Printing instruction sheet confirmation system, and printing instruction sheet confirmation method

Abstract

To determine a parameter value of image adjustment before printing in a form obtained by considering an environment by preventing a job selection mistake and an execution omission of the image adjustment before printing.SOLUTION: An image formation system 1 includes, in an automatic confirmation system for performing printing while forwarding an instruction sheet formed by a document or electronic data to the next process; an instruction sheet recording part 105 for recording information for specifying image data to be printed and the necessity / unnecessity of image adjustment before executing a printing job on the instruction sheet; an instruction sheet reading part 106 for reading the instruction sheet; a specification part 107 for specifying the image data and the necessity / unnecessity of image adjustment from a link destination of the read instruction sheet; an image adjustment part 110 for automatically or manually performing image adjustment when the image adjustment is specified to be necessary; and a printing part 130 for printing the image data after finishing the image adjustment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing instruction confirmation system and a printing instruction confirmation method.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of industrial printing, after receiving a printing order (also called a job) from a customer, a printing company creates an instruction sheet describing the specifications of the job. Then, the instruction sheet is delivered to the printing site. At the printing site, the person in charge checks and performs the work assigned based on the content described in the instruction sheet for each process. When the work is completed, the person in charge puts a check indicating the completion of the work in the instruction sheet and delivers the instruction sheet to the next process.

[0003] Here, for example, a printing operator may make mistakes when performing printing. There are various jobs in the printing machine, and when a job is input by DTP (DeskTop Publishing), the printing operator searches for the job described in the instruction sheet from the operation panel of the printing machine and executes the printing. In this case, the printing operator may, for example, select a job number similar to the order and start printing for image data different from the order. Also, even if the image data is correct, the printing operator may overlook the printing specifications, etc., and the printed matter may become defective.

[0004] Also, normally, since the DTP person in charge changes the size and arrangement for printing the image data provided by the customer, the printing operator can start printing with only simple image data change operations.

[0005] However, for printed matter with strict requirements for images, such as printed matter related to pharmaceuticals, the printing operator may perform automatic color correction or manually perform individual settings such as color correction and fixing temperature setting immediately before printing. In this case, if the printing operator forgets the automatic color correction or individual printing settings, the printed matter will not meet the customer's specifications.

[0006] In such a case, not only does it result in the trouble and waste of materials for reprinting, but also if a printed material that does not meet the customer's specifications is processed in the next step, that work will be wasted as well.

[0007] Here, regarding the technology for solving such problems, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention of a printing system. In the abstract of Patent Document 1, it is described that "the printing system 10 includes a printing machine 11, a control device 12 for controlling the printing machine, and an administrator terminal 13 that is connected to the control device in a data communicable manner. The administrator terminal 13 is provided with a print instruction sheet creation unit 13a that is set to create a print instruction sheet in which at least image identification information for identifying original image data corresponding to an image printed by the printing machine 11 and print setting information for controlling the printing machine 11 are recorded. The control device 12 includes a reading unit 12a and a control execution unit 12b. The reading unit 12a executes a process of reading the image identification information and the print setting information from the print instruction sheet. The control execution unit 12b performs RIP processing on the original image data in accordance with the image identification information and the print setting information read by the reading unit 12a, and controls the printing machine 11." (See the abstract of Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] In the printing system described in Patent Document 1, a barcode is printed on the instruction sheet, and a barcode reading device attached to the printing machine reads the image identification information and the print setting information from the barcode and starts printing. By using this printing system, a printing operator can surely start printing with the correct image data. Therefore, the printing system of Patent Document 1 can prevent the printing operator from making mistakes in print settings.

[0010] However, when it is necessary to obtain higher-quality images, in order to ensure such quality, the environment where the printing machine is placed (such as temperature and humidity) is incorporated as reference information for parameter determination, and on this basis, the values of each printing parameter must be determined.

[0011] That is, the parameter values are not determined only by the job, but are originally determined in consideration of the environment. In printing settings, it is necessary to set the image parameters in accordance with the environment immediately before printing.

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing instruction confirmation system and a printing instruction confirmation method that can prevent job selection mistakes and omission in performing pre-print image adjustment, and can determine parameter values for pre-print image adjustment in consideration of the environment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] That is, the above problems of the present invention are solved by the following configuration. (1) In a printing instruction confirmation system that confirms while sequentially forwarding an instruction for producing a printed matter formed of a document or electronic data to the next process, an instruction recording unit that records image data to be printed and information for specifying whether image adjustment is required before execution of a printing job in the instruction; a reading unit that reads the instruction; a specifying unit that specifies whether image adjustment is required from the read instruction or its link destination; an image adjustment unit that performs image adjustment when the necessity information indicates necessity; a printing unit that prints the image data based on the image adjustment performed by the image adjustment unit; A printing instruction confirmation system comprising: (2) The reading unit reads only the information to be specified when the instruction is on a paper medium. The printing instruction confirmation system according to (1). (3) The reading unit when the instruction document is in paper medium, after scanning the entire instruction document, detects the code information printed on the instruction document and decodes the information to be specified; the printing instruction document confirmation system according to (1). (4) The image adjustment unit performs image adjustment based on the environment at the time of printing when executing the printing job. the printing instruction document confirmation system according to (1). (5) The image adjustment unit measures the temperature and / or humidity by a sensor mounted on the printing machine, and performs image adjustment based on the numerical values of the temperature and / or the humidity. the printing instruction document confirmation system according to (4). (6) The image adjustment unit performs image adjustment by an automatic inspection device. the printing instruction document confirmation system according to (4). (7) The image adjustment unit causes the printing unit to perform test printing and output it, and displays an image adjustment screen on the display screen of the printing machine, and performs image adjustment based on an input instruction for image adjustment from the user. the printing instruction document confirmation system according to (1). (8) The image adjustment unit interrupts the printing of the printing job, and then, when resuming the printing job, if the cause of the interrupted printing job may affect the image quality, performs image adjustment again at the time of resumption. the printing instruction document confirmation system according to (1). (9) The image adjustment unit when performing the image adjustment, if the number of prints or the time elapsed since the previous regular automatic adjustment is less than a predetermined number, and the change in the temperature and / or the humidity is within a predetermined range, does not perform image adjustment. the printing instruction document confirmation system according to (5). (10) In a printing instruction document confirmation method for sequentially feeding and confirming an instruction document formed of a document or electronic data to the next process, The step of the instruction recording unit recording, in the instruction sheet, image data to be printed and information specifying whether image adjustment is required before execution of a print job; The step of the reading unit reading the instruction sheet; The step of the specifying unit specifying, from the link destination of the instruction sheet read by the reading unit, information on whether image adjustment is required; When the necessity information indicates necessity, the step of the image adjustment unit performing image adjustment; The step of printing the image data based on the image adjustment performed by the image adjustment unit; A print instruction sheet confirmation method comprising:

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent job selection mistakes and omission of execution of pre-print image adjustment, and to determine parameter values for pre-print image adjustment in consideration of the environment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail. Note that the embodiments described below are examples for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, in each figure, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0017] <Description of Comparative Example> FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic flow of a comparative example which is a conventional technique. As shown in FIG. 7, in the comparative example, in the order receiving / instruction sheet creation step 20, first, a person in charge at a printing company receives an order and creates an instruction sheet 30a describing the paper quality, the number of printed copies, etc. Then, when the person in charge creates the instruction sheet, the person in charge hands over the instruction sheet 30a marked with a proofreading mark to the DTP check step 21.

[0018] In the DTP check step 21, the operator checks the content received from the customer, marks the instruction sheet 30a with a proofreading mark to obtain an instruction sheet 30b, and hands over the image data and the instruction sheet 30b to the print operator.

[0019] In the print check step 22, the print operator checks the instruction content of the instruction sheet 30b and searches for (confirms) the image data to be printed. When the image data is acquired, printing is executed. When printing is completed, the print operator marks the instruction sheet 30b with a proofreading mark to create an instruction sheet 30c, and hands over the instruction sheet and the printed matter to the person in charge of processing.

[0020] In the processing check step 23, the person in charge of processing checks the instruction content in the instruction manual 30c and performs processing on the obtained printed matter. When the processing is completed, the person in charge of processing marks the instruction manual 30c with a check mark to obtain the instruction manual 30d, and delivers the processed printed matter to the customer.

[0021] In the inspection and packing check step 24, the customer checks the instruction manual 30d, inspects the delivered printed matter, and checks the packing contents.

[0022] In the comparative example, when the printing operator executes printing, the printing operator reads the barcode attached to the instruction manual using a barcode reading device attached to the printing machine. The barcode contains image identification information (image data to be printed) and printing setting information. Thus, the printing system of the comparative example can read the image identification information and the printing setting information, and can start printing.

[0023] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a pattern showing printing setting information. The printing setting information is information required for printing by software that controls the printing machine when printing on the printing machine. The printing setting information includes, for each pattern, for example, printing mode, layout, resolution, designation information of the printing medium (size, material, etc.), designation information of the image forming material (ink, toner, etc. to be used), number of printed copies, feed amount (left and right margins), and the like. In the comparative example, the printing machine stores the printing setting information of FIG. 8 for each pattern.

[0024] Also, the image data to be printed is described in the instruction manual as image identification information. For example, the image data is directly set by the image identification information, or the storage destination of the image data is specified.

[0025] When the printing machine of the comparative example prints a printed matter, the printing operator reads out the items to be set and the parameter values from the print setting information on the setting screen of the printing machine. Then, by selecting a pattern or a printing mode, the printing operator can set parameters for each specification of the print job in the printing machine. As a result, the printing operator does not need to set the parameter values again.

[0026] However, in a print job that requires high-quality images, in order to maintain that high quality, the environment in which the printing machine is placed (for example, temperature, humidity, etc.) is also required as reference information for determining parameters. Therefore, the printing operator needs to determine each parameter value for the printing machine. In particular, since the parameter values include transfer voltage, fixing temperature, etc., the temperature and humidity inside the printing machine have an impact.

[0027] That is, the parameter values should not be determined numerically by the print job, but should be determined in consideration of the environment in which the printing machine prints. Therefore, in print settings, it is necessary to set parameter values that conform to the environment of the printing machine immediately before printing. Here, setting the parameter values immediately before printing is also called pre-print image adjustment.

[0028] The printing machine of the comparative example holds several patterns of combinations of parameters that affect image quality as print setting information. The printing operator sets the parameter values for pre-print image adjustment by selecting the printing mode determined for each print job from among those several patterns or by the description of the barcode.

[0029] However, in order to obtain higher-quality images, originally, the values of the print setting information should not be for each pattern, but it is necessary to set each parameter value in consideration of the printing environment.

[0030] Therefore, in the image forming system of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent job selection mistakes and omissions in performing pre-print image adjustment, and to determine the parameter values for pre-print image adjustment in consideration of the environment.

[0031] <This embodiment> FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an overview of the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image forming system 1. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an overview of the image reading unit 140.

[0032] Note that the image forming system 1 can be applied to a printing instruction confirmation system that confirms while sequentially forwarding an instruction for producing a document or a printed matter formed of electronic data to the next process. Further, since the image forming system 1 can include the image inspection device 14, it can also be applied as an image inspection system.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes a panel operation means 11, a paper feeding unit 12, an image forming device 13, and an image inspection device 14. The paper feeding unit 12, the image forming device 13, and the image inspection device 14 are connected in order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the paper conveyance.

[0034] The panel operation means 11 is an operation panel including a touch panel, numeric keys, a start button, and a stop button, and is used for displaying various information and inputting various instructions.

[0035] The paper feeding unit 12 includes a plurality of large-capacity paper feeding stages 121 to 123. The large-capacity paper feeding stages 121 to 123 accommodate the paper 9 used for image formation. The paper feeding unit 12 feeds the paper 9 accommodated in these large-capacity paper feeding stages 121 to 123 to the image forming device 13 one by one.

[0036] The image forming device 13 includes main body paper feeding stages 131, 132, a conveyance roller 133, a transfer roller 134, a fixing roller 135, and reversing paths 136, 137. The image forming device 13 includes an image processing unit 104 and a printing unit 130 shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] The main body paper feeding stages 131 and 132 accommodate the paper 9 used for image formation. The conveyance roller 133 conveys the paper 9 conveyed from the main body paper feeding stages 131 and 132 and the paper feeding unit 12 one by one to the downstream side. The image forming apparatus 13 may be configured by any image forming means such as an inkjet printer or a laser printer (corresponding to the image processing unit 104), and its details are not limited.

[0038] The transfer roller 134 is installed on the downstream side of the conveyance roller 133 and transfers each toner image of CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key plate) to the paper 9. The fixing roller 135 fixes the toner image transferred to the paper 9 to the paper 9 by heating and pressing the paper 9.

[0039] The reverse paths 136 and 137 are paths for reversing the paper 9 discharged from the fixing roller 135 and feeding it back to the conveyance roller 133 again. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 13 realizes the printing unit 130 shown in FIG. 2 and prints on both sides of the paper 9.

[0040] The image inspection apparatus 14 includes line sensors 141 and 142 and a roller 143. These line sensors 141 and 142 constitute the image reading unit 140 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Since the image reading unit 140 constitutes the image inspection apparatus 14, an automatic inspection apparatus described later can be formed. In this case, the image forming system 1 can form an automatic inspection system.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 is configured to include a paper discharge tray 151 provided on the side surface of the image inspection apparatus 14. The paper discharge tray 151 discharges the paper 9 that has been inspected for the printed image.

[0042] The image forming system 1 also includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a non-volatile memory 103, an image processing unit 104, and an image reading unit 140 (see Figure 2).

[0043] The image forming system 1 further includes an instruction recording unit 105, an instruction reading unit 106, a specifying unit 107, and a testing unit 108. Additionally, the image forming system 1 includes an image adjusting unit 110, a network connection means 112, an image storage means 113, a sensor 115, a printing unit 130, and a panel operation means 11.

[0044] The CPU 100 performs various arithmetic operations by executing programs. The ROM 101 is a non-volatile memory that stores various programs and data for controlling the image forming system 1. The RAM 102 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores programs and data as the working area of the CPU 100. Also, the image forming system 1 includes a non-volatile memory 103.

[0045] The non-volatile memory 103 is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk and stores various programs and data. The CPU 100 is a computer that executes each process by executing a program stored in the ROM 101 or the non-volatile memory 103.

[0046] By the CPU 100 executing the program stored in the ROM 101, the image processing unit 104, the instruction recording unit 105, the instruction reading unit 106, the specifying unit 107, the testing unit 108, and the image adjusting unit 110 are embodied. In this embodiment, it is not limited to this, and the image processing unit 104, the instruction recording unit 105, the instruction reading unit 106, the specifying unit 107, the testing unit 108, and the image adjusting unit 110 may also be realized by hardware.

[0047] The image processing unit 104 processes the image data read by the image reading unit 140 from the image on the sheet 9. Further, the image processing unit 104 forms an image based on the image data on the sheet 9 using a well-known image forming process such as an electrophotographic process including the steps of charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing. The sheet 9 on which the image is formed by the printing unit 130 is conveyed to the image inspection device 14 installed on the downstream side.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the image reading unit 140 includes a lamp 144 and line sensors 141 and 142. The image reading unit 140 reads an output (printed matter) on which an image is formed. The image reading unit 140 reads the image formed on the sheet 9 based on the inspection setting conditions to obtain read image data. Here, the inspection setting conditions are the inspection accuracy and the inspection range in the printed matter. When the inspection range of the printed matter reaches the imaging range of the line sensors 141 and 142, the image reading unit 140 turns on the lamp 144 with an amount of light corresponding to the inspection accuracy. Further, when the inspection range of the printed matter deviates from the imaging range of the line sensors 141 and 142, the image reading unit 140 turns off the lamp 144.

[0049] The line sensors 141 and 142 constituting the image reading unit 140 are imaging devices such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensors, for example. The line sensor 141 images the front surface of the sheet 9. The line sensor 142 images the back surface of the sheet 9.

[0050] The image reading unit 140 irradiates light from a lamp 144 (e.g., a fluorescent lamp, etc.), which is a light source, onto the sheet 9, photoelectrically converts the reflected light with line sensors 141 and 142, and generates read image data from the electrical signals. Note that the image reading unit 140 is not limited to the combination of a sensor and a light source. Also, the object to be read by the image reading unit 140 of the present embodiment is not limited to printed matter. The information read by the image reading unit 140 of the present embodiment from the printed matter is not limited to image data and may be a test chart. Also, since the image inspection device 14 can inspect printed matter, it can form an automatic inspection device. In this case, the image forming system 1 can be applied to an automatic inspection system.

[0051] When the image inspection device 14 constitutes an automatic inspection device, the image inspection device 14 performs a test print, and the actual printed matter is visually confirmed by the printing operator. When the image forming system 1 constitutes an automatic inspection system, the image inspection device 14 reads the image of the printed matter after the printing section in the production process, measures and adjusts the color density of the printed matter, etc. The automatic inspection system discharges the printed matter that has caused a density defect during actual printing as a defective product.

[0052] The instruction recording unit 105 records the printed image data and information for specifying whether image adjustment is required before executing the print job in the instruction sheet. Specifically, the instruction recording unit 105 encodes the image data and the information for specifying whether image adjustment is required into a two-dimensional code, and prints this two-dimensional code on the paper instruction sheet. Note that image adjustment refers to pre-printing image adjustment. Also, the instruction sheet may record information that links to the printed image data and the information for specifying whether image adjustment is required before executing the print job. Also, when the instruction sheet is a paper medium, the link destination information is recorded, for example, by attaching a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). Note that the instruction recording unit 105 is not limited to a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), and may record information encoded in a one-dimensional barcode on the instruction sheet. Note that the instruction sheet is not limited to a paper medium and may be an electronic information material.

[0053] The instruction reading unit 106 reads the instruction. When the instruction is in paper medium, the instruction reading unit 106 may read only the specific information recorded on the instruction. In this case, the instruction reading unit 106 will, for example, read only the two-dimensional code. Here, for example, when the instruction recording unit 105 prints the information specified using a QR code (registered trademark) in a small size, it is assumed that it will take time for the instruction reading unit 106 to read the QR code (registered trademark). Therefore, the instruction reading unit 106 can reduce the reading time and reading data by reading only the QR code (registered trademark) instead of reading the entire instruction.

[0054] Also, when the instruction is in paper medium, the instruction reading unit 106 may scan the entire instruction, then detect the two-dimensional code described on the instruction, and read the specific information. The instruction reading unit 106 reads, for example, the entire instruction and recognizes the two-dimensional code part from the read image. By recognizing the two-dimensional code, the instruction reading unit 106 can read the image data to be printed from, for example, a server or the like. Therefore, no matter where on the instruction the QR code (registered trademark) is attached, the instruction reading unit 106 can print the image data recorded in the QR code (registered trademark) by scanning the entire instruction. In particular, when an instruction is created by handwriting using an order form, there may be handwritten notes in the margin where the QR code (registered trademark) is attached. The attachment of the QR code (registered trademark) can be done not only by printing the instruction but also by pasting it with a sticker, and information can be attached to identify the image data to be printed and whether image adjustment is required before executing the printing job. Therefore, the instruction reading unit 106 reads the entire instruction. As a result, without being limited by the position, location, and size where the QR code (registered trademark) is attached, the instruction reading unit 106 can read the information identifying the image data to be printed and the information on whether image adjustment is required before executing the printing job in the QR code (registered trademark).

[0055] The specifying unit 107 specifies the image data and the information on whether image adjustment is required from the instruction or its link destination.

[0056] The test unit 108 performs test printing of the image data on the paper 9. Also, when the printing machine has an existing test chart, the test unit 108 can perform test printing by printing the test chart. Even when the printing machine does not have an existing test chart, the test unit 108 can perform test printing by printing the image data of the print job on the paper 9.

[0057] The sensor 115 is composed of a temperature sensor that acquires the temperature of the printing unit 130 of the image forming apparatus 13 and / or a humidity sensor that acquires the humidity. The temperature and / or humidity acquired by the sensor 115 are used as parameters during image adjustment by the image adjustment unit 110.

[0058] When image adjustment is specified as necessary in the specifying unit 107, the image adjustment unit 110 performs image adjustment automatically or manually. The image adjustment unit 110 may perform image adjustment automatically based on the environment during printing when executing a print job. In this case, the image adjustment unit 110 measures the temperature and / or humidity by the sensor 115 mounted on the printing unit 130 (printing machine) and applies the numerical values of the temperature and / or humidity to image adjustment. Also, the image adjustment unit 110 may perform image adjustment automatically by the image inspection device 14.

[0059] When the image adjustment unit 110 performs image adjustment automatically, a general image forming apparatus 13 is usually performed once from when the power is turned on until printing is executed. As a method for the image adjustment unit 110 to perform image adjustment automatically, for example, each color toner is transferred onto the transfer belt at a predetermined transfer voltage, and the density of each color toner is measured on the transfer belt. In the present embodiment, transferring each color toner onto the transfer belt is also referred to as patching.

[0060] The image adjustment unit 110 can automatically perform image adjustment by repeating patching while changing the transfer voltage and adjusting the density of each color toner to a predetermined density. When the image adjustment unit 110 performs automatic adjustment, it does not actually print on the paper 9, so unnecessary printing can be suppressed. Note that when performing automatic adjustment, there may be differences in color density due to printing, so manual image adjustment may be performed after automatic adjustment.

[0061] Also, the image adjustment unit 110 performs test printing by the test unit 108 and outputs the test printing from the printing unit 130. The image adjustment unit 110 may execute image adjustment by displaying an image adjustment screen on the display screen of the panel operation means 11 and receiving an input instruction for image adjustment from the user. The image adjustment unit 110 can perform image adjustment manually by performing test printing. When the image adjustment unit 110 performs test printing, for example, it prints a test chart such as a halftone image or the image data of a print job to be actually printed on the paper 9. Then, the print operator adjusts each parameter value such as the transfer voltage, fixing temperature, and toner supply amount on the panel operation means 11 based on the image printed on the paper 9.

[0062] Note that when the image adjustment unit 110 performs automatic image adjustment, it can automatically adjust the shade of color, but it may be difficult to automatically adjust the gloss. Therefore, when it is necessary to adjust the gloss of the printed matter, the print operator can adjust it while visually checking to obtain an image print with a predetermined gloss. In this case, the print operator can adjust the gloss by changing the setting of the fixing temperature of each color toner. In particular, when there is a printed matter serving as a gloss sample, by checking whether the print operator can visually achieve printing as per the sample, image adjustment can be performed in accordance with the content ordered from the customer.

[0063] Also, when the image adjustment unit 110 interrupts the printing of a print job and then resumes the print job, if the cause of the interrupted print job is a factor that can affect image quality, image adjustment may be performed again at the time of resumption. The image forming apparatus 13 during printing may temporarily interrupt printing for various reasons. For example, in the case of paper jams, the print operator can eliminate the jam by removing the paper 9 caught in the paper conveyance path of the image forming apparatus 13, and the trouble will be resolved. In this case, the image is not affected.

[0064] On the other hand, in the case of paper out or toner out of the paper 9, when new paper 9 is replenished or new toner is filled, even if it is the same brand of paper or toner, there may be some differences due to lot-to-lot variations, and this may affect the image. Specifically, depending on the paper 9 or toner, the manufacturing month of June and that of November may have an impact. Therefore, when replacing consumables such as the paper 9 and toner, it is desirable to perform the pre-print image adjustment again. When printing is interrupted, the image forming apparatus 13 often displays an error code on the panel operation means 11 or clearly indicates the cause of the interruption. Therefore, the image adjustment unit 110 pre-sets whether to perform image adjustment again for each error code. As a result, when the image adjustment unit 110 receives a signal to resume printing, the image forming apparatus 13 can determine whether to perform printing immediately or perform pre-print image adjustment, based on the image adjustment unit 110.

[0065] In addition, even when the image adjustment unit 110 performs automatic image adjustment, if the number of prints or the elapsed time since the previous regular automatic adjustment is less than a predetermined number, and the changes in temperature and / or humidity are within a predetermined range, it may not be necessary to perform the automatic image adjustment. Printing by the image forming apparatus 13 is greatly affected by the temperature / humidity of the printing environment. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 13 constantly monitors the temperature / humidity with the sensor 115 and periodically performs image adjustment by the image adjustment unit 110 at regular time intervals or for every predetermined number of prints. Thus, for example, after the regular image adjustment is automatically executed, when a print job that requires automatic image adjustment is executed, the same image adjustment will be automatically executed twice in a row, which is a waste of the time required for the image adjustment.

[0066] After the image adjustment is completed, the printing unit 130 prints the image data.

[0067] The network connection means 112 is a network interface for communicating with other devices. The network connection means 112 connects to, for example, an external server.

[0068] The image storage means 113 stores the image data on the sheet 9 read by the image reading unit 140. The image storage means 113 is composed of, for example, a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk. Also, the image storage means 113 functions as a server that stores the image data to be printed.

[0069] The panel operation means 11 reads the image formed on the sheet 9 with the image reading unit 140 and displays the image data.

[0070] Next, the instruction manual created by the person in charge of the printing company will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the instruction sheet 40 of the paper medium of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, on the instruction sheet 40, for example, a check column for the order receiving / instruction sheet creation step 20, a check column for the DTP check step 21, and a column for the printing check step 22 are provided. Further, on the instruction sheet 40, a check column for the processing check step 23, a check column for the inspection / packing check step 24, and a QR code (registered trademark) 41 are provided.

[0071] The QR code (registered trademark) 41 records information for specifying the image data to be printed and the necessity information for pre-printing image adjustment.

[0072] Each person in charge at the printing company reads the instruction sheet 40 with the instruction sheet reading unit 106. Thereby, each person in charge can confirm the instruction content in the process they are in charge of, mark a check in the check column, and forward the instruction sheet 40 for the production of the printed matter to the next process in sequence, so as to produce a printed matter that meets the customer's requirements. Note that in the instruction sheet 40, a check indicating a check mark is entered in the check column for the order receiving / instruction sheet creation step 20.

[0073] <First Embodiment> FIGS. 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing a process for determining whether to perform pre-printing image adjustment before the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment executes a printing job.

[0074] First, the image forming system 1 reads the print job information (step S01). The instruction sheet reading unit 106 of the image forming system 1 reads the print job information from, for example, the QR code (registered trademark) 41 of the instruction sheet. The instruction sheet is composed of a paper medium or an electronic information material. The print job information refers to information about the print job and the necessity of print settings.

[0075] That is, the QR code (registered trademark) 41 contains information for specifying a print job and information on whether pre-print image adjustment is required immediately before printing the print job. In this case, the print operator can cause the image forming system 1 to read the print job information by reading the QR code (registered trademark) 41 of the instruction sheet with the instruction sheet reading unit 106 of the image forming system 1.

[0076] The specifying unit 107 specifies the necessity information for pre-print image adjustment from the read print job information (step S03). When pre-print image adjustment is not necessary (No in step S03), the printing unit 130 of the image forming system 1 acquires the image data to be printed from the server and executes the print job (step S05). When the printing unit 130 starts the print job of the image data to be printed, the image forming system 1 ends the process of FIG. 5A.

[0077] On the other hand, when pre-print image adjustment is necessary (Yes in step S03), the specifying unit 107 determines whether automatic adjustment is possible (step S07). In this case, the specifying unit 107 may determine whether it is automatic adjustment or manual adjustment. Generally, manual adjustment can obtain a higher quality image than automatic adjustment.

[0078] In step S07, when automatic adjustment is possible (Yes in step S07), the image adjustment unit 110 determines whether the specified number of sheets has been exceeded since the previous automatic adjustment (step S09).

[0079] When the specified number of sheets has not been exceeded since the previous automatic adjustment (No in step S09), the printing unit 130 acquires the image data to be printed from the server and executes the print job (step S05). When the execution of the print job is started, the image forming system 1 ends the process of FIG. 5A.

[0080] On the other hand, if the number of sheets exceeds the specified number since the previous automatic adjustment (Yes in step S09), the image adjustment unit 110 performs automatic adjustment (step S13). The image adjustment unit 110, for example, performs patching on the transfer belt and measures the toner density. In step S13, after the image adjustment unit 110 automatically performs image adjustment, it proceeds to step S05. Then, the printing unit 130 acquires the image data to be printed from the server and executes a printing job (step S05). When the execution of the printing job is started, the image forming system 1 ends the process of FIG. 5A.

[0081] In step S07, if automatic adjustment cannot be performed (No in step S07), the image adjustment unit 110 proceeds to step S11 and determines whether there is an existing test chart (step S09).

[0082] In step S11, if there is an existing test chart (Yes in step S11), the image adjustment unit 110 performs image adjustment using the existing test chart (step S15). After the image adjustment unit 110 performs image adjustment, it proceeds to step S19.

[0083] On the other hand, in step S11, if there is no existing test chart (No in step S11), the image adjustment unit 110 performs image adjustment using the image data to be printed (step S17). After the image adjustment unit 110 performs image adjustment using the image data to be printed, it proceeds to step S21. Note that the image adjustment unit 110 can obtain a higher-quality image than with the existing test chart by performing image adjustment using the image data to be printed.

[0084] In step S19, the test unit 108 performs test printing using the existing test chart, and the printing operator determines whether readjustment is necessary for the image adjustment (step S23). If readjustment is necessary (Yes in step S23), the image adjustment unit 110 returns to step S15 and performs image adjustment. In this case, the printing operator, for example, resets each parameter value and performs test printing using the existing test chart again.

[0085] On the other hand, when no readjustment is necessary (No in step S23), the process proceeds to step S05. When the printing unit 130 executes the print job for the image data to be printed, the image forming system 1 ends the process of FIG. 5A.

[0086] In step S21, the test unit 108 performs test printing using the image data to be printed, and the print operator determines whether readjustment is necessary for image adjustment (step S25). When readjustment is necessary (Yes in step S25), the image adjustment unit 110 returns to step S17 and performs image adjustment. In this case, the print operator, for example, resets each parameter value and performs test printing again using the image data to be printed.

[0087] On the other hand, when no readjustment is necessary (No in step S25), the process proceeds to step S05. When the printing unit 130 executes the print job for the image data to be printed, the image forming system 1 ends the process of FIG. 5A.

[0088] As described above, the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment reads, by the instruction reading unit 106, information for specifying the image data to be printed and information on whether image adjustment is necessary before executing the print job. Further, the image forming system 1 specifies, by the specifying unit 107, the image data and the information on whether image adjustment is necessary from the link destination of the read instruction.

[0089] According to the first embodiment, when it is specified that image adjustment is necessary by the image adjustment unit 110, the image forming system 1 can perform image adjustment automatically or manually.

[0090] Thereby, the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment can prevent job selection mistakes and omission of performing image adjustment before printing, and can determine the parameter values for image adjustment before printing in a form that takes the environment into consideration.

[0091] <Second Embodiment> The image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment executes a print job according to the first embodiment, and the processing when an interruption cause occurs during the execution of the print job will be described.

[0092] FIGS. 6A and 6B are flowcharts showing the processing when the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment interrupts a print job during execution and resumes the print job.

[0093] The image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment temporarily receives an instruction to interrupt the print job during the execution of the print job by the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment (step S101). The printing unit 130 of the image forming system 1 interrupts the print job, for example, due to paper jam or out of paper of the paper 9.

[0094] Next, the image adjustment unit 110 of the image forming system 1 receives an instruction to resume the print job (step S103). The image adjustment unit 110 receives an instruction to resume the print job, for example, when the paper jam of the paper 9 is resolved or when a new paper 9 is replenished.

[0095] The image adjustment unit 110 determines whether the interruption cause of the print job corresponds to a factor that affects the image quality (step S105). If it does not affect the image quality (No in step S105), the image adjustment unit 110 proceeds to step S107 and resumes the print job.

[0096] On the other hand, if the cause of the interrupted print job is a matter that may affect the image quality (Yes in step S105), the image adjustment unit 110 proceeds to step S03, determines the necessity of pre-print image adjustment, and repeats the processing after step S03. That is, in step S03, the image adjustment unit 110 determines the necessity information of pre-print image adjustment, and in step S107, until the interrupted print job resumes, it performs the same processing as the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0097] As described above, when the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment interrupts the printing of a print job and then resumes the print job, if the cause of the interrupted print job is a factor that can affect the image quality, image adjustment is performed again at the time of resumption.

[0098] According to the second embodiment, even when the printing is interrupted during the execution of a print job, the image forming system 1 can perform image adjustment again at the time of resumption according to the interruption cause by the image adjustment unit 110.

[0099] Thereby, even when an interruption cause occurs during the execution of a print job, the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment can continuously execute the printing of high-quality images.

[0100] (Modification example) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented with modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, there are the following (a) to (e).

[0101] (a) When the instruction reading unit 106 reads an instruction on a paper medium, it may read only information for specifying image data and necessity information for image adjustment recorded on the instruction. Further, when the instruction reading unit 106 reads an instruction on a paper medium, after scanning the entire instruction, it may detect code information printed on the instruction and decode information for specifying image data and necessity information for image adjustment.

[0102] (b) The image adjustment unit 110 may perform image adjustment based on the environment at the time of printing for executing a print job. The image adjustment unit 110 may measure temperature and / or humidity by a sensor 115 mounted on the image forming apparatus 13 (printing unit 130) and perform image adjustment based on the numerical values of the temperature and / or the humidity. Further, the image adjustment unit 110 may automatically perform image adjustment by an automatic inspection device (image inspection device 14, image reading unit 140).

[0103] (c) The image adjustment unit 110 may cause the printing unit 130 to perform test printing and output, display an image adjustment screen on the display screen of the image forming apparatus 13, and perform image adjustment based on an input instruction for image adjustment from the user.

[0104] (d) When the image adjustment unit 110 interrupts the printing of a print job and then resumes the print job, if the cause of the interrupted print job is a factor that can affect the image quality, image adjustment may be performed again at the time of resumption.

[0105] (e) When the image adjustment unit 110 automatically performs image adjustment, if the number of prints or the time elapsed since the previous regular automatic adjustment is less than a predetermined amount and the change in temperature and / or humidity is within a predetermined range, image adjustment may not be performed.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0106] 1 Image forming system (printing instruction confirmation system) 11 Panel operation means 12 Paper feeding unit 13 Image forming apparatus (printer) 14 Image inspection apparatus (automatic inspection apparatus) 105 Instruction recording unit 106 Instruction reading unit (reading unit) 107 Specifying unit 108 Test unit 121, 122, 123 High-capacity paper feeding stages 130 Printing unit (printer) 131, 132 Main body paper feeding stages 133 Conveying roller 134 Transfer roller 135 Fixing roller 136, 137 Reversal path 141, 142 Line sensor 143 Roller 151 Paper discharge tray 9 Paper

Claims

1. In a printing instruction confirmation system for confirming while sequentially forwarding an instruction for producing a document or a printed matter formed of electronic data to the next process, an instruction recording unit that records image data to be printed and information for specifying whether image adjustment is necessary before executing a printing job in the instruction; a reading unit that reads the instruction; a specifying unit that specifies whether image adjustment is necessary from the read instruction or its link destination; an image adjustment unit that performs image adjustment when the necessity information indicates necessity; a printing unit that prints the image data based on the image adjustment performed by the image adjustment unit; A printing instruction confirmation system comprising:

2. The reading unit, when the instruction is on a paper medium, reads only the information to be specified, The printing instruction confirmation system according to claim 1.

3. The reading unit, when the instruction is on a paper medium, scans the entire instruction, then detects code information printed on the instruction, and decodes the information to be specified, The printing instruction confirmation system according to claim 1.

4. The image adjustment unit, performs image adjustment based on the environment at the time of printing when executing the printing job, The printing instruction confirmation system according to claim 1.

5. The image adjustment unit, measures temperature and / or humidity by a sensor mounted on a printing machine, and performs image adjustment based on the numerical values of the temperature and / or the humidity, The printing instruction confirmation system according to claim 4.

6. The image adjustment unit, performs image adjustment by an automatic inspection device, The printing instruction confirmation system according to claim 4.

7. The image adjustment unit, causes the printing unit to perform test printing and output, displays an image adjustment screen on the display screen of the printing machine, and performs image adjustment based on an input instruction for image adjustment from the user, The printing instruction confirmation system according to claim 1.

8. The image adjustment unit, interrupts the printing of the printing job, and then, when resuming the printing job, if the cause of the interrupted printing job may affect the image quality, performs image adjustment again at the time of resumption, The printing instruction confirmation system according to claim 1.

9. The image adjustment unit, when performing the image adjustment, does not perform the image adjustment if the number of prints or the time elapsed since the previous regular automatic adjustment is less than a predetermined number, and the change in the temperature and / or the humidity is within a predetermined range, The printing instruction confirmation system according to claim 5.

10. In a method for confirming a print instruction document that confirms while sequentially forwarding a document or an instruction document formed of electronic data to the next process, a step of a document recording unit recording, in the instruction document, image data to be printed and information for specifying necessity information of image adjustment before execution of a print job; a step of a reading unit reading the instruction document; a step of a specifying unit specifying necessity information of image adjustment from a link destination of the instruction document read by the reading unit; when the necessity information is necessary, a step of an image adjustment unit performing image adjustment; a step of printing the image data based on the image adjustment performed by the image adjustment unit; A method for confirming a print instruction document comprising the above.

Images