Image reading device and image formation device

Abstract

To provide an image reading device which can suppress the variation of the sub-scanning magnification regardless of a type of sheets.SOLUTION: An image reading device includes: a document tray on which sheets are placed; an ADF which conveys the sheets placed on the document tray in a prescribed conveyance direction; a document table glass on which the sheets are placed; a first image reading unit 111; a CPU 902 which operates the first image reading unit 111 in the ADF reading mode that reads the sheet conveyed by the ADF, and the pressure plate reading mode that reads the sheet placed on the document table glass; and an image reading controller 912 which generates a sub-scanning magnification correction value for correcting the sub-scanning magnification which is the difference in length in the conveyance direction of the first read image relative to the second read image, on the basis of the first read image being the reading result by the ADF reading mode, and the second read image being the reading result by the pressure plate reading mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device for reading an image printed on a sheet of paper and detecting the printing position of the image, and to an image forming apparatus equipped with such an image reading device. [Background technology]

[0002] A sheet of paper on which an image has been printed by an image forming device such as a printer, copier, or multifunction device may be read by an image reading device to adjust the geometric characteristics of the image, such as the print position. In this case, a patch image for detecting the print position is printed on the sheet of paper. The sheet of paper on which the patch image has been printed is hereinafter referred to as a "test chart." The image reading device reads the patch image printed on the test chart and detects the print position of the patch image from the read result. The image reading device derives a correction value for adjusting the print position based on the difference between the detected print position and the ideal print position. The image forming device adjusts the print position of the image to be printed on the sheet of paper based on this correction value. When the image forming device performs double-sided printing, the misalignment of the print positions of the images printed on the front and back sides can be corrected by adjusting the print positions of the images on the front and back sides, respectively.

[0003] By equipping an image reading device with an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as an "ADF (Auto Document Feeder)"), the image reading device is able to read paper while it is being transported. By providing an ADF with an image reading function, the image reading device is able to read images printed on both sides of a sheet of paper by transporting the sheet once. Patent Document 1 discloses an image reading device equipped with such an ADF. This image reading device is able to read the patch images on both sides of a test chart, on which patch images are printed on both sides, by transporting the test chart once using the ADF. Since the patch images on both sides can be read in a single transport, user convenience is improved. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-145377 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Image reading devices equipped with an ADF usually perform reading processing one line at a time in the main scanning direction, in synchronization with a main scanning synchronization signal generated at a fixed timing, with the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction being the main scanning direction. In this case, the paper transport direction is the sub-scanning direction. When reading while transporting paper, the length of the paper and image in the transport direction obtained from the reading result (read image) differs from the actual length of the paper and image in the transport direction. This prevents accurate detection of the geometric characteristics of the image, such as the printing position of the image and the misalignment of the printing positions on the front and back sides.

[0006] In order to correct the difference (sub-scanning magnification) between the length of the paper and image obtained from the reading result and the actual length of the paper and image in the conveying direction (sub-scanning direction), a sub-scanning magnification correction value is set in the image reading device. Correcting the sub-scanning magnification using the sub-scanning magnification correction value enables accurate detection of geometric characteristics.

[0007] In the ADF, the transport load may change due to differences in the basis weight of the paper, and the transport efficiency may change due to differences in the surface properties of the paper. Therefore, even if the ADF controls the transport of paper at a constant speed, the transport speed varies depending on the type of paper. The variation in transport speed due to the type of paper results in variation in the sub-scanning magnification for each type of paper. The image reading device stores a sub-scanning magnification correction value in advance for each machine. However, since the sub-scanning magnification varies depending on the type of paper, it is difficult to effectively correct the sub-scanning magnification for all types of paper using the same sub-scanning magnification correction value. If the sub-scanning magnification cannot be accurately corrected, the accuracy of correction of the geometric characteristics of the image to be printed decreases.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT In view of the above problems, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an image reading device that can suppress variations in sub-scanning magnification regardless of the type of paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The image reading device of the present invention is characterized by comprising an original tray on which paper is placed, a transport means for transporting the paper placed on the original tray in a predetermined transport direction, an original table glass on which paper is placed, a first image reading means capable of reading the paper transported by the transport means and the paper placed on the original table glass, a first control means for operating the first image reading means in a first reading mode in which the paper transported by the transport means is read, and a second reading mode in which the paper placed on the original table glass is read, and a second control means for generating a sub-scanning magnification correction value for correcting a sub-scanning magnification, which is the difference in length in the transport direction of the first read image relative to the second read image, based on a first read image which is the reading result in the first reading mode and a second read image which is the reading result in the second reading mode. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress variation in sub-scanning magnification regardless of the type of paper. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a printing position of a patch image. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a printing position of a patch image. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a printing position of a patch image. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a printing position of a patch image. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10]6 is a flowchart showing a process for correcting misalignment of print positions on the front and back sides. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the width of paper placed on the document tray. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] 13(a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the orientation of a test chart. [Figure 16] 6 is a flowchart showing a process for correcting misalignment of print positions on the front and back sides. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] (First embodiment) 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including an image reading apparatus according to this embodiment. An image forming apparatus 150 has an image reading apparatus 101 disposed at its upper portion. The image reading apparatus 101 has an ADF 102, which is an automatic paper feeder, disposed at its upper portion. The image reading apparatus 101 has a platen glass 103 on the side where the ADF 102 is disposed. The image reading apparatus 101 reads paper on which an image is printed using the platen glass 103 or the ADF 102. A reading mode in which paper placed on the platen glass 103 is read is called a "pressure plate reading mode." A reading mode in which paper is read using the ADF 102 is called an "ADF reading mode."

[0014] (Image reader) The image reading device 101 includes therein an optical motor 107, a motor shaft 108, a gear 109, a belt 110, a first image reading unit 111, and a rail 112. The first image reading unit 111 includes light sources 113, 114, reflecting mirrors 115, 116, and 117, an imaging lens 118, and an image reading sensor 120 mounted on an image reading board 119.

[0015] The optical motor 107 supplies a driving force to a gear 109 via a motor shaft 108. The gear 109 rotates by the driving force supplied from the optical motor 107. A belt 110 is connected to the gear 109, and the gear 109 moves the belt 110 in the left-right direction in the figure as the gear 109 rotates. A first image reading unit 111 is attached to the belt 110. The first image reading unit 111 is disposed on a rail 112. As the belt 110 moves in the left-right direction in the figure, the first image reading unit 111 can move along the rail 112 in the left-right direction in the figure.

[0016] When the optical motor 107 rotates in a predetermined direction (clockwise in this embodiment), the first image reading unit 111 moves from left to right in the figure. When the optical motor 107 rotates in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (counterclockwise in this embodiment), the first image reading unit 111 moves from right to left in the figure.

[0017] The first image reading unit 111 irradiates light onto the paper from light sources 113 and 114. The reflected light of the light irradiated onto the paper from the light sources 113 and 114 is reflected by reflecting mirrors 115, 116, and 117, and an image is formed on the light receiving surface of the image reading sensor 120 by an imaging lens 118. The image reading sensor 120 photoelectrically converts the reflected light received on the light receiving surface to generate an electrical signal, which is input to the image reading board 119. The image reading board 119 generates a read image as a result of reading the paper, based on the electrical signal acquired from the image reading sensor 120. The first image reading unit 111 performs the paper reading process in this manner.

[0018] In the pressure plate reading mode, the first image reading unit 111 performs a reading process while moving from left to right in the drawing to read the paper 104 placed on the platen glass 103. The first image reading unit 111 reads the paper 104 line by line in the main scanning direction, with the depth direction in the drawing being the main scanning direction. The movement direction of the first image reading unit 111 becomes the sub-scanning direction.

[0019] In the ADF reading mode, the first image reading unit 111 does not move, but reads the paper 126 transported by the ADF 102. The ADF 102 passes the paper 126 one sheet at a time through the reading position of the first image reading unit 111. The first image reading unit 111 reads the paper 126 passing the reading position one line at a time in the main scanning direction. In the ADF reading mode, the transport direction of the paper 126 becomes the sub-scanning direction.

[0020] The ADF 102 includes an original tray 105 on which a stack of one or more sheets of paper 126 is placed. In order to prevent the sheets from skewing when they are transported, the original tray 105 is provided with a width restriction plate 121 that restricts the stack of paper 106 in the main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the sheets 126. The stack of paper 106 is placed on the original tray 105 so that both ends in the main scanning direction abut against the width restriction plate 121.

[0021] The ADF 102 feeds the paper 126 one by one from the paper stack 106 in the document tray 105, and discharges the paper 126 to the paper output tray 140 via the reading position of the first image reading unit 111. In order to feed the paper 126 one by one from the paper stack 106, the ADF 102 includes a pickup roller 122, a separation pad 123, a paper feed roller 124, and a separation roller 125. The paper picked up from the paper stack 106 by the pickup roller 122 and the separation pad 123 is transported to a nip portion between the paper feed roller 124 and the separation roller 125, which are disposed opposite each other. The paper feed roller 124 and the separation roller 125 form a separation portion, and separate and transport the topmost paper 126 of the paper stack 106 one by one.

[0022] The ADF 102 includes a first conveyor roller pair 127, 128, a registration roller pair 129, 130, a second conveyor roller 131, a third conveyor roller 132, a fourth conveyor roller pair 134, 135, and a discharge roller pair 138, 139 on a conveyor path along which the paper 126 is conveyed. A first read sensor 133 is provided between the registration roller pair 129, 130 and the second conveyor roller 131. A second read sensor 136 and a second image reading unit 137 are provided between the third conveyor roller 132 and the fourth conveyor roller pair 134, 135. A reading position of the first image reading unit 111 is provided between the second conveyor roller 131 and the third conveyor roller 132.

[0023] The paper 126 separated into one sheet by the separation unit is transported to a pair of registration rollers 129, 130 by a first transport roller pair 127, 128. The pair of registration rollers 129, 130 correct the skew of the paper 126 and transport it to a second transport roller 131. The second transport roller 131 transports the paper 126 to a reading position of the first image reading unit 111. A first read sensor 133 detects the paper 126 transported to the second transport roller 131. The first image reading unit 111 starts a reading process of the paper 126 in response to the detection of the paper 126 by the first read sensor 133. The first image reading unit 111 performs a reading process while the paper 126 passes through the reading position, thereby generating a read image of the first side (front side) of the paper 126.

[0024] The third transport rollers 132 transport the paper 126 that has passed the reading position of the first image reading unit 111 to the reading position of the second image reading unit 137. The second read sensor 136 detects the paper 126 that the third transport rollers 132 transport to the reading position of the second image reading unit 137. The second image reading unit 137 starts a reading process of the paper 126 when the second read sensor 136 detects the paper 126. The second image reading unit 137 performs a reading process while the paper 126 passes the reading position, thereby generating a read image of a second side (reverse side) of the paper 126 that is different from the obverse side.

[0025] The second image reading unit 137 includes a light source, a reflecting mirror, an imaging lens, an image reading board, and an image reading sensor, similar to the first image reading unit 111. The reading process by the second image reading unit 137 is the same as the reading process by the first image reading unit 111.

[0026] The fourth conveying roller pair 134, 135 conveys the paper 126 that has passed the reading position of the second image reading unit 137 to the discharge roller pair 138, 139. The discharge roller pair 138, 139 discharges the conveyed paper 126 onto the paper discharge tray 140.

[0027] (Image forming device) The image forming device 150 includes a first paper feed cassette 151 and a second paper feed cassette 152 on which paper is stacked. The image forming device 150 forms an image on paper fed from either the first paper feed cassette 151 or the second paper feed cassette 152. A pair of registration rollers 157a and 157b and a pair of discharge rollers 160a and 160b are provided on a conveyance path along which the paper is conveyed. A reversing path 162 is also provided on the conveyance path. The image forming device 150 includes photosensitive drums 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 153K, an exposure unit 154, primary transfer rollers 156Y, 156M, 156C, and 156K, an intermediate transfer belt 155, a secondary transfer unit 158, and a fixing unit 159.

[0028] The photosensitive drums 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 153K are drum-shaped photosensitive bodies having photosensitive layers on their surfaces. The photosensitive drums 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 153K are rotated around the drum axis, and the surfaces are uniformly charged. The exposure device 154 irradiates the photosensitive drums 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 153K whose surfaces are charged with laser light modulated based on image data, thereby forming electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 153K according to the image data. The electrostatic latent images formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 153K are developed with developers of corresponding colors.

[0029] As a result, a yellow toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 153Y, a magenta toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 153M, a cyan toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 153C, and a black toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 153K.

[0030] The toner images of each color are transferred from the photosensitive drums 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 153K to the intermediate transfer belt 155 by primary transfer rollers 156Y, 156M, 156C, and 156K. The primary transfer rollers 156Y, 156M, 156C, and 156K are disposed at positions facing the corresponding photosensitive drums 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 153K across the intermediate transfer belt 155. A predetermined transfer bias voltage is applied to the primary transfer rollers 156Y, 156M, 156C, and 156K, whereby the toner images are transferred.

[0031] Intermediate transfer belt 155 rotates counterclockwise in the figure, and the toner images of each color are transferred so as to be superimposed on each other starting from photosensitive drum 153Y. Primary transfer rollers 156Y, 156M, 156C, and 156K are arranged at predetermined intervals with respect to the surface of intermediate transfer belt 155 onto which the toner images are transferred, and transfer the toner images at a timing according to the rotation speed of intermediate transfer belt 155. Intermediate transfer belt 155 conveys the transferred toner images of each color to secondary transfer unit 158 ​​by rotating.

[0032] A sheet is fed from either the first sheet feed cassette 151 or the second sheet feed cassette 152 to the pair of registration rollers 157a and 157b. The pair of registration rollers 157a and 157b corrects skew of the sheet. The pair of registration rollers 157a and 157b transport the sheet to the secondary transfer section 158 in accordance with the timing at which the toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 155 is transported to the secondary transfer section 158. The secondary transfer section 158 transfers the toner images of each color carried on the intermediate transfer belt 155 to the sheet all at once by applying a predetermined transfer bias voltage. A belt cleaner 161 is disposed near the intermediate transfer belt 155. The belt cleaner 161 collects toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 155 after transfer.

[0033] Secondary transfer unit 158 ​​conveys the paper onto which the toner image has been transferred to fixation unit 159. Fixation unit 159 has a plurality of rollers and a heater. Fixation unit 159 applies heat and pressure to the image transferred onto the paper, thereby melting and fixing the toner to the paper. As a result, a full-color image is printed on the paper. The paper onto which the image has been fixed by fixation unit 159 is discharged as a finished product from image forming apparatus 150 by a pair of discharge rollers 160a, 160b.

[0034] In a double-sided printing mode in which images are printed on both sides of a sheet of paper, the image forming apparatus 150 transports the sheet of paper with an image printed on its first side (front side) to the pair of registration rollers 157a, 157b again. For this purpose, the sheet of paper with an image printed on its front side is partially discharged outside the machine by the pair of discharge rollers 160a, 160b, and then conveyed to a reversal path 162 by the pair of discharge rollers 160a, 160b rotating in the reverse direction. As a result, the side of the sheet of paper on which the image is printed is reversed from the front side to a second side (back side) different from the front side. The sheet of paper is printed with an image on the back side in the same process as when an image is printed on the front side, and is then discharged outside the machine. In this manner, a product with images printed on both sides of the sheet of paper is obtained.

[0035] When a user instructs the image forming apparatus 150 to print an image by a print job, the image forming apparatus 150 prints an image on a sheet based on image data representing the image instructed by the print job. When adjusting the geometric characteristics of an image, such as a shift in the print position of an image or a shift in the print position of an image on the front and back sides during double-sided printing, the image forming apparatus 150 prints an image for adjusting the geometric characteristics on the sheet. The sheet on which the adjustment image is printed is read by the image reading apparatus 101 as a test chart. The image forming apparatus 150 adjusts the geometric characteristics based on the read result of the test chart (read image). The adjustment of the geometric characteristics is performed by deriving a correction value for correcting, for example, a shift in the print position or a shift in the print position of an image on the front and back sides during double-sided printing from the read result of the test chart, and adjusting the image formation conditions using this correction value. The image forming conditions include the exposure conditions of the exposure device 154 when the image forming apparatus 150 forms an image on paper, the conditions during development, the rotation speeds of the photosensitive drums 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 153K, the conditions during charging, the paper transport speed, and the like.

[0036] (Test Chart) 2 and 3 are exemplary diagrams of a test chart. FIG. 2 illustrates an adjustment image 201 printed on the front side of a test chart (paper). FIG. 3 illustrates an adjustment image 301 printed on the back side of a test chart (paper). The adjustment images 201 and 301 each have four patch images for detecting the geometric characteristics of an image at the four corners near the vertices of the paper. The adjustment images 201 and 301 each have an identification image for identifying the front side and back side of the test chart in addition to the patch images arranged at the four corners of the test chart. The identification image on the front side and the identification image on the back side are printed at different positions in the read image. The image reading device 101 detects the position of the identification image from the read result (read image) of the test chart and can identify whether the read side is the front side or the back side of the test chart based on the position of the identification image.

[0037] 2 and 3 are the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction when the image reading device 101 and the ADF 102 read the test chart. The sub-scanning direction is the transport direction of the test chart (or the movement direction of the first image reading unit). Based on the results of reading the test chart by the image reading device 101 and the ADF 102, the geometric characteristics are adjusted when the image forming device 150 prints an image on paper.

[0038] Correction of variations in sub-scanning magnification for each paper type using such a test chart will be described. In this embodiment, when a user instructs adjustment of the misalignment of the printing positions on the front and back sides of a sheet of paper, the image forming device 150 prints an adjustment image 201 on the front side of the sheet of paper and an adjustment image 301 on the back side to generate a test chart. The image reading device 101 reads the test chart in a pressure plate reading mode and an ADF reading mode. The sub-scanning magnification is obtained from the difference between the length in the sub-scanning direction (sub-scanning length) obtained from the reading result (read image) and the actual length in the sub-scanning direction (sub-scanning length). In order to correct this sub-scanning magnification, a sub-scanning magnification correction value is generated. The sub-scanning length is the distance between two patch images aligned in the sub-scanning direction.

[0039] The transport speed of the paper 126 by the ADF 102 varies depending on the characteristics of the paper 126, such as the basis weight and surface properties. Therefore, the sub-scanning magnification varies depending on the type of the paper 126. That is, in the ADF reading mode, the sub-scanning magnification differs depending on the type of the paper 126. In the pressure plate reading mode, the paper 104 is not transported but is read while placed on the platen glass 103. Therefore, the sub-scanning length obtained from the read image in the pressure plate reading mode and the actual sub-scanning length are the same.

[0040] The sub-scanning magnification can be obtained by comparing the sub-scanning lengths of the image read in the pressure plate reading mode and the image read in the ADF reading mode. After that, a sub-scanning magnification correction value is set in the ADF 102, and patch images on both sides of the test chart are read in the ADF reading mode. The misalignment of the printing positions of the patch images on the front and back sides of the image forming device is accurately corrected by calculating the misalignment of the printing positions of the patch images on the front and back sides based on the results of reading the patch images on both sides. As described above, the sub-scanning magnification differs depending on the type of paper, but by generating a sub-scanning magnification correction value for each paper, it is possible to accurately correct the sub-scanning magnification.

[0041] 4, 5, and 6 are explanatory diagrams of the printing position of the upper left patch image of the test chart in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the position (coordinates) of the upper left vertex of the upper left patch image of the test chart is expressed as (X1, Y1) with the upper left vertex of the paper as the reference (X0, Y0). The X coordinate is the main scanning direction, and the Y coordinate is the sub-scanning direction. The adjustment image 201 of the test chart is printed in black on the edge of a blank sheet of paper. The luminance value contained in the read image when the background (white) of the paper and the printed surface of the paper are read is higher than the luminance value contained in the read image when the black patch image is read. Therefore, the patch image can be detected by comparing the luminance value contained in the read result (read image) with a predetermined luminance threshold value.

[0042] Fig. 5 illustrates an example of the change in luminance value included in the read result in the main scanning direction when a patch image is read. Fig. 6 illustrates an example of the change in luminance value included in the read result in the sub-scanning direction when a patch image is read. The edge parts of the test chart (paper) are shaded by light when read, so the luminance value included in the read result is lower than the luminance values ​​of the background and the printed surface of the paper.

[0043] In Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the brightness value of the read result is expressed in 8 bits, so the brightness value is expressed as a value from 0 to 255. The threshold is set to "128". The range where the brightness value is higher than the threshold becomes the background of the test chart or the print surface of the test chart, and the range where the brightness value is lower than the threshold becomes the edge part of the test chart or the patch image. Fig. 5 shows that the brightness value is lowered by the edge part of the test chart at X0 in the main scanning direction, and Fig. 6 shows that the brightness value is lowered by the patch image at Y0 in the sub-scanning direction. Fig. 5 also shows that the brightness value is lowered by X1 in the main scanning direction, and Fig. 6 shows that the brightness value is lowered by Y1 in the sub-scanning direction.

[0044] In this way, the edge portion of the test chart and the patch image are detected by comparing the brightness value with the threshold value. X0 in the main scanning direction and Y0 in the sub-scanning direction represent the boundary between the background and the printing surface of the test chart, and X1 in the sub-scanning direction and Y1 in the sub-scanning direction represent the boundary between the printing surface of the test chart and the patch image. Therefore, the difference between X1 and X0 in the main scanning direction is the distance (X1-X0) from the edge of the test chart in the main scanning direction to the patch image. The difference between Y1 and Y0 in the sub-scanning direction is the distance (Y1-Y0) from the edge of the test chart in the sub-scanning direction to the patch image.

[0045] Similarly, for the patch images at the lower left, upper right, and lower right of the test chart, the distance from the edge of the test chart in the main scanning direction to the patch image and the distance from the edge of the test chart in the sub-scanning direction to the patch image are detected based on the comparison result between the brightness value and the threshold value. As a result, the positions (X1, Y1), (X2, Y2), (X3, Y3), and (X4, Y4) of the patch images are detected (see Figure 2).

[0046] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the printing position of the patch image at the bottom left of the test chart in Fig. 2. The printing position of this patch image is expressed by the coordinates (X3, Y3) of the bottom left vertex of the patch image, with the top left vertex of the paper as the reference (X0, Y0). The coordinates of the bottom left edge of the test chart are expressed as (X0, Yend).

[0047] 4, 5, and 6, the distance (X3-X0) from the left edge of the test chart to the lower left patch image is calculated by subtracting the coordinate of the edge X0 in the main scanning direction of the test chart from the coordinate of the boundary X3 between the printing surface of the test chart and the patch image. Also, the distance (Yend-Y3) from the lower edge of the test chart to the lower left patch image is calculated by subtracting the coordinate of the boundary Y3 between the printing surface of the test chart and the patch image from the coordinate of the edge Yend in the sub-scanning direction of the test chart.

[0048] (Sub-scanning magnification) The detection process of the sub-scanning magnification will be described. As described above, the sub-scanning magnification is detected from the reading result in the pressure plate reading mode and the reading result in the ADF reading mode. Here, an example will be described in which the sub-scanning magnification is detected from the printing positions of the upper left and lower left patch images obtained by reading the test chart in the pressure plate reading mode and the printing positions of the upper left and lower left patch images obtained by reading the test chart in the ADF reading mode. The sub-scanning magnification can be detected similarly from the upper right and lower right patch images. Also, a combination of the upper left and lower right patch images, or the upper right and lower left patch images, may be used. In any case, the sub-scanning magnification can be detected from the positions of two patch images printed at different positions in the sub-scanning direction. As described above, the printing position of the upper left patch image is represented by the coordinates (X1, Y1), and the printing position of the lower left patch image is represented by the coordinates (X3, Y3). FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the sub-scanning magnification.

[0049] The sub-scanning length of the read result (read image 801) in the pressure plate reading mode is Ypltn, the print position of the upper left patch image of the test chart in the sub-scanning direction is coordinate Y1(pltn), and the print position of the lower left patch image in the sub-scanning direction is coordinate Y3(pltn). The sub-scanning length Ypltn is expressed by the following (Equation 1). Ypltn = Y3(pltn) - Y1(pltn) …(Formula 1)

[0050] The sub-scanning length of the read result (read image 802) in the ADF read mode is Yadf, the print position of the upper left patch image of the test chart in the sub-scanning direction is coordinate Y1(adf), and the print position of the lower left patch image in the sub-scanning direction is coordinate Y3(adf). The sub-scanning length Yadf is expressed by the following (Equation 2). Yadf = Y3(adf) - Y1(adf) …(Equation 2)

[0051] In this embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which the sub-scanning length Ypltn detected in the pressure plate reading mode is longer than the sub-scanning length Yadf detected in the ADF reading mode (Ypltn>Yadf). In this case, the read image 801, which is the result of reading the test chart in the pressure plate reading mode, has a longer sub-scanning length than the read image 802, which is the result of reading the test chart in the ADF reading mode. The difference in the sub-scanning lengths is the sub-scanning magnification. The sub-scanning magnification correction value Vrate for correcting this sub-scanning magnification is expressed by the following (Equation 3). Vrate=Yadf / Ypltn …(Equation 3)

[0052] The sub-scanning magnification is corrected by such a sub-scanning magnification correction value. In this embodiment, the sub-scanning magnification is corrected by correcting the conveying speed of the paper 126 (test chart) by the ADF 102 based on the sub-scanning magnification correction value.

[0053] The image reading device 101 performs reading processing in synchronization with a main scanning synchronization signal generated at a fixed timing by the first image reading unit 111. To achieve this, the sub-scanning length can be changed by changing the transport speed of the paper 126 by the ADF 102.

[0054] If Ypltn>Yadf, the sub-scanning magnification correction value Vrate calculated by the above (Equation 3) is a value smaller than 1. In this case, when the speed before the sub-scanning magnification correction is V1, the conveying speed of the paper 126 by the ADF 102 after the sub-scanning magnification correction, V2, is expressed by the following (Equation 4). V2=V1*Vrate …(Formula 4)

[0055] When the sub-scanning magnification correction value Vrate is smaller than "1", the corrected conveying speed V2 calculated by (Equation 4) is slower than the conveying speed V1 before correction (V1>V2). Therefore, when Ypltn>Yadf, the conveying speed of the paper 126 by the ADF 102 is slowed down by performing the sub-scanning magnification correction. Since the first image reading unit 111 performs the reading process at a constant timing in synchronization with the main scanning synchronization signal, the conveying speed of the paper 126 is slowed down, and therefore the sub-scanning length Yadf of the read image of the paper 126 becomes longer. Specifically, the sub-scanning length Yadf of the read image read in the ADF reading mode becomes longer by the ratio of the sub-scanning magnification correction value Vrate calculated by (Equation 3).

[0056] In other words, the sub-scanning magnification correction value Vrate is a ratio for matching the sub-scanning length Ypltn of the read image acquired in the pressure plate reading mode with the sub-scanning length Yadf of the read image acquired in the ADF reading mode. As a result, the sub-scanning length of the read image acquired in the ADF reading mode and the sub-scanning length of the read image acquired in the pressure plate reading mode become approximately the same. In this way, the sub-scanning magnification is corrected so that the sub-scanning lengths of the read images become approximately the same regardless of the reading mode.

[0057] With the sub-scanning magnification corrected, the first image reading unit 111 and the second image reading unit 137 read the adjustment image 201 printed on the front side and the adjustment image 301 printed on the back side of the test chart again. From the read images on the front side and the read images on the back side, a correction value is generated for correcting the geometric characteristics of the image printed by the image forming device 150. Because the sub-scanning magnification is corrected, the amount of misalignment of the printing position and the amount of misalignment of the printing position on the front and back sides are accurately detected, and a correction value that enables highly accurate correction of the geometric characteristics is obtained.

[0058] The deviation of the printing position on the front side is detected from the position (coordinates (X1, Y1), (X2, Y2), (X3, Y3), (X4, Y4)) of each patch image detected from the read image of the adjustment image 201 (Figure 2) of the front side of the test chart by the first image reading unit 111. The difference between the position of each patch image detected from the read image and the position of each patch image when there is no deviation in the printing position is the deviation amount of the printing position on the front side. The deviation of the printing position on the front side is corrected using a correction value that brings the deviation amount of the printing position on the front side closer to "0".

[0059] The misalignment of the printing position on the back side is detected from the position (coordinates (X5, Y5), (X6, Y6), (X7, Y7), (X8, Y8)) of each patch image detected from the read image of adjustment image 301 (FIG. 3) on the back side of the test chart by second image reading unit 137. The difference between the position of each patch image detected from the read image and the position of each patch image when there is no misalignment of the printing position is the misalignment amount of the back side. The misalignment of the printing position on the back side is corrected using a correction value that brings the amount of misalignment of the printing position on the back side closer to zero.

[0060] The misalignment of the printing positions on the front and back sides is detected from the positions of each patch image (coordinates (X1,Y1), (X2,Y2), (X3,Y3), (X4,Y4)), (coordinates (X5,Y5), (X6,Y6), (X7,Y7), (X8,Y8)) detected from each scanned image. A correction value for the misalignment of the printing positions on the front and back sides is detected based on the positions (coordinates) of each patch image.

[0061] The top left patch image on the front side corresponds to the top left patch image on the back side, and the coordinates (X1, Y1) and (X5, X5) are compared to detect the amount of deviation in the top left print position on the front and back sides. The top right patch image on the front side corresponds to the top right patch image on the back side, and the coordinates (X2, Y2) and (X6, X6) are compared to detect the amount of deviation in the top right print position on the front and back sides. The bottom left patch image on the front side corresponds to the bottom left patch image on the back side, and the coordinates (X3, Y3) and (X7, X7) are compared to detect the amount of deviation in the bottom left print position on the front and back sides. The bottom right patch image on the front side corresponds to the bottom right patch image on the back side, and the coordinates (X4, Y4) and (X8, X8) are compared to detect the amount of deviation in the bottom right print position on the front and back sides. A deviation correction value for the print position on the front and back sides is determined based on the amount of deviation in the print position on the front and back sides at each position.

[0062] In the image forming apparatus 150, for example, when the paper passing through the secondary transfer unit 158 ​​is skewed, the toner image is transferred at an angle to the paper. Also, for example, when the distribution of pressure by the fixing unit 159 is uneven, the paper passing through the fixing unit 159 is deformed. In this case, the size of the image formed on the front side of the paper may differ from the size of the image formed on the back side. In these cases, the printing position of the image formed on the front side differs from the printing position of the image formed on the back side. In order to offset the misalignment of the printing positions on the front and back sides, the image forming apparatus 150 performs correction using a misalignment correction value for the printing positions on the front and back sides.

[0063] (Control system) 9 is an explanatory diagram of the control system. In this embodiment, a function of correcting the misalignment of the print positions on the front and back sides by the control system will be described. The control system can control various operations by the image forming device 150, the image reading device 101, and the ADF 102.

[0064] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 902 is a main control device that controls the operations of the image forming apparatus 150, the image reading apparatus 101, and the ADF 102. The CPU 902 controls the operations of the image forming apparatus 150, the image reading apparatus 101, and the ADF 102 by executing a predetermined computer program. An operation unit 901, an image controller 900, and an image reading controller 912 are connected to the CPU 902. The CPU 902 and the image controller 900 are built into the image forming apparatus 150, for example. The image reading controller 912 is built into the image reading apparatus 101.

[0065] The operation unit 901 is an input interface that accepts instructions from a user. The operation unit 901 is configured with various key buttons and a touch panel. The operation unit 901 also includes a display as an output interface.

[0066] The image controller 900 operates under the instruction of the CPU 902, and performs various image processing on image data representing an image corresponding to a print job. In this embodiment, the image processing performed by the image controller 900 corrects geometric characteristics of the image, such as a deviation in the printing position on the front and back sides. The image controller 900 includes a pattern generator 903, a patch image detection unit 909, a front and back registration calculation unit 910, and an image processing unit 911. The image controller 900 is connected to the printer engine 904, and transmits the image data after image processing to the printer engine 904. The printer engine 904 includes each unit for performing the above-mentioned image formation by the image forming device 150.

[0067] The pattern generator 903 generates image data representing the adjustment images 201, 301 for generating a test chart. The image data representing the adjustment images 201, 301 is stored, for example, in a memory in the pattern generator 903, and is sent to the printer engine 904 as necessary. The image data representing the adjustment images 201, 301 is sent directly to the printer engine 904 without going through the image processing unit 911, and therefore does not undergo various image processing. The printer engine 904 prints the adjustment images 201, 301 on paper based on the image data acquired from the pattern generator 903 to generate a test chart.

[0068] The patch image detection unit 909 detects the positions of patch images on the front and back sides of the test chart from the results of reading the test chart by the first image reading unit 111 and the second image reading unit 137. The front and back registration calculation unit 910 calculates a deviation correction value for correcting the deviation of the printing positions of the images on the front and back sides based on the positions of the patch images detected by the patch image detection unit 909. The image processing unit 911 corrects the image data specified in the print job using the deviation correction value calculated by the front and back registration calculation unit 910, and transmits the corrected image data to the printer engine 904. Through such processing, the printer engine 904 can form an image on the paper in which the printing positions of the images on the front and back sides are aligned.

[0069] Incidentally, the misalignment of the print position of the image during single-sided printing is also corrected in the same manner. In this case, the patch image detection unit 909 detects the position of the patch image on the front side of the test chart from the result of reading the test chart by the first image reading unit 111. The front / back registration calculation unit 910 calculates a correction value for correcting the difference between the position of the patch image detected by the patch image detection unit 909 and the position of the patch image when there is no misalignment. The image processing unit 911 corrects the image data specified in the print job using the correction value calculated by the front / back registration calculation unit 910, and transmits the corrected image data to the printer engine 904. Through such processing, the printer engine 904 can form an image with the misalignment of the print position corrected on the front side of the paper.

[0070] Under the control of the CPU 902, the image reading controller 912 controls the reading process by the first image reading unit 111 and the second image reading unit 137 to read the papers 126 and 104. The image reading controller 912 includes a patch image detection unit 905, a sub-scanning magnification calculation unit 906, a sub-scanning magnification storage memory 908, and a scanner control unit 907.

[0071] The patch image detection unit 905 detects the position of a patch image from the result of reading the test chart by the first image reading unit 111. The first image reading unit 111 reads the test chart in a pressure plate reading mode and an ADF reading mode. The patch image detection unit 905 detects the position of each patch image from the read image of the test chart read in each reading mode.

[0072] A sub-scanning magnification calculation unit 906 calculates a sub-scanning magnification correction value based on the positions of the patch images in each of the pressure plate reading mode and the ADF reading mode detected by the patch image detection unit 905. A sub-scanning magnification storage memory 908 stores an initial value of the sub-scanning magnification correction value (sub-scanning magnification initial value) in advance. When printing an image on plain paper, for example, the scanner control unit 907 performs the sub-scanning magnification correction using the sub-scanning magnification initial value stored in the sub-scanning magnification storage memory 908. When printing an image on paper whose transport speed is different from that of plain paper by a predetermined speed or more, the scanner control unit 907 performs the sub-scanning magnification correction using the sub-scanning magnification correction value calculated by the sub-scanning magnification calculation unit 906.

[0073] A case where the print positions on the front and back sides are corrected using a control system with such a configuration will be described. The user places paper to be used in the first paper feed cassette 151 or the second paper feed cassette 152, and issues an instruction to execute a print job to generate a test chart using the operation unit 901. When the CPU 902 receives this instruction from the operation unit 901, it transmits image data of the adjustment images 201 and 301 to the printer engine 904 using the pattern generator 903. The printer engine 904 prints the adjustment image 201 on the first side (front side) of the paper based on the image data of the adjustment image 201, and prints the adjustment image 301 on the second side (back side) of the paper based on the image data of the adjustment image 301. In this way, a test chart is generated.

[0074] The image reading device 101 reads the test chart in each of the reading modes, namely, the pressure plate reading mode and the ADF reading mode. The patch image detection unit 905 detects the printing position (coordinates) of each patch image printed on the test chart based on the read image that is the reading result in each reading mode. The sub-scanning magnification calculation unit 906 detects the sub-scanning length based on the detected printing position of each patch image, and generates a sub-scanning magnification correction value.

[0075] The scanner control unit 907 acquires the sub-scanning magnification initial value stored in the sub-scanning magnification storage memory 908 and the sub-scanning magnification correction value calculated by the sub-scanning magnification calculation unit 906. The CPU 902 causes the scanner control unit 907 to select the sub-scanning magnification initial value when printing on plain paper, and to select the sub-scanning magnification correction value when printing on paper whose transport speed is different from that of plain paper, and to perform sub-scanning magnification correction. The scanner control unit 907 corrects the sub-scanning magnification based on the sub-scanning magnification correction value calculated by the sub-scanning magnification calculation unit 906.

[0076] After the sub-scanning magnification correction, the user causes the first image reading unit 111 and the second image reading unit to read the front and back sides of the test chart. The image controller 900 detects the coordinates of the printing positions of the patch images on the front and back sides from the images read by the first image reading unit 111 and the second image reading unit 137, respectively, using the patch image detection unit 909. The front and back registration calculation unit 910 calculates deviation correction values ​​for the printing positions on the front and back sides based on the coordinates of the detected printing positions, and transmits the calculated deviation correction values ​​to the image processing unit 911. The image processing unit 911 transmits image data corrected based on the deviation correction values ​​calculated by the front and back registration calculation unit 910 to the printer engine 904.

[0077] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of correcting the misalignment of the print positions on the front and back sides.

[0078] The CPU 902 receives an instruction to correct the misalignment of the print positions on the front and back sides from the operation unit 901 (S1001). This instruction includes an instruction to generate a test chart. The CPU 902 transmits image data of the adjustment images 201 and 301 to the printer engine 904 using the pattern generator 903, and causes the printer engine 904 to generate a test chart (S1002).

[0079] After generating the test chart, the CPU 902 determines whether or not an "ADF reading magnification correction" button displayed on the display of the operation unit 901 has been pressed (S1003). The "ADF reading magnification correction" button is a button for instructing whether or not to generate a sub-scanning magnification correction value. The sub-scanning magnification correction value is generated, for example, when printing on paper other than plain paper.

[0080] When the "ADF reading magnification correction" button is pressed (S1003: Y), the CPU 902 displays an instruction to place a test chart on the platen glass 103 on the display of the operation unit 901 (pressure plate reading display) (S1004). In response to the pressure plate reading display, the user places a test chart on the platen glass 103 and instructs to read (scan) the test chart in the pressure plate reading mode. This causes the CPU 902 to perform image reading processing (pre-scan) in the pressure plate reading mode by the first image reading unit 111 (S1005). The CPU 902 detects the position of the patch image by the patch image detection unit 905 based on the read image, and obtains the sub-scanning length of the read image obtained in the pressure plate reading mode from the position of the patch image by the sub-scanning magnification calculation unit 906 (S1006). In this manner, the sub-scanning length of the read image in the pressure plate reading mode is obtained.

[0081] Thereafter, the CPU 902 displays an instruction (ADF reading display) on the display of the operation unit 901 to place the test chart on the document tray 105 of the ADF 102 (S1007). In response to the ADF reading display, the user places the test chart on the document tray 105 and instructs the ADF reading mode to read (scan) the test chart. This causes the CPU 902 to perform image reading processing (pre-scan) in the ADF reading mode by the first image reading unit 111 (S1008). The CPU 902 detects the position of the patch image based on the read image by the patch image detection unit 905, and obtains the sub-scanning length of the read image obtained in the ADF reading mode from the position of the patch image by the sub-scanning magnification calculation unit 906 (S1009). In this manner, the sub-scanning length of the read image obtained in the ADF reading mode is obtained. The user places the test chart on the platen glass 103 and the document tray 105 so that the adjustment images on the same side of the test chart are read in the processes of S1005 and S1008.

[0082] The CPU 902 calculates a sub-scanning magnification correction value based on the sub-scanning length of the image read in the pressure plate reading mode and the sub-scanning length of the image read in the ADF reading mode using the sub-scanning magnification calculation unit 906 (S1010). After acquiring the sub-scanning magnification correction value, the CPU 902 displays an instruction to place a test chart on the document tray 105 of the ADF 102 on the display of the operation unit 901 (ADF reading display) (S1011). If the "ADF reading magnification correction" button is not pressed (S1003: N), the CPU 902 does not perform the processes from S1004 to S1010 for acquiring the sub-scanning magnification correction value, and displays the ADF reading display on the display of the operation unit 901 (S1011).

[0083] Thereafter, the CPU 902 starts operation in the front and back correction mode (S1012). In the front and back correction mode, adjustment images for the front and back sides of the test chart are read in the ADF reading mode, and a correction value for the deviation of the print position for the front and back sides is generated based on the read images. For this purpose, the CPU 902 sets the sub-scanning magnification correction value or the sub-scanning magnification initial value in the scanner control unit 907 (S1013). The CPU 902 sets the sub-scanning magnification correction value when the "ADF reading magnification correction" button is pressed, and sets the sub-scanning magnification initial value when the "ADF reading magnification correction" button is not pressed. The scanner control unit 907 adjusts the transport speed of the test chart by the ADF 102 based on the sub-scanning magnification correction value or the sub-scanning magnification initial value. The transport speed is adjusted to correct the sub-scanning magnification.

[0084] The CPU 902 reads both sides of the test chart using the first image reading unit 111 and the second image reading unit 137 in the ADF reading mode (S1014). The reading result obtained here is a read image reflecting the sub-scanning magnification correction. The scanner control unit 907 transmits the read image obtained after the sub-scanning magnification correction to the image controller 900. The CPU 902 repeats reading the test chart using the ADF 102 until all of the test charts placed on the document tray 105 have been read (S1015: N).

[0085] When all the test charts placed on the document tray 105 have been read (S1015: Y), the CPU 902 calculates the correction value of the print position on the front and back sides by the front and back registration calculation unit 910, and sets the calculated correction value in the image processing unit 911 (S1016). The patch image detection unit 909 detects the print position of the patch image from each of the read images of the front and back sides. The front and back registration calculation unit 910 calculates the deviation correction value of the print position on the front and back sides based on the print position detected by the patch image detection unit 909. The image processing unit 911 can adjust the print position on the front and back sides by correcting the image formation conditions based on the calculated deviation correction value. Note that in the case of single-sided printing, the print position of the image on one side may be adjusted. The CPU 902 returns the sub-scanning magnification correction value set in the scanner control unit 907 to the sub-scanning magnification initial value stored in the sub-scanning magnification storage memory 908 (S1017). This completes the correction process for correcting the misalignment of the printing positions on the front and back sides.

[0086] 10 shows an example in which the operation is performed first in the pressure plate reading mode (S1004 to S1006) and then in the ADF reading mode (S1007 to S1009), but the order of these operations may be reversed. That is, the sub-scanning length may be obtained from the image read in the ADF reading mode first, and then the sub-scanning length may be obtained from the image read in the pressure plate reading mode.

[0087] In this embodiment, when correcting the variation in the sub-scanning magnification due to the paper type of the test chart, the read result (read image) of the adjustment image printed on the same side of the paper in the pressure plate reading mode and the ADF reading mode is used. In other words, when correcting the variation in the sub-scanning magnification due to the paper type of the test chart, the read result (read image) of the adjustment image 201 printed on the front side of the paper or the read result (read image) of the adjustment image 301 printed on the back side of the paper is used. If the adjustment images on different sides of the test chart are read in the pressure plate reading mode and the ADF reading mode, the sub-scanning magnification correction is not performed accurately. For example, if the adjustment image 201 printed on the front side of the paper is read in the pressure plate reading mode and the adjustment image 301 printed on the back side of the paper is read in the ADF reading mode, the sub-scanning magnification correction is not performed accurately.

[0088] In this embodiment, to prevent an adjustment image of a different side from being read, an identification image is added to the adjustment images 201 and 301, making it possible to identify whether the read adjustment image is the front or back side of the test chart from the read result (read image). Since the identification image of the front side and the identification image of the back side are in different positions on the read image, it is possible to identify whether the read image is the front or back side of the test chart from the detection result of the print position by the patch image detection unit 905. If the result of the identification shows that an adjustment image of a different side has been read, the user is prompted to confirm the side of the test chart to be read, and the image reading process is performed again.

[0089] In this embodiment, when correcting the variation in sub-scanning magnification due to the paper type of the test chart, image reading processing in the pressure plate reading mode and the ADF reading mode is performed by the first image reading unit 111. Note that reading in the ADF reading mode may be performed by the second image reading unit 137.

[0090] As described above, before measuring the misalignment of the print position of the image on the paper, the sub-scanning magnification is corrected according to the paper actually used. This makes it possible to accurately correct the sub-scanning magnification regardless of the type of paper. This makes it possible to highly accurately correct geometric characteristics such as the misalignment of the print position on the front and back sides of the paper.

[0091] Second embodiment The configurations of the image reading device 101, ADF 102, and image forming device 150 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. The control system is also the same. The image reading device 101 and ADF 102 can perform image reading processing in a pressure plate reading mode and an ADF reading mode, as in the first embodiment.

[0092] 11 is an explanatory diagram of the length in the main scanning direction (hereinafter referred to as "paper width") of paper stack 106 (paper 126) placed on document tray 105. Paper stack 106 placed on document tray 105 is abutted against two width restriction plates 121 to suppress skew during transport. The paper width of paper stack 106 is equal to the distance between two width restriction plates 121. In order to detect the paper width, a variable resistor 1101 such as a volume resistor whose resistance value varies in conjunction with the distance between two width restriction plates 121 is attached between two width restriction plates 121.

[0093] The distance between width restriction plates 121 can be measured from the voltage value that changes according to the resistance value of variable resistor 1101. In other words, the paper width of stack of paper-sheets 106 can be detected from the voltage value that changes according to the resistance value of variable resistor 1101.

[0094] Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the paper width when a paper stack 106 having a paper width shorter than that of Fig. 11 is placed. The distance between the two width restriction plates 121 becomes closer than in Fig. 11 to match the paper width of the paper stack 106. This changes the resistance value of the variable resistor 1101. The change in resistance value causes, for example, a decrease in the voltage value.

[0095] 13 and 14 are exemplary diagrams of a test chart according to the second embodiment. Fig. 13 illustrates an adjustment image 1301 printed on the front side of the test chart (paper). Fig. 14 illustrates an adjustment image 1401 printed on the back side of the test chart (paper). The size of the test chart (paper) according to the present embodiment is, as an example, A4 size (297 mm wide x 210 mm long).

[0096] The adjustment images 1301 and 1401 each have four patch images for detecting the geometric characteristics of the image at the four corners near the vertices of the paper. In addition to the patch images arranged at the four corners of the test chart, the adjustment images 1301 and 1401 each have an identification image for identifying the front and back sides of the test chart. The identification image for the front side and the identification image for the back side are printed so as to be at different positions in the read image. The image reading device 101 detects the position of the identification image from the read result of the test chart (read image), and can identify whether the read side is the front or back side of the test chart based on the position of the identification image.

[0097] A case will be described where the variation in sub-scanning magnification due to the type of paper is calculated based on an image read in the ADF reading mode.

[0098] The orientation of the test chart on A4 size paper is selected when reading. That is, the test chart is selected to be oriented with the long side or the short side in the main scanning direction. Figure 15 shows examples of the orientation of the test chart when placed on the document tray 105. Figure 15(a) shows an example where the long side is in the main scanning direction. Figure 15(b) shows an example where the short side is in the main scanning direction.

[0099] If the orientation of the test chart read in the pressure plate reading mode and the ADF reading mode is different, the detection of the sub-scanning magnification cannot be performed accurately. For example, if the test chart is placed on the platen glass 103 in the orientation shown in FIG. 15(a) in the pressure plate reading mode and placed on the document tray 105 in the orientation shown in FIG. 15(b) in the ADF reading mode, the orientation of the adjustment image 1201 will be shifted by 90 degrees. In such a state, the same patch image is detected at a completely different position depending on the reading mode, and the sub-scanning magnification cannot be detected accurately. Also, when correcting the misalignment of the printing positions on the front and back sides of the paper, it is desirable that the orientation of the test chart conveyed by the ADF 102 is consistent.

[0100] In order to match the orientation of the test chart, in this embodiment, when the orientation of the test chart placed on the document tray 105 is different from that in the pressure plate reading mode, the display of the operation unit 901 notifies the user that the orientation of the test chart does not match. For example, when the test chart is placed on the document tray 105 with the short side facing the main scanning direction as shown in Fig. 15(b), a message is displayed on the display of the operation unit 901 prompting the user to rotate the orientation of the test chart by 90 degrees.

[0101] Correction of the sub-scanning magnification and the print position on the front and back sides is performed after the orientation of the test chart is aligned by the same process as in the first embodiment. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the process of correcting the misalignment of the print position on the front and back sides.

[0102] The processing of S1501 to S1507 is the same as the processing of S1001 to S1007 in Fig. 10, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. By the processing of S1507, an instruction to place a test chart on the document tray 105 of the ADF 102 (ADF reading display) is displayed on the display of the operation unit 901.

[0103] The CPU 902 determines whether the orientation of the test chart placed on the document tray 105 matches the orientation of the test chart placed on the document glass 103 in the pressure plate reading mode (S1508). The CPU 902 checks the paper width of the test chart placed on the document tray 105 from the voltage value indicating the distance between the two width regulating plates 121. The CPU 902 determines the orientation of the test chart placed on the document tray 105 from the paper width. The CPU 902 also checks in advance the orientation of the test chart placed on the document glass 103 in the pressure plate reading mode based on the read image in the pressure plate reading mode of S1505. This allows the CPU 902 to determine whether the orientation of the test chart placed on the document tray 105 matches the orientation of the test chart in the pressure plate reading mode.

[0104] If the orientations do not match (S1508: N), the CPU 902 displays a message on the display of the operation unit 901 prompting the user to rotate the orientation of the test chart 90 degrees clockwise (S1509). This display allows the user to change the orientation of the test chart placed on the document tray 105 so that it matches the orientation of the test chart in the pressure plate reading mode. If the orientations match (S1508: Y), the CPU 902 performs the same processes as S1008 to S1011 in FIG. 10 (S1510 to S1513).

[0105] Thereafter, the CPU 902 determines whether the orientation of the test chart placed on the document tray 105 coincides with the orientation of the test chart placed on the document glass 103 in the pressure platen reading mode (S1514). This process is the same as the process of S1508.

[0106] If the orientations do not match (S1514: N), the CPU 902 displays a message on the display of the operation unit 901 prompting the user to rotate the orientation of the test chart 90 degrees clockwise (S1515). This message allows the user to change the orientation of the test chart placed on the document tray 105 so that it matches the orientation of the test chart in the pressure plate reading mode. If the orientations match (S1514: Y), the CPU 902 performs the same processes as S1012 to S1017 in FIG. 10 (S1516 to S1521). This completes the correction process for correcting the misalignment of the print positions on the front and back sides.

[0107] In the processes of S1509 and S1515, a message is displayed to prompt the user to rotate the test chart by 90 degrees clockwise, thereby notifying the user that the orientation of the test chart does not match. Depending on the orientation of the test chart in the pressure plate reading mode, a message may be displayed to prompt the user to rotate the test chart by 270 degrees and place it on the plate.

[0108] In the above example, the orientation of the test chart is determined when the test chart is placed on the document tray 105, and the user is prompted to change the orientation of the test chart according to the determination result. The determination of the orientation of the test chart and the notification prompting the user to change the orientation of the test chart may be performed, for example, when a job in the ADF reading mode is actually executed. Also, the determination may be performed when reading in the ADF reading mode is completed.

[0109] As described above, before measuring the deviation of the print position on the front and back sides of the paper, the sub-scanning magnification is corrected according to the paper actually used. Therefore, the sub-scanning magnification can be accurately corrected regardless of the type of paper based on the actual length of the paper in the transport direction and the length of the paper in the transport direction read using the ADF 102. This makes it possible to correct the deviation of the print position on the front and back sides of the paper with high accuracy. Also, to match the orientation of the test chart in the pressure plate reading mode and the ADF reading mode, it becomes possible to correct the sub-scanning magnification and the deviation of the print position on the front and back sides of the paper with high accuracy.

Claims

1. A document tray on which the paper is placed, A transport means for transporting the paper placed on the document tray, The document glass on which the paper is placed, An image reading means for reading the first surface of a sheet of paper being transported by the transport means, or for reading the first surface of a sheet of paper placed on the document glass, The system includes a control means for executing a first reading mode in which the first surface of a sheet of paper on which multiple test images are formed, which is transported by the transport means, is read by the image reading means, and a second reading mode in which the first surface of the sheet of paper on which multiple test images are formed, which is placed on the document glass, is read by the image reading means. The control means is characterized by determining a correction value for correcting the reading operation in which the image reading means reads the paper being transported by the transport means, based on the first reading image read in the first reading mode and the second reading image read in the second reading mode. Image reading device.

2. The control means is characterized by determining the correction value based on the first length in the transport direction of the paper of the first read image and the second length in the transport direction of the second read image. The image reading device according to claim 1.

3. The correction value is characterized in that it is the value obtained by dividing the first length by the second length. The image reading device according to claim 2.

4. The document tray is provided with two restricting plates that restrict the direction of the placed paper in a second direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction. The image reading means determines the orientation of the paper placed in the document tray based on the distance between the two regulating plates and the length in the second direction obtained from the second read image, and if the orientation of the paper does not match between the first reading mode and the second reading mode, it notifies the user to adjust the orientation of the paper. The image reading device according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned paper has two test images printed on it at different positions in the paper's transport direction. The control means is characterized by generating the correction value based on the distance between the two test images obtained from the first read image and the distance between the two test images obtained from the second read image. The image reading device according to claim 1.

6. The control means is characterized by generating a correction value such that the distance between the two test images obtained from the first read image matches the distance between the two test images obtained from the second read image. The image reading device according to claim 5.

7. The system further includes a second image reading means capable of reading the paper being transported by the transport means, The control means is characterized in that, instead of the first read image, it generates the correction value based on the third read image obtained by the second image reading means and the second read image. The image reading device according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned paper has four test images printed on the four corners of both the first side and the second side, which is different from the first side. The second image reading means reads the second surface of the paper, The control means is characterized in that, after performing a correction based on the correction value, it generates a second correction value for correcting the geometric characteristics of the image printed on the paper, based on the read images of each side obtained by reading the paper being transported by the transport means using the image reading means and the second image reading means. The image reading device according to claim 7.

9. The control means is characterized by generating the second correction value for correcting the misalignment of the print positions of the images on the first and second surfaces of the paper. The image reading device according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned paper is characterized in that, in addition to the four test images, an identification image for distinguishing between the first and second sides is printed on each of the first and second sides. The image reading device according to claim 8.

11. The aforementioned paper has four patch images printed in the four corners. The control means is characterized in that, after performing correction based on the correction value, it generates a third correction value for correcting the geometric characteristics of the image printed on the paper based on the first read image. The image reading device according to claim 1.

12. A document tray on which paper is placed, A transport means for transporting the paper placed on the document tray, The document glass on which the aforementioned paper is placed, An image reading means for reading the first surface of the paper being transported by the transport means, or for reading the first surface of the paper being placed on the document glass, The system includes a control means for executing a first reading mode in which the first surface of a sheet of paper on which multiple test images are formed, which is transported by the transport means, is read by the image reading means, and a second reading mode in which the first surface of the sheet of paper on which multiple test images are formed, which is placed on the document glass, is read by the image reading means. The control means corrects the transport speed of the paper transported by the transport means based on the first read image read in the first read mode and the second read image read in the second read mode, and causes the image reading means to read the paper transported at the corrected transport speed. Image reading device.

13. The corrected transport speed is characterized in that it is the transport speed before correction multiplied by a correction value obtained from the first read image and the second read image. The image reading device according to claim 12.

14. An image forming means for forming an image on paper based on predetermined image forming conditions, A document tray on which the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming means is placed, A transport means for transporting the paper placed on the document tray, A document glass on which the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming means is placed, An image reading means for reading the first surface of a sheet of paper being transported by the transport means, or for reading the first surface of a sheet of paper placed on the document glass, The system includes a control means for executing a first reading mode in which the first surface of a sheet of paper on which multiple test images are formed, which is transported by the transport means, is read by the image reading means, and a second reading mode in which the first surface of the sheet of paper on which multiple test images are formed, which is placed on the document glass, is read by the image reading means. The control means determines a first correction value for correcting the reading operation in which the paper being transported by the transport means is read by the image reading means, based on the first read image read in the first reading mode and the second read image read in the second reading mode. The control means is characterized in that, after performing a correction based on the first correction value, it generates a second correction value for correcting the image formation conditions based on the read image obtained by reading the paper being transported by the transport means with the image reading means. Image forming apparatus.

15. The invention further comprises a second image reading means capable of reading an image of a second side of the paper that is different from the first side, The control means is characterized in that, after performing a correction based on the first correction value, it generates the second correction value for correcting the geometric characteristics of the image printed on the paper by the image forming means, based on the read images of each side obtained by reading the paper being transported by the transport means with the image reading means and the second image reading means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14.

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