Image forming apparatus, image forming method and storage medium

Abstract

An image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a storage medium are disclosed. An image forming apparatus is provided, comprising: a forming unit configured to form a grayscale pattern image on a sheet fed from a sheet feed table in response to the execution of printing a predetermined number of images based on a print job; a color measurement unit configured to read the grayscale pattern image formed by the forming unit and perform color measurement; a generation unit configured to generate grayscale correction data based on the result of the color measurement performed by the color measurement unit and a reference value; and a correction unit configured to perform grayscale correction on the image data using the grayscale correction data generated by the generation unit, wherein the sheet on which the grayscale pattern image is formed by the forming unit is determined based on the settings of the print job.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] An image forming apparatus is known to be configured with multiple printing modes, in which the image forming unit can switch between color and monochrome printing. For example, when a certain number of monochrome image pages to be printed appear consecutively, the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus is switched to a monochrome image forming mode that can only print with black toner. Control of non-black toners and components such as the photosensitive drum is suspended. Increased productivity and reduced mechanical degradation can be expected from switching printing modes. On the other hand, because the image forming unit is changed, switching printing modes takes a long time.

[0003] It is also known to use inline sensors connected to a subsequent stage of an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet and to read the image formed on the sheet by the image forming apparatus using the inline sensors.

[0004] In such a printing system, by using an inline sensor to read the density adjustment patches printed on the sheet by the image forming apparatus, the adjustment results can be fed back to the image forming apparatus in real time, even during jobs that print large numbers of pages. Ideally, the patches are printed on the margins of the output product (sheet). However, density adjustment patches are sometimes not printed depending on the type or size of the sheet.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-122377 discusses a technique for generating an adjustment chart by printing blocks on a sheet different from the output product of a print job, and for printing the adjustment chart inserted when the number of printed pages reaches a predetermined number during the printing of a job. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-122377 also discusses a technique for reading the density of the blocks on the printed adjustment chart and feeding that density back to an image forming apparatus for density adjustment.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-122377 does not discuss the use of multiple types of sheet in a single print job. Therefore, when inserting an adjustment chart in a print job that sets multiple types of sheet, it is not possible to automatically set which type of sheet to insert. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to an aspect of the present application, an image forming apparatus includes a forming unit configured to form a gray scale pattern image on a sheet fed from a sheet feeding table in response to execution of printing of a predetermined number of images based on a print job, a color measurement unit configured to read the gray scale pattern image formed by the forming unit and perform color measurement, a generating unit configured to generate gray scale correction data based on a result of the color measurement by the color measurement unit and a reference value, and a correction unit configured to perform gray scale correction on image data by using the gray scale correction data generated by the generating unit, wherein the sheet on which the gray scale pattern image is formed by the forming unit is determined based on a setting of the print job.

[0008] Other features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of example embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a print system.

[0010] Figure 1B is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a print system.

[0011] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a print system.

[0012] Figure 3A is a block diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of a device controller.

[0013] Figure 3B is a block diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of a raster image processing (RIP) controller.

[0014] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an execution process of an image processing apparatus.

[0015] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an execution process of sheet determination processing of an interrupt adjustment table by an image processing apparatus.

[0016] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an execution process of a print job with interrupt adjustment by an image forming apparatus.

[0017] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an execution process with respect to generation of an interrupt adjustment table by an image forming apparatus.

[0018] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for setting an interrupt adjustment interval.

[0019] Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B 、Figure 9C 、 Figure 9D and Figure 9E are diagrams illustrating examples of a screen of a print management application.

[0020] Figure 10A is a diagram illustrating an example of a table for managing attributes of a print job.

[0021] Figure 10B is a diagram illustrating an example of a table for managing color modes, sheet types, and sheet sizes of an interrupt adjustment chart.

[0022] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table for managing information about sheet types and sheet sizes of sheets set in a sheet feed table of an image forming apparatus.

[0023] Figure 12A is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout of an adjustment chart printed on a large-size sheet.

[0024] Figure 12B is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout of an adjustment chart printed on a small-size sheet.

[0025] Figure 13A is a diagram illustrating an example of reference value data, Figure 13B is a diagram illustrating an example of measured value data, and Figure 13C is a diagram illustrating an example of a correction value.

[0026] Figure 14A 、 Figure 14B and Figure 14C are flowcharts illustrating an execution process of interrupt adjustment by an image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] <Configuration of a print system>

[0029] Figure 1A and Figure 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of a configuration of a print system according to exemplary embodiments. As illustrated in Figure 1A , the print system includes an image forming apparatus 10, an image processing apparatus 20 connected to the image forming apparatus 10, and a client personal computer (PC) 30. The image processing apparatus 20 and the client PC 30 are connected via a network 40 such as a local area network (LAN). The image forming apparatus 10 and the image processing apparatus 20 have a function (print function) of forming an image on a recording medium such as paper and a plastic sheet (hereinafter referred to as a "sheet") based on a print request received from the client PC 30.

[0030] The configuration of the printing system is not limited to Figure 1A The configuration is shown in the diagram. At least one client PC 30 can be communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus 10 and the image processing apparatus 20 via network 40.

[0031] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As illustrated, the image processing apparatus 20 can be configured as a print server independent of the image forming apparatus 10. The system can be integrally formed by the image processing apparatus 20 and the image forming apparatus 10 to have the same functions as the image processing apparatus 20 and the image forming apparatus 10.

[0032] Network 40 can be a wired network or a wireless network.

[0033] <Printing System Hardware Configuration>

[0034] Figure 1B This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a printing system according to this exemplary embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a device controller 100, which is a controller for controlling the devices of the image forming apparatus 10. The central processing unit (CPU) 111 controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 116 based on a control program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 112 or a hard disk drive (HDD) 114.

[0035] ROM 112 stores control programs that can be executed by CPU 111. Random access memory (RAM) 113 primarily serves as the working area and main memory of CPU 111 and is configured to expand its memory capacity via optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). HDD 114 stores boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files. Although HDD 114 is used in this exemplary embodiment, in addition to HDD 114, a security digital card (SD) or flash memory may also be used as an external storage device.

[0036] The control system interface (I / F) 115 sends information for print control to the image processing device 20 and receives information for print control from the image processing device 20.

[0037] The printer I / F 117 controls the image output to the printing device 200. The operation unit I / F 119 controls the display on the display unit 132 in the operation unit 130 and the input of various types of setting information set using the input unit 131. The image data system I / F 120 receives image data to be sent to the printing device 200 from the image processing device 20.

[0038] Sensor I / F 118 sends operating commands to sensor 220 included in printing apparatus 200 and receives measurement results from sensor 220. Sensor 220 is arranged on the sheet transport path of printing apparatus 200 between the fixing device and the sheet outlet. Alternatively, sensor 220 may be arranged on the sheet transport path of a final processing device (not shown) connected to a subsequent stage of printing apparatus 200. An adjustment chart for arranging color patches based on the mounting position of sensor 220 is printed and passes through sensor 220, whereby sensor 220 measures information about the color patches such as spectral values, chromaticity values, and density. The measured information is used for the adjustment functions of both image forming apparatus 10 and image processing apparatus 20.

[0039] The image processing apparatus 20 includes a raster image processing (RIP) controller 140, which executes printing processes performed by the image processing apparatus 20, including analysis of submitted print jobs and image data unfolding processing. The CPU 141 controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 146 based on a control program stored in ROM 142 or HDD 144.

[0040] ROM 142 stores control programs that can be executed by CPU 141. RAM 143 primarily serves as the working area and main memory of CPU 141 and is configured to expand its memory capacity via optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). HDD 114 stores boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files. Although HDD 144 is used in this exemplary embodiment, SD cards or flash memory may also be used as external storage media in addition to HDD 144.

[0041] The control system I / F 145 sends and receives information for print control from the image forming apparatus 10. The image data system I / F 147 sends image data to be output by the printing apparatus 200 to the image forming apparatus 10. The operation unit I / F 148 controls the display on the display unit 152 within the operation unit 150 and the input of various types of setting information set using the input unit 151. The network I / F 149 performs data communication with the network (external network) 40 via a network cable.

[0042] The image processing device 20 may also have the function of submitting print jobs, similar to the client PC 30 described below. Print jobs are submitted from the operation unit 150 to the RIP controller 140 via the printer driver or a print management application.

[0043] The client PC 30 connects to the image processing device 20 via an external network 40. The client PC 30 submits print jobs to the image processing device 20 via a printer driver or print management application.

[0044] <Internal Structure of the Printing System>

[0045] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure and the relationship between the apparatuses of an electrophotographic printing apparatus 200 included in an image forming apparatus 10 according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0046] exist Figure 2 In the diagram, the portion enclosed by the dashed line represents the printing apparatus 200. The printing apparatus 200 includes four stations corresponding to the various toners: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). The four horizontally arranged stations sequentially form toner images in the order of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0047] Each station includes a photosensitive drum 201, which serves as an image-carrying component.

[0048] Electrical equipment 202, exposure equipment 203, developing equipment 204, cleaning equipment 207, and pre-exposure equipment 208 are arranged around the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 201. The developing equipment 204 includes a developing roller 205 for supplying developer (toner) to the photosensitive drum 201. The intermediate transfer unit 206 includes primary transfer rollers 210 and intermediate transfer belts 209 at each station. The primary transfer rollers 210 are opposite to and in contact with the photosensitive drum 201, with the intermediate transfer belts 209 positioned therebetween.

[0049] The secondary transfer inner roller 211 and secondary transfer roller 212 are also arranged to contact each other, with the intermediate transfer belt 209 positioned therebetween, causing the intermediate transfer belt 209 to rotate in the transport direction. The fixing device 213 includes a heating film (heating rotator) 214, a fixing roller 215, and a pressure roller 216, and fixes the toner transferred to the sheet 222 by applying heat and pressure. The discharge roller 217 discharges the sheet 222 that has passed through the fixing device 213 to the discharge tray 218.

[0050] Sensor 220 is installed between the fixing unit 213 and the discharge roller 217 to read the printing surface of the sheet 222. Sensor 220 measures the density of the blocks formed on the fixed sheet 222 and notifies the device controller 100 of the resulting color measurement data (density data). Cleaning blade 221 cleans any remaining toner that was not transferred to the sheet 222 during the secondary transfer from the intermediate transfer belt 209. Sheet feed roller 224 feeds the sheet 222 stored in the sheet feed table 223.

[0051] existFigure 2 In this context, the number of sheet feed stages 223 is one. However, the image forming apparatus 10 actually includes multiple sheet feed stages 223 corresponding to various sheet sizes and types.

[0052] Next, the software configurations of various devices according to this exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0053] <Software Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>

[0054] Figure 3A This is a block diagram of a device controller 100 configured with software modules including the image forming apparatus 10. Such software modules are stored as programs in the HDD 114, read into the RAM 113, and executed by the CPU 111.

[0055] The user interface (UI) control unit 301 controls the display on the display unit 132 of the operation unit 130 and the input of various types of setting information set using the input unit 131 via the operation unit I / F 119.

[0056] The page image analysis unit 302 analyzes the print job received from the image processing device 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the page image analysis unit 302 determines whether to enable the print job interruption adjustment setting.

[0057] The page image control unit 303 performs printing processing of the image forming apparatus 10 on the print job. The page image control unit 303 applies grayscale correction processing and halftone processing to generate data that can be printed by the printing apparatus 200.

[0058] The engine control unit 304 controls a series of printing operations performed by the printing unit 200. Print jobs are processed and printed page by page.

[0059] The sensor control unit 305 controls the sensor 220 to measure the density of the block formed on the printed sheet corresponding to the page that received the sensor measurement command, and obtain color measurement data (color measurement result).

[0060] The data transmission and reception unit 306 controls the transmission of data to and reception of data from the image processing apparatus 20. Examples of data to be transmitted and received include print job data and setup registration information stored in the image forming apparatus 10. The data transmission and reception unit 306 also notifies the image processing apparatus 20 of information regarding the sheet type and sheet size of the sheets set in each sheet feeder 223.

[0061] The interruption adjustment interval setting unit 307 sets the interval for interrupting the printing of the adjustment chart (hereinafter referred to as the interruption adjustment interval).

[0062] <Regarding the UI screen used to set the interruption adjustment interval>

[0063] Figure 8 An example of a UI screen for setting an interruption adjustment interval according to this exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The UI screen 801 is generated by the interruption adjustment interval setting unit 307 and displayed on the display unit 132 via the UI control unit 301.

[0064] Column 802 indicates interval information regarding the interval for printing adjustment charts used for adjustments. This interval information is set by the operator via input unit 131. Here, the quantity of sheet material to be printed is specified as the interval information (interruption interval information). When buttons 803 and 804 on this UI screen 801 are operated to accept setting changes, the UI can be used to display numeric keys and directly accept numerical values. If the operator presses the OK button 805, the interruption adjustment interval setting unit 307 notifies the specified interval information to the interruption adjustment chart printing control unit 309 (described below) and terminates UI screen 801. If the Cancel button 806 is pressed, the interruption adjustment interval setting unit 307 immediately terminates UI screen 801.

[0065] The interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 determines the block layout configuration of the adjustment chart to be inserted based on instructions from the image processing device 20. Details will be described below.

[0066] The interrupted adjustment chart printing control unit 309 controls the execution of interrupted printing. In order to print the adjustment chart at specified intervals, the interrupted adjustment chart printing control unit 309 performs printing processes related to the adjustment chart, such as counting and resetting the number of printed pages and generating adjustment chart images.

[0067] The interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 obtains color measurement data from the sensor 220 and calculates a correction value for grayscale correction. Then, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 updates the grayscale correction data based on the correction value.

[0068] Sheet feeder sheet management unit 311 receives data from sheet feeder sheet management unit 347 via data transmission and reception unit 344 (see...). Figure 3B The device notifies and manages information (sheet information) about the sheet type and sheet size of the sheets set in each sheet feed stage 223 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0069] <Software Configuration of Image Processing Device>

[0070] Figure 3BThis is a block diagram of a RIP controller 140 that includes software modules configured for the image processing device 20. Such software modules are stored as programs in HDD 144, read into RAM 143, and executed by CPU 141.

[0071] UI control unit 341 controls the display on display unit 152 of operation unit 150 and the input of various types of setting information set using input unit 151 via operation unit I / F 148.

[0072] The print job management unit 342 manages print job data received from the operator.

[0073] Specifically, the print job management unit 342 performs processes such as recalling print jobs stored in HDD 144, reflecting operator changes to print job settings, and managing the history of printed jobs. Print management applications are typically present to facilitate a series of processes performed by the operator.

[0074] The print job processing unit 343 performs processes for printing. Examples include analysis of print jobs received from the operator, development of image data, and image compression and decompression.

[0075] The data transmission and reception unit 344 manages the transmission of various types of data to the image forming apparatus 10 and the reception of various types of data from the image forming apparatus 10.

[0076] Print job data generated by the print job processing unit 343 is sent to the image forming apparatus 10 by the data sending and receiving unit 344. The data sending and receiving unit 344 also manages sending data to and receiving data from the client PC 30 connected via the external network 40.

[0077] The interruption adjustment setting unit 345 determines whether to interrupt the print job. This setting is one of the print settings items in the aforementioned print management application. When the property button 904 (see...) is pressed... Figure 9A When you are in a certain situation, you can display and set the print settings.

[0078] If a setting for interrupting adjustments to a print job is enabled, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 determines the sheet to be used as the adjustment chart (hereinafter also referred to as the interrupt adjustment chart) based on the print settings. Details will be described below.

[0079] The sheet feeding table sheet management unit 347 manages information about the sheet type and sheet size of the sheets set in each sheet feeding table 223 of the image forming apparatus 10 via the data transmission and reception unit 344.

[0080]

[0081] Now, we will describe the settings for print jobs displayed through the print management application. Figure 10A Table 1001, used to manage the attributes of print jobs, is illustrated. Table 1001 is stored in HDD 144. Print job management unit 342 reads print setting information about print settings and stores the print settings for each print job in Table 1001. Column [1] in Table 1001 stores the job name. Column [2] defines whether the items in columns [3] to [5] are specified by print job settings or by media mix. Print job settings and media mix will be described below. Column [3] describes the color mode. Column [4] describes the sheet type. Column [5] describes the sheet size.

[0082] <UI screen for setting print job properties>

[0083] Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 9C , Figure 9D and Figure 9E An example of a UI screen of a print management application according to this exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The UI screen 901 is managed and generated by the print job management unit 342 and displayed on the display unit 152 via the UI control unit 341.

[0084] The job names (jobs A to job D) displayed on UI screen 901 correspond to the job names listed in column [1] of table 1001.

[0085] Various print settings exist. Examples include the printing sheet to be used in the print job, layout such as typography, and items related to color and image processing. The print settings set here are notified to the print job management unit 342. If the delete button 905 is pressed, the data for the selected print job is deleted from the job queue.

[0086] The job queue 902 displays information about the print jobs received by the image processing device 20. The job queue 902 displays the name of the print job, the number of pages, information about the number of copies, and information about whether interrupt adjustment, described below, is enabled. The information to be displayed is not limited to this. For example, any item set for the print job can be displayed.

[0087] These settings for a print job can be edited by the operator by selecting the displayed job name on the UI screen 901 and pressing the property button 904. For example, suppose the operator selects "Job C" and presses the property button 904. In this case, the UI control unit 341 instructs the print job management unit 342 to obtain the job property of the selected job C. Upon receiving the instruction, the print job management unit 342 accesses table 1001 and obtains... Figure 10A The values ​​set for job C in rows [d] to [f].

[0088] Then, the print job management unit 342 instructs the UI control unit 341 to display the job nature screen 910 (see...). Figure 9B The settings are displayed on display unit 152. The job nature screen 910 displays the print settings for job C. More specifically, field 912 displays... Figure 10A The "grayscale" is set in column [3] row [d]. Column 913 is displayed in... Figure 10A The column [4] row [d] in Table 1001 is set to "Plain Paper 1". Column 914 shows... Figure 10A The “A4” setting is specified in column [5] row [d] of Table 1001. Section 915 displays the media mixing settings. Table 919 displays the settings. Media mixing refers to the function of specifying cover pages and / or page ranges in a print job and specifying the color mode, sheet type, and sheet size for each specified cover page and / or page range.

[0089] Line 922 shows Figure 10A The values ​​for “Media Mixing (Cover)” listed in columns [3] to [5] and row [e] of Table 1001. Row 923 shows Figure 10A The values ​​for “Media Mixing (page: 3-11)” listed in columns [3] to [5] and row [f] of Table 1001 are shown. Media mixing settings can be added by the operator pressing the Add button 916 on the job nature screen 910. Rows 922 and 923 displayed in Table 919 can be edited by selecting a row and pressing the Edit button 917.

[0090] The setting can be deleted by selecting line 922 or 923 and pressing the delete button 918. An example of editing using media mixing will be described. If the operator selects line 922 and presses the edit button 917, the UI control unit 341 notifies the print job management unit 342. In response, the print job management unit 342 retrieves the information from the print job management unit 342. Figure 10A The print settings specified for "Media Mixing (Cover)" for "Job C" are obtained from columns [3] to [5] and row [e] of Table 1001. Then, the print job management unit 342 instructs the UI control unit 341 to display on the display unit 152.Figure 9C The media mixing settings screen 931 is used for media mixing settings. The radio button 932 on the media mixing settings screen 931 is used for cover page settings.

[0091] Checkbox 934 is used to set the cover, and checkbox 935 is used to set the back cover. In this example, in Figure 9B In the task nature screen 910, select row 922 and press the edit button 917. The settings in row 922 are based on... Figure 10A The settings in row [e] of Table 1001. Since the settings in row [e] of column [2] are for "Cover", the radio button 932 for cover page settings and the checkbox 934 for cover are displayed as selected. Columns 936 to 938 display the print settings for the cover. More specifically, column 936 displays Figure 10A The color is set in column [3] row [e] of Table 1001.

[0092] Column 937 is displayed Figure 10A The “Thick Paper 2” is set in column [4] row [e] of Table 1001. Column 938 shows Figure 10A The "A3" is set in column [5] row [e] of Table 1001. If the operator selects one of display items 934 to 938, a selection screen (not shown) is displayed, and the operator can change the print settings. If the operator presses the save button 945, the UI control unit 341 notifies the print job management unit 342. The print job management unit 342 writes the print settings made using display items 932 to 938 to... Figure 10A Table 1001 in the table is used to instruct the UI control unit 341 to display the job nature screen 910 on the display unit 152.

[0093] If the operator selects the Cancel button 946 on the Media Mixing Settings screen 931, the UI control unit 341 notifies the print job management unit 342. The print job management unit 342 instructs the UI control unit 341 to display the job nature screen 910 on the display unit 152, without writing the print settings made using display items 934 to 938 into table 1001.

[0094] If the operator selects row 923 on the job nature screen 910 and presses the edit button 917, the UI control unit 341 notifies the print job management unit 342. Then, the print job management unit 342... Figure 10AThe print settings specified for "Media Mixing (pages: 3 to 11)" for "Job C" are obtained from columns [3] to [5] and row [f] of Table 1001. Then, the print job management unit 342 instructs the UI control unit 341 to display the media mixing settings screen 931 on the display unit 152.

[0095] Sections 940 to 943 on the media mixing settings screen 931 are used to set the page range.

[0096] In this example, select row 923 on the job nature screen 910 and press the edit button 917. The settings in row 923 are based on... Figure 10A The settings in row [f] of Table 1001. Since the settings in row [f] of column [2] indicate page range specification, radio button 939 for page range specification is displayed. Column 940 displays the page range. The page range in row [f] of column [2] of Table 1001 is “3 to 11” displayed in column 940. Since the subsequent display items 941 to 943 are similar to display items 936 to 938 described as cover page settings, their descriptions will be omitted.

[0097] If the operator presses the save button 945, the UI control unit 341 notifies the print job management unit 342. The print job management unit 342 writes the print settings made using display items 940 to 943 into table 1001 and instructs the UI control unit 341 to display the job nature screen 910 on the display unit 152. If the operator presses the cancel button 946 on the media mixing settings screen 931, the UI control unit 341 notifies the print job management unit 342. The print job management unit 342 instructs the UI control unit 341 to display the job nature screen 910 on the display unit 152, but does not write the print settings made using display items 940 to 943 into the table 1001. Figure 10A Table 1001 in the table.

[0098] If the operator presses the Add button 916 on the job nature screen 910, the UI control unit 341 notifies the print job management unit 342. In response, the print job management unit 342 instructs the UI control unit 341 to display the Media Mixing Settings screen 931 on the display unit 152. In this case, since media mixing settings are being added, the Media Mixing Settings screen 931 is displayed when the radio button 932 for cover page settings is selected, while other sections are not selected or have no setting value. Although the Media Mixing Settings screen 931 has been described, because of the characteristic of displaying the radio button when the radio button 932 for cover page settings is selected, the Media Mixing Settings screen 931 can also be displayed when the radio button 939 for page range settings is selected.

[0099] The operator can set a new cover page or a new page range through the media mixing settings screen 931. If the operator selects row 922 on the job nature screen 910 and presses the delete button 918, the UI control unit 341 notifies the print job management unit 342. In response, the print job management unit 342 deletes the row[f] in table 1001 that stores the print settings specified for "media mixing (cover)" for "job C". If the operator presses the interruption adjustment button 924 on the job nature screen 910, the interruption adjustment settings screen for job C is opened. Details of this will be described below.

[0100] Figure 9D An example UI screen for print settings of a print job according to this exemplary embodiment is illustrated. This UI screen 951 is managed and generated on the print job management unit 342 by the interruption adjustment setting unit 345 and displayed on the display unit 152 via the UI control unit 341. Checkbox 952 is a checkbox for specifying whether to perform interruption adjustment. If the adjustment checkbox 952 is selected when setting up a job on the client PC 30, the print management application displays UI screen 901 with "Adjustment" as one of the print settings managed by itself, as "Enabled".

[0101] If adjustment checkbox 952 is selected, interruption adjustment for print jobs is enabled.

[0102] If adjustment checkbox 952 is not selected by the operator, interrupting adjustments for the print job is disabled. Sections 954 to 957 display the color mode, sheet type, and sheet size of the interrupted adjustments chart. Details are described below. Like Figure 9D Same, Figure 9E The diagram also illustrates the screen used to edit the interrupt adjustment chart for color mode, sheet type, and sheet size. Details will be described below.

[0103] <Table regarding color mode, sheet type, and sheet size used to manage interrupted adjustment charts determined by print job-based print settings>

[0104] Figure 10B Table 1002 is illustrated for managing the color mode, sheet type, and sheet size of the interrupt adjustment chart determined based on print settings for a print job. Table 1002 is stored in HDD 144 and records the values ​​of color mode, sheet type, and sheet size determined based on the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination process described below.

[0105] <Table regarding sheet information for sheet feeding in the sheet feeder of the image forming apparatus, used for image processing apparatus management>

[0106] Figure 11 Table 1101 is illustrated for managing information regarding the sheet type and sheet size of the sheets set in the various sheet feed stages 223 of the image forming apparatus 10. The sheet feed stage sheet management unit 347 updates the information in Table 1101 based on notifications regarding the sheet type and sheet size of the sheet feed stages 223 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0107] <Regarding the type of chart to be printed on the adjustment chart and the sheet size used for printing the chart>

[0108] There are four types of charts to be printed on the adjustment chart: C, M, Y, and K charts. When laying out the four types of charts on the sheet, it may sometimes be necessary to divide and print the charts on multiple sheets depending on the chart size and the position of sensor 220. For example, in this exemplary embodiment, the sheet size on which the four types of charts can be printed will be defined as the large size. The sheet size on which the four types of charts are divided into two and printed on a total of two sheets will be defined as the small size. In this example, the large-size sheet will be treated as "A3" and the small-size sheet will be treated as "A4".

[0109] The following examples will be compared: one where the four types of charts are printed on a large "A3" sheet, and another where the four types of charts are divided into two and printed on two smaller "A4" sheets. Some image processing devices can print charts on "A3" sheets in less time. This exemplary embodiment also considers this scenario.

[0110] <About the page for adjusting charts>

[0111] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 12B The page that describes the adjustment chart to be generated.

[0112] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is an example of a page image illustrating adjustment charts. These adjustment charts are determined and generated by the interrupted adjustment chart determination unit 308. Page image 1201 is an example of a page image with colored grayscale blocks laid out. Page image 1211 is an example of a page image with monochrome grayscale blocks laid out.

[0113] Figure 12AThe page image 1201 illustrated in the figure includes grayscale blocks 1202 to 1205, represented using four color tones, at predetermined locations within a large-size page. In this example, each tone forms 10 grayscale blocks (grayscale patterns). However, the number of grayscale blocks is not limited to this. A grayscale pattern (grayscale pattern image) comprises multiple block images with gradually changing color intensities. Sensors 220 are deployed on the sheet transport path. The grayscale blocks 1202 to 1205 in page image 1201 are arranged to pass the locations of the installed sensors 220. Although the two sensors 220 are described here as being fixedly deployed, the number and location of the sensors 220 are not limited to this.

[0114] A single sensor 220 can be fixedly deployed at any location. Four sensors 220 can be fixedly deployed. One or more sensors 220 can be deployed movably. An adjustment chart can be generated based on the number and deployment status of the sensors 220 in the layout, enabling the sensors 220 to read grayscale blocks 1202 to 1205. As one of the factors enabling the sensors 220 to read, the layout of the grayscale blocks arranged on the adjustment chart can be changed depending on the sheet size and / or sheet type.

[0115] Page image 1211 includes grayscale blocks 1212 to 1215 represented using a black toner at predetermined locations within the page. In this example, the black toner forms 40 grayscale blocks. As mentioned above, the number and layout of the grayscale blocks are not limited to this.

[0116] Figure 12B Page images 1221 and 1222 are illustrated. In page image 1221, grayscale blocks 1202 and 1204 are arranged at predetermined positions within a small-sized page. In page image 1222, grayscale blocks 1203 and 1205 are arranged at predetermined positions within a small-sized page. Two color tones are used to represent the grayscale blocks in each of page images 1221 and 1222. When using small-sized sheets, the grayscale blocks may be divided and laid out on multiple sheets depending on the number and size of the grayscale blocks and the arrangement of the sensor 220. This adjustment diagram is an example of this situation.

[0117] In this exemplary embodiment, the adjustment chart to be generated is switched based on the sheet size of the sheet to be used for adjusting the chart, set in the print job. More specifically, assume that "A3" is specified as the sheet size to be used for adjusting the chart. If the color mode is color, the adjustment chart illustrated by page image 1201 is generated. If the color mode is grayscale, the adjustment chart illustrated by page image 1211 is generated. Now, assume that "A4" is specified as the sheet size to be used for adjusting the chart. If the color mode is color, the adjustment chart illustrated by page images 1221 and 1222 is generated. If the color mode is grayscale, the adjustment chart illustrated by page image 1223 is generated.

[0118] <About Grayscale Correction Processing>

[0119] Now, the grayscale correction process will be described.

[0120] Grayscale correction processing refers to the correction processing used to maintain a constant output density of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0121] The printing device 200, which performs printing by controlling the toner, is susceptible to the influence of the temperature and humidity of the environment in which the printing device 200 is installed, as well as the printing sheet, and the print density is always changing. If the print density of the printing device 200 changes, pages generated by the same image processing may differ in terms of print output image quality. Grayscale correction processing is performed to always obtain stable output image quality.

[0122] Grayscale correction is a process used to correct print data to provide optimal output with a predetermined toner concentration. Grayscale correction is typically achieved by preparing a lookup table (LUT) to convert input signal values ​​into output signal values ​​that provide appropriate outputs for each toner component, and then performing LUT-based corrections during print data processing. As used herein, the LUT used for conversion will be referred to as a grayscale correction table.

[0123] Reference Figures 13A to 13C Describe the principle of grayscale correction processing. The following data is stored in HDD 114 and managed by the page image control unit 303.

[0124] Figure 13A The illustration shows an example of a table defining target concentrations for each color as a reference value for output concentration. This table defines optimal output concentration values ​​for 10 input signals ranging from 10% to 100%. This target information can be predetermined by the printer supplier. Information regarding values ​​obtained from actual output measurements by the operator can be registered as target information via operation unit 130. For more or fewer than 10 input values, the optimal output concentration can be defined in any number of steps.

[0125] Figure 13B The illustration shows an example of a measurement obtained by printing a grayscale block image (grayscale pattern image) generated from 10 input signal values ​​at a certain point in time and reading its density. The measurement value indicates the current output density of the printing device 200. The page image control unit 303 determines the density based on the target information ( Figure 13A ) and measured values ​​( Figure 13B To calculate the grayscale correction table.

[0126] Figure 13C The illustration shows an example of a concentration difference calculated as a correction value. This difference can be simply used as the correction value. Values ​​obtained through certain processes, such as multiplying by a constant, can also be used as correction values. A grayscale correction table is generated by associating signal input values ​​with signal values ​​that provide the same concentration as each target concentration with the output signal values ​​based on the correction values. Although this example is described using 10 input signal values, it is not limiting. The larger the number of signal values ​​used, the higher the correction accuracy, but the larger the number of blocks used for measurement. Since the output concentration also varies depending on the printing sheet, grayscale target information and grayscale correction tables can be prepared for each sheet type.

[0127] Although grayscale correction for all four colors is described here, it is not necessary to perform grayscale correction for all four colors at once.

[0128] Grayscale correction can be performed on any one or more of the colors. In this exemplary embodiment, if the adjustment chart described below contains four colors, grayscale correction is performed on all four colors; if the adjustment chart is monochrome, grayscale correction is performed only on black.

[0129] <The process for determining the sheet material used to interrupt the chart adjustment>

[0130] Some printed products use multiple types of sheets. Take, for example, a catalog published by a museum. A catalog includes a cover page that can be printed on sheets with various surface properties, text pages containing photographs, and chapter pages that divide the text pages into sections. The sheet used to print the adjustment charts is expected to be the same as the sheet used in the print job. If multiple types of sheets are used in a print job, it is necessary to determine on which sheet the adjustment charts will be printed. For example, in the case of a catalog, numerous photographs of exhibits such as artworks are printed on the text pages. Therefore, it is desirable to use the same sheet as the text pages that carry the content most intended to be presented to the audience for printing the adjustment charts and color adjustments. Another example is a paperback book. The text mainly consists of text, while the cover page is often decoratively designed to attract the consumer's attention when the book is displayed on a bookshelf. With such a book configuration, the focus is on the color of the cover page. In this case, it is desirable to use the sheet used for the cover page to output the adjustment charts and color adjustments. Therefore, the printing operator needs to determine on which sheet the adjustment charts will be printed. However, specifying the sheet material to use for adjusting the chart each time is cumbersome.

[0131] The interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination process according to this exemplary embodiment will be described. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the execution process of the image processing apparatus 20. This flowchart shows how the CPU 141 reads the program stored in the HDD 144 of the image processing apparatus 20 into the RAM 143 and executes the program. See also... Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 11 The following description will be provided. (The description will be provided below.) Figure 4 The flowchart is invoked in step S405. More specifically, in step S405, the print job management unit 342 confirms that interruption adjustment for the print job is enabled, and the interruption adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 begins the process.

[0132] <Regarding the determination of color mode and sheet material for the interruption adjustment chart used in Operation A>

[0133] First, a method for determining the interruption adjustment chart sheet for job A, for which interruption adjustment is enabled, will be described. The interruption adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 confirms that interruption adjustment is enabled in the print settings information and records the print settings information in table 1001. In this example, the print settings information for job A is recorded in... Figure 10B In line [a]. Then, the process proceeds to... Figure 5 In step S501, the interrupted adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses table 1001 to check the sheet registered for media mixing.

[0134] Since there is no sheet registered for operation A using media mixing ("No" in step S501), the process proceeds to step S502. In step S502, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses table 1001. The interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 364 records information about the color mode, sheet type, and sheet size registered through the operation settings of operation A into RAM 143 as the color mode and sheet to be used for the interrupt adjustment chart.

[0135] In this example, the color mode "Color", sheet type "Plain Paper 1", and sheet size "A4" are recorded in RAM 143. Processing proceeds to step S503. In step S503, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses RAM 143 and obtains information about the color mode and sheet to be used for the interrupt adjustment chart. Then, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses... Figure 10B Table 1002 is used, and the job name "Job A" is recorded in row [a] and column [1], the color mode "Color" is recorded in column [2], the sheet type "Plain Paper 1" is recorded in column [3], and the sheet size "A4" is recorded in column [4]. Then, the processing ends.

[0136] <Regarding the determination of color mode and sheet material for the interruption adjustment chart used in Job B>

[0137] Next, a method for determining the interruption adjustment chart sheet for job B to enable interruption adjustment will be described. The interruption adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 confirms that interruption adjustment is enabled in the print settings information and records the print settings information in Figure 10A In Table 1001. In this example, the print settings information for job B is recorded in rows [b] and [c]. Then, the process proceeds to step S501. In step S501, the adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 is interrupted to access table 1001 to check whether a sheet is registered using media mixing. Since there is a sheet registered using media mixing for job B ("Yes" in step S501), the process proceeds to step S504. In step S504, the adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 is interrupted to access table 1001 to check whether a sheet with the color mode "Color" exists among the sheets for job B specified by job settings and media mixing. In this example, the sheet settings for job B are registered in rows [b] and [c]. However, there is no sheet with the color mode "Color" in column [3]. Therefore, the interrupted adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 determines that there is no sheet with the color mode "color" for operation B ("No" in step S504), and the process proceeds to step S505.

[0138] In step S505, the interruption adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 records information about the color mode and sheet type registered in the job settings into RAM 143 as the sheet type and color mode of the sheet to be used for the interruption adjustment chart. In this example, the color mode "grayscale" and the sheet type "plain paper 1" are recorded into RAM 143. Then, the process proceeds to step S506.

[0139] In step S506, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses table 1001 and checks the sheets to be used in the job. Then, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses table 1101 and checks whether all the sheets to be used in the job are set in the sheet feeder 223. In this example, the sheets to be used in job B include sheets of sheet type "plain paper 1" and sheet size "A4" set in sheet feeders 1 and 2 respectively, and sheets of sheet type "thick paper 1" and sheet type "A4". In this case, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 determines that all the sheets to be used in the printing job are set in either of the sheet feeders 223 ("Yes" in step S506), and the process proceeds to step S507.

[0140] In step S507, the interruption adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 checks whether a large-size sheet of adjustment sheet type (the sheet type of the sheet to be used for the interruption adjustment chart) is set in the sheet feeder 223. In step S507, the interruption adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses RAM 143 and confirms that the sheet type of the sheet to be used for the interruption adjustment chart is "plain paper 1". The interruption adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses table 1101 and checks whether a large-size sheet of "plain paper 1" is set. In this example, a large-size sheet of "plain paper 1" or "A3" sheet is set in the sheet feeder 5. In this case ("Yes" in step S507), the process proceeds to step S508.

[0141] In step S508, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses RAM 143 and sets the sheet size of the sheet to be used for the interrupt adjustment chart to a large size. In this example, the sheet size is updated from "A4" to "A3". Then, the process proceeds to step S503. If, in step S507, no sheet is set in the sheet feeder 5 in Table 1101, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 determines that no large-size sheet of sheet type "plain paper 1" is set in any of the sheet feeders 223 ("No" in step S507), and the process proceeds to step S509.

[0142] In step S509, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses RAM 143 and checks the sheet size of the sheet of sheet type "plain paper 1". In this example, the sheet size is "A4", that is, the sheet has a small size. In this case, the process proceeds to step S503, where the sheet size of the sheet to be used for interrupting the adjustment chart is maintained as the small size, i.e., "A4". The subsequent processing has already been described, so its description will be omitted.

[0143] <Regarding the determination of color mode and sheet material for the interruption adjustment chart used in Operation C>

[0144] First, a method for determining the interruption adjustment chart sheet for job C to enable interruption adjustment will be described. The interruption adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 confirms that interruption adjustment is enabled in the print settings information and records the print settings information in Table 1001.

[0145] In this example, the print settings information for job C is recorded in Figure 10A In Table 1001, rows [d] to [f] are entered. Then, the process proceeds to step S501. In step S501, the adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses Table 1001 to check if a sheet has been registered using media mixing. Since there is a sheet registered using media mixing for job C ("Yes" in step S501), the process proceeds to step S504. In step S504, the adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses Table 1001 and checks if a sheet with a color mode of "Colored" exists among the sheets specified by job settings and media mixing for job C. In this example, the sheet settings for job C are registered in... Figure 10A Rows [d] to [f] in Table 1001.

[0146] The color mode "Color" is registered in Figure 10A In Table 1001, rows [e] and [f], and column [3].

[0147] Therefore, the interruption adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 determines that there is a sheet with the color mode "colorful" for job C ("Yes" in step S504), and the process proceeds to step S510. In step S510, the interruption adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 records information about the color mode, sheet type, and sheet size registered in the job settings into RAM 143 as color mode and sheet candidate to be used for the interruption adjustment chart.

[0148] In this example, the color mode "color" and sheet type "thick paper 2" are recorded in RAM 143. Then, the process proceeds to step S506. In step S506, the adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 is interrupted to access table 1001 and checks the sheets to be used in the print job. Then, the adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 is interrupted to access table 1101 and checks whether all the sheets to be used in the print job are set in any of the sheet feeders 223. In this example, the sheets to be used in job C include sheets of sheet type "plain paper 1" and sheet size "A4", sheets of sheet type "thick paper 2" and sheet size "A3", and sheets of sheet type "thick paper 2" and sheet size "A4". Of these, sheets of sheet type "thick paper 2" and sheet size "A3" are not set in any of the sheet feeders 223. In this situation, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 determines that no sheet material to be used in the print job is set in the sheet feeder 223 (No in step S506), and the process proceeds to step S511. In step S511, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses RAM 143 and confirms that the adjustment sheet material type is "thick paper 2".

[0149] Then, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses table 1101 and checks whether job C uses both the large and small sizes of the adjustment sheet type "thick paper 2". In this example, both "A3" and "A4" sheets are set to be used ("Yes" in step S511), so the process proceeds to step S512. In step S512, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses RAM 143 and sets the sheet size to be used for the interrupt adjustment chart to the large size. In this example, the sheet size is set to "A3". Since the subsequent processing has already been described, its description will be omitted.

[0150] <Regarding the determination of color mode and sheet material for the interruption adjustment chart used in Operation D>

[0151] First, a method for determining the sheet material for job D to enable interrupt adjustment will be described. The interrupt adjustment chart sheet material determination unit 346 confirms that interrupt adjustment is enabled in the print settings information and records the print settings information in Table 1001.

[0152] In this example, the print settings information for job D is recorded in rows [g] and [h] of table 1001. Then, the process proceeds to step S501. Subsequent processing proceeds in the order of steps S501, S504, S510, S506, and S511. Their details have already been described and will therefore be omitted here. In step S511, the interrupted adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses RAM 143 and confirms that the adjustment sheet type is "thick paper 3". Then, the interrupted adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses table 1101 and checks whether job D uses both large and small size sheets of adjustment sheet type "thick paper 3".

[0153] In this example, only the "A4" sheet is set to be used ("No" in step S511). Therefore, the process proceeds to step S513.

[0154] In step S513, the interrupt adjustment chart sheet determination unit 346 accesses RAM 143 and sets the sheet size to be used for the interrupt adjustment chart to the sheet size of the sheet used in the operation. In this example, the sheet size is set to "A4". Since subsequent processing has already been described, its description will be omitted.

[0155] <Changes to the settings for interrupting the chart adjustment>

[0156] If the operator is Figure 9B When the interruption adjustment button 924 is pressed on the job nature screen 910, the UI control unit 341 notifies the print job management unit 342. The print job management unit 342 instructs the interruption adjustment setting unit 345 to check whether interruption adjustment for the job is enabled. If interruption adjustment for the job is enabled, the print job management unit 342 accesses table 1002 and obtains the color mode, sheet type, and sheet size of the sheet to be used for the interruption adjustment chart. Then, the print job management unit 342 instructs the UI control unit 341 to display the UI screen 951 on the display unit 152.

[0157] In this example, UI screen 951 displays the chart interruption command, color mode, sheet type, and sheet size set in job C. If the operator operates operation unit 150 and presses the chart sheet and color mode change button 957, UI control unit 341 notifies print job management unit 342. In response, print job management unit 342 accesses table 1001 and obtains the sheet type and sheet size of all sheets specified in the job. Print job management unit 342 also accesses table 1002 and obtains the color mode, sheet type, and sheet size of the sheet to be used for interrupting the chart adjustment. Then, print job management unit 342 instructs UI control unit 341 to display screen 961 on display unit 152 (see...). Figure 9E Screen 961 is used to change the settings of the interrupt adjustment chart.

[0158] In this screen, row 964 and radio button 962, corresponding to the color mode, sheet type, and sheet size of the interruption adjustment chart determined for job C based on the job settings, are displayed as selected. Rows 965 and 966 display the sheet type and sheet size of other sheets obtained from Table 1001 for the job C settings as candidate sheets for selection.

[0159] If the operator operates the operation unit 150 to change the color mode and / or sheet material and presses the OK button 967, the UI control unit 341 notifies the print job management unit 342. The print job management unit 342 accesses table 1002 and writes the values ​​specified on screen 961. For example, suppose the radio button 963 “Grayscale” and row 965 indicating the sheet material type “plain paper 1” and sheet material size “A4” are selected on screen 961. In this case, “Grayscale” is written to row [c] column [2], “plain paper 1” is written to column [3], and “A4” is written to column [4] in table 1002.

[0160] If the operator has selected the target print job... Figure 9A When the print button 903, property button 904, or delete button 905 is pressed on the UI screen 901, the print job management unit 342 executes the processing corresponding to the pressed button. If the print button 903 is pressed, the print job management unit 342 begins the printing process for the selected print job. When the printing process is complete, the print job management unit 342 sends the print data to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0161] <Procedure for performing print jobs during interrupted adjustments>

[0162] The process for performing a print job in the event of an interruption adjustment, according to this exemplary embodiment, will be described.

[0163] The execution of a print job involves processing performed by both the image processing unit 20 and the image forming unit 10. Therefore, they will be described in turn. First, the processing performed by the image processing unit 20 will be described.

[0164] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the execution process of the image processing device 20. The flowchart shows how the CPU 141 reads the program stored in the HDD 144 of the image processing device 20 into the RAM 143 and executes the program.

[0165] When in Figure 9A When a print job is selected on the UI screen 901 of the print management application shown in the diagram, and the print button 903 is pressed, the flowchart begins.

[0166] In step S401, the print job management unit 342 reads the target print job data.

[0167] In step S402, the print job management unit 342 reads print setting information regarding print settings. (In addition to the above references...) Figures 9A to 9E In addition to the items described, examples of print settings include page layout settings for print jobs and color management system (CMS) related settings such as color profiles. Numerous other items also exist, including settings for image correction processes such as halftone processing, settings for the operation of the final processing unit, and interrupt adjustment instructions. It will be understood that print settings for print jobs are not limited to the items mentioned above, and various other settings exist.

[0168] In step S405, the print job management unit 342 confirms that interruption adjustment for print jobs is enabled and begins... Figure 5 If interruption adjustment for print jobs is not enabled, processing proceeds to step S403 without executing the following steps: Figure 5 The flowchart.

[0169] In step S403, the print job processing unit 343 performs RIP processing on the print job. As used herein, RIP processing of a print job refers to analyzing the submitted print job and performing predetermined processing, such as color conversion, based on the print settings information read in step S402, to expand the print job into rasterized image data. After this processing, the print job becomes a set of page-by-page image data (page image data set).

[0170] In step S404, the print job management unit 342 sends the processed print job data to the image forming apparatus 10 via the data sending and receiving unit 344. In addition to the expanded page image data set, the print job data also includes setting information about the print job to be used for processing by the image forming apparatus 10. If interruption adjustment for the print job is enabled, the print job data also includes information determined in step S405 regarding the sheet type and size to be used, as well as the color mode of the interruption adjustment chart.

[0171] After step S404 is completed, the flowchart of the print job management unit 342 ends.

[0172] Next, the processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

[0173] First, the procedure for performing a print job in the event of an interruption in the adjustment process will be described.

[0174] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the process for the image forming apparatus 10 to execute a print job with interrupt adjustments. This flowchart is implemented by the CPU 111 reading a program stored in the HDD 114 of the image forming apparatus 10 into the RAM 113 and executing the program.

[0175] The flowchart begins when the printing process of the print job performed by the image processing device 20 is completed in step S404 and the print job data is received.

[0176] In step S6001, the page image analysis unit 302 analyzes the received print job data.

[0177] Here, the page image analysis unit 302 examines the settings information and the contents of the image data group in the received print job data. The settings include whether interruption adjustment settings are enabled, and if enabled, information about the color mode for interrupted printing, as well as the sheet type and size to be used in the interrupted printing.

[0178] In step S6002, the page image analysis unit 302 determines whether to enable interrupt adjustment settings. If interrupt adjustment settings are enabled ("No" in step S6002), the process proceeds to step S6002.

[0179] In step S6003, the page image analysis unit 302 reads the interrupt adjustment counter information and adjustment interval information from the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309.

[0180] If the interrupt adjustment setting is disabled in step S6002 ("No" in step S6002), or after the processing in step S6003, the process proceeds to step S6004. In step S6004, the page image control unit 303 selects the first page image data (first page) from the received and analyzed print job data. In step S6005, the page image control unit 303 performs printing processing on the selected page.

[0181] Reference Figure 14A Describe the page-to-page printing process in step S6005. Figure 14A This is a flowchart illustrating the printing process of page image data performed by the image forming apparatus 10. This flowchart is implemented by the CPU 111 reading the program stored in the HDD 114 into the RAM 113 and executing the program.

[0182] In step S6101, the page image control unit 303 reads the grayscale correction table, which will be described below.

[0183] In step S6102, the page image control unit 303 performs grayscale correction processing.

[0184] In step S6102, the page image control unit 303 converts the signal value of the page image data to be processed by using the grayscale correction table read in step S6101.

[0185] In step S6103, the page image control unit 303 performs halftone processing. Halftone processing is a process used to convert the signal values ​​of page image data represented in multiple gray levels into fewer gray levels that the printing device 200 can output. Halftone processing is a known technique for representing individual pixels in page image data over a wide area, thereby pseudo-representing multiple gray levels while reducing the number of gray levels.

[0186] In step S6104, the engine control unit 304 performs printing processing by forming page image data on the sheet that has been converted into a state suitable for printing by the printing device 200. The process ends after the target page has been printed.

[0187] Return to reference Figure 6 The flowchart shows that in step S6006, the page image control unit 303, as in step S6002, determines whether to enable interrupt adjustment settings.

[0188] In step S6006, if the interrupt adjustment setting is disabled ("No" in step S6006), the process proceeds to step S6007. In step S6007, the page image control unit 303 determines whether the processed page is the last page of the print job. If the processed page is determined to be the last page ("Yes" in step S6007), the process ends. If the processed page is determined not to be the last page ("No" in step S6007), the process proceeds to step S6008. In step S6008, the page image control unit 303 selects the next page. Then, the process returns to step S6005.

[0189] In step S6006, if the interrupt adjustment setting is enabled ("Yes" in step S6006), the process proceeds to step S6009. In step S6009, the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 performs an increment operation to increment the interrupt adjustment counter information read in step S6003 by 1.

[0190] In step S6010, the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 determines whether the interrupt adjustment counter information has reached the set value of the adjustment interval information read in step S6003. If the interrupt adjustment counter information has reached the set value of the adjustment interval information ("Yes" in step S6010), the process proceeds to step S6011. In step S6011 and subsequent steps, the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 performs printing processing on the adjustment page. If not ("No" in step S6010), the process proceeds to step S6007 to continue the above processing.

[0191] In step S6011, the interruption adjustment chart determination unit 308 and the interruption adjustment chart printing control unit 309 generate the interruption adjustment chart.

[0192] This describes the determination and generation of the interrupt adjustment chart in step S6011. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of generating the interrupt adjustment chart in step S6011. This flowchart is implemented by the CPU 111 reading the program stored in the HDD 114 of the image forming apparatus 10 into the RAM 113 and executing the program.

[0193] In step S701, the interruption adjustment chart determination unit 308 checks the color mode of the received interruption adjustment chart. Then, the process proceeds to step S702.

[0194] In step S702, the interruption adjustment chart determination unit 308 determines whether the color mode of the interruption adjustment chart is color or grayscale. If the color mode is color ("Yes" in step S702), the process proceeds to step S703. If the color mode is grayscale ("No" in step S702), the process proceeds to step S704. In step S703, the interruption adjustment chart determination unit 308 selects a color grayscale block.

[0195] In step S704, the interrupted adjustment chart determination unit 308 selects the grayscale block.

[0196] In step S705, the interruption adjustment chart determination unit 308 checks the sheet size of the interruption adjustment chart. If the sheet size is large ("Yes" in step S705), the process proceeds to step S706. If the sheet size is small ("No" in step S705), the process proceeds to step S707. In step S706, the interruption adjustment chart determination unit 308 generates a large-sized interruption adjustment chart using the grayscale block selected in step S703 or S704. In step S707, the interruption adjustment chart determination unit 308 generates a small-sized interruption adjustment chart using the grayscale block selected in step S703 or S704.

[0197] Return to reference Figure 6 The flowchart shows that in step S6012, the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 performs the interrupt adjustment chart printing process.

[0198] Reference Figure 14B Describe the interrupted adjustment chart printing process performed in step S6012.

[0199] Figure 14B This is a flowchart illustrating the interrupt adjustment chart printing process performed by the image forming apparatus 10. This flowchart is implemented by the CPU 111 reading the program stored in the HDD 114 of the image forming apparatus 10 into the RAM 113 and executing the program.

[0200] In step S6201, the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 reads the current grayscale correction table. In step S6202, the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 performs grayscale correction processing.

[0201] In step S6203, the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 performs halftone processing. In step S6204, the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 checks the sheet size of the interrupt adjustment chart and notifies the engine control unit 304 of the sheet size. Then, the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 instructs the sensor control unit 305 to control the sensor 220 and measure the density of the grayscale blocks formed and printed on the interrupt adjustment chart generated in step S706 or S707.

[0202] In step S6205, the engine control unit 304 feeds one or more sheets of material of the dimensions notified in step S6204, forms one or more page images of the interrupted adjustment chart on the fed sheets, and outputs the printed product. Simultaneously, the sensor control unit 305 measures the density of the grayscale blocks. The process ends after printing is complete.

[0203] Return to reference Figure 6 The flowchart shows that in step S6013, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 receives the measurement results of the grayscale block measured by the sensor 220.

[0204] In step S6014, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 generates grayscale correction data (grayscale correction table).

[0205] Reference Figure 14C The grayscale correction table generation process performed in step S6014 is described. The principle of grayscale correction is the same as that described above.

[0206] Figure 14C This diagram illustrates a flowchart of the grayscale correction table generation process performed by the image forming apparatus 10. This flowchart is implemented by the CPU 111 reading the program stored in the HDD 114 of the image forming apparatus 10 into the RAM 113 and executing the program.

[0207] In step S6301, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 reads the grayscale correction target corresponding to the sheet (one or more sheets) with the interrupt adjustment chart printed from the page image control unit 303.

[0208] In step S6302, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 reads the measurement result (color measurement value) of the grayscale block measured by the sensor 220 received in step S6013. In step S6303, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 calculates the difference between the grayscale correction target and the color measurement value.

[0209] In step S6304, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 generates a new grayscale correction table based on the calculated difference.

[0210] In this way, a new grayscale correction table is generated whenever an interruption occurs and an interruption adjustment chart is output. As described above, the new grayscale correction table to be generated can be changed depending on the color configuration of the grayscale blocks measured in step S6013. In this exemplary embodiment, if the interruption adjustment chart has a four-color configuration, a grayscale correction table for all four colors is generated. If the interruption adjustment chart has a monochrome configuration, a grayscale correction table for only black is generated.

[0211] Return to reference Figure 6 The flowchart shows that in step S6015, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 updates the grayscale correction table with the newly generated grayscale correction table and stores the updated grayscale correction table. In step S6016, the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 clears the interrupt adjustment counter information. The process proceeds to step S6007 to continue the above process.

[0212] As described above, by executing this flowchart, when printing a print job with the interrupt adjustment setting enabled, each time the number of printed pages reaches the set interrupt adjustment interval, an interrupt adjustment chart corresponding to the color mode, sheet type, and sheet size based on instructions from the image processing device 20 is generated and printed. A new grayscale correction table is continuously generated and updated based on measurements obtained by measuring the grayscale blocks printed on the interrupt adjustment chart. Since the updated grayscale correction table is applied immediately after the update in the subsequent printing process, stable output image quality can be achieved during the printing of the print job.

[0213] As described above, according to this exemplary embodiment, a printing system that prints an adjustment chart during a print job and applies the measurement results obtained by measuring the block density of the adjustment chart to grayscale correction processing generates and prints the adjustment chart using color mode, sheet type, and sheet size based on the print job settings. As a result, optimal output image quality based on the print job settings can be achieved.

[0214] According to this exemplary embodiment, when printing is performed using multiple types of sheets, an adjustment chart for the appropriate sheet type can be inserted.

[0215] Other embodiments

[0216] One or more embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by a computer that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transient computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more embodiments described above and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more embodiments described above, and by a method executed by a computer of a system or device, for example, by reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to perform the functions of one or more embodiments described above and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more embodiments described above. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include a network of individual computers or individual processors to read and execute computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a storage device for a distributed computing system, an optical disc (such as a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc), or a digital versatile disc (BD). TM One or more of the following: flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0217] Other embodiments

[0218] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (programs) that perform the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reads out and executes the program.

[0219] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to include all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming system comprising: a forming unit configured to form a gray scale pattern image on a sheet fed from a sheet feed table in response to execution of printing of a predetermined number of images based on a print job; a color measurement unit configured to read the gray scale pattern image formed by the forming unit and perform color measurement; a generating unit configured to generate gray scale correction data based on a result of the color measurement by the color measurement unit and a reference value; a correction unit configured to perform gray scale correction on image data by using the gray scale correction data generated by the generating unit; and a receiving unit configured to receive a selection of a sheet on which a gray scale pattern image is to be formed by the forming unit from a user, wherein the gray scale pattern image is formed on the sheet on which the selection is received by the receiving unit.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein The print job includes settings regarding a plurality of types of sheets.

3. The image forming system of claim 1, wherein, The print job includes settings regarding a sheet type and a sheet size for each page.

4. The image forming system of claim 1, wherein, The print job includes settings regarding a color mode for each page.

5. The image forming system of claim 1, wherein, The gray scale pattern image includes a plurality of block images having color density gradually changed.

6. An image forming method comprising: forming a gray scale pattern image on a sheet fed from a sheet feed table in response to execution of printing of a predetermined number of images based on a print job; reading the gray scale pattern image formed and performing color measurement; generating gray scale correction data based on a result of the color measurement and a reference value; performing gray scale correction on image data by using the gray scale correction data generated; and receiving a selection of a sheet on which a gray scale pattern is to be formed from a user, wherein the gray scale pattern image is formed on the sheet on which the selection is received.

7. The image forming method according to claim 6, wherein The print job includes settings regarding a plurality of types of sheets.

8. The image forming method according to claim 6, wherein The print job includes settings regarding a sheet type and a sheet size for each page.

9. The image forming method according to claim 6, wherein The print job includes settings regarding a color mode for each page.

10. The image forming method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, The gray scale pattern image includes a plurality of block images having color density gradually changed.

Images