Image forming system and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming system and a program which can resolve a problem that is caused by variation of a plurality of papers.SOLUTION: An image forming system comprises a characteristic value measuring part that reads out a characteristic value of a paper that is used in a printing job of performing printing on a plurality of papers, and a control part that changes a size and / or a layout of a printed image in the printing job, in accordance with the characteristic value read out by the characteristic value measuring part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional image forming system, the in-machine environment has a certain influence on the paper during the formation of a printed image, which causes a problem of misalignment of the printed image.

[0003] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the formation conditions of a printed image are changed according to fluctuations in the paper size due to the influence of the in-machine environment.

[0004] Further, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, a RIP image is registered in advance as a correct image. Then, the RIP image and the printed image to be inspected are compared. In this technology, the offset information of the correct image and the printed image to be inspected is referred to, and different image positions are corrected by adjusting the offset amount to form a correct printed image.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, characteristic values such as paper weight vary even for the same type of paper, and variations within a certain range are acceptable. However, in a job of forming images on a plurality of sheets of paper to complete a single product (for example, a walnut binding), even if the variations of individual sheets of paper are within the allowable range, there may be cases where the total variation of the plurality of sheets of paper cannot be ignored.

[0007] Since the technology described in the above-cited reference is a technology for eliminating image misregistration on a single sheet of paper, it cannot solve the problems caused by variations in the characteristic values of multiple sheets of paper.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems and situations. The problem to be solved is to provide an image forming system and a program that can solve the problems caused by variations in multiple sheets of paper.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] The above problems are solved by the following means.

[0010] 1. A characteristic value measurement unit that reads the characteristic values of the paper used in a print job for printing on multiple sheets of paper, and a control unit that changes the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job according to the characteristic values read by the characteristic value measurement unit. An image forming system comprising the same.

[0011] 2. The image forming system according to item 1, further comprising an inspection unit that inspects by comparing the printed image formed on the paper with a previously registered correct image.

[0012] 3. The characteristic value measurement unit reads the characteristic values of all the sheets of paper in the print job one by one, and the control unit changes the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job according to all the characteristic values read by the characteristic value measurement unit. The image forming system according to item 1 or 2.

[0013] 4. The characteristic value measurement unit reads the characteristic value of the first sheet of paper in the print job, The control unit regards the characteristic values of the sheets after the second sheet in the print job as the same as those of the first sheet read by the characteristic value measurement unit, and changes the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2.

[0014] 5. When the control unit determines that the print job is a job with a mixture of paper types, it causes the characteristic value measurement unit to read the characteristic values of all the sheets in the print job one by one, and changes the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job according to the characteristic values of all the sheets read by the characteristic value measurement unit. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2.

[0015] 6. The control unit determines whether the variation in the characteristic values read for each sheet from the first sheet to the Nth sheet in the print job by the characteristic value measurement unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value. When it is determined that the variation is equal to or less than the predetermined value, it does not read the characteristic values for each sheet after the (N + 1)th sheet, and changes the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job according to the values calculated from the characteristic values for each sheet from the first sheet to the Nth sheet to be printed. When it is determined that the variation is greater than the predetermined value, it continues to read all the characteristic values for each sheet one by one after the (N + 1)th sheet, and changes the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job according to the read characteristic values. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2.

[0016] 7. The control unit calculates the time required to change the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job according to the characteristic values read by the characteristic value measurement unit, and determines whether the productivity is reduced due to the calculated time. When it is determined that the productivity is not reduced, it reads the characteristic values of all the sheets in the print job one by one, and changes the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job according to the characteristic values of all the sheets read by the characteristic value measurement unit. When the control unit determines that the productivity has decreased, the characteristic value measurement unit reads the characteristic values of the first sheet of paper in the print job, and the control unit regards the characteristic values of the sheets of paper after the second sheet in the print job as the same as those of the first sheet of paper read by the characteristic value measurement unit, and changes the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job. The image forming system according to item 1 or 2.

[0017] 8. The control unit calculates the time required to change the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job according to the characteristic values read by the characteristic value measurement unit, and predicts the number of sheets for which productivity decreases based on the calculated time. When the control unit predicts that the number of sheets for which productivity is predicted to decrease is the (M + 1)-th sheet, it reads all the characteristic values of each sheet of paper from the first sheet to the M-th sheet to be printed one by one. For the sheets after the (M + 1)-th sheet, it does not read the characteristic values of each sheet of paper, and changes the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job according to the characteristic values of the first sheet to the M-th sheet to be printed. The image forming system according to item 1 or 2.

[0018] 9. The characteristic value is the paper thickness or the paper weight. The image forming system according to item 1 or 2.

[0019] 10. When the control unit determines that the print job is an interrupted print job, it changes the layout of the printed image by the amount of creep according to the paper thickness or the paper weight read by the characteristic value measurement unit. The image forming system according to item 9.

[0020] 11. When the control unit determines that the print job is a bookbinding print job, it changes the size of the printed image by the back cover width according to the paper thickness or the paper weight read by the characteristic value measurement unit. The image forming system according to item 9.

[0021] 12. An image forming system including a post-processing unit for post-processing the paper printed by the image forming system according to item 1 or 2.

[0022] 13. A computer of an image forming system including a characteristic value measuring unit that reads characteristic values of sheets used in a print job for printing on a plurality of sheets, A program that functions as a control unit that changes the size and / or layout of a print image of the print job according to the characteristic values read by the characteristic value measuring unit.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] In the present invention, problems caused by variations in a plurality of sheets can be solved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, an image forming system and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In the following description, those having the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0026] The advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. Therefore, they are not intended to define the limits of the present invention.

[0027] [1] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment.

[0028] [1-1] Outline of the First Embodiment The image forming system (100) mainly includes a control unit (10), an image forming unit (14), a paper feeding unit (151, 152) having characteristic value measuring units (1511, 1521), an image reading unit (161), a storage unit (162), a post-processing unit (17), output units (171, 172), a document conveying unit (11), a document reading unit (12), and an operation unit (13).

[0029] [1-2] Components of the Image Forming System (Control Unit) The control unit (10) according to the present invention changes the size and / or layout of the printed image in the print job according to the characteristic values read by the characteristic value measurement units (1511, 1521).

[0030] The program according to the present invention causes a computer of an image forming system including a characteristic value measurement unit that reads characteristic values of sheets used in a print job for printing on a plurality of sheets to function as a control unit that changes the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job. And the control unit operates according to the characteristic values read by the characteristic value measurement unit.

[0031] The control unit (10) mainly controls each component such as the CPU (101), HDD (102), memory (103), non-volatile memory (104), and communication unit (105). And the CPU (101), HDD (102), memory (103), non-volatile memory (104), etc. are connected via a bus. Also, the control unit (10) also functions as an image processing unit that analyzes the print job received from the communication unit (105) and generates image information for forming a printed image.

[0032] The CPU (101) performs control of each part, image processing, etc.

[0033] The HDD (102) stores programs for the CPU (101) to control each part, information regarding the processing functions of its own device, and print jobs received from the document reading unit (12) and the communication unit (105). And these programs, information, and print jobs are read out by the CPU (101) as necessary and executed on the memory (103).

[0034] The memory (103) temporarily stores print jobs and various data. Then, the stored print jobs and various data are processed by the CPU (101) and transferred to the image forming unit (14). On this memory, the print data is rasterized to generate bitmap data for each of the YMCK colors for printing.

[0035] The communication unit (105) is connected to a network via a LAN cable or the like, establishes a connection with a client PC or the like, and performs transmission and reception of data such as print jobs and various statuses.

[0036] (Original document conveyance unit, original document reading unit, and operation unit) The original document conveyance unit (11) automatically conveys single or multiple sheets of original document paper to the original document reading unit (12). The original document reading unit (12) optically reads image information from the original document paper on the original document table.

[0037] The operation unit (13) is used when the user makes various settings regarding the image forming system (100). This operation unit (13) is a touch panel and is configured to be able to process display and operation in parallel. Note that this operation function is not limited to the panel and may be provided anywhere as long as it can provide the operation function.

[0038] (Image forming unit) The image forming unit (14) includes a photosensitive drum (141), a transfer roller (142), a developing device (143), a fixing device (144), etc. In this specification, the "image forming unit" is a general term for the components necessary to form an image in an image forming system using an image forming process such as an electrophotographic method or an electrostatic recording method.

[0039] The control unit (10) forms a printed image on the paper conveyed from the paper feeding units (151, 152) based on the image information read from the original document reading unit (12) or the image information generated from the print job received via the communication unit (105). Then, it sends it out to the post-processing unit (17) through the paper passage (CD0).

[0040] (Paper feeding unit) The paper feeding units (151, 152) are parts for storing paper and include parts for sending out the stored paper to the image forming unit (14). The paper feeding units (151, 152) have characteristic value measuring units (1511, 1521). Although there are two paper feeding units in the configuration of FIG. 1, the paper feeding unit may be either singular or plural.

[0041] 〔Characteristic Value Measuring Unit〕 The characteristic value measuring units (1511, 1521) read and detect the characteristic values of the paper stored in the paper feeding units (151, 152) by various sensors such as optical sensors.

[0042] In the present invention, the "characteristic value" refers to various information related to the paper including the thickness of the paper, the paper weight, the size of the paper, etc. However, it is not limited to these, and other parameters related to the paper may be used.

[0043] (Post - processing Unit and Output Unit) The post - processing unit (17) performs processing on the paper conveyed from the image forming unit (14) according to instructions from the control unit (10). Also, the post - processing unit (17) conveys while controlling conveyance rollers, switching claws, etc., and performs processing such as saddle - stitching binding. Further, the post - processing unit (17) executes post - processing desired by the user such as stapling, punching, folding, cutting, and perforating as necessary.

[0044] The output units (171, 172) discharge and stack the printed matter. The control unit (10) discharges the printed image paper or the saddle - stitched bound paper, etc. to the output unit (171) after the post - processing by the post - processing unit (17).

[0045] [1 - 3] Saddle - stitching Binding The above - mentioned post - processing unit (17) can also execute saddle - stitching binding. Hereinafter, the operation of the control unit when executing saddle - stitching binding in the first embodiment will be described.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the printed images on the front, back, and spine covers of the cover paper and the adhesion position of the booklet itself are shifted when the bookbinding process is performed. In FIG. 3, the cover paper is "P", the printed image on the front of the cover paper is "F", the printed image on the back of the cover paper is "B", and the printed image on the spine cover is the shaded portion including the characters "spine cover". Also, "H" is the input value of the spine cover width in the print job information input to the print job, and "S" is the spine cover width corresponding to the actual thickness of the booklet itself. Also, the thickness of the booklet itself in the print job information is "H J ", and the actual thickness of the booklet itself is "H r ", and the deviation width between the thickness of the booklet itself in the print job information and the actual thickness of the booklet itself is defined as "h".

[0047] (Problem) First, as a premise, in the bookbinding process, the total value of the number of sheets of the paper used as the booklet itself becomes the spine cover width, and a printed image is formed on the spine cover with a size and / or layout corresponding to the spine cover width.

[0048] Conventionally, when adhering the booklet itself to the spine cover without adjusting according to the thickness of each sheet of paper when forming a printed image on the spine cover, the size and / or layout of the printed image on the spine cover of the product finished as a bookbinding will be shifted. Also, the adhesion position of the booklet itself to the original spine cover will no longer be at the intended position.

[0049] For example, when performing the bookbinding process with a conventional image forming system, when the spine cover width "H" is input as print job information, a deviation width h occurs in the spine cover width H that seems appropriate for the bookbinding process because the thickness of each sheet of paper in a plurality of sheets of paper is different.

[0050] Specifically, when the total value of the number of sheets of the paper used as the booklet itself is smaller than the spine cover width H input as print job information, a deviation width occurs as shown in FIG. 3, and the spine cover width S becomes smaller than the spine cover width H.

[0051] In the case of the accordion binding process, the "paper thickness" for each sheet of paper used as the spine itself varies depending on its use, in-machine variations, etc., and is not usually uniform. Therefore, the spine thickness in the print job information input without considering the variation in paper thickness for each sheet of paper, that is, the back cover width H, will have a deviation width from the back cover width S set according to the actual spine thickness.

[0052] From the above, the accordion binding process can set an appropriate back cover width without a deviation width by considering the varying "paper thickness" for each sheet of paper. Also, an appropriate print image corresponding to the back cover width can be formed on the back cover.

[0053] (Error between the set value of paper weight and the position of the print image) Here, consider the error in the position of the print image with respect to the set value of paper weight. FIG. 4 is an example of a table showing the amount of deviation width of the position of the print image with respect to the set range for each type of paper based on paper weight.

[0054] In the table of FIG. 4, the set widths for each type of paper based on the paper weights of 13 types of paper from No. 1 to No. 13 are shown by the upper and lower limits. Specifically, the set widths are in the range of 52 to 61 g / m, 62 to 74 g / m, ···, 401 to 450 g / m in order from No. 1 to No. 13. And for these set widths, the upper and lower limits of the deviation width of the position of the print image when forming an image for 1 sheet, 50 sheets, and 300 sheets are shown, and the maximum error is shown. 2 、62~74g / m 2 、···、401~450g / m 2 respectively. And for these set widths, the upper and lower limits of the deviation width of the position of the print image when forming an image for 1 sheet, 50 sheets, and 300 sheets are shown, and the maximum error is shown.

[0055] For example, consider the case of forming a print image on the back cover of the cover paper in the accordion binding process. Here, assume that the number of sheets of paper used as the spine in the accordion binding process is 300 sheets, and the set range for each type of paper based on paper weight is paper weight setting No. 11, that is, 301 to 350 g / m. 2

[0056] ​At this time, the upper limit of the total value of the thickness of 300 sheets of the paper used as the main body is 123.529 mm, the lower limit is 106.235 mm, and the maximum error is 17.294 mm.

[0057] Therefore, when considering the thickness of each sheet of paper that varies in the bookbinding process of the walnut, a deviation width of up to 17.294 mm occurs in the formation position of the printed image on the back cover of the cover paper, compared to the case where it is not considered.

[0058] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing a state where the printed images on the front, back, and back cover of the cover paper and the adhesion positions of the main body are appropriately corrected when the bookbinding process of the walnut is executed. In FIG. 5A, the cover paper is "P", the printed image on the front of the cover paper is "F", the printed image on the back of the cover paper is "B", and the printed image on the back cover is the shaded part including the characters "back cover". Also, "H" is the input value of the back cover width in the print job information input to the print job, and "S" is the back cover width corresponding to the actual thickness of the main body. Also, the thickness of the main body in the print job information is "H J ", the actual thickness of the main body is "H r ", and the deviation width between the thickness of the main body in the print job information and the actual thickness of the main body is set as "h". The same symbols are used in FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5D.

[0059] The back cover width S, which is the total value of the thickness of 300 sheets of the main body paper read by the characteristic value measurement units (1511, 1521), is calculated by appropriately adjusting the deviation width of the thickness of the main body and the back cover width H in the print job information within a range of the maximum error of 17.294 mm.

[0060] Then, according to this, by adjusting the size and / or layout of the printed image formed on the back cover and forming the printed image by the image forming unit (14), the print job of the bookbinding process of the walnut can be appropriately executed.

[0061] (An example of the flowchart in the first embodiment) FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart showing the control flow when forming a back cover image on the cover paper during the walnut binding process in the first embodiment.

[0062] The print job information includes, for example, processing information, page information, and image information. FIG. 7A is an example of a table of the processing information of the print job, FIG. 7B is an example of a table of the page information of the print job, and FIG. 7C is an example of the image information of the print job. In FIG. 7C, the printed image on the front of the cover paper is "F", the printed image on the back of the cover paper is "B", and the printed image of the back cover is a screened portion including the characters "back cover".

[0063] Hereinafter, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 7A, 7B, and 7C.

[0064] In step S1, the control unit (10) of the image forming system (100) receives print job information via the communication unit (105).

[0065] In step S2, the control unit (10) expands and analyzes the print job information received via the communication unit (105) on the memory (103).

[0066] The table of the processing information of the print job (FIG. 7A) and the table of the page information (FIG. 7B) include information such as the paper size and paper quality, and information on the post-processing to be executed.

[0067] In the first embodiment, when the A4 size is included in the table of the page information of the print job (FIG. 7B), for example, it has the image information of the print job as shown in FIG. 7C.

[0068] In FIG. 7C, the printed image on the front of the cover paper is "F", the printed image on the back of the cover paper is "B", and the printed image of the back cover is a screened portion including the characters "back cover". Also, the characters "1", "2", "3", and "300" are the information of the printed images formed on each page when the number of sheets of "paper used as the book itself" in the walnut binding process is 300 sheets.

[0069] Hereinafter, the "paper used as itself" is also simply referred to as the "paper of itself".

[0070] In step S3, the control unit (10) determines whether to execute the bookbinding process for the pop-up book from the result of the analysis in step S2. Then, the control unit (10) transfers the operation to step S4.

[0071] In step S4, when the control unit (10) determines to execute the bookbinding process for the pop-up book (step S3: Yes), it starts the loop process from step S4 to step S7. Specifically, when the number of sheets of the paper of itself in the bookbinding process for the pop-up book is N sheets, the control unit (10) starts the loop process for N sheets.

[0072] Note that the control unit (10) determines to execute the bookbinding process for the pop-up book when the pop-up bookbinding is on in the table of the processing information of the print job (Fig. 7A).

[0073] In step S5, while sending out the topmost sheet loaded in the paper feed unit (151) where the paper of the print job is stored, the control unit (10) reads the thickness of the paper by the characteristic value measurement unit (1511) provided in the paper feed unit (151).

[0074] In step S6, the control unit (10) changes the size and / or layout, etc. according to the read thickness of the paper and forms a printed image by the image forming unit (14).

[0075] After the end of the loop process from step S4 to step S7, the control unit (10) transfers the operation from step S7 to step S8.

[0076] In step S8, the control unit (10) calculates the total value of the thickness of N sheets of the paper of itself as the back cover width S used in the execution of the bookbinding process for the pop-up book.

[0077] The information on the calculated back cover width S is stored in the memory (103), and a series of calculations, size, and / or layout processing, etc. are performed on the memory (103) by the control unit (10).

[0078] In step S9, the control unit (10) uses the calculated back cover width S to determine the image width of the back cover image as S, and executes a three-sided image surface layout for forming a printed image on the cover paper accordingly. FIG. 5B is an example of the information on the three-sided image surface layout.

[0079] Note that the back cover is a part of the cover paper (see FIGS. 5A and 5B), and the control unit (10) layouts the printed image “F” for the front cover, the printed image “B” for the back cover, and the printed image for the back cover on the memory with the printed image formed on the back cover as the center.

[0080] At this time, for example, if the number of pages of the main body is 300 pages and a case binding process is performed by attaching a cover paper, in the table of page information of the print job in FIG. 7B, the front part of the cover paper is the 301st page, the back part is the 302nd page, and the back cover part is the 303rd page.

[0081] Separate from the above-described paper feeding unit (151) in which the main body paper is stored, the paper feeding unit (152) stores the cover paper.

[0082] In step S10, the control unit (10) sends out the topmost paper loaded in the paper feeding unit (152) as the cover paper through the conveyance path CD0. Then, using the information on the three-sided image surface layout, the image forming unit (14) prints the three-sided image surface-layout on the front part, back part, and back cover part of the cover paper.

[0083] In step S11, the control unit (10) executes a case binding process in the post-processing unit (17) to bond the main body and the cover paper, and discharges them to the output unit (171). FIGS. 5C and 5D are schematic diagrams of the product after the case binding process is executed.

[0084] When the control unit (10) determines not to execute the walnut binding process (step S3: No), the operation proceeds from step S3 to step S12. Then, the control unit (10) performs normal printing processing in step S12.

[0085] [2]Second Embodiment FIG. 1 is used as a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming system according to the second embodiment. Also, FIG. 2 is used as a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming system according to the second embodiment.

[0086] [2-1]Overview of the Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the control unit (10) determines whether the print job is a job with a mixture of paper types from the print job information received via the communication unit (105). Therefore, hereinafter, the operation of the control unit (10) will be described according to the determination result of the mixture of paper types.

[0087] In this specification, the "paper type" refers to the paper parameters related to the reading operation by the characteristic value measuring unit such as paper quality and paper weight. And a "job with a mixture of paper types" is, for example, in the table of FIG. 7B, the paper weight values are different for page number 3 and page number 4, and it is a job where the paper type is different for each page like this.

[0088] (An example of the flowchart in the second embodiment) FIG. 8 is an example of a flowchart showing the control flow according to the determination result of the mixture of paper types in the second embodiment.

[0089] The operations of the control unit (10) in steps S21 to S23 are the same as those in steps S1 to S3 in the above-described first embodiment, and the control unit (10) determines whether to execute the walnut binding process in the print job based on the result of the analysis in step S22.

[0090] When the control unit (10) determines that the walnut binding process is to be executed (step S23: Yes), it proceeds to step 24.

[0091] Note that the control unit (10) determines to execute the walnut binding process when the walnut binding is on in the table of the processing information of the print job (Fig. 7A).

[0092] In step 24, the control unit (10) determines whether the print job is a job with a mixture of paper types using the analysis result. Then, it changes the process of reading the paper thickness. Specifically, whether the print job is a job with a mixture of paper types is determined by whether the paper weight is different for each page.

[0093] [2-2] When it is a job with a mixture of paper types For example, in the table of Fig. 7B, the paper weight values are different between page number 3 and page number 4. When the paper weight is different for each page in this way, the control unit (10) determines that the print job is a job with a mixture of paper types (step S24: Yes). Then, the control unit (10) proceeds to step S25.

[0094] In step S25, the control unit (10) starts the loop process for N sheets of its own paper from step S25 to step S28.

[0095] In step S26, while sending out the topmost paper loaded in the paper feeding unit (151) where the paper of the print job is stored, the control unit (10) reads the paper thickness by the characteristic value measuring unit (1511) provided in the paper feeding unit (151).

[0096] In step S27, the control unit (10) changes the size and / or layout, etc. according to the read paper thickness and forms a printed image on the paper by the image forming unit (14).

[0097] After the control unit (10) finishes the loop process for N sheets of the main body paper in steps S25 to S28, the operation shifts from step S28 to step S29.

[0098] In step S29, the control unit (10) calculates the total value of the thickness of N sheets of the main body paper as the back cover width S used in the execution of the bookbinding process.

[0099] The information on the calculated back cover width S is stored in the memory (103), and a series of calculations, size, and / or layout processing, etc. are performed on the memory (103) by the control unit (10).

[0100] The operations of the control unit (10) in steps S35 to S37 are the same as those in steps S9 to S11 in the aforementioned first embodiment.

[0101] [2-3] When the job does not involve a mixture of paper types When the control unit (10) determines that the paper weight is the same for each page and the print job does not involve a mixture of paper types (step S24: No), the following control is performed.

[0102] In step S30, the control unit (10) controls the characteristic value measurement unit (1511) provided in the paper feeding unit (151) to read the thickness of the topmost paper loaded in the paper feeding unit (151) while feeding it out. Then, the control unit (10) shifts the operation to step S31. Hereinafter, the topmost paper is referred to as the first paper (P1).

[0103] In step S31, the control unit (10) starts the loop process for i (i = 2 to N) sheets of the main body paper in steps S31 to S33. Specifically, when the number of sheets of the main body paper in the bookbinding process is N sheets, the control unit (10) starts the loop process for i (i = 2 to N) sheets of the paper excluding the first paper (P1).

[0104] At this time, the control unit (10) repeats only the formation of the printed image without reading the thickness of the paper for the i-th (i = 2 to N) sheets of paper, that is, from the second sheet to the N-th sheet.

[0105] In step S32, the control unit (10) changes the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job for the paper according to only the thickness of the first sheet of paper (P1) read by the characteristic value measurement unit (1511). Then, the image forming unit (14) forms a printed image accordingly.

[0106] After the end of the loop process from step S31 to step S33, the control unit (10) shifts the operation from step S33 to step S34.

[0107] In step S34, the control unit (10) calculates the back cover width S as the thickness of the first sheet of paper (P1) × N (N is the number of sheets of paper in this batch).

[0108] The information on the calculated back cover width S is stored in the memory (103), and a series of calculations, size, and / or layout processing are performed on the memory (103) by the control unit (10).

[0109] The operation of the control unit (10) in steps S35 to S37 is the same as in the case of a job with a mixture of paper types.

[0110] When the control unit (10) determines not to perform the bookbinding processing (step S23: No), the operation shifts from step S23 to step S38. Then, in step S38, the control unit (10) performs normal printing processing.

[0111] [3] Third Embodiment FIG. 1 is used as a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming system according to the second embodiment. Also, FIG. 2 is used as a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming system according to the second embodiment.

[0112] [3-1] Overview of the Third Embodiment In this third embodiment, the control unit (10) calculates the variation from the characteristic values of a plurality of sheets read by the characteristic value measurement unit. Then, the control unit (10) reads the thickness of each sheet from the first sheet to the Nth sheet in the printing job. And when the control unit (10) determines that the variation in the thickness of the read sheets becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value at the (N + 1)th sheet, it does not read the thickness of each sheet from the (N + 1)th sheet to the last sheet of the book block itself. For example, when the number of sheets of the book block used for the accordion binding is R sheets, the control unit (10) does not read the thickness of each sheet from the (N + 1)th sheet to the Rth sheet.

[0113] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the number of sheets of the book block is denoted as "N", but "N" in this third embodiment refers to the last number of sheets in the loop process in which the variation in the thickness of the sheets read by the control unit (10) for each sheet does not become equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0114] Hereinafter, the operation of the control unit according to the determination result of the variation of the characteristic values will be described. In this specification, the above-mentioned "variation" can be the standard deviation σ.

[0115] (An Example of a Flowchart in the Third Embodiment) FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart showing the flow of control according to the determination result of the variation of the characteristic values in the third embodiment.

[0116] The operations of the control unit (10) in steps S41 to S43 are the same as those in steps S1 to S3 in the above-described first embodiment, and the control unit (10) determines whether to execute the accordion binding process in the printing job based on the result of the analysis in step S42.

[0117] Note that the control unit (10) determines to execute the accordion binding process when the accordion binding is on in the table of the processing information of the printing job (FIG. 7A).

[0118] When the control unit (10) determines to execute the walnut binding process (step S43: Yes), the operation proceeds from step S43 to step 44.

[0119] In step 44, the control unit (10) sets the characteristic value reading flag to ON. Then, the control unit (10) proceeds to step S45.

[0120] In step S45, the control unit (10) starts a loop process for R sheets of its own paper from step S45 to step S52.

[0121] In step S46, when the control unit (10) determines that the characteristic value reading flag is ON (step S46: ON), the operation proceeds from step S46 to step S47.

[0122] In step S46, when the control unit (10) determines that the characteristic value reading flag is OFF (step S46: OFF), the operation proceeds from step S46 to step S51.

[0123] In step S47, the control unit (10) reads the thickness of the i-th sheet by the characteristic value measuring unit (1511). Here, "i" refers to the number of pages for which the printing job is being performed.

[0124] In step S48, the control unit (10) calculates the standard deviation σ from the thicknesses of the sheets from the 1st to the i-th sheet read during the execution of the loop process.

[0125] Figure 10 is an example of a table showing the predetermined value σ of the standard deviation, and the predetermined value σ H of the standard deviation is H set in advance on the non-volatile memory (104) by the user.

[0126] FIG. 11A is an example of the read value of the paper thickness when reading the thicknesses of the first to seventh sheets of paper, and FIG. 11B is an example of a table showing the relationship between the average value and the standard deviation of the paper thickness when reading the thicknesses of the first to seventh sheets of paper.

[0127] Note that the "standard deviation" is the square root of the variance, and the "variance" refers to a value representing the degree of dispersion of data, which is a value indicating "how far the collected data is from the average value", and is represented by σ 2 It is expressed as. Also, the variance is obtained as the average value of the squares of the deviations (the differences between individual data and the average value).

[0128] [3-2] When the variation is below a predetermined value In step S49, the control unit (10) determines that when the standard deviation σ is less than or equal to a predetermined value σ H and satisfies the following formula (step S49: Yes), the operation proceeds to step S50. Formula Standard deviation σ ≤ Predetermined value σ H

[0129] In step S50, the control unit (10) sets the characteristic value reading flag to OFF in order to omit reading the thicknesses of the sheets after the (i + 1)-th sheet. Thereby, the control unit (10) can perform the printing job efficiently.

[0130] In step S51, the control unit (10) changes the size and / or layout, etc. according to the read paper thickness, and forms a printed image on the paper by the image forming unit (14).

[0131] In step S52, after the end of the loop process from step S45 to step S52, the control unit (10) moves the operation to step S53.

[0132] In step S53, the control unit (10) calculates as the back cover width S calculated by the following formula. Formula (Average value of the paper thicknesses from the first sheet to the i-th sheet) × R = Back cover width S

[0133] The operations of the control unit (10) in steps S54 to S56 are the same as those in steps S9 to S11 in the foregoing first embodiment.

[0134] [3-3] When the variation does not become equal to or less than a predetermined value In step S49, when the control unit (10) determines that the standard deviation σ is not equal to or less than the predetermined value σ H and does not satisfy the following formula (step S49: No), the control unit (10) keeps the characteristic value reading flag ON. Thereby, the control unit (10) can continue to read the thickness of the sheets after the (i + 1)-th sheet, and shifts the operation to step S51. Formula Standard deviation σ ≤ predetermined value σ H

[0135] The operations of the control unit (10) in steps S53 to S56 are the same as those when the control unit (10) determines that the variation is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0136] When the control unit (10) determines not to execute the bookbinding process (step S43: No), it sets the characteristic value reading flag to OFF and does not read the thickness of the sheet by the characteristic value measuring unit (1511). Then, in step S57, the control unit (10) performs normal printing processing.

[0137] [4] Fourth Embodiment FIG. 1 is used as a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment. Also, FIG. 2 is used as a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0138] [4-1] Outline of the Fourth Embodiment In the fourth embodiment, the control unit (10) predicts the processing time required for three-sided covering paper and predicts the number of pages where productivity decreases, that is, the (M + 1)-th page. Then, when the control unit (10) determines that the formation time of the print images from the first page to the (M + 1)-th page is longer than the time required for three-sided covering paper, the control unit (10) omits reading the characteristic values of the paper after the (M + 1)-th page. Hereinafter, the operation of the control unit according to the productivity decrease determination result based on the formation time of the print image will be described.

[0139] (An example of a flowchart in the fourth embodiment) FIG. 12 is an example of a flowchart showing the control flow according to the productivity decrease determination based on the formation time of the print image in the fourth embodiment.

[0140] The operations of the control unit (10) in steps S61 to S63 are the same as the operations of the control unit (10) in steps S1 to S3 in the first embodiment described above. Then, the control unit (10) determines whether to execute the bookbinding-in-a-case process for the print job based on the result of the analysis in step S62.

[0141] Note that the control unit (10) determines to execute the bookbinding-in-a-case process when bookbinding-in-a-case is on in the table of the processing information of the print job (FIG. 7A).

[0142] When the control unit (10) determines to execute the bookbinding-in-a-case process (step S63: Yes), the operation proceeds to step S64. Then, in step S64, the control unit (10) sets the characteristic value reading flag to ON.

[0143] In step S65, before starting printing, the control unit (10) predicts and calculates the processing time C required for three-sided covering paper.

[0144] Although methods for predicting and calculating the processing time C are well-known, for example, there is a method of calculating from performance specifications such as the image size and the CPU. Further, there are also methods of calculating from past records of actual processing, and methods of predicting and calculating the processing time by performing imposition processing on this printing job in advance and then trying it out.

[0145] In step S66, the control unit (10) starts the loop process for R sheets of its own paper from step S66 to step S75.

[0146] In step S67, when the control unit (10) determines that the characteristic value reading flag is ON (step S67: ON), the operation proceeds to step S68.

[0147] In step S67, when the control unit (10) determines that the characteristic value reading flag is OFF (step S67: OFF), the operation proceeds to step S74.

[0148] In step S68, the control unit (10) reads the thickness of the paper by the characteristic value measuring unit (1511).

[0149] Then, in step S69, the control unit (10) calculates the remaining time Z of the printing image formation time for R sheets of its own paper.

[0150] [4-2] Productivity degradation determination Here, assuming that the M-th sheet is the sheet for which the processing time C for three-sided covering paper is the same as the remaining time Z of the printing image formation time for R sheets of its own paper, the (M + 1)-th sheet is the sheet for which the processing time C for three-sided covering paper is smaller than the remaining time Z of the printing image formation time for its own paper.

[0151] That is, it is considered that the productivity does not decrease until the M-th sheet of paper, but decreases from the (M + 1)-th sheet.

[0152] (An example of the method for calculating the remaining time Z of the printing image formation time) A simple example of the method for calculating the remaining time Z of the printing image formation time will be given.

[0153] For example, in a printer of 100 ppm, the control unit (10) can form a printed image on 100 sheets of its own paper per minute by the image forming unit (14). Therefore, the time for the image forming unit (14) to form a printed image on 300 sheets of its own paper is 300÷100 = 3 minutes = 180 seconds.

[0154] When the control unit (10) forms a printed image on the first sheet of its own paper by the image forming unit (14), the remaining time Z of the printed image forming time is 180 seconds.

[0155] Also, when the control unit (10) forms a printed image on the 100th sheet of its own paper by the image forming unit (14), since 1 minute = 60 seconds has elapsed, the remaining time Z of the printed image forming time is 180 - 60 = 120 seconds.

[0156] In step S70, when the control unit (10) determines that the processing time C for the three-sided cover paper is less than the remaining time Z of the printed image forming time (step S70: Yes), the characteristic value reading flag remains set to ON. Then, the control unit (10) transfers the operation to step S74.

[0157] In step S70, when the control unit (10) determines that the processing time C for the three-sided cover paper is greater than or equal to the remaining time Z of the printed image forming time (step S70: No), the operation transfers to step S71.

[0158] In step S71, the control unit (10) sets the characteristic value reading flag to OFF and does not read the thickness of the paper by the characteristic value measuring unit (1511).

[0159] In step S72, the control unit (10) calculates the average value of the thicknesses of the paper from the first sheet to the i-th sheet read by the characteristic value measuring unit (1511).

[0160] And the back cover width S is calculated by the following formula. (Average value of the thickness of the papers from the first sheet to the i-th sheet) × (Number of sheets of the main body paper R) = Back cover width S

[0161] In step S73, the control unit (10) executes the surface attachment layout of the three-sided image according to the calculated back cover width S.

[0162] In step S74, the control unit (10) changes the size and / or layout, etc. according to the thickness of the read i-th sheet of paper, and forms a printed image on the paper by the image forming unit (14).

[0163] In step S75, the control unit (10) ends the loop process for the R sheets of the main body paper in steps S66 to S75. Then, thereafter, the control unit (10) shifts the operation from step S75 to step S76.

[0164] In step S76, when the characteristic value reading flag is not ON (step S76: No), the control unit (10) shifts the operation to step S77.

[0165] In step S76, when the characteristic value reading flag is ON (step S76: Yes), the control unit (10) shifts the operation to step S79. Then, in step S79, the control unit (10) calculates the back cover width S from the thickness of the R sheets of the main body paper, and performs the surface attachment layout of the three-sided image according to the back cover width S. Thereafter, the control unit (10) shifts the operation to step S77.

[0166] The operations of the control unit (10) in steps S77 and S78 are the same as the operations of the control unit (10) in steps S10 and S11 in the foregoing first embodiment.

[0167] Through the above steps, it is possible to continuously form printed images on the main body papers and cover papers after the (M + 1)-th sheet, which would otherwise cause a decrease in productivity, without interruption, and maintain productivity.

[0168] When the control unit (10) determines not to execute the walnut binding process (step S63: No), it sets the characteristic value reading flag to OFF and does not read the thickness of the paper by the characteristic value measuring unit (1511). Then, the control unit (10) shifts the operation to step S80. After that, in step S80, the control unit (10) performs normal printing processing.

[0169] [5] Fifth Embodiment FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0170] [5-1] Outline of the Fifth Embodiment The image forming system (500) mainly includes a control unit (10), an image forming unit (14), a paper feeding unit (151, 152) having characteristic value measuring units (1511, 1521), a post-processing unit (17), output units (171, 172), a document conveying unit (11), a document reading unit (12), and an operation unit (13). Further, it includes an inspection unit (16) having an image reading unit (161) and a storage unit (162).

[0171] [5-2] Each Component of the Image Forming System (Control Unit) The control unit (10) related to the image forming system (500) changes the size and / or layout of the printed image in the print job according to the characteristic values read by the characteristic value measuring units (1511, 1521). Further, the control unit (10) inspects by comparing the printed image formed on the paper by the image forming unit (14) with a pre-registered correct image.

[0172] The program related to the image forming system (500) causes a computer of the image forming system, which includes a characteristic value measuring unit that reads characteristic values of sheets used in a print job for printing on a plurality of sheets, and an image reading unit that reads a printed image formed on a sheet by the image forming unit, to function as a control unit that changes the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job. Then, the control unit operates according to the characteristic values read by the characteristic value measuring unit and the comparison result between the image read by the image reading unit and a pre-registered correct image.

[0173] The control unit (10) mainly controls each component such as the CPU (101), HDD (102), memory (103), non-volatile memory (104), and communication unit (105). The CPU (101), HDD (102), memory (103), non-volatile memory (104), etc. are connected via a bus. The control unit (10) also functions as an image processing unit that analyzes a print job received from the communication unit (105) and generates image information for forming a printed image.

[0174] The CPU (101), HDD (102), memory (103), and communication unit (105) are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

[0175] (Original document conveyance unit, original document reading unit, operation unit, image forming unit, and paper feeding unit) The original document conveyance unit (11), original document reading unit (12), and operation unit (13) are the same as those in the first embodiment described above. Also, the image forming unit (14) including a photosensitive drum (141), transfer roller (142), developing device (143), fixing device (144), etc., and the paper feeding units (151, 152) having specific value measuring units (1511, 1521) are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

[0176] (Inspection unit) The inspection unit (16) includes an image reading unit (161) and a storage unit (162). When executing a print job that includes image information to be used as a correct image, the control unit (10) conveys a sheet of paper through the paper path (CD0) from the paper feeding units (151, 152). Then, the control unit (10) reads the printed image formed on the sheet of paper by the image forming unit (14) using the image reading unit (161). Further, the control unit (10) registers the printed image as a correct image and stores it in the storage unit (162), and starts the following inspection using the correct image.

[0177] First, before forming the printed image to be inspected, the control unit (10) reads the characteristic values of the sheet of paper using the characteristic value measurement units (1511, 1521) of the paper feeding units (151, 152).

[0178] After forming the printed image to be inspected, the control unit (10) reads the printed image to be inspected using the image reading unit (161) of the inspection unit (16) and compares it with the correct image. At this time, before comparing the correct image with the printed image to be inspected, the control unit (10) changes the size and / or layout of the correct image based on the characteristic values read previously to create a new correct image, registers it, and then performs the inspection by comparing the new correct image with the printed image to be inspected.

[0179] In this way, the control unit (10) inspects whether there are any abnormalities such as the size and / or layout of the printed image formed on the sheet of paper by the inspection unit (16). Note that the inspection target is not limited to the size and / or layout of the printed image described above. For example, it can also be a target for inspecting whether there are any abnormalities such as out-of-order pages, stains, wrinkles, etc.

[0180] 〔Automatic inspection function〕 The inspection unit (16) has an automatic inspection function. Here, the "automatic inspection function" is a function in which a correct image is registered by the control unit (10), and in subsequent printing, the correct image is compared with the printed image formed by the image forming unit (14) for inspection. In the present invention, the "correct image" refers to a reference image that is a comparison target when performing image inspection. Specific examples of the operation of the automatic inspection function by the control unit (10) are as follows.

[0181] 《An Example of the Case Where the Automatic Inspection Function Job is Executed》 An example of the case where the control unit (10) executes the above automatic inspection function job in the inspection unit will be described. First, in a printing job for printing on a plurality of sheets of paper, the control unit (10) forms a printed image on the first sheet of paper (P1) using the image forming unit (14). Thereafter, the control unit (10) reads the printed image (P P1 ) formed on the first sheet of paper (P1) by the image reading unit (161), stores this as the correct image in the storage unit (162), and makes preparations for making the printed images formed on the second and subsequent sheets of paper the inspection targets.

[0182] Next, the control unit (10) forms a printed image on the second and subsequent sheets of paper using the image forming unit (14), and then reads the printed image with the image reading unit (161). Then, the control unit (10) compares the correct image stored in the storage unit (162) with the printed images formed on the second and subsequent sheets of paper for inspection.

[0183] At this time, if the control unit (10) determines that the difference between the images (the deviation between the correct image and the printed image) is within a predetermined threshold value, it is considered a pass as the inspection result. Also, if the control unit (10) determines that the difference exceeds the predetermined threshold value, it is considered a fail as the inspection result.

[0184] Note that the image information registered by the control unit (10) in the storage unit (162) as the correct image does not necessarily have to be only the image information read by the image reading unit (161) as described above. The image information may be the image information read by the original reading unit (12) or the image information imported from the communication unit (105).

[0185] 〔Image Reading Unit〕 The image reading unit (161) is provided in the inspection unit (16) and reads the printed image formed by the image forming unit (14).

[0186] 〔Storage Unit〕 The storage unit (162) holds the information of the printed image read by the image reading unit (161) possessed by the inspection unit (16). Note that as the information of the printed image, the information of a plurality of types of printed images can be held as the correct image.

[0187] (Post-processing Unit and Output Unit) The image forming system of the present invention includes a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the paper printed by the image forming system. In the image forming system (500), the post-processing unit is the post-processing unit (17).

[0188] The post-processing unit (17) performs processing according to an instruction from the control unit (10) on the paper conveyed from the image forming unit (14), the inspection unit (16), etc. Further, the post-processing unit (17) conveys while controlling a conveyance roller, a switching claw, etc., and performs processing such as a binding process or a saddle-stitching binding process. Further, the post-processing unit (17) executes post-processing desired by the user, such as stapling, punching, folding, cutting, and perforating, as necessary.

[0189] The output units (171, 172) discharge and stack the printed matter. When the control unit (10) determines that the inspection result is qualified after the post-processing by the post-processing unit (17), the control unit (10) discharges the good printed image paper to the output unit (171). Then, when the control unit (10) determines that the inspection result is unqualified, the control unit (10) discharges the defective printed image paper to the output unit (172). Note that there may be a plurality of output units for performing inspection.

[0190] 〔Transport Path According to Inspection Result〕 In a print job for printing on a plurality of sheets of paper, the control unit (10) stores the print image (P P1 ) formed on the first sheet of paper (P1) in the storage unit (162) as the correct image (P P1 ). At this time, the correct image (P P1 ) is discharged to the output unit (171) as a correct image candidate page.

[0191] For the second and subsequent sheets of paper, when the i-th sheet of paper (Pi) (i = 2 to N) and the print image (P Pi ) formed thereon are the inspection targets, the transport path of the paper is as follows.

[0192] When the control unit (10) determines that the inspection result of the print image (P Pi ) is qualified, the printed matter is discharged to the output unit (171) through the transport path (CD2). When the control unit (10) determines that the inspection result of the print image (P Pi ) is unqualified, the printed matter is discharged to the output unit (172) through the transport path (CD1).

[0193] [5-3] Saddle-Stitching Binding Process In the fifth embodiment, the post-processing unit (17) may have a saddle-stitching function. FIG. 15A is a schematic diagram for explaining the deviation between the trim position and the print image position when performing a conventional saddle-stitching binding process.

[0194] (Problem) When performing the saddle-stitching binding process, usually, the paper position shifts from the outside to the inside during the binding operation as shown in FIG. 15A. Also, the printed image may be missing during trimming. Therefore, unless the control unit (10) changes the size and / or layout of the printed image formed on the paper by using the characteristic values read by the characteristic value measurement unit or the inspection function of the inspection unit (16), the image position of the finished product will shift. Note that FIGS. 15B and 15C are schematic diagrams of the product after the saddle-stitching binding process is executed.

[0195] (Creep amount, printed image to be inspected, and correct image) To perform the saddle-stitching binding process, for example, one sheet of paper with printed images formed on both the front and back sides, two pages each, is folded in a determined folding method so as to be in the page order at the time of finishing the saddle-stitched product. The folded and folded state is called a "signature". And the unit for counting these signatures is called a "bundle".

[0196] FIG. 16 is an example of a conventional correct image when a total of 4 pages, 2 pages each on the front and back of one sheet of paper, are faced when the original manuscript excluding the cover paper has a total of 12 pages.

[0197] FIG. 17 is an example of a corrected correct image when a total of 4 pages, 2 pages each on the front and back of one sheet of paper, are faced when the original manuscript excluding the cover paper has a total of 12 pages.

[0198] In the fifth embodiment, the inspection is used to correct the image position of the finished product, but the correct image (FIG. 16) is corrected so as to match the correct image of the present application, that is, the inspected image (FIG. 17) with a changed creep amount.

[0199] Here, in this specification, "creep" refers to a process of gradually shifting the image from the outside to the inside of the binding.

[0200] Specifically, the thickness information of the paper at the time of registering the correct image is compared with the thickness information of the paper of the inspection job, and the correct image is corrected to an appropriate position.

[0201] (An example of the flowchart at the time of correct image registration in the fifth embodiment) FIG. 18 is an example of the flowchart at the time of correct image registration in the fifth embodiment.

[0202] In step S81, the control unit (10) of the image forming system (500) receives a print job including image information via the communication unit (105).

[0203] In step S82, the control unit (10) expands and analyzes the table of the processing information of the print job (FIG. 19A), the table of the page information of the print job (FIG. 19B), and the image information of the print job (FIG. 19C) on the memory (103).

[0204] Note that the numbers "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "199", and "200" in FIG. 19C represent the print images formed on each page when the 200-page saddle-stitch binding process is completed. For example, a print image of "3" is formed on the third page of the product made by the saddle-stitch binding process, and a print image of "199" is formed on the 199th page.

[0205] In step S83, when the control unit (10) determines that the correct image registration job is OFF in the table of the processing information of the print job (FIG. 19A) (step S83: No), the operation of the control unit (10) proceeds to step S92. Then, in step S92, the control unit (10) performs normal printing processing.

[0206] When the control unit (10) determines that the correct image registration job is ON in the table of the processing information of the print job (FIG. 19A) (step S83: Yes), the operation of the control unit (10) proceeds to step S84.

[0207] In step S84, the control unit (10) determines whether it is a saddle-stitch binding process in the table of the processing information of the print job (FIG. 19A).

[0208] When the control unit (10) determines that it is not a saddle-stitching binding process (step S84: No), the operation proceeds from step S84 to step S93. Then, in step S93, the control unit (10) performs a normal correct image registration printing process.

[0209] When the control unit (10) determines that it will execute the saddle-stitching binding process (step S84: Yes), the operation proceeds from step S84 to step S85.

[0210] In step S85, the control unit (10) starts a loop process for N sheets of its own paper from step S85 to step S90. Specifically, when the number of sheets of paper in the saddle-stitching binding process is N sheets, the control unit (10) starts a loop process for N sheets.

[0211] Note that when values are input to the processing operations of "staple" and "fold" related to the saddle-stitching binding process in the table of the processing information of the print job (Fig. 19A), that is, when the saddle-stitching binding process is on, the control unit (10) determines that it will execute the saddle-stitching binding process.

[0212] Note that, for example, since the saddle-stitching binding surface attachment is a double-sided 2-in-1 surface attachment, when the number of sheets of paper in the saddle-stitching binding process is 50 sheets, referring to Fig. 19D, on the front of the first sheet of paper, print images of "200" and "1" are formed, on the back of the first sheet of paper, print images of "2" and "198" are formed, and on the front of the second sheet of paper, print images of "197" and "3" are formed. Then, on the 50th sheet of paper, print images of "100" and "101" are formed.

[0213] In step S86, the control unit (10) controls the characteristic value measurement unit (1511) provided in the paper feeding unit (151) to send out the topmost sheet of paper loaded in the paper feeding unit (151). Then, while sending out the sheet of paper, the thickness of the sheet of paper is read.

[0214] In step S87, the control unit (10) performs bookbinding imposition while adjusting the gutter trimming width D (see FIG. 17) in accordance with the result of reading the thickness of the paper. Basically, the gutter trimming width D is set so as to shift for each paper by the thickness of the paper.

[0215] In step S88, the control unit (10) controls the image forming unit (14) to form a print image.

[0216] In step S89, the control unit (10) reads the print image formed on the paper with the image reading unit (161) of the inspection unit (16), and registers it in the storage unit (162) as a correct image (i).

[0217] When registering the correct image (i), the control unit (10) determines the thickness h i The thickness of the paper when the correct image (i) is registered is also registered in the storage unit (162). i Register.

[0218] After the loop process for N sheets of paper for the main body in steps S85 to S90 in the saddle stitching process is completed, that is, after the adjustment of the gutter trimming width D for N sheets of paper, the formation of the print image, and the registration of the correct image are completed, the control unit (10) shifts the operation from step S90 to step S91.

[0219] In step S91, the control unit (10) executes saddle stitching processing in the post-processing unit (17).

[0220] (An example of a flowchart for inspection printing in the fifth embodiment) FIG. 20 is an example of a flowchart during inspection printing in the fifth embodiment.

[0221] In step S101, the control unit (10) of the image forming system (500) receives print job information including image information via the communication unit (105).

[0222] In step S102, the control unit (10) expands and analyzes the print job information (see FIGS. 21, 19B, and 19C) on the memory (103).

[0223] In step S103, when the control unit (10) determines, based on the print job processing information (FIG. 21), that the automatic inspection function job is not ON (step S103: No), the operation proceeds from step S103 to step S113. Then, in step S113, the control unit (10) performs normal printing processing.

[0224] When the control unit (10) determines that the automatic inspection function job is ON (step S103: Yes), it refers to the print job processing information (FIG. 21) to check whether it is a saddle stitching binding process.

[0225] When the control unit (10) determines that the automatic inspection function job is OFF (step S103: No), the operation proceeds from step S103 to step S113. Then, in step S113, the control unit (10) performs normal printing processing.

[0226] In step S104, when the control unit (10) determines that the saddle stitching binding process is not to be performed (step S104: No), the operation proceeds from step S104 to step S114. Then, in step S114, the control unit (10) performs normal automatic inspection printing processing.

[0227] When the control unit (10) determines that the saddle stitching binding process is to be performed (step S104: Yes), the operation proceeds from step S104 to step S105.

[0228] In step S105, the control unit (10) repeats the loop processing from step S105 to step S111 for N sheets.

[0229] Since the saddle stitching binding is a double-sided 2-in-1 binding, when the number of sheets of the book itself is 50, the manuscript is 200 pages (FIG. 19D).

[0230] In step S106, since the paper feed tray for the paper of this copy in the table of page information of the print job (FIG. 19B) is the paper feed unit (151), the control unit (10) controls the characteristic value measurement unit (1511) provided in the paper feed unit (151). Thereby, the control unit (10) reads the thickness of the paper while feeding out the topmost printing paper stacked in the paper feed unit (151).

[0231] In step S107, the control unit (10) performs the imposition layout while adjusting the gutter width D according to the reading result of the paper thickness (see FIG. 17).

[0232] In step S108, the control unit (10) prints the image laid out by the imposition on the paper by the image forming unit (14) to form a printed image.

[0233] In step S109, the control unit (10) reads the image on the i-th sheet of paper on which the printed image is formed by the image reading unit (161) of the inspection unit (16), and reads the thickness (h i ) information and the image of the i-th page of the correct image from the storage unit (162).

[0234] Then, the control unit (10) compares the information on the thickness (h ii ) of the paper on which the printed image to be inspected is formed with the information on the thickness (h i ) of the paper when the i-th page of the correct image is registered. Next, the control unit (10) adjusts the gutter width D of the correct image (i) by the difference between the thickness (h ii ) of the paper and the thickness (h i ) of the paper, creates a new correct image, and re-registers it.

[0235] In step S110, the control unit (10) performs inspection by comparing the registered new correct image with the image to be inspected, and shifts the operation to step S111.

[0236] After the loop process for N sheets of paper in steps S105 to S111 is completed, the control unit (10) transfers the operation from step S111 to step S112.

[0237] In step S112, the control unit (10) executes the center-binding bookbinding process in the post-processing unit (17).

[0238] [6] Sixth Embodiment The schematic configuration diagram of the image forming system according to the sixth embodiment can be any of the schematic configuration diagrams from the first to the fifth embodiments, and either FIG. 1 or FIG. 13 can be applied. Also, the block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming system according to the sixth embodiment can be any of the block diagrams from the first to the fifth embodiments, and either FIG. 2 or FIG. 15 can be applied.

[0239] [6-1] Outline of the Sixth Embodiment The image forming system (500) mainly includes a control unit (10), an image forming unit (14), a paper feeding unit (151, 152) having characteristic value measuring units (1511, 1521), an inspection unit (16) having an image reading unit (161) and a storage unit (162), a post-processing unit (17), output units (171, 172), a document conveyance unit (11), a document reading unit (12), and an operation unit (13).

[0240] In the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the control unit (10) controlled the characteristic value measuring unit (1511) provided in the paper feeding unit (151) to read the thickness of the paper while feeding out the topmost paper stacked in the paper feeding unit (151). However, in this sixth embodiment, the control unit (10) reads the paper weight and the moisture content instead of the paper thickness by the characteristic value measuring unit (1511).

[0241] [6-2] Each Component of the Image Forming System, etc. Each component of the image forming system is substantially the same as that in the first to fifth embodiments described above. The difference from the first to fifth embodiments is that the characteristic value of the paper read by the characteristic value measuring units (1511, 1521) of the paper feeding units (151, 152) is "paper weight and moisture content" instead of "paper thickness".

[0242] [6-3] Paper weight and moisture content The amount of deviation in the position of the printed image is correlated with the paper thickness. Also, the paper weight has a positive correlation with the moisture content M. FIG. 22 is an example of a table showing the image position deviation width in terms of paper weight and moisture content.

[0243] For example, while correcting with the coefficient W as in the table of FIG. 22, the accurate paper thickness is calculated, and the correct image layout is corrected in such a way as to correct the image deviation by the paper thickness. Thereby, for example, more accurate adjustment of the size and / or layout of the printed image in hardcover binding or saddle-stitch binding can be performed.

[0244] [7] Others As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail. However, the descriptions in the above embodiments are examples of the image forming system and program created only for the purpose of illustration and exemplification, and are not limited thereto. Also, the detailed configuration and detailed operations of each part constituting the apparatus, system, and program can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0245] The scope of the present invention should be construed by the terms of the appended claims.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0246] 100, 500 Image forming system 10 Control unit 11 Document conveyance unit 12 Document reading unit 13 Operation unit 14 Image forming unit 16 Inspection unit 17 Post-processing unit 101 CPU 102 HDD 103 Memory 104 Non-volatile memory 105 Communication unit 141 Photoconductor drum 142 Transfer roller 143 Developing unit 144 Fuser 151, 152 Paper feeding unit 161 Image reading unit 162 Storage unit 171, 172 Output unit 1511, 1522 Characteristic value measurement unit P cover paper Printed image on the front of the F cover paper Printed image on the back of the B cover paper Input value of the back cover width in the print job information input to the H print job S Back cover width corresponding to the actual thickness of the main body H J Thickness of the main body in the print job information H r Actual thickness of the main body h Deviation width between the thickness of the main body in the print job information and the actual thickness of the main body

Claims

1. A characteristic value measurement unit that measures characteristic values of sheets used in a print job for printing on a plurality of sheets; An image forming system comprising: a control unit that changes the size and / or layout of a print image of the print job according to the characteristic values read by the characteristic value measurement unit.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising an inspection unit that inspects by comparing the print image formed on the sheet with a correct image registered in advance.

3. The characteristic value measurement unit reads the characteristic values of all the sheets in the print job one by one, The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit changes the size and / or layout of the print image of the print job according to the characteristic values of all the sheets read by the characteristic value measurement unit.

4. The characteristic value measurement unit reads the characteristic value of the first sheet in the print job, The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit assumes that the characteristic values of the sheets after the second sheet in the print job are the same as the characteristic value of the first sheet read by the characteristic value measurement unit, and changes the size and / or layout of the print image of the print job.

5. When the control unit determines that the print job is a job in which types of sheets are mixed, the control unit causes the characteristic value measurement unit to read the characteristic values of all the sheets in the print job one by one, and changes the size and / or layout of the print image of the print job according to the characteristic values of all the sheets read by the characteristic value measurement unit The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The control unit determines whether the variation in the characteristic values read for each sheet from the first sheet to the Nth sheet in the print job by the characteristic value measurement unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value, When it is determined that the variation is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the control unit does not read the characteristic values for each sheet after the (N + 1)th sheet, and changes the size and / or layout of the print image of the print job according to the value calculated from the characteristic values for each sheet from the first sheet to the Nth sheet to be printed, The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when it is determined that the variation is greater than the predetermined value, the control unit continues to read all the characteristic values for each sheet one by one even after the (N + 1)th sheet, and changes the size and / or layout of the print image of the print job according to the read characteristic values.

7. The control unit calculates the time required to change the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job according to the characteristic value read by the characteristic value measurement unit, and determines whether the calculated time is longer than a predetermined time that reduces productivity. When it is determined that the time is equal to or less than the predetermined time, the control unit reads the characteristic values of all the sheets in the print job one by one, and changes the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job according to the characteristic values of all the sheets read by the characteristic value measurement unit. When the control unit determines that the time is longer than the predetermined time, the characteristic value measurement unit reads the characteristic value of the first sheet in the print job, and the control unit assumes that the characteristic values of the sheets after the second sheet in the print job are the same as the characteristic value of the first sheet read by the characteristic value measurement unit, and changes the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The control unit calculates the time required to change the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job according to the characteristic value read by the characteristic value measurement unit, and predicts the number of sheets for which productivity decreases based on the calculated time. When the control unit predicts that the number of sheets for which productivity is predicted to decrease is the (M + 1)-th sheet, the control unit reads all the characteristic values of each sheet from the first sheet to the M-th sheet to be printed one by one. For the sheets after the (M + 1)-th sheet, the characteristic values of each sheet are not read, and the size and / or layout of the printed image of the print job is changed according to the characteristic values from the first sheet to the M-th sheet to be printed. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The characteristic value is the paper thickness or the paper weight. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. When the control unit determines that the print job is an interrupted print job, the control unit changes the layout of the printed image by the amount of creep according to the paper thickness or the paper weight read by the characteristic value measurement unit. The image forming system according to claim 9.

11. When the control unit determines that the print job is a bookbinding print job, the control unit changes the size of the printed image by the back cover width according to the paper thickness or the paper weight read by the characteristic value measurement unit. The image forming system according to claim 9.

12. An image forming system including a post-processing unit that post-processes sheets printed by the image forming system according to claim 1 or 2.

13. A computer of an image forming system including a characteristic value measuring unit that measures characteristic values of sheets used in a print job for printing a plurality of sheets, A program that causes the computer to function as a control unit that changes the size and / or layout of a print image of the print job according to the characteristic values measured by the characteristic value measuring unit.

Images