Image forming apparatus and control method of image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides an image forming apparatus which appropriately adjusts a printing mechanism according to a use environment (temperature, humidity), and a control method of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a scanning mechanism, an inkjet printing mechanism, a display mechanism, and a control section which controls the scanning mechanism, the printing mechanism, and the display mechanism. The control section includes a pattern storage section which stores temperature and humidity and a group of adjustment patterns composed of a plurality of adjustment patterns in correspondence with each other; a first acquisition section which acquires a first measured temperature and a first measured humidity from a temperature and humidity sensor; and a data generation section which reads out a group of adjustment patterns corresponding to the first measured temperature and the first measured humidity acquired by the first acquisition section from the pattern storage section, and generates printing data including the read-out group of adjustment patterns.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and a method for controlling the image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a printing apparatus that scans two printed inspection patterns divided by a scanner and performs correction processing on the printing conditions.

[0003] In the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the user uses an adjustment pattern to adjust parameters such as the color tone of the printing apparatus, it is necessary to print an adjustment pattern that matches the current usage environment (temperature, humidity).

[0004] However, the number of adjustment patterns that can be printed on a single sheet of paper is limited. Furthermore, it is difficult for users to visually determine which of the printed adjustment patterns is suitable for the intended use. For these reasons, it can be challenging to properly adjust the printing mechanism according to the specific environment.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-171667 Summary of the Invention

[0006] One approach to solving the aforementioned problem involves an image forming apparatus comprising a scanning mechanism, an inkjet printing mechanism, a display mechanism, and a control unit for controlling the scanning mechanism, the printing mechanism, and the display mechanism. The control unit comprises: a pattern storage unit that stores temperature and humidity in correspondence with a group of adjustment patterns consisting of multiple adjustment patterns; a first acquisition unit that acquires measured temperature and measured humidity from a temperature and humidity sensor; and a data generation unit that reads the group of adjustment patterns corresponding to the measured temperature and measured humidity acquired by the first acquisition unit from the pattern storage unit and generates printing data containing the read-out group of adjustment patterns.

[0007] In another approach to solving the aforementioned problem, the control method for an image forming apparatus includes a scanning mechanism, an inkjet printing mechanism, a display mechanism, and a control unit that controls the scanning mechanism, the printing mechanism, and the display mechanism. The control unit includes a pattern storage unit that stores temperature and humidity in correspondence with a group of adjustment patterns consisting of multiple adjustment patterns. The control unit performs the following steps: an acquisition step, in which it acquires measured temperature and measured humidity from a temperature and humidity sensor; and a data generation step, in which it reads from the pattern storage unit the group of adjustment patterns corresponding to the measured temperature and measured humidity acquired in the acquisition step, and generates printing data containing the read adjustment pattern group. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an example of the structure of the composite machine according to this embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a printing mechanism.

[0010] Figure 3 A diagram to represent an example of the first table.

[0011] Figure 4 A diagram to represent an example of the second table.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of adjusting a thin sheet and a group of adjusting patterns.

[0013] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates another example of adjusting the sheet and the group of adjusting patterns.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing in the control unit.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of adjusting a thin sheet and a group of adjusting patterns.

[0016] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates another example of adjusting the sheet and the group of adjusting patterns.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing in the control unit.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing in the control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] The composite machine 1 involved in this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the composite machine 1 according to this embodiment.

[0021] The multifunction printer 1 corresponds to an example of an "image forming apparatus". The multifunction printer 1 is an apparatus for printing images such as text and graphics on a printing medium M such as printing paper.

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, the multifunction printer 1 includes a control unit 11, a scanning mechanism 12, an input mechanism 13, a display mechanism 14, a printing mechanism 15, an ink supply unit 16, a printing media storage unit 17, and a temperature and humidity sensor ST.

[0023] The control unit 11 includes a processor 11A such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory 11B such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and controls various parts of the multifunction printer 1. The memory 11B stores the control program PGM. In addition, the memory 11B may also include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0024] In the control unit 11, the processor 11A reads the control program PGM stored in the memory 11B and executes it. In other words, the control unit 11 executes the processing through the cooperation of hardware and software.

[0025] The processor 11A can consist of a single processor or a structure in which multiple processors function as the processor 11A.

[0026] In this embodiment, the processor 11A executes the control program PGM and controls various parts of the multifunction printer 1, but it is not limited to this. The control unit 11 may also be, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The ASIC can perform processing through its installed functions. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may also be, for example, a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit can perform signal processing to execute processing.

[0027] The scanning mechanism 12 is equipped with image sensors such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device), CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and CIS (Contact Image Sensor), and reads images printed on a printing medium M such as printing paper, and generates image data. In this embodiment, the scanning mechanism 12 reads... Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The adjustment pattern group PG is shown, and the adjustment image group QG is generated. Furthermore, the scanning mechanism 12 reads... Figure 5 as well as Figure 6The code shown is CD, while the generated code image is QC.

[0028] The input mechanism 13 includes input units such as operation switches and touch panels provided on the multifunction printer 1. It detects user operations on the input units and outputs detection signals corresponding to the operations to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 performs processing corresponding to the user's operations based on the input signals from the input mechanism 13.

[0029] The display unit 14 includes multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), a display panel, etc., and performs functions such as turning the LEDs on, off, and flashing, and displaying information to the display panel in a predetermined manner, according to the control unit 11.

[0030] The printing mechanism 15, under the control of the control unit 11, prints text, graphics, and other images onto a printing medium M, such as printing paper, using ink. As a printing-related structure, the printing mechanism 15 includes a print head 151, a carriage 152, a scanning motor 15, and a transport motor 154.

[0031] The printhead 151 is an inkjet printer that ejects ink supplied from the ink supply unit 16 toward the printing medium M. The carriage 152 carries the printhead 151 and scans in the main scanning direction X, which intersects the sub-scanning direction Y. The sub-scanning direction Y represents the transport direction of the printing medium M. The scanning motor 153 causes the carriage 152 to scan in the main scanning direction X. The transport motor 154 transports the printing medium M in the transport direction, i.e., the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0032] For printing facility 15, refer to Figure 2 Further explanation is needed.

[0033] The ink supply unit 16 stores the ink cans containing the ink and supplies the ink from the ink cans to the print head 151 of the printing unit 15. The ink supplied by the ink supply unit 16 to the print head 151 is various colors of ink, such as blue-green (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K).

[0034] The printing medium storage unit 17 is configured to store the printing medium M. When the printing medium M is a single sheet of paper, the printing medium storage unit 17 unwinds the stored sheet of paper into a transport path (not shown) via the transport motor 154. The printing medium storage unit 17 may also have a structure for recycling the printed printing medium M, i.e., the printed matter. The structure for recycling the printed matter may also be a structure that stacks and loads the single sheets of paper.

[0035] The temperature and humidity sensor ST, for example, detects the temperature T and humidity H around the printing unit 15. The temperature and humidity sensor ST comprises a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The temperature sensor consists of a resistance temperature detector, a linear resistor, a thermistor, etc. The humidity sensor consists of a resistance-varying humidity sensor, a capacitance-varying humidity sensor, etc.

[0036] The temperature and humidity sensor ST is, for example, disposed inside the housing of the printing mechanism 15. The temperature and humidity sensor ST outputs a signal indicating the measured temperature TR measured by the temperature sensor and a signal indicating the measured humidity HR measured by the humidity sensor to the control unit.

[0037] Next, the function blocks of the control unit 11 of the multifunction printer 1 will be explained.

[0038] As a functional block, the control unit 11 includes a first acquisition unit 111, a data generation unit 112, a printing control unit 113, an image generation unit 114, an adjustment unit 115, a second acquisition unit 116, a display control unit 117, a pattern storage unit 118, and a measured value storage unit 119.

[0039] The control unit 11 executes the control program PGM via the processor 11A, and functions as a first acquisition unit 111, a data generation unit 112, a printing control unit 113, an image generation unit 114, an adjustment unit 115, a second acquisition unit 116, and a display control unit 117. Furthermore, by executing the control program PGM via the processor 11A, the control unit 11 causes the memory 11B to function as a pattern storage unit 118 and a measured value storage unit 119.

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit 11 detects ejection defects of the nozzles 39 disposed on the print head 151 of the printing mechanism 15. For example, the print head 151 is equipped with a residual vibration detection circuit (not shown in the figure), and the control unit 11 detects residual vibration waveforms generated in the drive signal path when each nozzle 39 is driven to eject, thereby detecting ejection defects of each nozzle 39.

[0041] For the detection method of nozzle 39 poor ejection implemented by control unit 11, refer to Figure 2 To elaborate further.

[0042] The pattern storage unit 118 stores the temperature T and humidity H in correspondence with the adjustment pattern group PG. Each adjustment pattern group PG consists of multiple adjustment patterns PT. For example, each adjustment pattern group PG consists of four adjustment patterns PT.

[0043] In addition, the adjustment pattern PT includes, for example, the first adjustment pattern PT1 to the eighth adjustment pattern PT8.

[0044] In this embodiment, the pattern storage unit 118 stores the first table TB1, the second table TB2, and the first adjustment patterns PT1 to the eighth adjustment patterns PT8. The first table TB1 maps the temperature T and humidity H to the group identification information DPG. The second table TB2 maps the group identification information DPG to the adjustment pattern PT. The group identification information DPG is information used to identify the adjustment pattern group PG.

[0045] For the first table TB1, refer to Figure 3 Further explanation is needed.

[0046] For the second table TB2, refer to Figure 4 Further explanation is needed.

[0047] The measured value storage unit 119 stores the group identification information DPG1. The group identification information DPG1 is determined by the data generation unit 112 based on the measured temperature TR, measured humidity HR, and first table TB1 obtained by the first acquisition unit 111.

[0048] In the following description, the measured temperature TR obtained by the first acquisition unit 111 is sometimes recorded as the first measured temperature TR1, and the measured humidity HR obtained by the first acquisition unit 111 is sometimes recorded as the first measured humidity HR1.

[0049] In addition, the measured value storage unit 119 can store the measured temperature TR and measured humidity HR obtained by the first acquisition unit 111, and can also store both the group identification information DPG1 and the measured temperature TR and measured humidity HR.

[0050] Furthermore, the measured value storage unit 119 stores the group identification information DPG2. The group identification information DPG2 is determined by the display control unit 117 based on the measured temperature TR, measured humidity HR, and first meter TB1 obtained by the second acquisition unit 116.

[0051] In the following description, the measured temperature TR obtained by the second acquisition unit 116 is sometimes recorded as the second measured temperature TR2, and the measured humidity HR obtained by the second acquisition unit 116 is sometimes recorded as the second measured humidity HR2.

[0052] The first acquisition unit 111 acquires the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 from the temperature and humidity sensor ST. For example, the first acquisition unit 111 acquires the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 when it receives an instruction to adjust the printing mechanism 15 based on the user's operation and the control unit 11 determines that there is no nozzle 39 with poor ejection.

[0053] The data generation unit 112 reads the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 obtained by the first acquisition unit 111 from the pattern storage unit 118, and generates printing data DP containing the read adjustment pattern group PG.

[0054] The data generation unit 112, for example, refers to the first table TB1 to determine the group identification information DPG of the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1. Then, the data generation unit 112 refers to the second table TB2 and reads the adjustment pattern PT contained in the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the determined group identification information DPG from the pattern storage unit 118. In this embodiment, the adjustment pattern PT contained in the adjustment pattern group PG is, for example, four adjustment patterns PT. The four adjustment patterns PT are any one of the first adjustment pattern PT1 to the eighth adjustment pattern PT8.

[0055] Furthermore, the data generation unit 112 generates a code CD representing the group identification information DPG1. In other words, the data generation unit 112 encodes the group identification information DPG1 and converts it into a code CD. The code CD is contained in the printed data DP. The code CD is, for example, a QR code (QRCode, registered trademark).

[0056] In addition, the data generation unit 112 can generate a code CD representing the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1, and can also generate a code CD representing both the group identification information DPG1 and the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1.

[0057] In this embodiment, the case where the code CD is a QR code is described, but it is not limited to this. The code CD can also be, for example, a one-dimensional barcode.

[0058] For the processing of the data generation unit 112, refer to... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 Further explanation is needed.

[0059] The printing control unit 113 causes the printing mechanism 15 to print the printing data DP, thereby generating an adjustment sheet SA on the printing medium M with an image corresponding to the printing data DP printed on it. The printing data DP includes four adjustment patterns PT. That is, the adjustment patterns PT are printed on the adjustment sheet SA.

[0060] In addition, the printing control unit 113 can also print the adjustment pattern PT and code CD on the printing medium M to generate an adjustment sheet SA printed with the adjustment pattern PT and code CD.

[0061] For adjusting the thin film SA, refer to... Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 Further explanation is needed.

[0062] The image generation unit 114 causes the scanning mechanism 12 to read the adjustment pattern group PG formed on the adjustment sheet SA, and generates an adjustment image group QG corresponding to the adjustment pattern group PG. The adjustment image group QG is composed of adjustment pattern images QT, each corresponding to one of the four adjustment patterns PT. The image generation unit 114 generates the adjustment image group QG, for example, by performing an operation in which the user places the adjustment sheet SA on the original document mounting surface of the scanning mechanism 12 and performs scanning.

[0063] In addition, the image generation unit 114 can also enable the scanning mechanism 12 to read the code CD formed on the adjustment sheet SA and generate a code image QC corresponding to the code CD.

[0064] Adjusting the image group QG corresponds to an example of "image group".

[0065] The adjustment unit 115 adjusts the printing mechanism 15 based on the adjustment image group QG. For example, based on the adjustment image group QG, the adjustment unit 115 adjusts the ink ejection amount for each of the multiple nozzles 39 constituting the printing mechanism 15.

[0066] The adjustment unit 115 determines, for example, the adjustment pattern image QT with the best image quality among the four adjustment pattern images QT contained in the adjustment image group QG. Then, the adjustment unit 115 adjusts the ink ejection amount based on the adjustment pattern image QT with the best image quality and the group identification information DPG1. The adjustment unit 115 adjusts the printing mechanism 15, for example, to eject the ink corresponding to the adjustment pattern image QT with the best image quality from the nozzle 39.

[0067] When the image generation unit 114 generates the adjustment image group QG, the second acquisition unit 116 acquires the second measured temperature TR2 and the second measured humidity HR2 from the temperature and humidity sensor ST. For example, the second acquisition unit 116 acquires the second measured temperature TR2 and the second measured humidity HR2 when the image generation unit 114 accepts the operation of performing a scan.

[0068] The display control unit 117 decodes the code image QC generated by the image generation unit 114 and converts it into group identification information DPG2.

[0069] Furthermore, the display control unit 117 can also decode the code image QC generated by the image generation unit 114 and convert it into a third measured temperature TR3 and a third measured humidity HR3. The third measured temperature TR3 is the measured temperature TR shown in the code CD corresponding to the code image QC. The third measured humidity HR3 is the measured humidity HR shown in the code CD corresponding to the code image QC.

[0070] Furthermore, if the group identification information DPG2 is inconsistent with the group identification information DPG1, the display control unit 117 causes the display mechanism 14 to display the first error message. Additionally, the display control unit 117 may also cause the display mechanism 14 to display the first error message if at least one of the following conditions is met: the third measured temperature TR3 is inconsistent with the first measured temperature TR1, or the third measured humidity HR3 is inconsistent with the first measured humidity HR1.

[0071] The first error message contains text such as "The adjustment sheet read by the scanner is not the correct adjustment sheet. Please reprint the adjustment sheet and perform the adjustment."

[0072] If at least one of the following conditions is met: the temperature difference ΔT between the first measured temperature TR1 and the second measured temperature TR2 is greater than or equal to a first threshold SH1, or the humidity difference ΔH between the first measured humidity HR1 and the second measured humidity HR2 is greater than or equal to a second threshold SH2, the display control unit 117 causes the display mechanism 14 to display a second error message. The first threshold SH1 is, for example, 5°C. The second threshold SH2 is, for example, 10%.

[0073] The second error message contains text such as "The scanner reads an adjustment sheet that has been there for an extended period of time since the adjustment sheet was printed. Please print the adjustment sheet again and perform the adjustment."

[0074] The first measured temperature TR1 is the measured temperature TR obtained by the first acquisition unit 111, and the first measured humidity HR1 is the measured humidity HR obtained by the first acquisition unit 111. In other words, the first measured humidity HR1 is the measured temperature TR when the printing control unit 113 causes the printing mechanism 15 to print the code CD. Furthermore, the first measured humidity HR1 is the measured humidity HR when the printing control unit 113 causes the printing mechanism 15 to print the code CD.

[0075] The second measured temperature TR2 is the measured temperature TR obtained by the second acquisition unit 116, and the second measured humidity HR2 is the measured humidity HR obtained by the second acquisition unit 116. In other words, the second measured temperature TR2 is the measured temperature TR when the image generation unit 114 generates the adjusted image group QG.

[0076] Furthermore, the second measured humidity HR2 is the measured humidity HR when the image generation unit 114 generates the adjusted image group QG.

[0077] Next, refer to Figure 2 The structure of the printing mechanism 15 will be explained. Figure 2 A perspective view showing an example of the structure of the printing mechanism 15.

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, the printing mechanism 15 includes a printing media receiving section 17, a paper feed roller 24, an impression plate 26, a carriage 152, a scanning motor 153, a traction belt 32, and a guide rail 34. The paper feed roller 24 is driven by the transport motor 154. The traction belt 32 is driven by the scanning motor 153. The guide rail 34 supports the carriage 152 in a manner that allows it to move in the main scanning direction X. The carriage 152 is supported on the guide rail 34 and is driven in the main scanning direction X by the traction belt 32 via the scanning motor 153.

[0079] The head unit 36 ​​is mounted on the carriage 152.

[0080] The head unit 36 ​​has an ink supply section 16 and a printing head 151.

[0081] The ink supply unit 16 is detachable from the carriage 152. The ink supply unit 16 has four ink containers. Different colored inks are stored in each ink container. For example, blue-green (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks are stored in separate ink containers. The ink stored in the ink supply unit 16 is supplied to the print head 151.

[0082] The printhead 151 has a common liquid chamber (not shown), a pressure generating chamber (not shown), a piezoelectric element (not shown), and nozzles 39. Multiple nozzles 39 are arranged along the sub-scanning direction Y on the surface of the printhead 151 opposite to the impression plate 26.

[0083] The pressure generating chamber and the piezoelectric element are respectively configured one-to-one with the nozzle 39, and multiple of them are arranged along the sub-scanning direction Y, just like the nozzle 39. The ink supplied from the ink supply unit 16 passes through the common liquid chamber and the pressure generating chamber, and is ejected from the nozzle 39 onto the printing medium M.

[0084] The piezoelectric element is either a piezoelectric actuator in flexural vibration mode or a piezoelectric actuator in longitudinal vibration mode. When ink is supplied to the pressure generating chamber, the piezoelectric element causes a vibrating plate that forms part of the pressure generating chamber to vibrate, thereby causing a pressure change in the pressure generating chamber. Using this pressure change, the print head 151 ejects ink from the nozzle 39 to the printing medium M.

[0085] A vibrating plate, forming part of the pressure generating chamber, is in contact with a piezoelectric element and vibrates in tandem with the piezoelectric element. When the piezoelectric element's drive stops, the vibration of the vibrating plate stops. However, the vibration of the vibrating plate does not stop immediately after the piezoelectric element's drive stops, resulting in residual vibration within the vibrating plate. Therefore, the pressure element vibrates in response to this residual vibration, and a signal caused by the residual vibration is output from the piezoelectric element. This signal represents the back electromotive force. A residual vibration detection circuit (not shown in the diagram) located on the printhead 151 detects the signal caused by the residual vibration.

[0086] The control unit 11 detects the status of the signals output from the piezoelectric elements corresponding to residual vibrations via the residual vibration detection circuit for each piezoelectric element provided on the print head 151.

[0087] Furthermore, the frequency characteristics of the signal waveform output from the piezoelectric element corresponding to residual vibration vary depending on the state of the ink inside the printhead 151. The ink state includes a normal state, a state with air bubbles, a state where the ink has become viscous, and a state with paper dust. Therefore, the control unit 11 can determine the state of the ink inside the printhead 151 by analyzing the frequency characteristics of the signal waveform output from the piezoelectric element.

[0088] Furthermore, the control unit 11 detects the position of the nozzle 39 among the multiple nozzles 39 that has experienced ink ejection failure based on the status of the signal output from the piezoelectric element corresponding to the residual vibration.

[0089] The printing medium M is wound from the printing medium receiving section 17 onto the paper feed roller 24 and conveyed along the surface of the impression plate 26 in the secondary scanning direction Y. The carriage 152 is pulled by the traction belt 32 driven by the scanning motor 153 and moves along the guide rail 34 in the main scanning direction X. Moreover, the print head 151 mounted on the carriage 152 also moves in the main scanning direction X.

[0090] In addition, the main scanning direction X is orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0091] Because of this structure, the printing mechanism 15 alternately repeats the liquid ejection action and the conveying action. The liquid ejection action is the action of the print head 151 moving in the main scanning direction X while ejecting ink from the nozzle 39. The conveying action is the action of conveying the printing medium M in the sub-scanning direction Y. As a result, the printing mechanism 15 prints text, graphics, and other images on the printing medium M. That is, the printing mechanism 15 alternately repeats the movement of the print head 151 in the main scanning direction X (main scan) and the movement of the printing medium M in the sub-scanning direction Y (sub-scan). Furthermore, through these actions, the printing mechanism 15 arranges the columns of dots arranged along the main scanning direction X in the sub-scanning direction Y (sub-scanning direction) and prints text, graphics, and other images on the printing medium M.

[0092] Next, refer to Figure 3 The first table TB1 will be explained. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of Table TB1. Table TB1 is a table that maps temperature T, humidity H, and group identification information DPG.

[0093] like Figure 3 As shown, temperature T is divided into three ranges, for example, "above 0°C and below 10°C", "above 10°C and below 20°C", and "above 20°C and below 30°C". Humidity H represents relative humidity and is divided into three ranges, for example, "above 0% and below 33%", "above 33% and below 66%", and "above 66% and below 100%". Furthermore, group identification information (DPG) is represented by letters such as "A" to "I".

[0094] Although this embodiment describes the case where temperature T is divided into three and humidity H is divided into three, it is not limited to this. Temperature T may be divided into four, for example, and humidity H may be divided into four. The more divisions, the more accurately the data generation unit 112 can select the group identification information DPG. The fewer divisions, the smaller the capacity of the pattern storage unit 118 and the smaller the processing load of the data generation unit 112.

[0095] Although this embodiment describes the group identification information DPG as represented by letters, it is not limited to this. The group identification information DPG can be any information used to identify each adjustment pattern group PG. The group identification information DPG can also be represented by numbers, for example.

[0096] The first measured temperature TR1 corresponds to an example of temperature T. The first measured humidity HR1 corresponds to an example of humidity H.

[0097] For example, when the first measured temperature TR1 is above 0°C and below 10°C, and the first measured humidity HR1 is above 0% and below 33%, the data generation unit 112 selects "A" as the group identification information DPG.

[0098] Furthermore, for example, when the first measured temperature TR1 is 10°C or higher and less than 20°C, and the first measured humidity HR1 is 33% or higher and less than 66%, the data generation unit 112 selects "E" as the group identification information DPG.

[0099] Furthermore, for example, when the first measured temperature TR1 is above 20°C and below 30°C, and the first measured humidity HR1 is above 66% and below 100%, the data generation unit 112 selects "I" as the group identification information DPG.

[0100] Next, refer to Figure 4 The second table TB2 will be explained. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of Table TB2. Table TB2 is a table that maps group identification information DPG to modulation patterns PT.

[0101] like Figure 4 As shown, in the second table TB2, four pattern numbers PN are stored corresponding to a group identification information DPG. The four pattern numbers PN are the first pattern number PN1 to the fourth pattern number PN4.

[0102] The pattern number PN indicates which of the first to eighth adjustment patterns PT1 is the adjustment pattern PT8. For example, the pattern number PN of the first adjustment pattern PT1 is "1". Similarly, the pattern number PN of the eighth adjustment pattern PT8 is "8". In other words, the pattern number PN of the Kth adjustment pattern PTK is "K". The integer K is any integer from 1 to 8.

[0103] For example, when the group identification information DPG is "A", the first pattern number PN1 is "1", the second pattern number PN2 is "3", the third pattern number PN3 is "4", and the fourth pattern number PN4 is "5". Therefore, as the adjustment pattern group PG, the data generation unit 112 generates printing data DP including the first adjustment pattern PT1, the third adjustment pattern PT3, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, and the fifth adjustment pattern PT5. In other words, the adjustment pattern group PG with the group identification information DPG being "A" is composed of the first adjustment pattern PT1, the third adjustment pattern PT3, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, and the fifth adjustment pattern PT5.

[0104] For example, when the group identification information DPG is "E", the first pattern number PN1 is "2", the second pattern number PN2 is "4", the third pattern number PN3 is "5", and the fourth pattern number PN4 is "7". Therefore, as the adjustment pattern group PG, the data generation unit 112 generates printing data DP including the second adjustment pattern PT2, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, the fifth adjustment pattern PT5, and the seventh adjustment pattern PT7. In other words, the adjustment pattern group PG with the group identification information DPG being "E" is composed of the second adjustment pattern PT2, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, the fifth adjustment pattern PT5, and the seventh adjustment pattern PT7.

[0105] Next, refer to Figures 5 to 7 This section explains the case where the code CD is not printed on the adjustment disc SA. First, refer to... Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The adjustment sheet SA and the adjustment pattern group PG are explained. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of adjusting the sheet SA and the adjusting pattern group PG.

[0106] exist Figure 5 In this section, the cases where the adjustment sheet SA is the adjustment sheet SAA and the adjustment pattern group PG is the adjustment pattern group PGA are explained. The adjustment sheet SAA is the adjustment sheet SA with the adjustment pattern group PGA printed on the printing medium M. The adjustment pattern group PGA represents the adjustment pattern group PG with the group identification information DPG being "A".

[0107] The adjustment pattern group PGA consists of the first adjustment pattern PT1, the third adjustment pattern PT3, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, and the fifth adjustment pattern PT5. The first adjustment pattern PT1, the third adjustment pattern PT3, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, and the fifth adjustment pattern PT5 are arranged sequentially from left to right.

[0108] exist Figure 5 For ease of explanation, the first pattern number PN1 to the fourth pattern number PN4 are recorded to correspond to the first adjustment pattern PT1, the third adjustment pattern PT3, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, and the fifth adjustment pattern PT5, respectively. The printing control unit 113 may also omit printing the first pattern number PN1 to the fourth pattern number PN4 on the adjustment sheet SA.

[0109] In addition, the first mark M1 is printed in the upper left corner of the adjustment sheet SAA.

[0110] The first identifier M1 is an identifier used by the user to align the position of the adjustment sheet SAA when the scanning mechanism 12 reads it. For example, the user positions the adjustment sheet SAA in the scanning mechanism 12 such that the first identifier M1 is located at the corner of the reading area of ​​the document stage.

[0111] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates another example of adjusting the sheet SA and the adjusting pattern group PG. Figure 6 In this section, the cases where the adjustment sheet SA is the adjustment sheet SAE and the adjustment pattern group PG is the adjustment pattern group PGE are explained. The adjustment sheet SAE is the adjustment sheet SA with the adjustment pattern group PGE printed on the printing medium M. The adjustment pattern group PGE represents the adjustment pattern group PG with the group identification information DPG being "E".

[0112] The adjustment pattern group PGE consists of the second adjustment pattern PT2, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, the fifth adjustment pattern PT5, and the seventh adjustment pattern PT7. The second adjustment pattern PT2, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, the fifth adjustment pattern PT5, and the seventh adjustment pattern PT7 are arranged sequentially from left to right.

[0113] exist Figure 6 For ease of explanation, the first pattern number PN1 to the fourth pattern number PN4 are recorded to correspond to the second adjustment pattern PT2, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, the fifth adjustment pattern PT5, and the seventh adjustment pattern PT7, respectively. The printing control unit 113 may also omit printing the first pattern number PN1 to the fourth pattern number PN4 on the adjustment sheet SA.

[0114] In addition, the first mark M1 is printed in the upper left corner of the adjustment sheet SAE.

[0115] The first identifier M1 is an identifier used by the user to align the position of the adjustment sheet SAE when the scanning mechanism 12 reads it. For example, the user positions the adjustment sheet SAE in the scanning mechanism 12 such that the first identifier M1 is located at the corner of the reading area of ​​the original document stage.

[0116] Next, refer to Figure 7 The processing of the control unit 11 will be explained. Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of the control unit 11.

[0117] like Figure 7 As shown, firstly, in step S101, the control unit 11 detects the ejection defects of the nozzles 39 arranged on the print head 151 of the printing mechanism 15.

[0118] Next, in step S103, the control unit 11 determines whether there are any nozzles 39 with poor ejection.

[0119] If the control unit 11 determines that there is no nozzle 39 with poor ejection (step S103: Yes), the process proceeds to step S109. If the control unit 11 determines that there is a nozzle 39 with poor ejection (step S103: No), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0120] Then, in step S105, the control unit 11 performs cleaning of the print head 151.

[0121] Next, in step S107, the control unit 11 determines whether the cleaning of the print head 151 has been completed.

[0122] If the control unit 11 determines that the cleaning of the print head 151 is not complete (step S107: No), the process returns to step S105. If the control unit 11 determines that the cleaning of the print head 151 is complete (step S107: Yes), the process proceeds to step S101.

[0123] If the condition is yes in step S103, in step S109, the first acquisition unit 111 acquires the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 from the temperature and humidity sensor ST.

[0124] Next, in step S111, the data generation unit 112 determines the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1. Furthermore, the data generation unit 112 reads the determined adjustment pattern group PG from the pattern storage unit 118.

[0125] Next, in step S113, the printing control unit 113 causes the printing mechanism 15 to print the adjustment pattern group PG, thereby generating the adjustment sheet SA.

[0126] Next, in step S115, the image generation unit 114 causes the scanning mechanism 12 to read the adjustment pattern group PG formed on the adjustment sheet SA and generate the adjustment image group QG.

[0127] Next, in step S117, the adjustment unit 115 adjusts the ink ejection amount for each of the multiple nozzles 39 constituting the printing mechanism 15 based on the adjustment image group QG generated in step S119.

[0128] Next, in step S119, the adjustment unit 115 determines whether the adjustment of the ink ejection amount has been completed.

[0129] If the adjustment unit 115 determines that the adjustment of the ink ejection amount is not complete (step S119: No), the process proceeds to step S115. If the adjustment unit 115 determines that the adjustment of the ink ejection amount is complete (step S119: Yes), the process ends.

[0130] Step S109 corresponds to an example of the "Acquisition Step". Step S111 corresponds to an example of the "Data Generation Step".

[0131] Next, refer to Figures 8 to 11 This section explains the case where the code CD is printed on the adjustment sheet SA. First, refer to... Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The adjustment sheet SA and the adjustment pattern group PG are explained. Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of adjusting the sheet SA and the adjusting pattern group PG.

[0132] exist Figure 8 In this section, the cases where the adjustment sheet SA is the adjustment sheet SAA and the adjustment pattern group PG is the adjustment pattern group PGA are explained. The adjustment sheet SAA is the adjustment sheet SA with the adjustment pattern group PGA printed on the printing medium M. The adjustment pattern group PGA represents the adjustment pattern group PG with the group identification information DPG being "A".

[0133] also, Figure 8 The adjustment sheet SAA shown is Figure 5 The difference between the adjustment sheet SAA and the one shown is that the code CDA is printed at the upper right corner of the adjustment sheet SAA. Code CDA corresponds to an example of code CD. In the following text, for... Figure 5 The different points of the adjustment sheet SAA shown are explained, for example, with... Figure 5 The adjustment sheet SAA shown has the same structure, so its description is omitted.

[0134] The code CDA represents the group identification information DPG1, the first measured temperature TR1, and the first measured humidity HR1. The group identification information DPG1 is "A", the first measured temperature TR1 is, for example, 5°C, and the first measured humidity HR1 is, for example, 20%.

[0135] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates an example of adjusting the sheet SA and adjusting the pattern group PG. Figure 9 In this section, the cases where the adjustment sheet SA is the adjustment sheet SAE and the adjustment pattern group PG is the adjustment pattern group PGE are explained. The adjustment sheet SAE is the adjustment sheet SA with the adjustment pattern group PGE printed on the printing medium M. The adjustment pattern group PGE represents the adjustment pattern group PG with the group identification information DPG being "E".

[0136] Figure 9 The adjustment sheet SAE shown Figure 6 The difference in the adjustment sheet SAE shown is that the code CDE is printed at the upper right corner of the adjustment sheet SAE. Code CDE corresponds to an example of code CD. In the following text, for... Figure 6 The different points of the adjustment sheet SAA shown are explained, for example, with... Figure 6 The adjustment sheet SAA shown has the same structure, so its description is omitted.

[0137] The codes CDE represent the group identification information DPG1, the first measured temperature TR1, and the first measured humidity HR1. The group identification information DPG1 is "E", the first measured temperature TR1 is, for example, 15°C, and the first measured humidity HR1 is, for example, 55%.

[0138] Next, refer to Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The processing of the control unit 11 will be explained. Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The following are flowcharts illustrating an example of the processing of the control unit 11.

[0139] like Figure 10 As shown, firstly, in step S201, the control unit 11 detects the ejection defects of the nozzles 39 arranged on the print head 151 of the printing mechanism 15.

[0140] Next, in step S203, the control unit 11 determines whether there are any nozzles 39 with poor ejection.

[0141] If the control unit 11 determines that there is no nozzle 39 with poor ejection (step S203: Yes), the process proceeds to step S209. If the control unit 11 determines that there is a nozzle 39 with poor ejection (step S203: No), the process proceeds to step S205.

[0142] Then, in step S205, the control unit 11 performs cleaning of the print head 151.

[0143] Next, in step S207, the control unit 11 determines whether the cleaning of the print head 151 has been completed.

[0144] If the control unit 11 determines that the cleaning of the print head 151 is not complete (step S207: No), the process returns to step S205. If the control unit 11 determines that the cleaning of the print head 151 is complete (step S207: Yes), the process returns to step S201.

[0145] If S203 is true, in step S209, the first acquisition unit 111 acquires the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 from the temperature and humidity sensor ST.

[0146] Next, in step S211, the first acquisition unit 111 stores the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 in the measured value storage unit 119.

[0147] Next, in step S213, the data generation unit 112 determines the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1. Furthermore, the data generation unit 112 reads the determined adjustment pattern group PG from the pattern storage unit 118. Additionally, the data generation unit 112 stores the group identification information DPG1 corresponding to the determined adjustment pattern group PG in the measured value storage unit 119.

[0148] Next, in step S215, the data generation unit 112 encodes the group identification information DPG1, the first measured temperature TR1, and the first measured humidity HR1, and converts them into code CD. Furthermore, the data generation unit 112 generates printing data DP containing the adjustment pattern group PG and the code CD.

[0149] Next, in step S217, the printing control unit 113 causes the printing mechanism 15 to print the adjustment pattern group PG and the code CD, thereby generating the adjustment sheet SA.

[0150] Next, in step S219, the image generation unit 114 causes the scanning mechanism 12 to read the adjustment pattern group PG and code CD formed on the adjustment sheet SA, and generates the adjustment image group QG and code image QC.

[0151] Next, as Figure 11 As shown, in step S221, the second acquisition unit 116 acquires the second measured temperature TR2 and the second measured humidity HR2 from the temperature and humidity sensor ST.

[0152] Next, in step S223, the display control unit 117 determines whether the temperature difference ΔT between the first measured temperature TR1 and the second measured temperature TR2 is less than the first threshold SH1.

[0153] If the display control unit 117 determines that the temperature difference ΔT is greater than or equal to the first threshold SH1 (step S223: No), the process proceeds to step S227. If the display control unit 117 determines that the temperature difference ΔT is less than the first threshold SH1 (step S223: Yes), the process proceeds to step S225.

[0154] Then, in step S225, the display control unit 117 determines whether the humidity difference ΔH between the first measured humidity HR1 and the second measured humidity HR2 is less than the second threshold SH2.

[0155] If the display control unit 117 determines that the humidity difference ΔH is greater than or equal to the second threshold SH2 (step S225: No), the process proceeds to step S227.

[0156] Then, in step S227, the display control unit 117 causes the display mechanism 14 to display a second error message. Then, the process ends.

[0157] If the display control unit 117 determines that the humidity difference ΔH is less than the second threshold SH2 (step S225: Yes), the process proceeds to step S229.

[0158] Then, in step S229, the code image QC is decoded and converted into the third measured temperature TR3 and the third measured humidity HR3.

[0159] Next, in step S231, the display control unit 117 determines whether the third measured temperature TR3 is consistent with the first measured temperature TR1.

[0160] If the display control unit 117 determines that the third measured temperature TR3 is not consistent with the first measured temperature TR1 (step S231: No), the process proceeds to step S235. If the display control unit 117 determines that the third measured temperature TR3 is consistent with the first measured temperature TR1 (step S231: Yes), the process proceeds to step S233.

[0161] Then, in step S233, the display control unit 117 determines whether the third measured humidity HR3 is consistent with the first measured humidity HR1.

[0162] If the display control unit 117 determines that the third measured humidity HR3 is not consistent with the first measured humidity HR1 (step S233: no), the process proceeds to step S235.

[0163] Then, in step S235, the display control unit 117 causes the display mechanism 14 to display the first error message. Then, the process ends.

[0164] If the display control unit 117 determines that the third measured humidity HR3 is consistent with the first measured humidity HR1 (step S233: Yes), the process proceeds to step S237.

[0165] Then, in step S237, the adjustment unit 115 adjusts the amount of ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles 39 constituting the printing mechanism 15 based on the adjustment image group QG generated in step S219.

[0166] Next, in step S239, the adjustment unit 115 determines whether the adjustment of the ink ejection amount has been completed.

[0167] If the adjustment unit 115 determines that the adjustment of the ink ejection amount has not been completed (step S239: No), the process returns to... Figure 10The process is shown in step S219. Once the adjustment unit 115 determines that the adjustment of the ink ejection amount has been completed (step S239: Yes), the process ends.

[0168] Step S209 corresponds to an example of the "acquisition step". Steps S213 and S215 correspond to an example of the "data generation step".

[0169] As referenced above Figures 1 to 11 As described above, the multifunction printer 1 according to this embodiment includes a scanning mechanism 12, an inkjet printing mechanism 15, a display mechanism 14, and a control unit 11 that controls the scanning mechanism 12, the printing mechanism 15, and the display mechanism 14. The control unit 11 includes: a pattern storage unit 118 that stores temperature T and humidity H in correspondence with a group of adjustment patterns PG composed of multiple adjustment patterns; a first acquisition unit 111 that acquires a first measured temperature TR1 and a first measured humidity HR1 from a temperature and humidity sensor ST; and a data generation unit 112 that reads the group of adjustment patterns PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 111 from the pattern storage unit 118 and generates printing data DP including the read adjustment pattern group PG.

[0170] According to this structure, the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 obtained from the temperature and humidity sensor ST is read from the pattern storage unit 118, and printing data DP containing the read adjustment pattern group PG is generated.

[0171] Therefore, it is possible to print pattern group PG with appropriate adjustments corresponding to the usage environment (temperature, humidity). Therefore, it is possible to appropriately adjust the printing mechanism 15 according to the usage environment.

[0172] Furthermore, the multifunction printer 1 according to this embodiment includes: a printing control unit 113, which causes the printing mechanism 15 to print printing data DP and generate an adjustment sheet SA on the printing medium M with an image corresponding to the printing data DP; an image generation unit 114, which causes the scanning mechanism 12 to read the adjustment pattern group PG formed on the adjustment sheet SA and generate an adjustment image group QG corresponding to the adjustment pattern group PG; and an adjustment unit 115, which adjusts the ink ejection amount for each of the plurality of nozzles 39 constituting the printing mechanism 15 based on the adjustment image group QG.

[0173] According to this structure, the scanning mechanism 12 reads the adjustment pattern group PG formed on the adjustment sheet SA and generates an adjustment image group QG corresponding to the adjustment pattern group PG. Based on the adjustment image group QG, the ink ejection amount is adjusted for each of the multiple nozzles 39 constituting the printing mechanism 15.

[0174] Therefore, based on the adjustment of the image group QG, the ink ejection volume can be adjusted for each of the multiple nozzles 39. Thus, the ink ejection volume can be appropriately adjusted according to the operating environment (temperature, humidity).

[0175] Furthermore, the composite machine 1 according to this embodiment includes a measured value storage unit 119, which stores the group identification information DPG1 of the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 obtained by the first acquisition unit 111. The adjustment unit 115 determines the adjustment pattern PT with the best image quality among the multiple adjustment patterns PT included in the adjustment image group QG, and adjusts the ink ejection amount based on the adjustment pattern PT with the best image quality and the group identification information DPG1.

[0176] According to this structure, the adjustment unit 115 determines the adjustment pattern PT with the best image quality among the multiple adjustment patterns PT contained in the adjustment image group QG, and adjusts the ink ejection amount based on the adjustment pattern PT with the best image quality and the group identification information DPG1.

[0177] Therefore, the printing mechanism 15 can be adjusted so that the ink ejection amount corresponding to the best quality adjustment pattern PT among the multiple adjustment patterns PT included in the adjustment image group QG is ejected from the nozzle 39. Therefore, the ink ejection amount can be appropriately adjusted according to the operating environment (temperature, humidity).

[0178] Furthermore, in the multifunction printer 1 according to this embodiment, the print data DP includes a code CD representing the measured temperature TR and measured humidity HR obtained by the first acquisition unit 111. The print control unit 113 causes the printing mechanism 15 to print the code CD, and the image generation unit 114 causes the scanning mechanism 12 to read the code CD and obtain the third measured temperature TR3 and the third measured humidity HR3 corresponding to the code CD. The control unit 11 includes a measured value storage unit 119 and a display control unit 117. The measured value storage unit 119 stores the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 obtained by the first acquisition unit 111. When at least one of the following occurs, the display control unit 117 causes the display mechanism 14 to display a first error message.

[0179] According to this structure, when at least one of the following situations occurs—that the third measured temperature TR3 corresponding to the code CD is inconsistent with the first measured temperature TR1 stored in the measured value storage unit 119, and that the third measured humidity HR3 corresponding to the code CD is inconsistent with the first measured humidity HR1 stored in the measured value storage unit 119—the display mechanism 14 displays a first error message.

[0180] Therefore, for example, if the user causes the scanning mechanism 12 to read the adjustment sheet SA printed by another multifunction printer 1, the user can be notified that the read adjustment sheet SA is not the correct adjustment sheet SA. This improves user convenience. Furthermore, it prevents improper adjustments from being made to the printing mechanism 15.

[0181] Furthermore, in the multifunction printer 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 includes a second acquisition unit 116. When the image generation unit 114 generates an adjustment image group QG, the second acquisition unit 116 acquires a second measured temperature TR2 and a second measured humidity HR2 from the temperature and humidity sensor ST. If at least one of the following conditions is met, the display control unit 117 causes the display mechanism 14 to display a second error message.

[0182] According to this structure, if at least one of the following conditions is met: the temperature difference ΔT between the second measured temperature TR2 and the first measured temperature TR1 is greater than or equal to the first threshold SH1, or the humidity difference ΔH between the second measured humidity HR2 and the first measured humidity HR1 is greater than or equal to the second threshold SH2, the display control unit 117 causes the display mechanism 14 to display a second error message. Furthermore, when generating print data DP including the adjustment pattern group PG, the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 are obtained from the temperature and humidity sensor ST. When the image generation unit 114 generates the adjustment image group QG, the second measured temperature TR2 and the second measured humidity HR2 are obtained from the temperature and humidity sensor ST.

[0183] For example, if a considerable amount of time has passed between generating the print data DP and generating the adjustment image group QG, the operating environment (temperature, humidity) may change. In such a case, at least one of the following conditions may be met: the temperature difference ΔT between the second measured temperature TR2 and the first measured temperature TR1 exceeds the first threshold SH1; or the humidity difference ΔH between the second measured humidity HR2 and the first measured humidity HR1 exceeds the second threshold SH2. Therefore, the user can be notified of the change in the operating environment. This improves user convenience. Furthermore, it can prevent inappropriate adjustments from being made to the printing mechanism 15.

[0184] Regarding the control method of the multifunction printer 1 according to this embodiment, the multifunction printer 1 includes a scanning mechanism 12, an inkjet printing mechanism 15, a display mechanism 14, and a control unit 11 that controls the scanning mechanism 12, the printing mechanism 15, and the display mechanism 14. The control unit 11 includes a pattern storage unit 118, which stores temperature T and humidity H in correspondence with a group of adjustment patterns PG composed of multiple adjustment patterns. The control unit 11 performs the following steps: an acquisition step, which acquires a first measured temperature TR1 and a first measured humidity HR1 from a temperature and humidity sensor ST; and a data generation step, which reads the group of adjustment patterns PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 acquired in the acquisition step from the pattern storage unit 118 and generates printing data DP containing the read adjustment pattern group PG.

[0185] According to this structure, it achieves the same effect as the composite machine 1 involved in this embodiment.

[0186] This embodiment represents a method that can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the main idea.

[0187] Although this embodiment describes the case where the "image forming apparatus" is a multifunction printer 1, it is not limited to this. The "image forming apparatus" only needs to include the printing mechanism 15. For example, the "image forming apparatus" can also be a printer. In such a case, the printer needs to be communicatively connected to a scanner that is independent of the printer.

[0188] Although this embodiment describes the control method implemented by the processor 11A of the multifunction printer 1 by executing the control program PGM, in order to implement this control method, it is also possible to set up a structure in which the control program PGM executed by the processor 11A is recorded in a computer-readable manner, or in a transmission medium for transmitting the control program PGM.

[0189] The aforementioned recording media can be magnetic, optical, or semiconductor memory devices. Examples of recording media include floppy disks, HDDs, CD-ROMs (CompactDisk Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disk), Blu-ray discs, optical disks, flash memory, and card-type recording media—both portable and stationary recording media.

[0190] The aforementioned recording medium can also be the internal storage device of the multifunction printer 1, namely, non-volatile storage devices such as RAM, ROM, and HDD.

[0191] The functions of the control unit 11 can also be implemented by one or more processors or semiconductor chips. The control unit 11 can also be structured to include co-processors such as SoC (System-on-a-Chip), MCU (Micro Control Unit), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 11 can also enable the CPU and co-processors to cooperate or selectively use one of them to implement various controls.

[0192] Figure 7 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11The processing units in the flowchart are units divided according to the main processing content for ease of understanding of the processing of control unit 11, and are not limited by the method of division or name of the processing units. The processing units in the flowchart can also be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. A processing unit can also be divided in a way that includes more processes. The order of processing can be appropriately replaced or omitted without affecting the main idea. For example, in the case where it is clear that there are no nozzles with poor ejection, the processing order can be... Figure 7 Steps S101 to S107 can be omitted, or... Figure 10 Steps S201 to S207 are omitted. Furthermore, if the printing of the adjustment sheet to the reading of the image group of the adjustment sheet is performed in a relatively short time, it is also possible to... Figure 11 Steps S221 to S227 are omitted.

[0193] Figure 1 The functional units shown are structural components representing functionalities, and their specific installation methods are not particularly limited. It is not necessarily required to install hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually; the structure can also be configured such that multiple functional units' functions are implemented by a single processor executing a program. In the above embodiments, a portion of the functions implemented in software can be implemented in hardware, or a portion of the functions implemented in hardware can be implemented in software. Furthermore, the detailed structures of the other parts of the multifunction printer 1 can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the overall concept.

[0194] Symbol Explanation

[0195] 1… Multifunction printer (image forming apparatus); 11… Control unit; 11A… Processor; 11B… Memory; 111… First acquisition unit; 112… Data generation unit; 113… Printing control unit; 114… Image generation unit; 115… Adjustment unit; 116… Second acquisition unit; 117… Display control unit; 118… Pattern storage unit; 119… Measured value storage unit; 12… Scanning mechanism; 13… Input mechanism; 14… Display mechanism; 15… Printing mechanism; 151… Print head; 152… Carriage; 153… Scanning motor; 154… Transport motor; 16… Ink supply unit; 17… Printing media storage unit; 36… Head unit; 39… Nozzle; DP… Printing data; DPG… Group identification information; H… Humidity; HR… Measured value Humidity; HR1…First measured humidity; HR2…Second measured humidity; HR3…Third measured humidity; M…Printing medium; PG, PGA, PGE…Adjustment pattern group; PGM…Control program; PN…Pattern number; PT…Adjustment pattern; QC…Code image; QG…Adjustment image group (image group); QT…Adjustment pattern image; SA, SAA, SAE…Adjustment sheet; SH1…First threshold; SH2…Second threshold; ST…Temperature and humidity sensor; T…Temperature; TB1…First meter; TB2…Second meter; TR…Measured temperature; TR1…First measured temperature; TR2…Second measured temperature; TR3…Third measured temperature; X…Main scanning direction; Y…Sub-scanning direction; ΔH…Humidity difference; ΔT…Temperature difference.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: Scanning agency; Inkjet printing mechanism; Display mechanism; The control unit controls the scanning mechanism, the printing mechanism, and the display mechanism. The control unit includes: The pattern storage unit stores temperature and humidity in relation to a group of adjustment patterns consisting of multiple adjustment patterns. The first acquisition unit acquires the measured temperature and measured humidity from the temperature and humidity sensor; The data generation unit reads the adjustment pattern group corresponding to the measured temperature and measured humidity obtained by the first acquisition unit from the pattern storage unit, and generates printing data containing the read adjustment pattern group. The image forming apparatus further comprises: The printing control unit causes the printing mechanism to print the printing data and generate an adjustment sheet on the printing medium with an image corresponding to the printing data. The image generation unit enables the scanning mechanism to read the adjustment pattern group formed on the adjustment sheet and generate an image group corresponding to the adjustment pattern group. The adjustment unit, based on the image group, adjusts the ink ejection amount for each of the multiple nozzles constituting the printing mechanism. The measured value storage unit stores the group identification information of the adjustment pattern group corresponding to the measured temperature and measured humidity obtained by the first acquisition unit. The adjustment unit determines the adjustment pattern with the best image quality among the multiple adjustment patterns contained in the image group, and adjusts the ink ejection amount based on the adjustment pattern with the best image quality and the group identification information.

2. An image forming apparatus comprising: Scanning agency; Inkjet printing mechanism; Display mechanism; The control unit controls the scanning mechanism, the printing mechanism, and the display mechanism. The control unit includes: The pattern storage unit stores temperature and humidity in relation to a group of adjustment patterns consisting of multiple adjustment patterns. The first acquisition unit acquires the measured temperature and measured humidity from the temperature and humidity sensor; The data generation unit reads the adjustment pattern group corresponding to the measured temperature and measured humidity obtained by the first acquisition unit from the pattern storage unit, and generates printing data containing the read adjustment pattern group. The image forming apparatus further comprises: The printing control unit causes the printing mechanism to print the printing data and generate an adjustment sheet on the printing medium with an image corresponding to the printing data. The image generation unit enables the scanning mechanism to read the adjustment pattern group formed on the adjustment sheet and generate an image group corresponding to the adjustment pattern group. The adjustment unit, based on the image group, adjusts the ink ejection amount for each of the multiple nozzles constituting the printing mechanism. The printed data includes codes representing the measured temperature and measured humidity obtained by the first acquisition unit. The printing control unit causes the printing mechanism to print the code. The image generation unit enables the scanning mechanism to read the code, thereby obtaining the measured temperature and measured humidity corresponding to the code. The control unit includes a measured value storage unit and a display control unit. The measured value storage unit stores the measured temperature and measured humidity obtained by the first acquisition unit. When at least one of the following occurs: the measured temperature corresponding to the code is inconsistent with the measured temperature stored in the measured value storage unit, or the measured humidity corresponding to the code is inconsistent with the measured humidity stored in the measured value storage unit, the display control unit causes the display mechanism to display a first error message.

3. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The control unit includes a second acquisition unit, which acquires measured temperature and measured humidity from the temperature and humidity sensor when the image generation unit generates the image group. If at least one of the following conditions is met: the difference between the measured temperature obtained by the second acquisition unit and the measured temperature stored in the measured value storage unit is greater than or equal to a first threshold, or the difference between the measured humidity obtained by the second acquisition unit and the measured humidity stored in the measured value storage unit is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the display control unit causes the display mechanism to display a second error message.

4. A control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein, The image forming apparatus includes a scanning mechanism, an inkjet printing mechanism, a display mechanism, and a control unit for controlling the scanning mechanism, the printing mechanism, and the display mechanism. The control unit includes a pattern storage unit, which stores temperature and humidity in relation to a group of adjustment patterns consisting of multiple adjustment patterns. The control unit performs the following steps: The acquisition step involves obtaining the measured temperature and humidity from a temperature and humidity sensor; The data generation step reads the adjustment pattern group corresponding to the measured temperature and measured humidity obtained in the acquisition step from the pattern storage unit and generates printing data containing the read adjustment pattern group. The step of having the printing mechanism print the printing data to generate an adjustment sheet on a printing medium having an image corresponding to the printing data printed on it; The step of having the scanning mechanism read the adjustment pattern group formed on the adjustment sheet and generate an image group corresponding to the adjustment pattern group; Based on the image group, the step of adjusting the ink ejection amount for each of the multiple nozzles constituting the printing mechanism is as follows: The control unit includes a measured value storage unit, which stores the group identification information of the adjustment pattern group corresponding to the measured temperature and measured humidity obtained in the acquisition step. In the adjustment step, the adjustment pattern with the best image quality among the multiple adjustment patterns contained in the image group is determined, and the ink ejection amount is adjusted based on the adjustment pattern with the best image quality and the group identification information.

5. A control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein, The image forming apparatus includes a scanning mechanism, an inkjet printing mechanism, a display mechanism, and a control unit for controlling the scanning mechanism, the printing mechanism, and the display mechanism. The control unit includes a pattern storage unit, which stores temperature and humidity in relation to a group of adjustment patterns consisting of multiple adjustment patterns. The control unit performs the following steps: The acquisition step involves obtaining the measured temperature and humidity from a temperature and humidity sensor; The data generation step reads the adjustment pattern group corresponding to the measured temperature and measured humidity obtained in the acquisition step from the pattern storage unit and generates printing data containing the read adjustment pattern group. The step of having the printing mechanism print the printing data to generate an adjustment sheet on a printing medium having an image corresponding to the printing data printed on it; The step of having the scanning mechanism read the adjustment pattern group formed on the adjustment sheet and generate an image group corresponding to the adjustment pattern group; Based on the image group, the step of adjusting the ink ejection amount for each of the multiple nozzles constituting the printing mechanism is as follows: The printing data includes codes representing the measured temperature and humidity obtained in the acquisition step. The control unit also performs the following processing: The printing mechanism is then instructed to print the code. The scanning mechanism reads the code and obtains the measured temperature and humidity corresponding to the code. The control unit includes a measured value storage unit, which stores the measured temperature and measured humidity obtained in the acquisition step. The control unit further performs the following steps: when at least one of the following occurs, the display mechanism displays a first error message: the measured temperature corresponding to the code is inconsistent with the measured temperature stored in the measured value storage unit, and the measured humidity corresponding to the code is inconsistent with the measured humidity stored in the measured value storage unit.

Images