Image processing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To provide, for example, a mechanism that outputs a print material for adjustment suitably as needed when performing adjustment for post-processing on a print material.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus determines whether printing a test chart used for adjustment processing related to post-processing is necessary according to a predetermined setting state. When determining that the printing the test chart is necessary, the image forming apparatus prints the test chart and performs the post-processing, and executes the adjustment processing by using the output test chart. On the other hand, when determining that the printing the test chart is not necessary, the image forming apparatus executes the adjustment processing by using a print material that has already been printed and subjected to the post-processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Some image forming apparatuses are connected to a finisher that performs processes such as stapling, folding, and punching holes on output paper. In such image forming apparatuses, settings related to post-processing to be performed on output paper can be set according to user input via the operation panel of the main body. For example, an adjustment value input screen for fine-tuning the staple position and folding position can be displayed on the operation panel, and the finishing position can be adjusted according to the user's settings.

[0003] Patent Document 1 proposes a method for easily checking the amount of misalignment of the folding position by storing an image of a test chart for adjustment in advance in the storage unit of an image forming device, and then printing and folding the image of the test chart and outputting it when adjusting the folding position. By using the test chart in this way, adjustments can be made easily. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-12364 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has the following problems. If a test chart is printed during a series of adjustment procedures, there are cases where the printing is wasted. For example, if you want to adjust the position after actually printing once, you can determine the position shift using the output printout without needing to print a test chart. In such a case, the user can adjust the adjustment value using the output printout, and if a new test chart is printed during the adjustment procedure, paper, toner, staples, etc. will be wasted.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems, and provides a mechanism for suitably outputting a printed material for adjustment as necessary when making adjustments to post-processing of the printed material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is characterized in that, for example, an image forming apparatus is provided with a determination means for determining whether or not it is necessary to print a test chart to be used in an adjustment process related to post-processing, depending on a specified setting situation, and an adjustment means for, when the determination means determines that printing of the test chart is necessary, printing the test chart and performing post-processing, and executing the adjustment process using the output test chart, and, when the determination means determines that printing of the test chart is unnecessary, performing the adjustment process using a printed matter that has already been printed and post-processed. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, when adjustments are made to post-processing of printed matter, printed matter for adjustment can be suitably output as necessary, thereby reducing the output of unnecessary printed matter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Overall system configuration diagram. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 shows a saddle stitching and folding test chart. [Figure 4A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. [Figure 4B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. [Figure 4C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for a copy job. [Figure 6A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. [Figure 6B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. [Figure 6C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. [Figure 6D] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. [Figure 6E] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. [Figure 6F] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. [Figure 7A] 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adjusting post-processing. [Figure 7B] 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adjusting post-processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0011] <System configuration> An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, with reference to FIG. 1, an example of the configuration of an image forming system according to this embodiment will be described. The present invention is applicable to an image forming system (image forming apparatus) of a multi-color copying machine or a multi-function peripheral (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral). Note that in the embodiment described below, an MFP having a scanning function, a printing function, a copying function, a transmission function, etc. will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. Also, an MFP capable of forming a multi-color image on a recording material using color materials (toners, etc.) of multiple colors (four colors: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K)) will be described as an example.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 101 includes a controller unit 102, a display unit 103, an operation unit 104, a printer unit 105, a finisher unit 106, and a scanner unit 107. The display unit 103 includes an LED or a liquid crystal display, and displays the contents of user operations and internal information of the apparatus. The operation unit 104 accepts operations from the user. The operation unit 104 may not only include a plurality of operation buttons, but may also be realized as a touch panel display together with the display unit 103. The printer unit 105 accepts a print instruction from the controller unit 102, and prints the image data received from the controller unit 102 on paper. The finisher unit 106 accepts an instruction from the controller unit 102, and executes post-processing (also called post-processing or post-processing) such as stapling and folding the print paper. The scanner unit 107 accepts a read instruction from the controller unit 102, performs a read operation, and transmits the acquired image data to the controller unit 102. The scanning operation modes include a platen mode in which a document placed on a glass platen is scanned, and an ADF mode in which a document is scanned while being transported by an automatic document feeder (ADF).

[0013] The controller unit 102 includes a CPU 108, a ROM 109, a RAM 110, a HDD 111, and an EEPROM 112. The CPU 108 is an execution medium for a control program built into the image forming apparatus 101, and controls the operation of devices connected to the controller unit 102 via each I / F and memory of a storage medium. The ROM (read-only memory) 109 is a read-only memory and stores a boot program and the like required for system startup. The RAM (random access memory) 110 is a volatile memory and is a work memory required for executing the control program. The HDD (hard disk drive) 111 is a storage medium such as a magnetic disk and stores the control program, image data, and the like. The EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable ROM) 112 is a non-volatile memory and stores setting values ​​and the like required for executing the control program. The EEPROM 112 also stores adjustment values ​​of the folding position and the staple position that are notified from the controller unit 102 to the finisher unit 106 during post-processing.

[0014] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> An example of the device configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The printer unit 105 has a plurality of paper feed units, and a scanner unit 107 is disposed on the upper part. At least one of the paper discharge ports of the printer unit 105 is connected to the paper feed port of the finisher unit 106. When post-processing is performed on paper printed by the printer unit 105, the printed paper is transported from the printer unit 105 to the finisher unit 106, where post-processing is performed, and the printed paper is discharged from the paper discharge unit 201 or the paper discharge unit 202. When post-processing such as saddle stitching or folding, which will be described later, is performed, the printed paper is discharged from the paper discharge unit 202. It is also possible to discharge the printed paper without performing post-processing, in which case the printed paper is discharged from the paper discharge unit 201.

[0015] <Post-processing> The post-processing of saddle stitching and folding will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Reference numeral 300 denotes saddle stitching, and 310 denotes folding. Note that, although saddle stitching and folding are described here as examples of post-processing, this is not intended to limit the present invention, and any other post-processing may be applied to the present invention.

[0016] Reference numerals 301 and 302 indicate the shape of printed paper when saddle-stitching is performed. In saddle-stitching, multiple sheets of printed paper are folded in the center and then stapled in the center. If the amount of left-right misalignment of the fold is a and the amount of misalignment between the folding position and the staple position is b, then ideally a=0, b=0 would be the shape, but there may be misalignment when the paper is actually output. In such cases, the user can adjust this misalignment by changing the settings.

[0017] Reference numerals 303 and 304 indicate the shape of the printed paper when it is folded. When folding, one or more sheets of printed paper are folded together in the center. If the amount of left and right misalignment of the fold is a, it is ideal for a=0, but there may be a misalignment when the paper is actually output. In such cases, the user can adjust the misalignment by changing the settings. Specific methods for adjusting the misalignment will be described later.

[0018] <Job setting screen> A method for setting saddle stitching and folding in the copy job settings according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4A to 4C. Each screen shown in Figs. 4A to 4C is displayed on the display unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 101 by the CPU 108 functioning as a display control means. Note that screen information may be provided to an external device connected in a communicable manner and displayed on the display unit of the external device. In addition, when a user operates an object such as a button displayed on each screen, the operation may be performed via the operation unit 104, or when the display unit 103 is realized by a touch panel display, the operation may be performed by directly touching the screen.

[0019] 4A is an example of a home screen. Home screen 401 includes copy icon 402 and setting icon 403. When a user selects copy icon 402, a copy setting screen is displayed. Setting icon 403 will be described later. If image forming apparatus 101 has a function other than copying, an icon corresponding to the function may be displayed.

[0020] 411 in FIG. 4A is an example of a copy setting screen. The copy setting screen 411 includes a setting display 412, a color selection button 413, a magnification button 414, a paper selection button 415, a finishing button 416, a double-sided button 417, and a density button 418. The setting display 412 displays the currently set contents. The color selection button 413 is used to specify the color selection of the printed matter. The magnification button 414 is used to specify the magnification of the printed matter based on the original. The paper selection button 415 is used to specify where the paper to be printed is to be fed from. The finishing button 416 is used to specify the finishing including post-processing of the printed matter. The double-sided button 417 is used to specify whether or not the printed matter is to be printed on both sides. The density button 418 is used to specify the density when printing on the printed matter. For the detailed setting screen for the buttons 413 to 418, a form in which numerical input or options are displayed can be applied within the range that can be provided by the image forming apparatus 101. In addition, other setting buttons may be provided.

[0021] A case where the finishing button 416 is selected on the copy setting screen 411 will be described. When the user selects the finishing button 416, the finishing setting screen shown in 421 of FIG. 4B is displayed on the display unit 103. The finishing setting screen 421 is configured to include a saddle stitch button 422, a fold button 423, and a cancel button 424. When the user selects the saddle stitch button 422, the saddle stitch setting screen is displayed. When the user selects the fold button 423, the fold setting screen is displayed. When the user selects the cancel button 424, the finishing settings are cancelled and the screen returns to the copy setting screen 411.

[0022] 431 in FIG. 4B shows an example of a saddle stitch setting screen. The saddle stitch setting screen 431 includes a paper selection button 432, a folding position / staple position adjustment button 433, an OK button 434, and a cancel button 435. The paper selection button 432 is used to change the paper feed location where the paper to be saddle stitched is set. The folding position / staple position adjustment button 433 is used to adjust the amount of misalignment of a or b shown in 302. A specific adjustment method will be described later with reference to FIG. 6. The OK button 434 is used to confirm the saddle stitch setting. When the user selects the OK button 434, the paper selection information is stored in the RAM 110 as job setting information together with information that the saddle stitch setting is set, and the screen returns to the copy setting screen 411. The cancel button 435 is used to cancel the saddle stitch setting. When the user selects the cancel button 435, the saddle stitch setting information stored in the RAM 110 is cleared, and the screen returns to the copy setting screen 411. Although paper selection has been given as an example of setting information for saddle stitching here, setting buttons for imposition of bookbinding, etc. may also be provided.

[0023] 441 in FIG. 4C shows an example of a folding setting screen. The folding setting screen 441 includes a number of sheets to be folded in layers 442, a + / - button 443, a "from inside of the fold" button 444, a "from outside of the fold" button 445, a folding position adjustment button 446, an OK button 447, and a cancel button 448. The number of sheets to be folded in layers 442 sets how many sheets are folded in a bundle when the number of printed sheets is more than one. For example, when the number of printed sheets is 10 sheets and the number of sheets to be folded in layers is set to 5 sheets, two bundles of 5 sheets folded together are output. The + / - button 443 is used to change the value of the number of sheets to be folded in layers 442. The "from inside of the fold" button 444 and the "from outside of the fold" button 445 are used to specify whether the printing start surface starts from the inside or outside of the fold. The folding position adjustment button 446 is used to adjust the amount of deviation of a shown in 304. Specific adjustment methods will be described later with reference to FIG. 6. The OK button 447 is used to confirm the folding settings. When the user selects the OK button 447, information indicating that folding is set, as well as information on the number of sheets to be folded and information on the starting print side, are stored in the RAM 110 as job setting information, and the screen returns to the copy setting screen 411. The Cancel button 448 is used to cancel the folding settings. When the user selects the Cancel button 448, the folding setting information stored in the RAM 110 is cleared, and the screen returns to the copy setting screen 411. This concludes the explanation of how to set saddle stitching and folding for a copy job.

[0024] <Copy job processing procedure> Next, the processing procedure of a copy job according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 108 reading out a control program stored in the ROM 109, HDD 111, or EEPROM 112 into the RAM 110 and executing it. This processing is executed when the CPU 108 displays 401 in FIG. 4A on the display unit 103 and detects that a copy icon 402 has been selected via the operation unit 104. Here, the processing procedure is described for executing a job including post-processing by adjusting a folding position and a staple position, which are processing positions related to post-processing, using adjustment values ​​previously set by an adjustment process or the like described later with reference to FIG. 7 in a copy job. Note that, although a copy job is described here as an example, this is not intended to limit the present invention, and any other job including post-processing may be used.

[0025] In S501, CPU 108 displays copy setting screen 411 on display unit 103 and accepts job settings. Next, in S502, CPU 108 determines whether the start button provided on operation unit 104 has been selected. Job settings are accepted in S501 until the start button is selected. If it is determined that the start button has been selected, CPU 108 instructs scanner unit 107 to read a document in S503.

[0026] When the scanner unit completes reading the document, in S504, CPU 108 determines whether or not there is finishing setting information (setting information related to post-processing) in RAM 110 as a job setting. If finishing (post-processing) is not set, the process proceeds to S509, and if finishing is set, the process proceeds to S505. In S505, CPU 108 determines the type of finishing. Note that, for the sake of simplicity, a case will be described in which two post-processing processes, saddle stitching and folding, can be set as finishing (post-processing). As described above, any other post-processing may be included.

[0027] If it is determined that saddle stitching is set as the finishing setting, in S506 and S507 the CPU 108 acquires the folding position adjustment value and staple position adjustment value for saddle stitching stored in the EEPROM 112, and proceeds to S509. On the other hand, if it is determined that folding is set as the finishing setting, in S508 the CPU 108 acquires the folding position adjustment value for folding stored in the EEPROM 112, and proceeds to S509.

[0028] In S509, the CPU 108 executes image processing designated by the color selection button 413, the magnification button 414, the double-sided button 417, and the density button 418. Next, in S510, the CPU 108 instructs the printer unit 105 to print, and if saddle stitching or folding is set, notifies the finisher unit 106 of the adjustment values ​​acquired in S506, S507, and S508. After issuing the print instruction, the process waits until printing is completed in S511. When printing is completed, the process proceeds to S512, where the CPU 108 determines whether or not a finishing setting (post-processing setting) is set for this job. If post-processing is not performed, the process ends in this flowchart. On the other hand, if post-processing is performed, the process proceeds to S513, where the CPU 108 causes the finisher unit 106 to execute post-processing set for the job, and ends the process in this flowchart. In addition, the finisher unit 106 executes post-processing according to the notified adjustment values.

[0029] <How to adjust post-processing (adjustment screen)> Next, a method for adjusting the saddle stitching and folding processes will be described using an example of the adjustment screen in Fig. 6. Each screen shown in Fig. 6A to Fig. 6F is displayed on the display unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 101 by the CPU 108 functioning as a display control means. Note that screen information may be provided to an external device connected in a communicable manner and displayed on the display unit of the external device. In addition, when a user operates an object such as a button displayed on each screen, the operation may be performed via the operation unit 104, or when the display unit 103 is realized by a touch panel display, the operation may be performed by directly touching the screen.

[0030] There are several patterns as a trigger for starting the saddle stitching and folding adjustment. One is a case where the folding position / staple position adjustment button 433 on the saddle stitching setting screen 431 is selected. Another is a case where the folding position adjustment button 446 on the folding setting screen 441 is selected. Furthermore, the adjustment can also be started from the setting menu screen 6001 shown in FIG. 6A. Here, a case where a test chart is printed out and the processing position of the post-processing, such as the folding position and the staple position, is adjusted so as to eliminate the deviation of the processing position related to the post-processing, and a case where the above adjustment is made using a printed matter that has already been output will be described. The above adjustment is made using a printed matter that has already been output, for example, in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. For example, the user may want to check the printed matter and further adjust the processing position of the post-processing, such as the folding position and the staple position, so as to eliminate the deviation of the processing position related to the post-processing.

[0031] The setting menu screen 6001 is displayed on the display unit 103 by selecting the setting icon 403 on the home screen 401. The setting menu screen 6001 includes a "saddle stitch folding position / staple position adjustment" button 6002, a "folding position adjustment" button 6003, and a close button 6004. The close button 6004 is used to end the setting, and when the user selects the close button 6004, the screen returns to the home screen 401. When the "saddle stitch folding position / staple position adjustment" button 6002 is selected, adjustment is started in the same way as when the folding position / staple position adjustment button 433 is selected, and the screen transitions to a saddle stitch adjustment procedure screen 6011 shown in FIG. 6A. When the "folding position adjustment" button 6003 is selected, adjustment is started in the same way as when the folding position adjustment button 446 is selected, and the screen transitions to a folding adjustment procedure screen 6021 shown in FIG. 6B.

[0032] The screen transitions will be described below using four examples: saddle stitch adjustment using a test chart, saddle stitch adjustment using an actual printed matter, folding adjustment using a test chart, and folding adjustment using an actual printed matter. Here, "adjustment using a test chart" refers to printing a test chart and performing various adjustments using the scanned image obtained by reading the printed test chart. In this case, it means that a separate print is performed for adjustment during the adjustment process. Also, "adjustment using an actual printed matter" refers to performing various adjustments using the scanned image obtained by reading a printed matter that has already been printed. In this case, it means that a separate print is not performed for adjustment during the adjustment process.

[0033] (Adjust saddle stitching using test chart) First, the screen transition of the saddle stitch adjustment using the test chart will be described. When performing the saddle stitch adjustment using the test chart, the user sets the "Adjust with actual printed matter" button 6012 to OFF on the saddle stitch adjustment procedure screen 6011 shown in FIG. 6A and selects the next button 6013. On the saddle stitch adjustment procedure screen 6011 shown in FIG. 6A, the "Adjust with actual printed matter" button (check box) 6012 is checked, indicating that it is ON. Therefore, an operation is performed to uncheck the button. The "Adjust with actual printed matter" button 6012 switches ON / OFF every time the button is selected. Note that, although the screen in this embodiment displays the notation "Adjust with actual printed matter", a message expressing an operation such as "Skip test chart" may also be used, and is not particularly limited.

[0034] When the next button 6013 is selected, a selection screen 6031 for a paper feed location for the test chart shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the display unit 103. The user selects the paper feed location where the paper to be adjusted is set using the paper feed selection button 6032, and selects the start print button 6033. When the start print button 6033 is selected, printing of the test chart is started, and a test chart output screen 6041 shown in FIG. 6C is displayed on the display unit 103. When printing of the test chart is started, post-processing such as saddle stitching and folding is performed on the printed test chart. The specific output contents of the test chart will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0035] When the output of the test chart is completed, a folding position deviation input screen 6061 for the test chart shown in Fig. 6D is displayed on the display unit 103. The user selects the same folding position state 6062, 6063, 6064 as the state outputted in the test chart, and inputs a numerical value of deviation amount a for folding position deviation amount 6065 using a + / - button 6066. After inputting deviation amount a, when the user selects an OK button 6067, a needle position deviation input screen 6081 for the test chart shown in Fig. 6E is displayed on the display unit 103. The user selects the same needle position state 6082, 6083, 6084 as the state outputted in the test chart, and inputs a numerical value of deviation amount b for needle position deviation amount 6085 using a + / - button 6086. After inputting the deviation amount b, when the user selects the OK button 6087, a confirmation screen 6101 for re-outputting the test chart shown in FIG. 6F is displayed on the display unit 103, and when the user selects the back button 6088, the screen returns to the input screen 6061 for inputting the fold position deviation amount for the test chart shown in FIG. 6D.

[0036] When the test chart is not to be re-output, the user selects the end adjustment button 6102 on the confirmation screen 6101 for re-outputting the test chart to complete the adjustment. When the test chart is to be re-output, the start print button 6103 is selected. On the other hand, when the start print button 6103 is selected, printing of the test chart is started and a test chart output screen 6041 shown in FIG. 6C is displayed on the display unit 103. When the output of the test chart is completed, a confirmation screen 6111 for re-inputting the adjustment value shown in FIG. 6F is displayed on the display unit 103. When the readjustment is not to be performed, the user selects the end adjustment button 6112 to complete the adjustment. On the other hand, when the readjustment is to be performed, the user selects the readjustment button 6113. When the readjustment button 6113 is selected, an input screen 6061 for the folding position deviation amount for the test chart shown in FIG. 6D is displayed on the display unit 103. The screen transitions thereafter are the same as those described above, and therefore will not be described. In addition, the cancel buttons 6014, 6034, and 6068 on each screen are used when the adjustment is to be stopped midway. The above is the screen transition for saddle stitch adjustment using a test chart.

[0037] (Saddle stitch adjustment using actual printing area) Next, screen transitions for saddle stitch adjustment using actual printed matter will be described. For saddle stitch adjustment using actual printed matter, the user sets an "Adjust with actual printed matter" button 6012 to ON on the saddle stitch adjustment procedure screen 6011 shown in Fig. 6A and selects the next button 6013. When the next button 6013 is selected, a paper feed point selection screen 6051 for printed matter shown in Fig. 6C is displayed on the display unit 103. The user selects a paper feed point that has already been printed and that he / she wishes to adjust from a paper feed selection button 6052, and selects the next button 6053.

[0038] When the next button 6053 is selected, a folding position deviation amount input screen 6071 for a printed material shown in Fig. 6D is displayed on the display unit 103. It is basically the same as the folding position deviation amount input screen 6061 for a test chart shown in Fig. 6D, but differs in that the folding position states 6072, 6073, 6074 are expressed in accordance with an actual printed material, not in accordance with a test chart. The user selects the folding position states 6072, 6073, 6074 and uses + / - buttons 6076 to input the folding position deviation amount 6075, and selects an OK button 6077.

[0039] When the OK button 6077 is selected, a needle position deviation input screen 6091 for the printed matter shown in FIG. 6E is displayed on the display unit 103. This screen is basically the same as the needle position deviation input screen 6081 for the test chart shown in FIG. 6E, but is different in that the needle position states 6092, 6093, and 6094 are expressed in a manner that is not adapted to the test chart but adapted to the actual printed matter. The user selects the needle position states 6092, 6093, and 6094, inputs the needle position deviation amount 6095 using the + / - button 6096, and selects the OK button 6097. When the user selects the OK button 6097, a confirmation screen 6101 for re-outputting the test chart shown in FIG. 6F is displayed on the display unit 103. Since the screen transitions from this point onwards are the same as those of the saddle stitch adjustment using the test chart, a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the cancel buttons 6014, 6054, and 6078 on each screen are used when the adjustment is to be stopped midway. The above is the screen transitions of the saddle stitch adjustment using the actual printed matter.

[0040] (Folding adjustment using test charts / actual printed matter) Next, the screen transition between the folding adjustment using the test chart and the folding adjustment using the actual printed matter will be described. Basically, it is the same as the saddle stitch adjustment using the test chart and the saddle stitch adjustment using the actual printed matter. Therefore, only the difference between the folding adjustment and the saddle stitch adjustment will be described here. In the folding adjustment, the adjustment of the staple position is not required compared to the saddle stitch adjustment. Therefore, in the folding adjustment procedure screen, the folding adjustment procedure screen 6021 shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the display unit 103 instead of the saddle stitch adjustment procedure screen 6011 shown in FIG. 6A. The difference is only the difference in the explanation of the adjustment procedure. In addition, since the adjustment of the staple position is not required, after displaying the input screen 6061 for the folding position deviation amount for the test chart shown in FIG. 6D or the input screen 6071 for the folding position deviation amount for the printed matter shown in FIG. 6D, the confirmation screen 6101 for re-outputting the test chart shown in FIG. 6F is displayed on the display unit 103. The above is the difference between the folding adjustment and the saddle stitch adjustment.

[0041] <Post-processing adjustment procedure> Next, the post-processing adjustment procedure according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7A and 7B. The process described below is realized, for example, by CPU 108 reading a control program stored in ROM 109, HDD 111, or EEPROM 112 into RAM 110 and executing it. This process is started by selecting folding position / staple position adjustment button 433, folding position adjustment button 446, "saddle stitch folding position / staple position adjustment" button 6002, or "folding position adjustment" button 6003.

[0042] First, in S701, the CPU 108 determines the type of adjustment. Specifically, when the adjustment is started from the folding position / staple position adjustment button 433 or the "saddle stitch folding position / staple position adjustment" button 6002 on the saddle stitch setting screen 431, the CPU 108 determines that the adjustment is saddle stitching. On the other hand, when the adjustment is started from the folding position adjustment button 446 or the "folding position adjustment" button 6003 on the folding setting screen 441, the CPU 108 determines that the adjustment is folding. If the adjustment is determined to be saddle stitching, the process proceeds to S702, where the CPU 108 displays a saddle stitching adjustment procedure screen 6011 shown in FIG. 6A on the display unit 103, and proceeds to S704. If the adjustment is determined to be folding, the process proceeds to S703, where the CPU 108 displays a folding adjustment procedure screen 6021 shown in FIG. 6B on the display unit 103, and proceeds to S704. At the timing when the screen is displayed in S702 or S703, the "Adjust with actual printout" button 6012 or 6022 is OFF. Note that, in order to simplify the explanation, two settings are illustrated here, but other settings may also be included, in which case the screen control or processing corresponding to the settings will proceed.

[0043] In S704, the CPU 108 judges whether the process has been started from the setting menu screen 6001. If it is judged that the process has been started from the setting menu screen 6001, the process proceeds to S706, and if it is judged that the process has been started from a screen other than the setting menu screen 6001, the process proceeds to S705. Here, the screen other than the setting menu screen 6001 is, for example, the saddle stitch setting screen 431 or the folding setting screen 441. In S705, the CPU 108 changes the default display of the "Adjust with actual printed matter" button (object) 6012 or 6022 to ON, and proceeds to S706. As a result, if the process has been started from the setting menu screen 6001 (first starting means), the default display of the "Adjust with actual printed matter" button 6012 or 6022 is OFF. On the other hand, if the process has been started from the saddle stitch setting screen 431 or the folding setting screen 441 (second starting means), the default display of the "Adjust with actual printed matter" button 6012 or 6022 is ON. In the case of adjustment from the saddle stitch setting screen 431 or the folding setting screen 441, since a start instruction has been issued in the setting sequence of a job (e.g., a copy job, etc.), there is a possibility that a printed matter has already been output, and the default display is set to ON. Here, as an example of the first start means and the second start means, the buttons arranged on various setting screens for starting the adjustment process have been described. However, in the present invention, the first start means and the second start means may be in a form in which the start instruction of the adjustment process is issued by operating a button provided on the operation unit 104, rather than issuing the start instruction of the adjustment process by operating a button arranged on the screen. In that case, when the button is operated, it may be determined whether the sequence of the setting menu of the image forming apparatus is in progress (first start means) or whether the setting of a job including post-processing is in progress (second start means). Also, instead of determining which start means has issued the start instruction, the screen from which the transition is made when the adjustment screen described later is displayed may be determined, and the default setting when the object is displayed may be switched. The screen from which the transition is made is, for example, the setting menu screen 6001, the saddle stitch setting screen 431, or the folding setting screen 441.

[0044] Next, in S706, the CPU 108 accepts the selection of the Next button 6013, 6023 or the Cancel button 6014, 6024 via the operation unit 104. If it is determined that the Cancel button 6014, 6024 has been selected, the processing of this flowchart ends. If it is determined that the Next button 6013, the Next button 6013, 6023 has been selected, the processing proceeds to S707. In S707, the CPU 108 determines whether the value of the "Adjust with actual printed matter" button 6012, 6022 is ON or OFF as a predetermined setting status. If it is determined that it is OFF, the processing proceeds to adjustment using a test chart from S708 onwards. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is ON, the processing proceeds to adjustment using an actual printed matter from S718 onwards.

[0045] First, in the adjustment using the test chart in S708 and thereafter, the CPU 108 displays the paper feed location selection screen 6031 shown in FIG. 6B on the display unit 103. Next, in S709, the CPU 108 determines whether the print start button 6033 or the cancel button 6034 has been selected. If it is determined that the cancel button 6034 has been selected, the process of this flowchart is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the print start button 6033 has been selected, the process proceeds to S710, where the CPU 108 instructs the printer unit 105 to print a test chart and instructs the finisher unit 106 to perform post-processing on the printed test chart. Specifically, in the case of a saddle-stitched test chart, as shown in 301 and 302, A / B are printed on two sheets of paper, and then saddle-stitch processing is performed as post-processing before output. In the case of a folded test chart, as shown in 303 and 304, A / B are printed on one sheet of paper, and then folded and output. 6C on the display unit 103, and waits until it is determined in S712 that the output has ended. While the test chart output screen 6041 is displayed on the display unit 103, the printer unit 105 prints the test chart, and then the finisher unit 106 performs saddle stitching and folding as post-processing on the printed test chart.

[0046] After the output of the test chart is completed, the process proceeds to S713, where the CPU 108 displays an input screen 6061 for the amount of deviation of the folding position shown in FIG. 6D on the display unit 103, and accepts the input of the state of the folding position and the amount of deviation a. The user checks the output test chart, checks the deviation of the folding position and the staple position, and inputs the amount of deviation into the input screen 6061. In S714, it is determined whether the OK button 6067 or the cancel button 6068 has been selected. If it is determined that the cancel button 6068 has been selected, the process ends. If the OK button 6067 has been selected, the process proceeds to S715. In S715, the CPU 108 determines whether the current adjustment is a saddle stitch adjustment. If it is not a saddle stitch adjustment, the adjustment of the staple position is not necessary, and the process proceeds to S723. On the other hand, if it is a saddle stitch adjustment, the process proceeds to S716, where the CPU 108 displays an input screen 6081 for the amount of deviation of the staple position shown in FIG. 6E on the display unit 103, and accepts the input of the state of the staple position and the amount of deviation b. In S717, it is determined whether the OK button 6087 or the back button 6088 is selected. If it is determined that the back button 6088 is selected, the process returns to S713. On the other hand, if it is determined that the OK button 6087 is selected, the process proceeds to S723. Up to this point, the method for inputting the amount of deviation when a test chart is used is completed.

[0047] Next, a method of inputting the amount of deviation when an actual printed matter is used in S718 and after will be described. In S718, the CPU 108 displays the paper feed location selection screen 6051 shown in FIG. 6C on the display unit 103. In S719, it is determined whether the Next button 6053 or the Cancel button 6054 has been selected. If it is determined that the Cancel button 6054 has been selected, the process of this flowchart is terminated. If it is determined that the Next button 6053 has been selected, the process proceeds to S720, where the CPU 108 displays the folding position deviation amount input screen 6071 shown in FIG. 6D on the display unit 103 and accepts input of the folding position state and the amount of deviation a. Next, in S721, the CPU 108 determines whether the OK button 6077 or the Cancel button 6078 has been selected. If it is determined that the Cancel button 6078 has been selected, the process of this flowchart is terminated. As described above, according to this embodiment, the display content of the adjustment screen is switched depending on whether or not it is necessary to print a test chart used in the adjustment process. In particular, when a test chart is to be output, a display instructing output and an output screen 6041 are displayed, whereas when a test chart is not to be output, these displays are omitted.

[0048] On the other hand, if it is determined that the OK button 6077 has been selected, the process proceeds to S722. In S722, the CPU 108 determines whether the current adjustment is a saddle stitch adjustment. If it is not a saddle stitch adjustment, the process proceeds to S724 since there is no need to adjust the staple position. If it is a saddle stitch adjustment, the process proceeds to S723, where the CPU 108 displays an input screen 6091 for inputting the amount of staple position deviation shown in FIG. 6E on the display unit 103, and accepts input of the state of the staple position and the amount of deviation b. In S724, the CPU 108 determines whether the OK button 6097 or the back button 6098 has been selected. If it is determined that the back button 6098 has been selected, the process returns to S720. On the other hand, if it is determined that the OK button 6097 has been selected, the process proceeds to S725. The above is the method for inputting the amount of deviation when using an actual printed matter.

[0049] In this embodiment, the input screen for inputting the amount of misalignment is displayed differently between the adjustment using a test chart and the adjustment using an actual printed matter, such as input screen 6061 and input screen 6071, and input screen 6081 and input screen 6091. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention, and these screens may be displayed as the same screen. In that case, the flow for inputting the amount of misalignment from S712 onwards or from S719 onwards may be consolidated into one.

[0050] Next, in S725, the CPU 108 acquires the adjustment values. Specifically, the CPU 108 adds the deviation amount a to the adjustment value of the folding position stored in the EEPROM 112, and adds the deviation amount b to the adjustment value of the staple position. Next, in S726, the CPU 108 stores these added values ​​in the EEPROM 112. Furthermore, in S727, the CPU 108 displays a confirmation screen 6101 for re-outputting the test chart shown in FIG. 6F on the display unit 103. In S728, the CPU 108 determines whether the end adjustment button 6102 or the start print button 6103 has been selected. If it is determined that the end adjustment button 6102 has been selected, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0051] On the other hand, if it is determined that the print start button 6103 has been selected, the process proceeds to S729, where the CPU 108 instructs the printer unit 105 to print a test chart, as in S710, and instructs the finisher unit 106 to perform post-processing on the test chart. Thereafter, in S730, the CPU 108 displays a test chart output screen 6041 shown in Fig. 6C on the display unit 103, as in S711. While the test chart output screen 6041 is displayed on the display unit 103, the printer unit 105 prints the test chart, and then the finisher unit 106 performs saddle stitching and folding as post-processing on the printed test chart. Next, in S731, the CPU 108 waits until the output is completed.

[0052] After the output of the test chart is completed, the process proceeds to S732, where the CPU 108 displays a confirmation screen 6111 for re-inputting the adjustment values, as shown in FIG. 6F, on the display unit 103. Thereafter, in S733, the CPU 108 determines whether the end adjustment button 6112 or the readjustment button 6113 has been selected. If it is determined that the end adjustment button 6112 has been selected, the process of this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the readjustment button 6113 has been selected, the process returns to S713. The above is the processing procedure for the adjustment process.

[0053] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment determines whether or not it is necessary to print a test chart to be used in the adjustment process related to post-processing, depending on a predetermined setting situation. Furthermore, when it is determined that it is necessary to print a test chart, the image forming apparatus prints the test chart, performs post-processing, and executes the adjustment process using the output test chart. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not necessary to print a test chart, the image forming apparatus executes the adjustment process using a printed matter that has already been printed and post-processed. Thus, according to this embodiment, by switching between whether or not to output a test chart depending on whether or not there is already a printed matter that can be used for post-processing adjustment, it is possible to perform adjustment without printing a wasteful test chart.

[0054] The disclosure of this specification includes the following image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

[0055] (Item 1) An image forming apparatus, a determination unit that determines whether or not a test chart used in an adjustment process related to post-processing needs to be printed according to a predetermined setting state; an adjustment means for printing the test chart, when the determination means determines that printing of the test chart is necessary, and performing the adjustment process using the output test chart, and for performing the adjustment process using a printed matter that has already been printed and has been subjected to post-processing, when the determination means determines that printing of the test chart is unnecessary; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0056] (Item 2) A display control means for displaying a setting screen on a display unit; a reception unit that receives an instruction to start an adjustment process related to the post-processing via the setting screen, the display control means displays an adjustment screen for performing the adjustment process on a display unit when the start instruction is received via the setting screen, 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1, wherein the adjustment screen includes an object for setting whether or not it is necessary to print a test chart used in the adjustment process.

[0057] (Item 3) A first starting means for issuing the start instruction; A second starting means for issuing the start instruction by an operation different from that of the first starting means; Further equipped with The display control means The image forming apparatus described in item 2 is characterized in that, depending on whether the start instruction is issued by the first start means or the second start means, a default setting for displaying the object on the adjustment screen is switched and displayed.

[0058] (Item 4) the first initiation means issues the initiation instruction in a sequence of a setting menu of the image forming apparatus; 4. The image forming apparatus according to item 3, wherein the second starting unit issues the start instruction during settings of a job including post-processing.

[0059] (Item 5) The display control means The image forming apparatus according to item 3 or 4, characterized in that when the start instruction is issued by the first start means, the object is displayed with a default setting that requires printing of a test chart used in the adjustment process, and when the start instruction is issued by the second start means, the object is displayed with a default setting that does not require printing of a test chart used in the adjustment process.

[0060] (Item 6) The display control means 3. The image forming apparatus according to item 2, characterized in that a default setting for displaying the object on the adjustment screen is switched and displayed depending on a transition source screen when the adjustment screen is displayed.

[0061] (Item 7) The display control means The image forming device described in item 6 is characterized in that, if the screen from which the transition originates is a screen displayed in a setting menu of the image forming device, the object is displayed with a default setting that requires printing of a test chart used in the adjustment process, and if the screen from which the transition originates is not a screen displayed in the setting menu, the object is displayed with a default setting that does not require printing of a test chart used in the adjustment process.

[0062] (Item 8) The image forming apparatus according to item 7, wherein when the source screen is not a screen displayed in the setting menu, the source screen is a screen for setting a job including post-processing.

[0063] (Item 9) The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 8, wherein the display control means switches the display content of the adjustment screen depending on whether or not it is necessary to print a test chart used in the adjustment process.

[0064] (Item 10) The image forming apparatus according to item 9, characterized in that, when it is necessary to print a test chart to be used in the adjustment process, the display control means displays a screen indicating that the test chart is being output as one of the adjustment screens.

[0065] (Item 11) The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 10, characterized in that the adjustment means acquires, via the adjustment screen, an adjustment value for a position where post-processing is performed on the printed matter, and stores the acquired adjustment value in a memory means.

[0066] (Item 12) Item 12. The image forming apparatus according to item 11, further comprising a post-processing unit that adjusts the position at which post-processing is performed on the printed matter according to the adjustment value stored in the storage unit and performs post-processing.

[0067] (Item 13) The post-processing is a saddle stitching process or a folding process, 13. The image forming apparatus according to item 11 or 12, wherein the position where post-processing is performed on the printed matter is a folding position and staple position of the saddle stitching process, or a folding position of the folding process.

[0068] (Item 14) 14. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 11 to 13, wherein the adjustment screen includes an object for instructing reprinting of a test chart in accordance with the adjustment value stored in the storage means.

[0069] (Item 15) A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a determination step in which a determination means determines whether or not printing of a test chart to be used in an adjustment process related to post-processing is necessary according to a predetermined setting situation; an adjustment step in which, when it is determined in the determination step that printing of the test chart is necessary, an adjustment means prints the test chart and performs post-processing, and executes the adjustment process using the output test chart, and, when it is determined in the determination step that printing of the test chart is unnecessary, executes the adjustment process using a printed matter that has already been printed and post-processed; 13. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0070] (Item 16) A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for an image forming apparatus, the control method comprising: a determination step in which a determination means determines whether or not printing of a test chart to be used in an adjustment process related to post-processing is necessary according to a predetermined setting situation; an adjustment step in which, when it is determined in the determination step that printing of the test chart is necessary, an adjustment means prints the test chart and performs post-processing, and executes the adjustment process using the output test chart, and, when it is determined in the determination step that printing of the test chart is unnecessary, executes the adjustment process using a printed matter that has already been printed and post-processed; A program comprising:

[0071] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0072] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 101: image forming apparatus, 102: controller unit, 103: display unit, 104: operation unit, 105: printer unit, 106: finisher unit, 107: scanner unit, 108: CPU, 109: ROM, 110: RAM, 111: HDD, 112: EEPROM

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, a determination unit that determines whether or not a test chart used in post-processing adjustment processing needs to be printed, depending on a predetermined setting situation; When the determination means determines that printing of the test chart is necessary, the test chart is printed and post-processed, and the adjustment process is performed using the output test chart; an adjustment unit that, when the determination unit determines that printing of the test chart is unnecessary, executes the adjustment process using a printed matter that has already been printed and post-processed; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. a display control means for displaying a setting screen on a display unit; a receiving unit configured to receive an instruction to start an adjustment process related to the post-processing via the setting screen, When the start instruction is received via the setting screen, the display control means displays an adjustment screen for performing the adjustment process on a display unit; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment screen includes an object for setting whether or not a test chart used in the adjustment process needs to be printed.

3. The display control means further comprises: displaying a first screen for issuing the start instruction on the display unit; displaying a second screen on the display unit for issuing the start instruction by an operation different from that on the first screen; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the default settings for displaying the object on the adjustment screen are switched and displayed depending on whether the first screen or the second screen was used to issue the start instruction.

4. the first screen is used to issue the start instruction in a sequence of setting menus of the image forming apparatus; 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second screen is used to issue the start instruction in the setting of a job including post-processing.

5. The display control means 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the start instruction is issued from the first screen, the object is displayed with a default setting that requires printing of a test chart used in the adjustment process, and when the start instruction is issued from the second screen, the object is displayed with a default setting that does not require printing of a test chart used in the adjustment process.

6. The display control means 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a default setting for displaying the object on the adjustment screen is switched and displayed depending on a screen from which the adjustment screen is transitioned when the adjustment screen is displayed.

7. The display control means The image forming device of claim 6, wherein if the source screen is a screen displayed in a setting menu of the image forming device, the object is displayed with a default setting that requires printing of a test chart used in the adjustment process, and if the source screen is not a screen displayed in the setting menu, the object is displayed with a default setting that does not require printing of a test chart used in the adjustment process.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the transition source screen is not a screen displayed in the setting menu, but is a screen for setting a job including post-processing.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit switches the display content of the adjustment screen depending on whether or not it is necessary to print a test chart used in the adjustment process.

10. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the display control unit displays, as one of the adjustment screens, a screen indicating that a test chart used in the adjustment process is being output, when the test chart needs to be printed.

11. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment unit acquires an adjustment value for a position where post-processing is performed on the printed matter via the adjustment screen, and stores the acquired adjustment value in a storage unit.

12. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a post-processing unit that adjusts the position where post-processing is performed on the printed matter in accordance with the adjustment value stored in the storage unit, and then performs the post-processing.

13. The post-processing is a saddle stitching process or a folding process, 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the position where post-processing is performed on the printed matter is a folding position and staple position in the saddle stitching process, or a folding position in the folding process.

14. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the adjustment screen includes an object for instructing re-output of a test chart in accordance with the adjustment values ​​stored in the storage unit.

15. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a determining step in which a determining unit determines whether or not it is necessary to print a test chart used in an adjustment process related to post-processing, depending on a predetermined setting situation; an adjustment step in which, when it is determined in the determination step that printing of the test chart is necessary, an adjustment means prints the test chart and performs post-processing, and executes the adjustment process using the output test chart, and, when it is determined in the determination step that printing of the test chart is unnecessary, executes the adjustment process using a printed matter that has already been printed and post-processed; 10. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising:

16. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for an image forming apparatus, the control method comprising: a determining step in which a determining unit determines whether or not it is necessary to print a test chart used in an adjustment process related to post-processing, depending on a predetermined setting situation; an adjustment step in which, when it is determined in the determination step that printing of the test chart is necessary, an adjustment means prints the test chart and performs post-processing, and executes the adjustment process using the output test chart, and, when it is determined in the determination step that printing of the test chart is unnecessary, executes the adjustment process using a printed matter that has already been printed and post-processed; A program comprising:

Images