Image forming apparatus and image forming method

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus and an image forming method which can check a change in an actual image over time and appropriately set a sample discharge time. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet on the basis of a job and a controller that manages the job and controls the formation of the image. The controller enables a sample discharge and determines whether to change a sample discharge interval which is set in the sample discharge on the basis of information related to the image when the job is executed. Therefore, it is possible to set the sample discharge interval considering the state of the actual image. It is possible to perform sample discharge at an accurate time and stabilize image quality. When the quality of an output image is checked while a job is being executed in a machine which runs for a long time, costs related to the sample discharge is lowered.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper and outputs it, and more particularly, relates to an image forming apparatus capable of sample paper discharge. Background technique [0002] Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus that uses image data to form an image and prints the image on paper, there is a change in aging, etc., and there is also a need for users to confirm whether the image quality meets a certain standard and to maintain the image quality. . [0003] Conventionally, in view of such a viewpoint, image forming apparatuses capable of printing for user confirmation before or during normal printing have been proposed. The output function used for this confirmation is called sample discharge or the like, and prints at a set timing, for example. In addition, there is also known an image forming apparatus capable of performing a checking method called a proof function of printing output mate...

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Problems solved by technology

[0013] However, the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 does not take into account the deterioration of the equipment, and is not sufficient as an appropriate sample discharge timing setting.

[0014] In addition, although the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 2 considers the deterioration of equipment, the timing of sample discharge is set based on assumed changes, and the timing of sample discharge cannot be appropriately set in accordance with actual changes.

[0015] In addition, the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 3 sets the sample discharge timing according to the state of the device, but it is only set according to the assumed state, and cannot set the sample discharge according to the actual image or image output degradation. timing

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