to the output value in time series by the simulation execution unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of the above. The simulation execution means includes
As a simulation log, output the time-series output values indicating the control state of each load in real time,
The verification means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output value output by the simulation execution unit is input and verified in real time. The verification means includes
In the simulation by the simulation execution means, further comprising a calculation means for calculating a time required for image formation of one page of recording material,
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein after the signal is detected by the signal detection unit, the processing by the first specifying unit is started at a timing when the required time elapses. An information processing apparatus comprising simulation means for simulating control operations of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that performs image formation on a recording material, and verification means for verifying a simulation log by the simulation means,
The simulation means includes
First setting means for setting image forming conditions in the image forming apparatus as simulation conditions;
Based on the simulation conditions, a control operation for controlling each load of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the conveyance timing of the recording material to the transfer unit that transfers the image to the recording material is simulated, and each load is used as a log of the simulation. Simulation execution means for outputting in time series output values indicating the control state of
The verification means includes
When a change occurs in the output value of each load at the timing when the output value is output by the simulation execution means, it is determined whether the timing at which the change has occurred and the output value are valid. Second setting means for setting a first reference for;
Referring to the output values in time series by the simulation execution means, and among the output values, signal detection means for detecting a vertical synchronization signal;
When the vertical sync signal is detected by the signal detection means, a change detection means for referring to the output values in time series corresponding to each load and detecting that a change has occurred in the output values;
Each time the change detection unit detects a change in the output value, the first determination unit determines whether the timing of the change and the output value satisfy the first criterion. When,
As a result of the determination by the first determination means, it is determined that all the timings of change in the time series of the output values and all the output values at each timing satisfy the first criterion Outputs information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is valid, and the timing of any change in the time series of the output value or the output value at the timing satisfies the first criterion. An information processing apparatus comprising: output means for outputting information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is not valid when it is determined that the simulation result is not correct. The second setting means includes
When a change occurs in the output value of each load at the timing when the output value is output by the simulation execution means, the other load at the timing when the change occurs in another load related to the load. Further setting a second criterion for determining whether the output value at the load is valid;
The verification means includes
Each time a change in the output value is detected by the change detection means, the output value at the timing when the change occurs in the other load related to the load in which the change is detected is the second output value. A second determination unit for determining whether or not the criterion is satisfied;
The output means includes
As a result of the determination by the second determination means, if any of the output values does not satisfy the second criterion, information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is not valid is output. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7. The first setting means includes
When a change occurs in the control state of each load, a delay time when shifting from the state before the change to the state after the change is further set as the simulation condition,
The simulation execution means includes
During execution of the simulation based on the simulation conditions, output information indicating that the output value of each load is indefinite in the delay time when the control state of each load changes,
The second determination means includes
Each time the change detection unit detects a change in the output value, the output value at the timing when the change occurs is undefined in the other load related to the load in which the change is detected. the information processing apparatus according to whether it meets the second criterion in claim 8, wherein the determine Teisu Rukoto. The first setting means includes
In response to a plurality of the image forming conditions, a plurality of the simulation conditions are set,
The second setting means includes
10. The first reference is set in response to a change in the image forming condition identified from the output value by referring to the output value in time series by the simulation execution means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of the above. The simulation execution means includes
As a simulation log, output the time-series output values indicating the control state of each load in real time,
The verification means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the output value output from the simulation execution unit is input and verified in real time. An information processing system comprising: a simulation apparatus that simulates a control operation of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that performs image formation on a recording material; and a verification apparatus that verifies a simulation log by the simulation apparatus,
The simulation apparatus includes:
First setting means for setting image forming conditions in the image forming apparatus as simulation conditions;
Based on the simulation conditions, a control operation for controlling each load of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the conveyance timing of the recording material to the transfer unit that transfers the image to the recording material is simulated, and each load is used as a log of the simulation. Simulation execution means for outputting in time series output values indicating the control state of
The verification device includes:
At the timing when the output value is output by the simulation execution means, a first reference for determining whether or not processing at each load has been executed based on the output value, and an image is formed on the recording material A second setting means for setting a second reference for determining whether or not the image forming area as the position to be set is valid;
Referring to the time-series output values by the simulation execution means, and detecting a signal serving as a calculation reference for the timing at which the recording material reaches the transfer portion among the output values;
When the signal is detected by the signal detection means, the timing at which the recording material reaches the transfer portion is calculated, and at the calculated timing, the time-series output values corresponding to the respective loads are referred to, A first specifying means for determining whether each of the output values satisfies the first criterion, and specifying a period during which the processing is executed in each load;
Second specifying means for specifying the image forming area based on the period of each load specified by the first specifying means;
Determining means for determining whether or not the image forming area specified by the second specifying means satisfies the second reference;
When the determination means determines that the second criterion is satisfied, the information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation device is valid is output, and the second criterion is not satisfied. An information processing system comprising: output means for outputting information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation apparatus is not valid when it is determined. An information processing system comprising: a simulation apparatus that simulates a control operation of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that performs image formation on a recording material; and a verification apparatus that verifies a simulation log by the simulation apparatus,
The simulation apparatus includes:
First setting means for setting image forming conditions in the image forming apparatus as simulation conditions;
Based on the simulation conditions, a control operation for controlling each load of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the conveyance timing of the recording material to the transfer unit that transfers the image to the recording material is simulated, and each load is used as a log of the simulation. Simulation execution means for outputting in time series output values indicating the control state of
The verification device includes:
When a change occurs in the output value of each load at the timing when the output value is output by the simulation execution means, it is determined whether the timing at which the change has occurred and the output value are valid. Second setting means for setting a first reference for;
Referring to the output values in time series by the simulation execution means, and among the output values, signal detection means for detecting a vertical synchronization signal;
When the vertical sync signal is detected by the signal detection means, a change detection means for referring to the output values in time series corresponding to each load and detecting that a change has occurred in the output values;
Each time the change detection unit detects a change in the output value, the first determination unit determines whether the timing of the change and the output value satisfy the first criterion. When,
As a result of the determination by the first determination means, it is determined that all the timings of change in the time series of the output values and all the output values at each timing satisfy the first criterion Outputs information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation device is valid, and the timing of any change in the time series of the output value or the output value at the timing satisfies the first criterion. An information processing system comprising: output means for outputting information indicating that a simulation result by the simulation apparatus is not valid when it is determined that the simulation result is not correct. A control method for an information processing apparatus comprising: simulation means for simulating control operations of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material; and verification means for verifying a simulation log by the simulation means There,
The simulation means includes
A first setting step of setting image forming conditions in the image forming apparatus as simulation conditions;
Based on the simulation conditions, a control operation for controlling each load of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the conveyance timing of the recording material to the transfer unit that transfers the image to the recording material is simulated, and each load is used as a log of the simulation. Executing a simulation execution step of outputting in time series output values indicating the control state of
The verification means includes
An image is formed on the recording material and a first reference for determining whether or not processing at each load has been executed at the timing when the output value is output in the simulation execution step. A second setting step for setting a second reference for determining whether or not the image forming area as the position to be set is valid;
A signal detection step of referring to the time-series output values by the simulation execution step and detecting a signal serving as a calculation reference for the timing at which the recording material reaches the transfer portion among the output values;
When the signal is detected by the signal detection step, the timing at which the recording material reaches the transfer portion is calculated, and the time-series output values corresponding to the loads are referred to at the calculated timing, A first specifying step of determining whether each of the output values satisfies the first criterion, and specifying a period during which processing is executed in each load;
A second specifying step of specifying the image forming area based on the period of each load specified by the first specifying step;
A determination step of determining whether or not the image forming area specified by the second specifying step satisfies the second reference;
When it is determined by the determination step that the second criterion is satisfied, information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation unit is valid is output, and the second criterion is not satisfied. If determined, an output step of outputting information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is not valid is executed. A control method for an information processing apparatus comprising: simulation means for simulating control operations of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material; and verification means for verifying a simulation log by the simulation means There,
The simulation means includes
A first setting step of setting image forming conditions in the image forming apparatus as simulation conditions;
Based on the simulation conditions, a control operation for controlling each load of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the conveyance timing of the recording material to the transfer unit that transfers the image to the recording material is simulated, and each load is used as a log of the simulation. Executing a simulation execution step of outputting in time series output values indicating the control state of
The verification means includes
When a change occurs in the output value of each load at the timing when the output value is output in the simulation execution step, it is determined whether the timing at which the change has occurred and the output value are valid. A second setting step for setting a first reference for
A signal detection step of detecting a vertical synchronization signal among the output values with reference to the time-series output values by the simulation execution step;
When the vertical synchronization signal is detected by the signal detection step, a change detection step of detecting that a change has occurred in the output value by referring to the output value in time series corresponding to each load;
A first determination step for determining whether the change timing and the output value satisfy the first criterion every time a change in the output value is detected by the change detection step. When,
As a result of the determination in the first determination step, when it is determined that all the timings of changes in the time series of the output values and all the output values at each timing satisfy the first criterion Outputs information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is valid, and the timing of any change in the time series of the output value or the output value at the timing satisfies the first criterion. And a step of outputting information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation means is not valid. A control method for an information processing system comprising: a simulation apparatus that simulates a control operation of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that performs image formation on a recording material; and a verification apparatus that verifies a simulation log by the simulation apparatus There,
The simulation apparatus includes:
A first setting step of setting image forming conditions in the image forming apparatus as simulation conditions;
Based on the simulation conditions, a control operation for controlling each load of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the conveyance timing of the recording material to the transfer unit that transfers the image to the recording material is simulated, and each load is used as a log of the simulation. Executing a simulation execution step of outputting in time series output values indicating the control state of
The verification device includes:
An image is formed on the recording material and a first reference for determining whether or not processing at each load has been executed at the timing when the output value is output in the simulation execution step. A second setting step for setting a second reference for determining whether or not the image forming area as the position to be set is valid;
A signal detection step of referring to the time-series output values by the simulation execution step and detecting a signal serving as a calculation reference for the timing at which the recording material reaches the transfer portion among the output values;
When the signal is detected by the signal detection step, the timing at which the recording material reaches the transfer portion is calculated, and the time-series output values corresponding to the loads are referred to at the calculated timing, A first specifying step of determining whether each of the output values satisfies the first criterion, and specifying a period during which processing is executed in each load;
A second specifying step of specifying the image forming area based on the period of each load specified by the first specifying step;
A determination step of determining whether or not the image forming area specified by the second specifying step satisfies the second reference;
When it is determined by the determination step that the second criterion is satisfied, information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation apparatus is valid is output, and the second criterion is not satisfied. And output step of outputting information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation apparatus is not valid when the determination is made. A control method for an information processing system comprising: a simulation apparatus that simulates a control operation of a plurality of loads included in an image forming apparatus that performs image formation on a recording material; and a verification apparatus that verifies a simulation log by the simulation apparatus There,
The simulation apparatus includes:
A first setting step of setting image forming conditions in the image forming apparatus as simulation conditions;
Based on the simulation conditions, a control operation for controlling each load of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the conveyance timing of the recording material to the transfer unit that transfers the image to the recording material is simulated, and each load is used as a log of the simulation. Executing a simulation execution step of outputting in time series output values indicating the control state of
The verification device includes:
When a change occurs in the output value of each load at the timing when the output value is output in the simulation execution step, it is determined whether the timing at which the change has occurred and the output value are valid. A second setting step for setting a first reference for
A signal detection step of detecting a vertical synchronization signal among the output values with reference to the time-series output values by the simulation execution step;
When the vertical synchronization signal is detected by the signal detection step, a change detection step of detecting that a change has occurred in the output value by referring to the output value in time series corresponding to each load;
A first determination step for determining whether the change timing and the output value satisfy the first criterion every time a change in the output value is detected by the change detection step. When,
As a result of the determination in the first determination step, when it is determined that all the timings of changes in the time series of the output values and all the output values at each timing satisfy the first criterion Outputs information indicating that the simulation result by the simulation device is valid, and the timing of any change in the time series of the output value or the output value at the timing satisfies the first criterion. And a step of outputting information indicating that a simulation result by the simulation device is not valid, if the determination is not made, a control method for an information processing system.

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