Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and program

Abstract

To appropriately adjust an image position when an adjustment value for an image position for every sheet type and an adjustment value for an image position for every paper feeding unit are set.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises a plurality of paper feeding units, and comprises a first storage unit that stores sheet information including, for every sheet type, a first adjustment value for adjusting an image position on a print sheet, and a second storage unit that stores paper feeding unit information including, for every paper feeding unit, a second adjustment value for adjusting an image position on the print sheet. An image forming unit feeds a print sheet of any sheet type from any one of the plurality of paper feeding units, and forms, on the print sheet, an image for which the image position is adjusted on the basis of the adjustment value. An adjustment value determination unit switches between the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value to determine the adjustment value for the image position when the image forming unit forms the image, on the basis of the sheet information of the fed print sheet and paper feeding unit information of the paper feeding unit from which the print sheet is fed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper feed units, an image forming method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] When printing with a printer, it is known that several factors can cause the print position of the printed image to be tilted, or the print position of the image on the front and back of the paper to be slightly misaligned when printing on both sides. The factors that cause the misalignment can be mainly classified into two categories. The first factor is the difference in expansion and contraction due to the characteristics of the paper. In electrophotographic printers, the image is fixed to the paper by passing the paper with the developed and transferred toner on it through a fixing unit. When the paper passes through the high-temperature fixing unit, the paper expands and contracts, which can cause the print position of the image on the front and back to be misaligned. The way in which the paper expands and contracts varies depending on the characteristics of the paper, such as the paper's basis weight, surface properties, and size.

[0003] The second factor is the difference in the structure of the paper feeder where the paper is stored and when it is transported. Differences in the structure of the paper feeder that feeds the paper and the transporter that transports the paper when printing can cause the timing of the print position to shift or the paper to be slightly tilted. These deviations differ depending on the paper feeder.

[0004] To address the misalignment of the print position of an image caused by the above factors, a method has been known in the past in which an adjustment value for adjusting the image position is stored within the printing system. As a measure against the first factor, for example, a method has been known in which an adjustment value is stored for each piece of paper information. As a measure against the second factor, for example, a method has been known in which an adjustment value is stored for each paper feed unit. In addition, in a printing system consisting of an image processing device and an image forming device, a system has been known in which each device has the above two different methods.

[0005] In all of the above-mentioned measures, a test page for adjustment is printed from any paper and paper feed unit to be adjusted, and an adjustment value is determined based on the result. Based on the determined adjustment value, the printing system adjusts the position of the image to be printed, thereby enabling the image to be printed in an accurate printing position without misalignment.

[0006] Patent Document 1 proposes a system that, when image position adjustment is performed based on an adjustment value for each paper information, initializes an adjustment value for each paper feed unit that contains the paper for which the image position adjustment has been performed. In the conventional technology, when an adjustment value for each paper information and an adjustment value for each paper feed unit coexist, the adjustment value for each paper information takes precedence. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-16588 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] When new paper information is created and image position adjustment has not been performed, the image position adjustment value for each piece of paper information remains at the initial value. In conventional printing systems, image formation is performed using the adjustment value for each piece of paper information, regardless of whether the adjustment value for the paper feed unit has been adjusted. For this reason, when paper for which image position adjustment has not been performed is loaded in a paper feed unit for which the adjustment value for each paper feed unit has been adjusted, there is a problem in that the unadjusted initial value for each piece of paper information is set even if the adjustment value for each paper feed unit has been adjusted.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a mechanism for reducing misalignment of the printing position by appropriately switching between image position adjustment values ​​set for each paper information and image position adjustment values ​​set for each paper feed unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of paper feeding units, a first storage unit that stores paper information including a first adjustment value for adjusting the image position on the printing paper for each paper type, a second storage unit that stores paper feeding unit information including a second adjustment value for adjusting the image position on the printing paper for each paper feeding unit, an image forming unit that feeds printing paper of any paper type from any of the plurality of paper feeding units and forms an image on the printing paper with the image position adjusted based on the adjustment value, and an adjustment value determination unit that, when forming an image by the image forming unit, switches between the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value based on the paper information of the fed printing paper and the paper feeding unit information of the paper feeding unit from which the printing paper was fed, and sets the adjustment value for the image position of the image forming unit. Effect of the Invention

[0011] By switching between image position adjustment for each sheet of paper information and image adjustment values ​​for each paper feed unit, image adjustment is performed with an appropriate image position adjustment value when printing is performed. As a result, even if a user sets paper without being aware of the image adjustment information set in the paper feed unit, the system selects appropriate image adjustment information and printing is performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printer according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of software modules of a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 13 is an example of a structure of a paper information database according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13 is an example of a UI for registering paper information according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A is an example of a UI for editing paper attribute information according to an embodiment, and FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of a UI for performing paper settings according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is an example of a UI for performing paper settings according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is an example of a flow of a process for adjusting an image position for each piece of paper information according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is an example of a UI for adjusting an image position for each piece of paper information according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is an example of a flow of a process for adjusting an image position for each paper feed unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is an example of a UI for adjusting an image position for each paper feed unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 illustrates an example of a data structure of paper feed unit information according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is an example of a flow diagram showing a process for determining an image position adjustment value according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is an example of a flow of a process for initializing an adjustment value for each piece of paper information according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] 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.

[0014] <Example 1> With reference to FIG. 1, the connection environment of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a printer 100 and a client PC 102 are connected to each other via a network line 101. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is called a printer. However, the image forming apparatus is not limited to a printer, and may be an MFP (multifunction printer) or an SMP (single function printer) equipped with all or some of various functions such as copying, scanning, and faxing. In this embodiment, a print job instructed to be printed by a user in the client PC 102 is transmitted from a printer driver (not shown) to the printer 100 via the network line 101. Furthermore, the printer 100 performs necessary processing for the received print job and prints it out on paper.

[0015] The hardware configuration of the printer 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The printer 100 includes a controller unit 200 having a CPU 201, a scanner unit 202, an external I / F 203, an operation unit 204, a compression / decompression unit 205, a ROM 206, a RAM 207, a HDD 208, and a print unit 209. Various control programs controlled by the controller unit 200 are stored in the ROM 206, and are read out to the RAM 207 as necessary and controlled and executed by the CPU 201. Furthermore, the print unit 209 includes an image forming unit 210, a CPU 211, a paper feed unit 212 having a plurality of paper feed stages, and a paper discharge unit 213. The paper feed unit 212 has at least two or more paper feed stages.

[0016] The software module configuration of printer 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Printer 100 includes, as software modules, network control unit 301, UI control unit 302, paper information registration unit 304, paper feed stage paper setting unit 305, image adjustment value determination unit 306, and image adjustment unit 307. Furthermore, HDD 208 includes, as storage units, paper information storage unit 303 and paper feed unit information storage unit 308. Each software module is stored as a program in ROM 206 of printer 100, and is read into RAM 207 as necessary, and is controlled and executed by CPU 201 or CPU 211.

[0017] A network control unit 301 is executed by the CPU 201, and transmits and receives data to and from the client PC 102 via the external I / F 203 and the network line 101. A UI control unit 302 is executed by the CPU 201, and instructs the operation unit 204 to generate, display, and change display contents.

[0018] Paper information storage unit 303 functions as a first storage unit and is stored in HDD 208. CPU 201 stores paper information registered in paper information registration unit 304 (described later) in paper information storage unit 303, and writes and reads the information as necessary for use. Paper information stored in paper information storage unit 303 includes paper created and pre-installed by the printer manufacturer and paper newly created and added by the user using a method described later. Paper feed unit information storage unit 308 functions as a second storage unit and is stored in HDD 208. CPU 201 stores image position adjustment values ​​for each paper feed unit in paper feed unit information storage unit 308 according to a flow of image position adjustment for each paper feed unit (FIG. 11) (described later), and writes and reads the information as necessary for use.

[0019] The paper information registration unit 304 is executed by the CPU 201 and functions as a second setting unit, and registers the paper information used in the printer 100. The CPU 201 accepts paper information input by the user from the operation unit 204 via the UI control unit 302, and stores the information in the paper information storage unit 303. The CPU 201 displays the information on the operation unit 204 via the UI control unit 302.

[0020] A paper feed tray paper setting unit 305 is executed by the CPU 201 and functions as a second setting unit, and sets the paper information used in the printer 100 to the paper feed tray. The CPU 201 accepts information on paper setting for the paper feed tray input by the user via the operation unit 204, and stores the information in the RAM 207 or HDD 208. The CPU 201 displays the information on the operation unit 204 via the UI control unit 302. When printing is executed, the CPU 201 determines the printing operation in the image forming unit 210 based on the paper information set for the paper feed tray. For example, in the case of paper with a large basis weight, the operation may include lowering the paper transport speed and raising the fixing temperature.

[0021] An image adjustment value determination unit 306 is executed by the CPU 201, and determines an adjustment value for adjusting a shift in the print position of an image during printing that occurs in the printer 100. An image adjustment unit 307 is executed by the CPU 201, and executes a position shift adjustment process based on the adjustment value determined by the image adjustment value determination unit 306, thereby adjusting the image position on the printing paper.

[0022] A common method for adjusting the image position is to adjust the rendering position of the image data based on an adjustment value when processing the print data in the controller unit 200 of the printer 100. There is also a method for adjusting the control timing of each device (not shown) executed in the image forming unit 210 of the printer 100 based on the adjustment value.

[0023] Fig. 4 shows an example of the structure of a database 401 showing paper information stored in the paper information storage unit 303 according to this embodiment. The CPU 201 stores paper attribute information registered in the paper information registration unit 304 in the paper information database 401. In the example of the paper information database 401 shown in Fig. 4, PAPER1 and PAPER2 are paper information for basic papers that are created and pre-installed by the printer manufacturer. Meanwhile, USR_MEDIA1 and USR_MEDIA2 are paper information for user-defined papers that are newly created and added by the user.

[0024] Registration of user-defined paper will be described later with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Paper attribute information such as basis weight, size, surface properties, and color is registered in the paper information database 401 in association with the paper name. This embodiment is characterized in that the paper information database 401 includes image position adjustment information 402 as paper attribute information. The image position adjustment information 402 is in a format that holds an image position adjustment value and information on whether adjusted or unadjusted for the user-defined paper.

[0025] <Registering and editing paper information> The registration screen of the paper information registration unit 304 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. When a user issues an instruction to register paper information from a basic screen (not shown), the paper information registration screen 501 is generated by the UI control unit 302 and displayed on the operation unit 204. The UI control unit 302 displays information of the paper information database 401 stored in the paper information storage unit 303 on the operation unit 204. Here, the paper name is displayed among the paper information, but other information is not limited to the paper name and may be used as long as it is information that can identify individual papers.

[0026] The paper information list on the registration screen in Fig. 5 displays a list of basic papers 507 and a list of user-defined papers 502. Furthermore, the UI control unit 302 displays a button 503 for editing attribute information of the paper information, which will be described later, for each piece of paper information in the list of user-defined papers 502. The user-defined papers 502 are papers registered with a type 610 (Fig. 6), which will be described later, set to "user-defined."

[0027] When the user operates the edit button 503 for any user-defined paper, the UI control unit 302 displays a paper attribute edit screen 601(a) (FIG. 6), described later, on the operation unit 204. The copy button 504 is a button for creating new paper information based on the paper information of the selected basic paper 507 and storing it in the paper information storage unit 303.

[0028] When the user operates the copy button 504, the CPU 201 creates new paper information using the same paper information as the selected basic paper 507, and stores this information in the paper information storage unit 303 as a user-defined paper 502. Also, when the copy button 504 is operated based on the user-defined paper 502, the adjustment state of the copy source is copied for the adjustment state 619 (FIG. 6), which will be described later, along with the same paper information as the basic paper. Also, the UI control unit 302 displays this information as a paper information list on the paper information registration screen 501. The delete button 505 is a button for deleting any user-defined paper information.

[0029] When the user selects any paper from the list of user-defined paper 502 and then presses delete button 505, CPU 201 deletes the selected paper information from paper information storage unit 303. UI control unit 302 also deletes the information from the list of user-defined paper 502.

[0030] Furthermore, when the user presses an OK button 506, the UI control unit 302 closes the paper information registration screen 501 and transitions to a basic screen (not shown). A basic paper 507 is created in advance by the printer manufacturer and pre-installed, and the basic paper is set as a type 610 (FIG. 6) described later. For the basic paper 507, it is not possible to delete the paper information using the delete button 505, nor to edit the paper information using the edit button 503.

[0031] Editing of paper attributes of paper information according to this embodiment and the data structure of paper information including image position adjustment attributes will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Paper attribute editing screen 601(a) in Fig. 6(A) is generated by UI control unit 302 and displayed on operation unit 204. When edit button 503 for any paper on paper information registration screen 501 is operated by a user, UI control unit 302 displays paper attribute editing screen 601(a) based on paper attribute information of the selected user-defined paper stored in paper information storage unit 303.

[0032] The items displayed here include information about the paper name 602 being USR_MEDIA1 (603), as well as type, basis weight, size, surface properties, image position adjustment (605), and other information related to paper settings required for the printer 100 to operate. In addition to these items, other paper characteristics such as color and individual information may also be registered and displayed.

[0033] Each item has an edit button 604, and when the user operates the edit button 604, the UI control unit transitions to a screen (not shown) that accepts input for each item, and after accepting the input, returns to the paper attribute edit screen 601(a). Note that, in this embodiment, the type of paper information cannot be changed, but it may be possible to change the type, for example, by setting a different type for each user.

[0034] The CPU 201 stores the received input information in the paper information storage unit 303, and the UI control unit 302 updates the information and displays it on the paper attribute editing screen 601(a). The operations related to image position adjustment of 605 to 607 will be described later. When the OK button 608 is operated by the user, the UI control unit 302 closes the paper attribute editing screen 601(a) and returns to the paper information registration screen 501.

[0035] The data structure of the paper information will be described with reference to Fig. 6(B). Paper information 601(b) holds paper name 609, type 610, basis weight 611, size (width) 612, size (length) 613, and surface property 614. Furthermore, paper information 601(b) holds adjustment value 615 for the leading edge registration position of the front side, adjustment value 616 for the leading edge registration position of the back side, adjustment value 617 for the left edge registration position of the front side, adjustment value 618 for the leading edge registration position of the back side, and adjustment status 619. In addition to the above, information specific to each paper type, such as paper color, may also be held.

[0036] When a user-defined paper is created and image position adjustment is not performed, adjustment values ​​615, 616, 617, and 618 for each item are initial values, and adjustment state 619 is "not adjusted." Image position adjustment is performed according to the flow of image position adjustment for each paper information (FIG. 9), which will be described later, and adjustment values ​​615, 616, 617, and 618 for each item are stored, and adjustment state 619 is "adjusted." In this embodiment, the leading edge registration and the left edge registration are given as examples, but adjustment values ​​for adjusting magnification, skewness, right angles, trapezoidal shape, etc. may also be held. Each adjustment value 615 to 618 is information for image position adjustment 605 in FIG. 6(A).

[0037] <Paper feeder paper settings> The paper setting of the paper feed stage paper setting unit 305 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. When a user issues a paper feed stage paper setting instruction from a basic screen (not shown), a paper setting screen 701 in Fig. 7 is generated by the UI control unit 302 and displayed on the operation unit 204. The UI control unit 302 displays on 702 information on a plurality of paper feed stages held by the paper feed unit 212 connected to the printer 100 and the paper information set for each. In Fig. 7, information on the remaining amount of paper controlled by the CPU 201, information on the paper feed stage number, and information on the set paper size are displayed. In addition, information on the name and basis weight of the set paper may be displayed.

[0038] Button 703 is a setting button. When the user operates the setting button 703 with any paper feed tray 702 selected, the UI control unit 302 displays a paper information selection screen 801, which will be described later. On this screen, the user selects the paper information that he or she wants to set for the paper feed tray. The CPU 201 combines the paper information selected by the user with the paper feed tray information and stores it in the RAM 207 or HDD 208, and the UI control unit 302 displays the selected paper information on 702. When the user operates an OK button 704, the UI control unit 302 closes the paper setting screen 701 and transitions to a basic screen (not shown).

[0039] 7, when a setting button 703 is operated with any paper feed tray 702 selected, a paper information selection screen 801(a) in Fig. 8(A) is generated by the UI control unit 302 and displayed on the operation unit 204. The UI control unit 302 displays on 802 a list of the paper information database 401 stored in the paper information storage unit 303.

[0040] In Fig. 8(A), as an example, the name, basis weight, and size of the registered paper information are displayed, but other attribute information of the paper information such as surface property and color may also be displayed. Fig. 8(B) is another example of the paper information selection screen 801. The screen information selection screen 801(b) displays a screen position adjustment status 805 in addition to the display items in the screen information selection screen 801(a). This allows the user to know whether the image adjustment values ​​for each paper information to be set for the paper feed tray have been adjusted or not.

[0041] When the user selects one piece of paper information to be set in the paper feed tray from the list 802 and then selects the OK button 804, the CPU 201 stores the selected paper information in the RAM 207 or HDD 208 according to a flow (FIG. 9) described below. The UI control unit 302 then closes the paper information selection screen 801 and returns to the paper setting screen 701. On the other hand, when the user selects the cancel button 803, the UI control unit 302 closes the paper information selection screen 801 without storing the paper information and returns to the paper setting screen 701.

[0042] <How to adjust image position for each paper type> Next, a process for setting an image adjustment value for each piece of paper information according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The processes described below are realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the controller unit 200 reading a program stored in the ROM 206 into the RAM 207 and executing it. In the following, the step numbers of the processes included in the flowcharts are indicated with numbers beginning with "S". The same applies to the subsequent flowcharts.

[0043] In S901, the CPU 201 displays the paper information registration screen 501 (FIG. 5) generated by the UI control unit 302 on the operation unit 204. This screen accepts input from the user, and when the edit button 503 is operated, the process proceeds to S902.

[0044] In S902, the CPU 201 displays a selection screen 1001(a) ( FIG. 10(A) ) for selecting an image position adjustment method generated by the UI control unit 302 on the operation unit 204. Screen 1001(a) displays a button 1002 for using a scanner and a button 1003 for not using a scanner, and accepts input from the user. If the user wishes to adjust the image position by inputting adjustment values ​​himself, he selects the button 1003 for not using a scanner, and if the user wishes to adjust the image position automatically, he selects the button 1002 for using a scanner.

[0045] In S903, the CPU 201 determines whether the button 1002 for using the scanner or the button 1003 for not using the scanner on the screen 1001(a) has been operated. If it is determined that the button 1002 for not using the scanner has been operated (NO), the process proceeds to S904, and if it is determined that the button 1003 for using the scanner has been operated (YES), the process proceeds to S906.

[0046] In S904, the CPU 201 displays an image position adjustment screen 1001(b) (FIG. 10(B)) generated by the UI control unit 302 on the operation unit 204 and accepts input from the user. The CPU 201 determines the amount of adjustment for adjusting the vertical, horizontal and lateral misalignment of the image printed on the print paper based on the user's input. 1004 is an item for adjusting the leading edge registration position, and the UI control unit 302 displays the amount of adjustment for the front and back sides in 1005 or 1006. 1007 is an item for adjusting the left edge registration position, and the UI control unit 302 displays the amount of adjustment for the front and back sides in 1008 or 1009.

[0047] The UI control unit 302 accepts an input of an adjustment amount by operating a button 1010. When the + button or - button of the button 1010 is operated with any of the items 1005, 1006, 1008, and 1009 to be adjusted selected by the user, the UI control unit 302 displays the value of the selected item as +0.1 or -0.1. Here, as an example, the unit of the adjustment amount is displayed as mm, the adjustment interval is displayed as 0.1, and the initial value is displayed as 0.0, but the unit may be other units such as the number of pixels, or other adjustment intervals and initial values ​​may be used. In addition, the leading edge registration and the left edge registration have been described as examples of adjustment items, but other geometric characteristics such as magnification, skewness, right angles, and trapezoidal shape may also be adjusted.

[0048] The print test page button 1012 is a button for printing a test page. When the user operates the print test page button 1012, a test page is printed in which the print position has been adjusted based on the adjustment amount currently displayed on the image position adjustment screen 1001(b). The user measures the distance from the leading edge of the print area of ​​the printed test page to the leading edge of the paper, and can set the adjustment value by operating the + button or - button of the button 1010 based on the difference from the specified value. If necessary, the user can print the test page again to check whether the adjustment has been made appropriately. The adjustment value is set by repeating this operation.

[0049] When the user operates an initialization button 1011 for returning to the initial values, the UI control unit 302 resets the values ​​of the adjustment amounts 1005, 1006, 1008, and 1009 to their initial values. When the user operates a cancel button 1013, the UI control unit 302 closes the image position adjustment screen 1001(b) and returns to the method selection screen 1001(a). The initialization button 1011 is an example of an initialization operation unit.

[0050] If the CPU 201 determines in S905 that the OK button 1014 has been selected, it sets the input values ​​of adjustment amounts 1005, 1006, 1008, and 1009 to the adjustment values ​​615 to 618 of the paper information 601(b), and stores them in the paper information storage unit 303.

[0051] In S912, the CPU 201 determines whether the adjustment status 619 of the paper information is unadjusted. If it is determined that the adjustment has been completed, the process ends, and if it is determined that the adjustment has not been completed, the process proceeds to S913. In S913, the CPU 201 changes the adjustment status 619 from unadjusted to adjusted, stores it in the paper information storage unit 303, and ends the process.

[0052] Next, a case will be described where the user selects 1002 for using the scanner on the method selection screen 1001(a), the CPU 201 determines in S903 that the scanner will be used (YES), and the process proceeds to S906. In S906, the CPU 201 displays a test page setting screen 1001(c) (FIG. 10(C)) generated by the UI control unit 302 on the operation unit 204, and accepts setting input from the user. 1015 and 1016 are settings for the setting location of the test page, and are items for selecting whether to use the feeder or the platen when reading the printed test page from the scanner unit 202. In this embodiment, 1015 for using the feeder is selected by default.

[0053] Reference numerals 1017 and 1018 designate the number of test pages to be output. When the CPU 201 receives the designation of the number of sheets at 1017 and determines that the + button or - button 1018 has been operated, the UI control unit 302 increments or decrements the number of output sheets 1017 by 1 or 1 and displays it. When there is a large variation in the image position, the more test pages are output, the more the adjustment accuracy improves. Reference numeral 1018 designates an output button for a sheet used for aligning the position when the test page is read from the platen. When the CPU 201 determines that 1018 has been operated, it controls the printer 100 to print an alignment sheet.

[0054] When the CPU 201 detects that the cancel button 1019 has been operated, it closes the image position adjustment screen 1001(c) and returns to the method selection screen 1001(a). When the CPU 201 detects that the next button 1020 has been operated, it proceeds to S907.

[0055] In S907, the CPU 201 displays a paper selection screen 1001(d) (FIG. 10(D)) for the test page and accepts the user's selection of the paper on which the test page is to be printed. In the paper selection screen 1001(d), 1021, 1022, 1023, and 1024 are selectable papers, and in the paper selection screen 1001(d), the paper 1022 is selected and the selected paper information 1023 is displayed. When the user operates the print button 1026 with the test page paper selected, the process proceeds to S908. On the other hand, when the cancel button 1025 is operated, the CPU 201 instructs the UI control unit 302 to close the image position adjustment screen 1001(d) and return to the method selection screen 1001(a).

[0056] In S908, the CPU 201 controls the printer 100 to print the test page corresponding to the set location set in S906 by the number of sheets set in the test page output number 1017 on the setting screen 1001(c), and proceeds to S909. Here, the set location in S906 is the feeder 1015 or the platen 1016.

[0057] In S909, the CPU 201 displays a test page reading screen 1001(e) (FIG. 10(E)) on the operation unit 204. After the user places the printed test page in the test page setting location (feeder 1015 or platen 1016) set in S906, if the user operates the read start button 1028, the process proceeds to S910. On the other hand, if the cancel button 1027 is operated, the CPU 201 instructs the UI control unit 302 to close the image position adjustment screen 1001(e) and return to the method selection screen 1001(a).

[0058] When the CPU 201 detects that the read start button 1028 on the screen 1001(e) has been operated, in S910, the CPU 201 reads a test page from the set location (feeder 1015 or platen 1016) of the scanner unit 202, and proceeds to S911. In S911, the CPU 201 and the image adjustment value determination unit 306 analyze the image of the test page read in S910 and update the image position adjustment value. Since the method of acquiring the registration adjustment value by reading the test page for image position adjustment is a known technique, a description thereof will be omitted here. The CPU 201 stores the acquired registration adjustment values ​​in 1015, 1016, 1017, and 1018, respectively, and stores them in the paper information storage unit 303, and proceeds to S912. The processing of S912 and S913 is the same as the processing when the button 1003 for not using the scanner is selected in S903, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] <Image position adjustment method for each paper feed unit> Next, a process for setting image adjustment values ​​for each paper feed unit according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 11, 12, and 13. The process described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the controller unit 200 reading a program stored in the ROM 206 into the RAM 207 and executing it. Fig. 13 shows an example of paper feed unit information 1301 of image position adjustment information for each paper feed unit stored in the paper feed unit information storage unit 308. The paper feed unit information 1301 stores adjustment values ​​1304 of adjustment items 1303 for each paper feed unit 1302.

[0060] In S1101, the CPU 201 displays a selection screen 1201(a) (FIG. 12(A)) for selecting an image position adjustment method generated by the UI control unit 302 on the operation unit 204. The image position adjustment method is similar to that of screen 1001(b), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In S1102, the CPU 201 determines whether the button 1202 for using a scanner or the button 1203 for not using a scanner has been operated. If it is determined that the button 1203 for not using a scanner has been operated (NO), the process proceeds to S1103, and if it is determined that the button 1202 for using a scanner has been operated (YES), the process proceeds to S1106.

[0061] When a scanner is not used, in S1103, the CPU 201 displays a paper feed unit selection screen 1201(b) (FIG. 12(B)) generated by the UI control unit 302 on the operation unit 204 and accepts input from the user. 1204, 1205, 1206, and 1207 are selectable paper feed trays, and selected paper information 1211 displays the paper information set for the currently selected paper feed tray 1205.

[0062] When the CPU 201 detects that the print button 1210 has been operated with any paper feed tray selected, it prints a test page from the printer 100 and proceeds to S1104. This test page is used for the user to input adjustment values ​​in S1104. On the other hand, if it determines that the cancel button 1209 has been operated, it closes the paper feed unit selection screen 1201(b) and returns to the method selection screen 1201(a).

[0063] Furthermore, when the CPU 201 detects that the adjustment initialization button 1208 has been operated with any paper feed unit selected, it initializes the adjustment value 1304 of the adjustment item 1303 of the paper feed unit 1302 in the paper feed unit information 1301 corresponding to the selected paper feed unit 1205 (paper feed unit 2). Furthermore, the CPU 201 stores the initialized adjustment value 1304 in the paper feed unit information storage unit 308. The adjustment item 1303 may include not only leading edge registration adjustment values ​​and left edge registration adjustment values ​​for the front and back sides, but also geometric adjustment values ​​such as a magnification adjustment value, a right angle adjustment value, a skew adjustment value, and a trapezoid adjustment value, as well as other adjustment values ​​linked to the paper feed unit and characteristics for each paper feed unit.

[0064] In S1104, the CPU 201 displays an image position adjustment screen 1201(c) (FIG. 12C) generated by the UI control unit 302 on the operation unit 204, and accepts input from the user. The image position adjustment screen 1201(c) is similar to the image position adjustment screen 1001(b), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In S1105, when the OK button 1221 on the image position adjustment screen 1201(c) is operated, the CPU 201 stores the input adjustment values ​​1213, 1214, 1216, and 1217 in the adjustment value 1304 of the corresponding adjustment item 1303 of the paper feed unit information 1301. Furthermore, the CPU 201 stores the paper feed unit information 1301 in the paper feed unit information storage unit 308, and ends the process.

[0065] Next, a case where the user selects a method using a scanner and proceeds to S1106 will be described. In S1106, the CPU 201 displays a test page setting screen 1201(d) (FIG. 12(D)) generated by the UI control unit 302 on the operation unit 204, and accepts setting input from the user. The test page setting screen 1201(d) is similar to the test page setting screen 1001(c), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] 12 generated by the UI control unit 302 on the operation unit 204, and accepts input from the user. The control content is the same as in S1103, but the processing when the print button 1210 is operated is different. When the CPU 201 detects that the print button 1210 has been operated with any paper feed tray selected, it controls the printer 100 to print the test page set on the test page setting screen 1201(d).

[0067] In S1108, CPU 201 prints the test page corresponding to the setting location (feeder 1222 or platen 1223) set in S1106 from printer 100 for the number of sheets set in test page output number 1224, and proceeds to S1109. In S1109, CPU 201 displays test page reading screen 1201(e) (FIG. 12(E)) on operation unit 204. The control content is similar to S909, so a description will be omitted.

[0068] In S1110, CPU 201 detects that read start button 1230 has been operated after the printed test page has been set in the test page setting location (feeder 1222 or platen 1223) set by the user in S1108. Upon detecting that read start button 1230 has been operated, CPU 201 reads the test page from the set location of scanner unit 202. This process is the same as S910.

[0069] In S1111, the CPU 201 and image adjustment value determination unit 306 analyze the image of the test page read in S1110 and update the image position adjustment value. The method of acquiring the registration adjustment value from the test page for adjusting the image position is a known technique, so a description thereof will be omitted here. The CPU 201 stores the acquired registration adjustment value in the adjustment value 1304, stores it in the paper feed unit information storage unit 308, and ends the process.

[0070] <How to determine image position adjustment values ​​when printing> The procedure for determining adjustment values ​​for adjusting the deviation of the print position of an image during printing in image adjustment value determination unit 306 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. The process according to the flowchart in Fig. 14 is realized by CPU 201 of controller unit 200 reading a program stored in ROM 206 into RAM 207 and executing it.

[0071] In S1401, the CPU 201 acquires paper information 601(b) of the paper to be used during printing from the paper information storage unit 303. In S1402, the CPU 201 determines whether the paper type is user-defined paper (basic paper) from the type 610 of the paper information 601(b) acquired in S1401. If it is determined to be user-defined paper, the process proceeds to S1403. If it is not user-defined paper (NO), that is, if it is determined to be basic paper, the process proceeds to S1405.

[0072] In S1403, the CPU 201 determines whether the adjustment state 619 of the paper information 601(b) acquired in S1401 has been adjusted or has not been adjusted. If it has been adjusted (YES), the process proceeds to S1404, and if it has not been adjusted (NO), the process proceeds to S1405. If the adjustment status 619 is "adjusted," the adjustment values ​​for each paper feed unit are not used, so in S1404 the CPU 201 acquires the adjustment values ​​615, 616, 617, and 618 for each piece of paper information from the paper information storage unit 303, and ends the process. On the other hand, if the adjustment status 619 is not adjusted, in step S1405, the CPU 201 acquires the adjustment value 1304 for each paper feed unit from the paper feed unit information storage unit 308, and ends the process.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, CPU 201 performs image adjustment with appropriate image position adjustment values ​​when printing is performed by switching between image position adjustment values ​​(615-618) for each paper information and image position adjustment value 1304 for each paper feed unit depending on whether adjustment state 619 is adjusted or not. As a result, even if the user performs paper settings for an arbitrary paper feed unit without being aware of the image adjustment information, the system selects an appropriate combination of image adjustment information, and correct image adjustment is performed when printing is performed. Also, while image position adjustment values ​​have been described in this embodiment, adjustment values ​​for each paper information other than the image position adjustment values ​​and adjustment values ​​for each paper feed unit may also be used.

[0074] <Example 2> Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 15. In S904 of the flow in FIG. 9, when a user intentionally wants to use an initial value as an adjustment value, the user may operate an adjustment value initialization button 1011 on an image position adjustment screen 1001(b) to initialize the adjustment value for each paper type. However, in the first embodiment, when the adjustment value is the initial value, it is determined that the adjustment value is not adjusted. Therefore, when the image position adjustment value for each paper type is initialized, the adjustment value for each paper feed unit is applied in S1403 and S1405 of the flow in FIG. 14. For this reason, in the second embodiment, when the adjustment value for each paper information is initialized, the adjustment state is determined as adjusted, and the initial value for each paper type is applied as the adjustment value.

[0075] 15 is realized by the CPU 201 of the controller unit 200 reading out a program stored in the ROM 206 into the RAM 207 and executing it. In S1501, the CPU 201 determines whether the adjustment value initialization button 1011 has been operated on the image position adjustment screen 1001(b) (FIG. 10(B)). If the CPU 201 determines that the adjustment value initialization button 1011 has not been operated, it ends the processing, and if it determines that the adjustment value initialization button 1011 has been operated, it proceeds to S1502.

[0076] In S1502, CPU 201 reads out paper information 601(b) stored in HDD 208. In S1503, CPU 201 determines whether adjustment status 619 of the read out paper information 601(b) is unadjusted or adjusted. If it determines that it is adjusted (NO), the process proceeds to S1505 without performing the processing of S1504, and if it determines that it is unadjusted (YES), the process proceeds to S1504. In S1504, CPU 201 changes adjustment status 619 to adjusted and stores it in paper information storage unit 303.

[0077] In S1505, the CPU 201 changes the adjustment values ​​615, 616, 617, and 618 to their initial values ​​and stores them in the paper information storage unit 303. As described above, in this embodiment, when the adjustment values ​​for each piece of paper information are initialized, the CPU 201 changes the adjustment state to "adjusted" and acquires the adjustment values ​​for each piece of paper information as the initial values, making it possible to appropriately adjust the image position even when the user intentionally wants to use the initial values.

[0078] <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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] The disclosure of this specification includes the following image forming apparatus, image forming method, and program. (Item 1) An image forming apparatus including a plurality of paper feed units, a first storage unit that stores paper information including a first adjustment value for adjusting an image position on a print paper for each paper type; a second storage unit that stores paper feed unit information including a second adjustment value for adjusting an image position on a print sheet for each of the paper feed units; an image forming unit that feeds printing paper of an arbitrary paper type from any of the plurality of paper feed units and forms an image on the printing paper whose image position is adjusted based on the adjustment value; an adjustment value determination unit that switches between the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value based on paper information of the printing paper fed and paper feed unit information of the paper feed unit to which the printing paper is fed when an image is formed by the image forming unit, and sets the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value as an adjustment value for an image position of the image forming unit; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Item 2) a first setting unit that sets paper information including the first adjustment value; a second setting unit that sets paper feed unit information including the second adjustment value; 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1, further comprising: (Item 3) 3. The image forming apparatus according to item 2, wherein the paper information has adjustment state information that holds whether an image position has been adjusted. (Item 4) 4. The image forming apparatus according to item 3, wherein the adjustment value determination unit switches between the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value based on the adjustment state. (Item 5) 5. The image forming apparatus according to item 4, wherein the adjustment value determination unit determines the first adjustment value when the adjustment state has been adjusted, and determines the second adjustment value when the adjustment state has not been adjusted. (Item 6) 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value include adjustment values ​​for a leading edge registration position and a left edge registration position. (Item 7) 7. The image forming apparatus according to item 6, wherein the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value further include a geometric adjustment value. (Item 8) 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the paper information includes basis weight, size, and surface properties of the printing paper. (Item 9) the first setting unit includes an initialization operation unit that initializes the first adjustment value, and when the first adjustment value is initialized by the initialization operation unit, changes the adjustment state of the paper information to "adjusted" and initializes the adjustment value. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is a liquid crystal display. (Item 10) An image forming method in an image forming apparatus including a plurality of paper feed units, an image forming unit, a first storage unit that stores paper information including a first adjustment value for adjusting an image position on a print sheet for each paper type, and a second storage unit that stores paper feed unit information including a second adjustment value for adjusting an image position on a print sheet for each of the paper feed units, comprising: an adjustment value determination step in which, when forming an image by the image forming unit, an adjustment determination unit switches between the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value based on paper information of the fed print paper and paper feed unit information of the paper feed unit to which the print paper is fed, and sets the switching value as an adjustment value for an image position of the image forming unit; a step of an image forming unit feeding a print paper of an arbitrary paper type from any one of the plurality of paper feeding units, and forming an image on the print paper whose image position is adjusted based on the adjustment value determined in the adjustment value determination step; The image forming method according to claim 1, (Item 11) A program for operating a computer of an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper feed units, The computer a first storage unit that stores paper information including a first adjustment value for adjusting an image position on a print paper for each paper type; a second storage unit that stores paper feed unit information including a second adjustment value for adjusting an image position on a print sheet for each of the paper feed units; an image forming unit that feeds printing paper of an arbitrary paper type from any of the plurality of paper feed units and forms an image on the printing paper whose image position is adjusted based on the adjustment value; a program that functions as an adjustment value determination unit that switches between the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value based on paper information of the fed printing paper and paper feed unit information of the paper feed unit from which the printing paper was fed when an image is formed by the image forming unit, and sets the adjustment value as the adjustment value for the image position of the image forming unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 100: printer, 102: client PC, 303: paper information setting section, 308: paper feed section information storage section, 306: image adjustment value determination section, 401: paper information database, 601(b): paper information, 1301: paper feed section information

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus including a plurality of paper feed units, a first storage unit that stores paper information including a first adjustment value for adjusting an image position on a print paper for each paper type; a second storage unit that stores paper feed unit information including a second adjustment value for adjusting an image position on a print sheet for each of the paper feed units; an image forming unit that feeds printing paper of an arbitrary paper type from any of the plurality of paper feed units and forms an image on the printing paper whose image position is adjusted based on the adjustment value; an adjustment value determination unit that switches between the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value based on paper information of the printing paper fed and paper feed unit information of the paper feed unit to which the printing paper is fed when an image is formed by the image forming unit, and sets the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value as an adjustment value for an image position of the image forming unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. a first setting unit that sets paper information including the first adjustment value; a second setting unit that sets paper feed unit information including the second adjustment value; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the paper information includes adjustment status information indicating whether an image position has been adjusted.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the adjustment value determination section switches between the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value based on the adjustment state.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the adjustment value determination unit determines the first adjustment value when the adjustment state is adjusted, and determines the second adjustment value when the adjustment state is not adjusted.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value include adjustment values ​​for a leading edge registration position and a left edge registration position.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value further include a geometric adjustment value.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper information includes basis weight, size, and surface properties of the printing paper.

9. the first setting unit includes an initialization operation unit that initializes the first adjustment value, and when the first adjustment value is initialized by the initialization operation unit, changes the adjustment state of the paper information to "adjusted" and initializes the adjustment value.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

10. An image forming method in an image forming apparatus including a plurality of paper feed units, an image forming unit, a first storage unit that stores paper information including a first adjustment value for adjusting an image position on a print sheet for each paper type, and a second storage unit that stores paper feed unit information including a second adjustment value for adjusting an image position on the print sheet for each of the paper feed units, comprising: an adjustment value determination step in which, when forming an image by the image forming unit, an adjustment value determination unit switches between the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value based on paper information of the fed print paper and paper feed unit information of the paper feed unit to which the print paper is fed, and sets the switching value as an adjustment value for an image position of the image forming unit; a step of an image forming unit feeding a print paper of an arbitrary paper type from any one of the plurality of paper feeding units, and forming an image on the print paper whose image position is adjusted based on the adjustment value determined in the adjustment value determination step; The image forming method according to claim 1,

11. A program for operating a computer of an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper feed units, The computer a first storage unit that stores paper information including a first adjustment value for adjusting an image position on a print paper for each paper type; a second storage unit that stores paper feed unit information including a second adjustment value for adjusting an image position on a print sheet for each of the paper feed units; an image forming unit that feeds printing paper of an arbitrary paper type from any of the plurality of paper feed units and forms an image on the printing paper whose image position is adjusted based on the adjustment value; a program that functions as an adjustment value determination unit that switches between the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value based on paper information of the printing paper fed and paper feed unit information of the paper feed unit from which the printing paper was fed when an image is formed by the image forming unit, and sets the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value as an adjustment value for the image position of the image forming unit.

Images