Image forming apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus and program

Abstract

To enable appropriately controlling black density in printing.SOLUTION: Provided is an image forming apparatus having: first control means, when the paper type of a sheet to be fed is not a specific paper type, the job type of a print job is a specific job type and black density enhancement is disabled, that performs control to print on the sheet to be fed with a first black density; second control means, when the paper type of a sheet to be fed is not a specific paper type, the job type of a print job is a specific job type and the black density enhancement is enabled, that performs control to print on the sheet to be fed with a second black density that is darker than the first black density; and third control means, when the paper type of a sheet to be fed is not a specific paper type and the job type of a print job is not a specific job type, that performs control to print on the sheet to be fed with the first black density.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There is known an image forming apparatus that can send document data generated by an operator using an application to the image forming apparatus via a printer driver and print using a raster image generated within the image forming apparatus. There is also known an image forming apparatus that can read an original document with a scanner and copy and print it. Furthermore, it is known that a high-performance image forming apparatus that provides high-quality printouts provides a darker black density than a normal image forming apparatus because printouts with a darker black density are often required.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that controls whether or not backup image data of image data is stored in a storage unit depending on the job type of the job. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-109866 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in recent years, image forming apparatuses are increasingly being used for various purposes. For example, image forming apparatuses are used for commercial printing purposes, office purposes, and the like. When used for commercial printing purposes, a result with higher image quality is required than when used for office purposes. In addition, when used for commercial printing purposes, various types of paper are used, so it is also required to generate a result with optimal image quality depending on the paper.

[0006] Meanwhile, there are an increasing number of cases where a single image forming apparatus is used for both commercial printing and office purposes. In this case, a method of increasing the density of black is adopted since high-quality output is required for commercial printing. Therefore, when used for office purposes, output with higher image quality can be obtained than with other image forming apparatuses for office use. However, when used for office purposes, output with the same high image quality as that for commercial printing is often not required. In this case, there is a problem that the amount of toner consumed increases because output with the same density as that for commercial printing is generated.

[0007] In addition, when printing using a copy machine, it is often used for office purposes, and when printing via a printer driver, it is often used for both commercial printing and office purposes. For this reason, there is a problem in that it is difficult to distinguish between different uses depending on the purpose.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to enable proper control of the black density of a print. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The image forming apparatus has a first control means that controls printing on the fed paper at a first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type, the job type of the print job is a specific job type, and the black density improvement setting is invalid, a second control means that controls printing on the fed paper at a second black density darker than the first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type, the job type of the print job is a specific job type, and the black density improvement setting is valid, and a third control means that controls printing on the fed paper at the first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type, and the job type of the print job is not a specific job type. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the black density of printing can be appropriately controlled. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control unit of the image forming apparatus; [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a setting screen for improving black density. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of print job settings. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of print job settings. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing paper settings for each paper feed tray. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates a specific paper type. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a control method of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a page image generating process. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a page image generating process. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a black density improvement setting process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a printing apparatus 101 and a finisher 102. The printing apparatus 101 is a printing apparatus that forms and prints an image. The finisher 102 includes a paper output destination for paper printed by the printing apparatus 101.

[0014] Reference numeral 103 denotes a control unit that runs software for carrying out various controls of the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0015] Reference numeral 104 denotes an operation unit for issuing operation instructions to the image forming apparatus 100. The operation unit 104 is composed of a touch panel and hard keys, and is capable of displaying information related to the image forming apparatus 100 and inputting settings via the touch panel or hard keys.

[0016] Reference numeral 105 denotes a toner supply unit for supplying toner, which is a printing agent, to an image forming unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 100. The toner supply unit 105 is equipped with an opening and closing door, and an operator can supply toner through the opening and closing door. Reference numeral 106 denotes an image forming unit.

[0017] Reference numeral 107 denotes an intermediate transfer belt. In the image forming unit 106, a process is performed in which an image specified in a print job is formed using toner supplied from a toner supply unit 105, and the image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 107. The image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 107 is then transferred to paper.

[0018] A fixing device 108 applies heat and pressure to the paper onto which the image has been transferred by the intermediate transfer belt 107, thereby fixing the toner onto the paper.

[0019] Reference numeral 109 denotes a surplus toner recovery section. Toner that has not been transferred onto the paper from the intermediate transfer belt 107 is accumulated in the surplus toner recovery section 109.

[0020] Reference numeral 110 denotes a paper feed section for feeding paper. Reference numeral 111 denotes a paper feed section for feeding paper. Reference numeral 112 denotes a paper feed section for feeding paper. Reference numeral 113 denotes a paper feed section for feeding paper. Reference numeral 114 denotes a paper feed section for feeding paper.

[0021] A paper conveying section 115 is disposed in the paper conveying section 115. Paper fed from the paper feed section 110, 111, 112, 113, or 114 passes through the paper conveying section 115 and undergoes toner transfer and fixing processes.

[0022] Reference numeral 116 denotes a switchback unit for reversing the paper. Reference numeral 117 denotes a paper inlet for inputting paper from an external paper feed unit 114.

[0023] Reference numeral 118 denotes a paper discharge unit for discharging the paper on which the fixing process has been performed to the finisher 102 .

[0024] Reference numeral 119 denotes an input port of the finisher 102 that receives paper from the printing device 101. Reference numeral 120 denotes a switchback unit for reversing the paper.

[0025] Reference numeral 121 denotes a conveying section. Reference numeral 122 denotes a discharge section. Reference numeral 123 denotes a paper discharge tray. A sheet received from an input port 119 of the finisher 102 is discharged to the discharge section 122 via the conveying section 121 and stacked on the paper discharge tray 123.

[0026] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit 103 and the host computer 230 of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a printing device 101, a finisher 102, a control unit 103, and an operation unit 104.

[0027] The control unit 103 has a CPU 203, a RAM 204, an operation unit interface 205, a network interface 206, a modem 207, a ROM 208, a HDD 209, a CPU bus 210, and an image bus interface 211. The control unit 103 further has a rasterization (RIP) unit 212, a data compression unit 213, a device interface 214, an image processing device 215, and an image bus 218.

[0028] Reference numeral 201 denotes a network for establishing a connection with a host computer 230 via a network. Reference numeral 202 denotes a telephone line for establishing a connection with the host computer 230. Reference numeral 203 denotes a CPU for running a program for controlling the entire control unit 103.

[0029] Reference numeral 204 denotes a RAM managed by a program running on the CPU 203. The RAM 204 is used as a receiving buffer for temporarily storing data received from the outside, an image data buffer for temporarily storing image data rasterized by the RIP unit 212, etc.

[0030] Reference numeral 205 denotes an interface for connecting the operation unit 104 and the control unit 103. Reference numeral 206 denotes an interface for connecting the control unit 103 and a network. Reference numeral 207 denotes an interface for connecting the control unit 103 and a telephone line.

[0031] Reference numeral 208 denotes a ROM for storing programs and data that operate on the CPU 203. Reference numeral 209 denotes a hard disk drive (HDD), which is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing various data for a long period of time.

[0032] Reference numeral 210 denotes a CPU bus. Reference numeral 211 denotes an interface for connecting the CPU bus 210 and an image bus 218.

[0033] Reference numeral 212 denotes a rasterizer (RIP) unit having a function of converting externally input page description language (PDL) data into bitmap image data.

[0034] Reference numeral 213 denotes a data compression unit for compressing data. Reference numeral 214 denotes an interface for connecting the printing device 101 and the finisher 102 to an image bus 218 via data buses 216 and 217.

[0035] An image processing unit 215 performs various image processes on the bitmap image data generated by the RIP unit 212. The CPU 203 performs printing while issuing commands for printing to the printing device 101 and the finisher 102 via data buses 216 and 217 in accordance with signals instructed from the operation unit 104 or the host computer 230 via the network 201.

[0036] Reference numeral 216 denotes a data bus. Reference numeral 217 denotes a data bus. Reference numeral 218 denotes an image bus connected to a group of hardware for performing image processing.

[0037] Next, a description will be given of the host computer 230. The host computer 230 includes a CPU 231, a RAM 232, a display interface 233, a ROM 234, a HDD 235, a network interface 236, and a CPU bus 237.

[0038] Reference numeral 238 denotes a display unit of the host computer 230. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the display unit 238 displays a printer driver, which will be described later.

[0039] Reference numeral 231 denotes a CPU that runs a program for controlling the entire host computer 230. The printer driver used in this embodiment is loaded from a HDD 235 (described later) to a RAM 232 (described later) and executed by the CPU 231.

[0040] Reference numeral 232 denotes a RAM managed by a program running on the CPU 231. Reference numeral 233 denotes an interface for connecting a display unit 238 and the host computer 230.

[0041] Reference numeral 234 denotes a ROM for storing programs that run on the CPU 231, data, and the like.

[0042] 235 is a hard disk drive (HDD), a non-volatile storage device capable of storing various data for a long period of time.

[0043] Reference numeral 236 denotes an interface for connecting the control unit 103 to a network. Reference numeral 237 denotes a CPU bus.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a setting screen for “improving black density” in this embodiment, which is displayed on the operation unit 104. As shown in FIG.

[0045] Reference numeral 301 denotes a setting screen for "black density improvement", which is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 104. Reference numeral 302 denotes an OFF key for setting "OFF" as the "black density improvement". Reference numeral 303 denotes an ON key for setting "ON" as the "black density improvement".

[0046] In FIG. 3, the OFF key 302 is displayed in inverse video, indicating that "OFF" has been selected as the operation for a job for which the paper type has not been determined.

[0047] Reference numeral 304 denotes an OK key, which validates the screen settings and simultaneously closes the setting screen 301.

[0048] It is assumed that the setting value of “improve black density” is stored in the RAM 204 when the OK key 304 is pressed.

[0049] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a print job used in this embodiment. Fig. 4 shows, as an example of a print job, page description language (PDL) data input from the host computer 230 or the like via the network 201. The print job may be a copy job that is read and executed by a reading device (not shown) equipped in the image forming apparatus 100, or a print job that is temporarily stored in the RAM 204 or HDD 209.

[0050] A print job has a job ticket section 401 and a print data section 402. Reference numeral 401 denotes the job ticket section in which print settings such as the job type, paper feed tray designation, paper type designation, paper size designation, black density improvement designation, etc. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the job ticket section 401 is written in a job control language.

[0051] A print data section 402 is data described in a page description language (PDL) in this embodiment. Note that the print data section 402 may be a copy job that is read and executed by a reading device (not shown) or a print job that is temporarily stored in the RAM 204 or the HDD 209, as described above.

[0052] Reference numeral 403 denotes print settings described in the job ticket section 401, which indicate the job type, paper feed tray designation, paper type designation, paper size designation, and black density improvement designation. In the example of Fig. 4, "PDL job" is set as the job type, "paper feed tray 1" as the paper feed tray designation, "plain paper 1" as the paper type designation, and "A4" as the paper size designation are set. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the paper feed tray designation can be set to "paper feed tray 1", "paper feed tray 2", "paper feed tray 3", "paper feed tray 4", and "manual feed tray".

[0053] In addition, in this embodiment, the paper type can be specified as "plain paper 1", "plain paper 2", "plain paper 3", "single-sided coated paper 1", "single-sided coated paper 2", "single-sided coated paper 3", "double-sided coated paper 1", "double-sided coated paper 2", and "double-sided coated paper 3".

[0054] In addition, in this embodiment, the paper size can be specified as "A4". In this embodiment, the black density improvement can be specified as "ON", "OFF", or "No setting". In the case of "No setting", the value on the black density improvement setting screen (FIG. 3) can be referenced.

[0055] Reference numeral 404 indicates that the print data portion 402 is composed of one page. In the example of Fig. 4, the first page (P1) is composed of A4 size data.

[0056] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of another print job used in this embodiment. Fig. 5 shows, as an example of a print job, a copy job that is read and executed by a reading device (not shown) equipped in the image forming apparatus 100. Of course, it may also be a print job temporarily stored in the RAM 204 or HDD 209 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0057] A print job has a job ticket section 501 and a print data section 502. Reference numeral 501 denotes a job ticket section in which print settings such as the job type, paper feed tray designation, paper type designation, paper size designation, etc. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the job ticket section 501 is written in a job control language.

[0058] A print data portion 502, which is copy data in this embodiment, may be a print job temporarily stored in the RAM 204 or HDD 209 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0059] Reference numeral 503 denotes print settings described in the job ticket portion 501, which indicate the job type, paper feed tray designation, paper type designation, and paper size designation. In the example of Fig. 5, "copy job" is set as the job type, "paper feed tray 1" as the paper feed tray designation, "plain paper 1" as the paper type designation, and "A4" as the paper size designation.

[0060] In this embodiment, the paper feed tray can be set to "Paper feed tray 1", "Paper feed tray 2", "Paper feed tray 3", "Paper feed tray 4", and "Manual feed tray". In addition, the paper type can be set to "Plain paper 1", "Plain paper 2", "Plain paper 3", "Single-sided coated paper 1", "Single-sided coated paper 2", "Single-sided coated paper 3", "Double-sided coated paper 1", "Double-sided coated paper 2", and "Double-sided coated paper 3". In addition, the paper size can be set to "A4".

[0061] Reference numeral 504 indicates that the print data portion 502 is composed of one page. In the example of Fig. 5, the first page (P1) is composed of A4 size data.

[0062] Fig. 6 shows the paper information (paper size and paper type) set for each paper feed tray. Paper feed trays 1 to 4 correspond to paper feed units 110 to 113 in Fig. 1. The manual feed tray corresponds to paper feed unit 114 in Fig. 1.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the paper feed tray 1 is set to paper size "A4" and paper type "plain paper 1."

[0064] In the illustrated example, the paper size and type of paper set in paper feed tray 2 are "A4" and "plain paper 2," respectively.

[0065] In the paper feed tray 3, the paper size is set to "A4" and the paper type is set to "single-sided coated paper 1."

[0066] In the paper feed tray 4, the paper size "A4" and the paper type "double-sided coated paper 2" are set.

[0067] 6 shows a state in which the manual feed tray is set to paper with a paper size of "A4" and a paper type of "single-sided coated paper 3." It is assumed that the information shown in FIG.

[0068] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing specific paper types that are predefined in this embodiment. In this embodiment, "single-sided coated paper 1", "single-sided coated paper 2", "single-sided coated paper 3", "double-sided coated paper 1", "double-sided coated paper 2", and "double-sided coated paper 3" are predefined. The specific paper types shown in Fig. 7 are stored in RAM 204. The specific paper type may be defined for each image forming apparatus 100. The specific paper type may be set by operating an input unit (not shown) such as operation unit 104.

[0069] 8 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Note that S801 to S812 in the diagram represent each step. The processing of the flowchart in FIG. 8 is realized by the CPU 203 executing a program.

[0070] In step S801, the CPU 203 starts the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0071] In step S802, CPU 203 performs page image generation processing. In the page image generation processing in this embodiment, page image data is generated from data (FIG. 4) written in a page description language (PDL) as a print job, or from copy data (FIG. 5) as a print job. Of course, other types of data (such as storage jobs) (not shown) may also be used. Also, page image data is generated in contone. Details of page image generation processing will be described using the flowchart in FIG. 9 for a PDL job and the flowchart in FIG. 10 for a copy job. Also, the generated page image data (not shown) is stored in HDD 209.

[0072] In step S803, the CPU 203 performs black density improvement setting processing. The CPU 203 determines the black density improvement setting (OFF or ON) of the print job according to the print job (FIG. 4 or FIG. 5) or the black density improvement setting screen (FIG. 3), and stores the setting value in the RAM 204. Details of the black density improvement setting processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 11.

[0073] In step S804, the CPU 203 acquires paper type information. Acquiring paper type information refers to a process of acquiring the paper type of the paper to be fed. Note that this process is performed immediately before paper is fed.

[0074] First, CPU 203 performs a process to determine the paper feed tray from which paper is fed based on the print job (FIG. 4 or FIG. 5). CPU 203 reads the print job (FIG. 4 or FIG. 5) from HDD 209. CPU 203 reads paper feed tray designation information from job ticket section 401 or 501 of the print job (FIG. 4 or FIG. 5). CPU 203 obtains from HDD 209 paper type information (FIG. 6) of paper stored in the paper feed tray that matches the read paper feed tray designation information.

[0075] If the paper feed tray designation information read by CPU 203 is paper feed tray 1, the paper type of plain paper 1 is obtained. If the paper feed tray designation information read by CPU 203 is paper feed tray 2, the paper type of plain paper 2 is obtained. If the paper feed tray designation information read by CPU 203 is paper feed tray 3, the paper type of single-sided coated paper 1 is obtained. If the paper feed tray designation information read by CPU 203 is paper feed tray 4, the paper type of double-sided coated paper 2 is obtained. If the paper feed tray designation information read by CPU 203 is manual feed tray, the paper type of single-sided coated paper 3 is obtained.

[0076] In step S805, CPU 203 determines whether the paper type acquired in step S804 is a specific paper type. The specific paper type is assumed to be predefined, and in this embodiment, it is assumed to be predefined as shown in FIG. 7. CPU 203 reads out the specific paper type from RAM 204. In this embodiment, the specific paper types are assumed to be "single-sided coated paper 1", "single-sided coated paper 2", "single-sided coated paper 3", "double-sided coated paper 1", "double-sided coated paper 2", and "double-sided coated paper 3". Of course, other paper types may be used.

[0077] CPU 203 determines whether the acquired paper type is included in the specific paper types (FIG. 7) when acquiring paper type information of the paper to be fed (S804). If CPU 203 determines that the acquired paper type is included in the specific paper types, the process proceeds to step S808. If CPU 203 determines that the acquired paper type is not included in the specific paper types, the process proceeds to step S806.

[0078] In this embodiment, the specific paper types are defined as "single-sided coated paper 1", "single-sided coated paper 2", "single-sided coated paper 3", "double-sided coated paper 1", "double-sided coated paper 2", and "double-sided coated paper 3", but are not limited thereto. The specific paper type may be set from the operation unit 104 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0079] In step S806, CPU 203 determines whether the job type of the print job being processed is a specific job type. The specific job type is, for example, a PDL job. The job type of the print job being processed can be found by checking the job type in job ticket section 401 or 501 of the print job. Alternatively, it can be found by checking which job type the page image generation process (S802) was performed for.

[0080] If CPU 203 determines that the job type of the print job being processed is a specific job type, the process proceeds to step S807. If CPU 203 determines that the job type of the print job being processed is not a specific job type, the process proceeds to step S809.

[0081] The specific job type is, for example, a PDL job. In this case, if the job type of the print job is a PDL job, the process proceeds to step S807, and if the job type of the print job is a copy job or the like, the process proceeds to step S809.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the specific job type is a PDL job, but the specific job type is not limited to this. The specific job type can be set by operating the operation unit 104 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0083] In step S807, the CPU 203 determines whether the black density improvement setting is set to ON (enabled) or OFF (disabled). The CPU 203 makes this determination by reading the black density improvement setting from the RAM 204. Details of the black density improvement setting will be described with reference to a flowchart of the black density improvement setting process (FIG. 11).

[0084] If the CPU 203 determines that the black density improvement setting is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S808. If the CPU 203 determines that the black density improvement setting is set to OFF, the process proceeds to step S809.

[0085] In step S808, CPU 203 sets the black density setting to "darker". When the black density setting is set to "darker", a lookup table (not shown) for darkening the black density of the generated page image data (S802) is set. Note that the lookup table (not shown) is a table that assigns an output value to an input value, and the lookup table (not shown) for "darker" black density is stored in advance in HDD 209. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S810.

[0086] In step S809, CPU 203 sets the black density setting to "not darken." When the black density setting is set to "not darken," a lookup table (not shown) is set for not darkening the black density of the generated page image data (S802). Note that the lookup table (not shown) is a table that assigns an output value to an input value, and the lookup table (not shown) for "not darkening" the black density is stored in advance in HDD 209. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S810.

[0087] The lookup table for not increasing the black density is a lookup table for a first black density, and the lookup table for increasing the black density is a lookup table for a second black density that is darker than the first black density.

[0088] In step S810, the CPU 203 reads the page image data (not shown) of step S802 from the HDD 209. Then, the CPU 203 performs black density adjustment on the page image data (not shown) using a lookup table (S808 or S809) set according to the black density setting, and stores the page image data (not shown) after the black density adjustment in the RAM 204.

[0089] In step S811, CPU 203 reads page image data (not shown) from RAM 204. Then, CPU 203 converts the page image data (not shown) into a video signal (not shown) and controls printing on paper fed from a specified paper feed tray.

[0090] As described above, when the black density setting is set to "not darken" in step S809, CPU 203 performs black density adjustment at a first black density and controls printing on the fed paper. Also, when the black density setting is set to "darken" in step S808, CPU 203 performs black density adjustment at a second black density darker than the first black density and controls printing on the fed paper.

[0091] In step S812, the CPU 203 ends the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0092] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the page image generation process in step S802 in Fig. 8. Note that S901 to S904 in the figure represent each step. Note that in the page image generation process in Fig. 9, the job type of the print job is a PDL job, as in Fig. 4.

[0093] In step S901, the CPU 203 starts the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0094] In step S902, the CPU 203 receives a print job (PDL data) from the host computer 230 or the like via the network 201, and stores the received print job in the HDD 209. It is assumed that the print job has the configuration shown in FIG.

[0095] In step S903, the CPU 203 analyzes the page description language (PDL) data of the print data section 402, converts it into intermediate data (not shown) based on the analysis, and stores it in the HDD 209. Thereafter, the CPU 203 reads the intermediate data from the HDD 209, generates page image data (not shown) using the rasterization (RIP) section 212, and stores it in the HDD 209.

[0096] In step S904, the CPU 203 ends the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0097] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the page image generation process in step S802 in Fig. 8. Note that S1001 to S1003 in the figure represent each step. Note that in the page image generation process in Fig. 10, the job type of the print job is a copy job, as in Fig. 5.

[0098] In step S1001, the CPU 203 starts the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0099] In step S1002, CPU 203 reads the document using a reading unit (not shown) of image forming apparatus 100, generates page image data (not shown), and stores the page image data in HDD 209. It is assumed that the configuration of the print job for copying is as shown in FIG.

[0100] In step S1003, the CPU 203 ends the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0101] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the process of setting improvement of black density in step S803 in Fig. 8. Note that S1101 to S1107 in the figure represent each step.

[0102] In step S1101, the CPU 203 starts the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0103] In step S1102, CPU 203 reads out the print job (FIG. 4 or FIG. 5) from HDD 209, and determines whether the job type of the print job is a specific job type (e.g., a PDL job). In this embodiment, this determination is made because print jobs other than the specific job type are not subject to black density improvement. Note that whether the job type is a specific job type can be determined by checking the job type in the job ticket section 401 or 501 of the print job. Alternatively, if the print data section 402 or 502 is written in a page description language (PDL), the job type is determined to be a PDL job.

[0104] If the CPU 203 determines that the job type is a specific job (PDL job), the process proceeds to step S1103. If the CPU 203 determines that the job type is not a specific job type (such as a copy job), the process proceeds to step S1106.

[0105] In step S1103, the CPU 203 checks the black density improvement designation in the job ticket portion 401 of the print job (FIG. 4). If the CPU 203 determines that the black density improvement designation is set to OFF or ON, the process proceeds to step S1104. If the CPU 203 determines that the black density improvement designation is not set to OFF or ON, the process proceeds to step S1105.

[0106] Note that the case where the black density improvement designation is not set to OFF or ON refers to the case where the setting on the operation unit has priority or where the black density improvement designation itself does not exist.

[0107] In step S1104, the CPU 203 stores the setting value of the black density improvement designation specified in the print job (FIG. 4) as the setting value of the black density improvement setting in the RAM 204. Note that this setting value is assumed to be OFF or ON. Note that this setting value is treated as the setting value of the black density improvement setting of the print job.

[0108] In step S1105, the CPU 203 reads the setting value of the black density improvement setting screen (FIG. 3) set by operating the operation unit 104 from the HDD 209, and stores it in the RAM 204. Note that this setting value is assumed to be OFF or ON. Note that this setting value is treated as the setting value of the black density improvement setting of the print job.

[0109] In step S1106, the CPU 203 stores OFF as the setting value of the black density improvement setting in the RAM 204. Note that this setting value is treated as the setting value of the black density improvement setting for the print job.

[0110] In step S1107, the CPU 203 ends the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0111] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 100 can be used for office purposes and for commercial printing purposes, while making the most of the engine characteristics.

[0112] If the paper type is a specific one (coated paper, etc.) in FIG. 7 in step S805, the CPU 203 sets the black density setting to "dark" in step S808, and utilizes engine performance.

[0113] 7 but is a commonly used paper type (such as plain paper), the process proceeds from step S805 to step S806. In step S806, if the job type of the print job is a PDL job, CPU 203 presumes that the print job is for commercial printing purposes, and the process proceeds to step S807. In step S807, CPU 203 sets the black density setting to "darker" or "not darker" depending on whether the black density improvement setting is ON or OFF for commercial printing purposes, thereby providing high-quality printouts.

[0114] In addition, if the job type of the print job is not a PDL job (such as a copy job), CPU 203 assumes that it is for office use, proceeds to step S809, and sets the black density setting to "not dark," thereby reducing toner usage.

[0115] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more 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. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) for implementing one or more functions.

[0116] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of specific examples of implementing the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0117] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) a first control means for controlling printing on the fed paper at a first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type, the job type of the print job is a specific job type, and the setting of black density improvement is invalid; a second control means for controlling printing on the fed paper at a second black density darker than the first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type, the job type of the print job is a specific job type, and a setting for improving black density is enabled; a third control means for controlling printing on the fed paper at the first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type and the job type of the print job is not a specific job type; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, further comprising a fourth control means for controlling printing on the fed paper at the second black density when the paper type of the fed paper is a specific paper type. (Configuration 3) the first control means and the third control means perform black density adjustment on the image data using the first black density; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second control means performs black density adjustment on the image data with the second black density. (Configuration 4) the first control means and the third control means perform black density adjustment on the image data by using the first black density lookup table; 4. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3, wherein the second control means adjusts the black density of the image data by using the second black density lookup table. (Configuration 5) 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the specific paper type is single-sided coated paper or double-sided coated paper. (Configuration 6) 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the specific job type is a PDL job. (Configuration 7) 7. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 6, wherein the job type that is not the specific job type includes a copy job. (Configuration 8) 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the setting for improving the black density is set based on information included in the print job. (Configuration 9) 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the setting for improving the black density is set by operating an operation unit. (Configuration 10) 10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the specific paper type is set by operating an operation unit. (Configuration 11) 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the specific job type is set by operating an operation unit. (Configuration 12) 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the print job is described in a page description language or a job control language. (Configuration 13) The first to third control means are When the job type of the print job is a PDL job, control is performed so as to print based on print data included in the print job; 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein when the job type of the print job is a copy job, the image forming apparatus controls so as to print based on image data read by a reading section. (Method 1) a first control step of controlling printing on the fed paper at a first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type, the job type of the print job is a specific job type, and the setting of black density improvement is disabled; a second control step of controlling printing on the fed paper at a second black density darker than the first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type, the job type of the print job is a specific job type, and a setting for improving black density is enabled; a third control step of controlling printing on the fed paper at the first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type and the job type of the print job is not a specific job type; 11. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising: (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as the image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 100 image forming apparatus, 101 printing apparatus, 102 finisher, 103 control section, 104 operation section, 105 toner supply section, 106 image forming section, 107 intermediate transfer belt, 108 fixing device, 109 paper size detection section, 110 to 114 paper feed section, 115 paper transport section, 116 switchback section, 117 paper input port, 118 paper output section, 119 input port, 120 switchback section, 121 paper transport section, 122 output section, 123 paper output tray

Claims

1. a first control means for controlling printing on the fed paper at a first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type, the job type of the print job is a specific job type, and the setting of black density improvement is invalid; a second control means for controlling printing on the fed paper at a second black density darker than the first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type, the job type of the print job is a specific job type, and a setting for improving black density is enabled; a third control means for controlling printing on the fed paper at the first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type and the job type of the print job is not a specific job type; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth control means for controlling printing on the fed paper at the second black density when the paper type of the fed paper is a specific paper type.

3. the first control means and the third control means perform black density adjustment on the image data at the first black density; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second control means performs black density adjustment on the image data with the second black density.

4. the first control means and the third control means perform black density adjustment on the image data by using the first black density lookup table; 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second control means adjusts the black density of the image data by using the second black density lookup table.

5. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific paper type is one-sided coated paper or two-sided coated paper.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific job type is a PDL job.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the job type that is not the specific job type includes a copy job.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting for improving the black density is set based on information included in the print job.

9. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting for improving the black density is set by operating an operation unit.

10. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific paper type is set by operating an operation unit.

11. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific job type is set by operating an operation unit.

12. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job is written in a page description language or a job control language.

13. The first to third control means include: When the job type of the print job is a PDL job, control is performed so that printing is performed based on print data included in the print job; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the job type of the print job is a copy job, the image forming apparatus controls so as to print based on image data read by a reading section.

14. a first control step of controlling printing on the fed paper at a first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type, the job type of the print job is a specific job type, and the setting of black density improvement is invalid; a second control step of controlling printing on the fed paper at a second black density darker than the first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type, the job type of the print job is a specific job type, and a setting for improving black density is enabled; a third control step of controlling printing on the fed paper at the first black density when the paper type of the fed paper is not a specific paper type and the job type of the print job is not a specific job type; 11. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising:

15. A program for causing a computer to function as the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images