Image formation control method and image formation apparatus

Abstract

To obtain a normal printed matter in a continuous printing process even if an abnormality occurs in an output image during the continuous printing process.SOLUTION: A control device 8 causes a printer 1 to execute a test printing process during a continuous printing process. The control device 8 causes an image reading device 5 to execute a reading process for a test image. The control device 8 determines whether the read image is normal or abnormal. When an adjusted event occurs under such a situation that the continuous printing process is suspended, the control device 8 causes the printer 1 to re-execute target printing processes from a page following a page corresponding to the determination process for which a normal determination result is obtained most recently among already executed printing processes in the continuous printing process (S205).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image formation control method and an image forming apparatus for determining the presence or absence of an abnormality in an output image during continuous print processing.

Background Art

[0002] It is known that an image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet, further reads the image from the sheet, and performs an abnormality determination of the output image (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, there is a possibility that an abnormality may occur in the output image while the image forming apparatus is performing continuous print processing on a large number of sheets. Even in such a case, it is desired to obtain a normal printed matter of the continuous print processing.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image formation control method and an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a normal printed matter of the continuous print processing even when an abnormality occurs in the output image during the continuous print processing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An image formation control method according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a printing device and an image reading device. The printing device is capable of executing a continuous printing process for continuously forming images on a plurality of sheets and a reading process for reading an image formed on the sheet. The image formation control method includes causing a control device to execute the continuous printing process on the printing device. Further, the image formation control method includes causing the control device to execute a test printing process on the printing device to form a test image on a sheet each time a printing process of a page at a test timing during the continuous printing process is executed. Further, the image formation control method includes causing the control device to execute the reading process on the test image on the image reading device. Further, the image formation control method includes causing the control device to execute a determination process for determining whether a read image obtained by the reading process is normal or abnormal. Further, the image formation control method includes causing the control device to interrupt the continuous printing process on the printing device when an abnormality of the read image is determined. Further, the image formation control method includes, when an adjustment completed event indicating that the printing device has been adjusted occurs in a situation where the continuous printing process is interrupted, causing the control device to re-execute, on the printing device, target printing processes after the page following the page at the test timing corresponding to the determination process that has obtained a normal determination result most recently among the executed printing processes already executed in the continuous printing process. Further, the image formation control method includes causing the control device to execute, on the printing device, subsequent processes in the continuous printing process following the target printing processes.

[0007] An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes the printing device, the image reading device, and the control device that realizes the image formation control method.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide an image formation control method and an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a normal printed matter of the continuous print process even when an abnormality occurs in the output image during the continuous print process.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are examples embodying the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment is capable of executing a print process for forming an image on a sheet 9. The sheet 9 is a sheet-like image forming medium such as paper or a resin film. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 is a printer, a facsimile apparatus, a copying machine, or a multifunction machine.

[0012] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 executes the print process by an inkjet method. Note that the image forming apparatus 10 may be a device that executes the print process by an electrophotographic method or other methods.

[0013] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 10] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a printing apparatus 1 and a control apparatus 8.

[0014] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 also includes an operation device 801 and a display device 802. The printing apparatus 1 and the control apparatus 8 are arranged inside the main housing 11.

[0015] The printing apparatus 1 includes one or more sheet storage units 12, a sheet conveyance device 2, an image forming unit 3, a plurality of ink supply units 4, and the like.

[0016] The sheet conveyance device 2 feeds the sheets 9 stored in the sheet storage unit 12 one by one into the conveyance path 20, and further conveys the sheets 9 along the conveyance path 20.

[0017] The sheet conveyance device 2 includes one or more feeding mechanisms 21, a plurality of sets of conveyance roller pairs 22, a belt conveyance mechanism 23, a sheet discharge mechanism 24, and the like. The feeding mechanism 21 is provided corresponding to the sheet storage unit 12. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes two sheet storage units 12 and two feeding mechanisms 21.

[0018] The feeding mechanism 21 feeds the sheet 9 from the sheet storage unit 12 into the conveyance path 20. The plurality of sets of conveyance roller pairs 22 convey the sheet 9 along the conveyance path 20, and further convey the sheet 9 to the belt conveyance mechanism 23.

[0019] The belt conveyance mechanism 23 is arranged below the image forming unit 3. The belt conveyance mechanism 23 conveys the sheet 9 along the image forming unit 3 in the conveyance direction D0.

[0020] The direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction D0 is the main scanning direction D1, and the direction along the conveyance direction D0 is the sub-scanning direction D2 (see FIG. 1).

[0021] The image forming unit 3 includes a plurality of nozzle units 30 corresponding to the colors of a plurality of inks. The plurality of nozzle units 30 each have a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of piezoelectric elements. By pressurizing the ink supplied to the plurality of nozzles by the plurality of piezoelectric elements, the plurality of nozzles discharge the ink.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 3 includes four nozzle units 30 corresponding to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow inks.

[0023] The plurality of nozzle units 30 each discharge inks of a plurality of colors toward the sheet 9 conveyed by the belt conveyance mechanism 23 from the plurality of nozzles, thereby forming an image on the sheet 9.

[0024] The plurality of ink supply units 4 each supply ink of a predetermined color to the image forming unit 3. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 includes four ink supply units 4 corresponding to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow inks.

[0025] The sheet discharge mechanism 24 is disposed on the downstream side of the belt conveyance mechanism 23 in the conveyance direction D0. The sheet discharge mechanism 24 discharges the sheet 9 on which an image is formed to the outside of the main housing 11. For example, the sheet discharge mechanism 24 sends out the sheet 9 from the main housing 11 to a sheet tray or a subsequent device disposed adjacent to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the sheet discharge mechanism 24 selectively discharges the sheet 9 on which an image is formed to any one of a plurality of discharge trays 240.

[0027] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the sheet discharge mechanism 24 includes a plurality of sets of discharge roller pairs 241 and a path switching mechanism 242.

[0028] A plurality of sets of discharge roller pairs 241 discharge the sheet 9 to corresponding plurality of discharge trays 240. The path switching mechanism 242 can selectively switch the conveyance destination of the sheet 9 sent out from the belt conveyance mechanism 23 to any one of the plurality of discharge roller pairs 241. The discharge destination of the sheet 9 is determined by the state of the path switching mechanism 242.

[0029] The operation device 801 receives human operations. For example, the operation device 801 includes one or both of a touch panel and one or more operation buttons. The display device 802 can display various kinds of information. For example, the display device 802 is a panel display device such as a liquid crystal panel unit.

[0030] [Control device 8] The control device 8 executes various data processes and controls devices provided in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 8 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81 and peripheral devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) 82, a secondary storage device 83, and a signal interface 84. Further, the control device 8 includes a communication device 85.

[0032] The CPU 81 is a processor that executes various data processes and controls by executing a computer program. The CPU 81 is an example of a processor that controls the image forming apparatus 10.

[0033] The RAM 82 is a volatile storage device readable by a computer. The RAM 82 primary stores the computer program executed by the CPU 81 and data output and referred to in the process of the CPU 81 executing various processes.

[0034] The secondary storage device 83 is a computer-readable non-volatile storage device. The secondary storage device 83 can store and update the computer program and various data. For example, one or both of a flash memory and a hard disk drive are employed as the secondary storage device 83.

[0035] The signal interface 84 converts the signals output by various sensors into digital data and transmits the converted digital data to the CPU 81. Further, the signal interface 84 converts the control commands output by the CPU 81 into control signals and transmits the control signals to the devices to be controlled.

[0036] The communication device 85 can communicate with a host device (not shown) and other devices. The host device is an information processing device such as a personal computer or a smartphone operated by a user.

[0037] For example, the CPU 81 receives a print job from the host device through the communication device 85. The image forming unit 3 forms the image specified by the print job on the sheet 9.

[0038] The CPU 81 includes a plurality of processing modules realized by executing the computer program. The plurality of processing modules include a main control unit 8a, a print control unit 8b, and the like.

[0039] The main control unit 8a executes controls such as starting various processes in response to processing requests input through the operation device 801 or the communication device 85, and controls the display device 802.

[0040] The print control unit 8b controls the printing device 1. That is, the print control unit 8b controls the supply of the sheet 9 by the feeding mechanism 21, the conveyance of the sheet 9 by the plurality of sets of conveyance roller pairs 22 and the belt conveyance mechanism 23, and the discharge of the sheet 9 by the sheet discharge mechanism 24.

[0041] Further, the print control unit 8b causes the image forming unit 3 to execute the print process in synchronization with the conveyance of the sheet 9 by the sheet conveyance device 2.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the print control unit 8b causes the image forming unit 3 to execute the print process by controlling the plurality of piezoelectric elements of each nozzle unit 30.

[0043] The printing apparatus 1 is capable of executing continuous printing. When the print control unit 8b receives a request for the continuous printing process through the operation device 801 or the communication device 85, the printing apparatus 1 is caused to execute the continuous printing process. The continuous printing process is a process of continuously forming images on a plurality of sheets 9.

[0044] By the way, there is a possibility that an abnormality may occur in the output image while the image forming apparatus 10 is performing the continuous printing process on a large number of sheets 9. Even in such a case, it is desirable to obtain a normal printed matter of the continuous printing process.

[0045] In the image forming apparatus 10, the print control unit 8b executes continuous print control (see FIG. 3). The continuous print control includes a process for obtaining a normal printed matter of the continuous printing process even when an abnormality occurs in the output image during the continuous printing process.

[0046] The image forming apparatus 10 further includes an image reading apparatus 5. The image reading apparatus 5 is capable of executing a reading process for reading an image formed on the sheet 9 by the printing apparatus 1.

[0047] The image reading apparatus 5 includes an image sensor unit 51 and an analog front end 52. The image sensor unit 51 is disposed along the conveyance path of the sheet 9. In the present embodiment, the image sensor unit 51 is disposed to face the belt conveyance mechanism 23.

[0048] The image sensor unit 51 reads an image formed on the sheet 9 by the printing device 1 and outputs an analog image signal representing the read image. The analog front end 52 converts the image signal output by the image sensor unit 51 into digital image data and transmits the image data to the CPU 81.

[0049] [Continuous Printing Control] Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the continuous printing control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3. The continuous printing control is an example of a process for realizing an image forming control method for controlling the image forming apparatus 10.

[0050] The print control unit 8b starts the continuous printing control when it receives a request for the continuous printing process through the operation device 801 or the communication device 85.

[0051] In the following description, S101, S102,... represent identification codes of a plurality of steps in the continuous printing control. In the continuous printing control, first, the process of step S101 is executed.

[0052] <Step S101> In step S101, the print control unit 8b causes the printing device 1 to start the continuous printing process in response to the request, and further causes the printing device 1 to proceed with the continuous printing process.

[0053] The printing device 1 starts the continuous printing process in response to the process of step S101 and further proceeds with the continuous printing process.

[0054] After executing the process of step S101, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S102.

[0055] <Step S102> In step S102, the print control unit 8b selects the next process according to whether the print process of the page at the test timing during the continuous printing process has been executed.

[0056] For example, the page at the test timing is a page for each predetermined number of pages. Further, the page at the test timing may be a page for each predetermined time, or a page for each predetermined number of output pixels.

[0057] The print control unit 8b executes the process of step S103 when the print process for the page at the test timing has not been executed yet.

[0058] On the other hand, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S104 when the print process for the page at the test timing has been executed.

[0059] <Step S103> In step S103, the print control unit 8b selects the next process according to whether or not the continuous print process has ended.

[0060] The print control unit 8b executes the process of step S102 when the continuous print process has not ended.

[0061] On the other hand, the print control unit 8b ends the continuous print control when the continuous print process has ended.

[0062] <Step S104> In step S104, the print control unit 8b causes the printing apparatus 1 to execute a test print process. The test print process is a process of forming a test image on the sheet 9.

[0063] For example, the test image includes a line array image in which a plurality of line segment images are arranged for each color of a plurality of inks. Further, the test image may include a patch image of a predetermined density for each color of a plurality of inks.

[0064] After executing the process of step S104, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S105.

[0065] <Step S105> In step S105, the print control unit 8b causes the image reading device 5 to execute the reading process for the test image formed on the sheet 9 by the test print process. As a result, data of the read image of the test image is obtained.

[0066] After executing the process of step S105, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S106.

[0067] <Step S106> In step S106, the print control unit 8b executes a determination process for determining whether the read image obtained by the reading process in step S105 is normal or abnormal.

[0068] For example, the print control unit 8b determines whether the read image is normal or abnormal by determining the degree of pixel missing for each of the plurality of line segment images in the line array image. Further, the print control unit 8b may determine whether the read image is normal or abnormal according to the density of the patch image.

[0069] Furthermore, in step S106, the print control unit 8b selects the next process according to whether the result of the determination process is normal or abnormal.

[0070] When the result of the determination process is normal, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S107. On the other hand, when the result of the determination process is abnormal, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S108.

[0071] <Step S107> In step S107, the print control unit 8b causes the printing device 1 to start the subsequent process of the continuous printing process, and further causes the printing device 1 to proceed with the subsequent process.

[0072] The subsequent process is a process that follows the executed print process already executed in the continuous print process.

[0073] After executing the process of step S107, the print control unit 8b executes the processes after step S102.

[0074] <Step S108> On the other hand, in step S108, the print control unit 8b interrupts the continuous print process in the printing apparatus 1 and then executes an abnormality handling process (see FIG. 4).

[0075] After executing the process of step S108, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S107.

[0076] As described above, every time the print process of the page at the test timing during the continuous print process is executed, the processes after step S104 are executed.

[0077] [Abnormality Handling Process] Next, an example of the procedure of the abnormality handling process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4. The abnormality handling process is executed under the situation where the continuous print process is interrupted.

[0078] In the following description, S201, S202,... represent the identification codes of a plurality of steps in the abnormality handling process. In the abnormality handling process, first, the process of step S201 is executed.

[0079] <Step S201> In step S201, the print control unit 8b automatically adjusts the printing apparatus 1 according to the abnormal content of the read image in the determination process.

[0080] For example, as an adjustment process, the print control unit 8b outputs a swing signal or a drive signal to a target element corresponding to the position of the pixel defect in the line array image among the plurality of piezoelectric elements in each nozzle unit 30.

[0081] The rocking signal is a signal for vibrating the target element to such an extent that the ink rocks the meniscus. As a result, within the target nozzle corresponding to the target element among the plurality of nozzles, the viscosity of the ink decreases without the ink being discharged from the nozzle.

[0082] The drive signal is a signal for vibrating the target element to such an extent that the ink is discharged from the target nozzle. As a result, the ink with increased viscosity is discharged from the target nozzle, and new ink with low viscosity is supplied to the target nozzle.

[0083] In addition, a process of correcting the drive signal for the target element corresponding to the patch image with abnormal density among the plurality of piezoelectric elements in each nozzle unit 30 is executed as an adjustment process.

[0084] After executing the process of step S201, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S202.

[0085] <Step S202> In step S202, the print control unit 8b causes the printing apparatus 1 to re-execute the test printing process similar to that in step S104.

[0086] That is, the print control unit 8b causes the printing apparatus 1 to re-execute the test printing process after adjusting the printing apparatus 1 (step S202). After executing the process of step S202, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S203.

[0087] <Step S203> In step S203, the print control unit 8b executes a confirmation acquisition process for acquiring adjustment confirmation information. The adjustment confirmation information indicates that it has been confirmed that the abnormality of the output image has been eliminated by adjusting the printing apparatus 1.

[0088] For example, the print control unit 8b executes the confirmation acquisition process after executing the confirmation request process. The confirmation request process is a process of outputting confirmation request information that requests a visual check on whether the test image formed on the sheet 9 in step S202 is normal or abnormal.

[0089] The print control unit 8b outputs the confirmation request information through the communication device 85 or the display device 802. Further, in the confirmation acquisition process, the print control unit 8b acquires response information corresponding to the confirmation request information through the communication device 85 or the display device 802.

[0090] When the acquired response information is the adjustment confirmation information, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S205.

[0091] Also, when the acquired response information is readjustment instruction information, the print control unit 8b re-executes the processes after step S201. The readjustment instruction information is information that instructs the automatic adjustment of the printing apparatus 1 to be re-executed.

[0092] Also, when the acquired response information is manual adjustment information, the print control unit 8b re-executes the process of step S204.

[0093] <Step S204> In step S204, the print control unit 8b executes a manual adjustment process of adjusting the printing apparatus 1 according to an adjustment instruction input through the operation device 801 or the communication device 85.

[0094] After executing the process of step S204, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S202. The print control unit 8b repeats the processes of step S201 or step S204 and the processes of steps S202 to S203 until the adjustment confirmation information can be acquired.

[0095] In this embodiment, the acquisition of the adjustment confirmation information by the confirmation acquisition process in step S203 is an example of an adjusted event that occurs after the process of step S201. The adjusted event indicates that the printing apparatus 1 has been adjusted under the situation where the continuous printing process is interrupted.

[0096] When the adjusted event occurs, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S205.

[0097] <Step S205> In step S205, the print control unit 8b causes the printing apparatus 1 to re - execute the target print process, which is part or all of the executed print process in the continuous printing process.

[0098] Specifically, the target print process is the print process for the pages after the next page of the page at the test timing corresponding to the determination process that has obtained a normal determination result most recently among the executed print processes.

[0099] By executing the process of step S205, even if an abnormality occurs in the output image during the continuous printing process, a normal printed matter of the continuous printing process can be surely obtained.

[0100] Here, the process before the target print process in the continuous printing process is referred to as the target pre - process.

[0101] In step S205, the print control unit 8b causes the printing apparatus 1 to execute the discharge process of the sheet 9 after image formation in different modes for the target pre - process and the target print process.

[0102] In this embodiment, the print control unit 8b causes the printing apparatus 1 to execute the process of discharging the sheet 9 to different discharge destinations among the plurality of discharge trays 240 for the target pre - process and the target print process. At this time, the print control unit 8b controls the discharge destination of the sheet 9 by controlling the path switching mechanism 242.

[0103] Further, one of the plurality of discharge trays 240, i.e., the target tray, may be used for the target preprocessing and the target printing process.

[0104] For example, in step S205, the print control unit 8b may cause the printing apparatus 1 to execute a process of discharging the sheet 9 after image formation to the target tray at different discharge speeds in the target preprocessing and the target printing process. Thereby, the sheet 9 corresponding to the target preprocessing and the sheet 9 corresponding to the target printing process are discharged to different positions in the discharge direction on the target tray.

[0105] The discharge destination of the sheet 9 and the discharge speed of the sheet 9 are each an example of the mode of the discharge process of the sheet 9 after image formation.

[0106] Since the discharge process of the sheet 9 is executed in different modes in the target preprocessing and the target printing process, it is easy to identify the page targeted by the target printing process. Therefore, it is easy to replace the page targeted by the target printing process.

[0107] Also, in step S205, the print control unit 8b may cause the printing apparatus 1 to execute one or both of a first sheet insertion process and a second sheet insertion process.

[0108] The first sheet insertion process is a process of conveying and discharging an additional sheet between the process before the target printing process in the continuous printing process and the target printing process. The second sheet insertion process is a process of conveying and discharging an additional sheet between the target printing process and the process after the target printing in the continuous printing process.

[0109] The additional sheet is a sheet 9 that distinguishes the sheet 9 discharged by the target printing process from the sheet 9 discharged by a process other than the target printing process in the continuous printing process.

[0110] For example, the plurality of sheet storage units 12 may include a first sheet storage unit that stores the sheets 9 of the first color and a second sheet storage unit that stores the sheets 9 of a second color different from the first color. It is conceivable that the first color is white and the second color is a color print.

[0111] In the above case, the print control unit 8b causes the printing apparatus 1 to execute a process of conveying and discharging the sheet 9 in the first sheet storage unit in the continuous printing process.

[0112] Furthermore, the print control unit 8b causes the printing apparatus 1 to execute a process of conveying and discharging the sheet 9 in the second storage unit in one or both of the first sheet insertion process and the second sheet insertion process. The sheet 9 in the second storage unit is an example of the additional sheet.

[0113] By executing the first sheet insertion process or the second sheet insertion process, it is easy to distinguish the sheet 9 targeted for the target printing process from other sheets 9. Therefore, it is easy to replace the page targeted for the target printing process.

[0114] After executing the process of step S205, the print control unit 8b ends the abnormality handling process. After ending the abnormality handling process, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S107 (see FIG. 3).

[0115] That is, the print control unit 8b causes the printing apparatus 1 to execute the subsequent process following the target printing process (step S107). As described above, the subsequent process is a process that follows the executed printing process in the continuous printing process.

[0116] By adopting the image forming apparatus 10, even when an abnormality occurs in the output image during the continuous printing process, a normal printed matter of the continuous printing process can be obtained.

[0117] [Modification Example] Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, an example of the procedure of the abnormality handling process according to the modification will be described.

[0118] In the following description, S301, S302,... represent the identification codes of a plurality of steps in the abnormality handling process according to the modification. In the abnormality handling process according to the modification, first, the process of step S301 is executed.

[0119] <Steps S301 and S302> The processes of step S301 and step S302 are the same as the processes of step S201 and step S202 shown in FIG. 4.

[0120] That is, the print control unit 8b automatically adjusts the printing apparatus 1 according to the abnormal content of the read image in the determination process (step S301).

[0121] Furthermore, the print control unit 8b causes the printing apparatus 1 to re-execute the test printing process after the adjustment of the printing apparatus 1 (step S302).

[0122] After executing the process of step S302, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S303.

[0123] <Step S303> In step S303, the print control unit 8b causes the image reading apparatus 5 to execute the reading process for the test image formed on the sheet 9 by the test printing process of step S302.

[0124] The process of step S303 is the same as the process of step S105 (see FIG. 3). By the process of step S303, the data of the read image of the test image is obtained.

[0125] After executing the process of step S303, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S304.

[0126] <Step S304> In step S304, the print control unit 8b executes the determination process on the read image obtained by the reading process in step S303.

[0127] The process of step S304 is the same as the process of step S106 (see FIG. 3).

[0128] When the result of the determination process is normal, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S305. On the other hand, when the result of the determination process is abnormal, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S306.

[0129] <Step S305> In step S305, the print control unit 8b causes the print device 1 to re-execute the target print process in the same manner as in step S205.

[0130] After executing the process of step S305, the print control unit 8b ends the abnormality handling process. Following the end of the abnormality handling process, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S107 (see FIG. 3).

[0131] <Step S306> On the other hand, in step S306, the print control unit 8b selects the next process according to whether the number of times the automatic adjustment in step S301 has been executed exceeds the upper limit number of times.

[0132] When the number of times the automatic adjustment in step S301 has been executed does not exceed the upper limit number of times, the print control unit 8b repeats the processes after step S301.

[0133] That is, the print control unit 8b causes the print device 1 to re-execute the test print process after adjusting the print device 1 (step S302).

[0134] Furthermore, after causing the print device 1 to re-execute the test print process, the print control unit 8b causes the image reading device 5 to re-execute the reading process for the test image (step S303).

[0135] Furthermore, the print control unit 8b re-executes the determination process for the read image obtained by re-executing the reading process (step S304).

[0136] When it is determined that the read image is normal by re-executing the determination process, the print control unit 8b causes the target print process to be executed on the printing apparatus 1 (steps S304 and S305).

[0137] In this application example, the fact that it is determined that the read image is normal by re-executing the determination process in step S304 is the adjusted event. When the adjusted event occurs, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S305.

[0138] On the other hand, when the number of times the automatic adjustment in step S301 has been executed exceeds the upper limit number of times, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S307.

[0139] <Step S307> On the other hand, in step S307, the print control unit 8b executes the manual adjustment process in the same manner as in step S204.

[0140] After executing the process of step S307, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S305.

[0141] Even when the abnormality handling according to this application example is adopted, the same effects as those when the abnormality handling shown in FIG. 4 is adopted can be obtained.

[0142] [Supplementary Note of the Invention] Hereinafter, the outline of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments will be appended. Note that each configuration and each processing function described in the following supplementary note can be arbitrarily combined by making selections.

[0143] <Supplementary Note 1> An image forming control method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a printing apparatus capable of executing continuous printing processing for continuously forming images on a plurality of sheets and an image reading apparatus capable of executing reading processing for reading an image formed on the sheet, causing the control device to cause the printing apparatus to execute the continuous printing process, causing the control device to cause the printing apparatus to execute test printing processing for forming a test image on a sheet every time printing processing of a page at a test timing during the continuous printing process is executed, causing the control device to cause the image reading apparatus to execute the reading process for the test image, causing the control device to execute determination processing for determining whether a read image obtained by the reading process is normal or abnormal, causing the control device to cause the printing apparatus to interrupt the continuous printing process when an abnormality of the read image is determined, when an adjustment completed event indicating that the printing apparatus has been adjusted occurs under the situation where the continuous printing process is interrupted, among the executed print processes already executed in the continuous printing process, the target print process after the page following the page at the test timing corresponding to the determination process that obtained a normal determination result most recently is caused to be re-executed by the printing apparatus, causing the control device to cause the printing apparatus to execute subsequent processing in the continuous printing process following the target print process, an image forming control method including.

[0144] <Appendix 2> causing the control device to automatically adjust the printing apparatus according to the abnormality content of the read image in the determination process under the situation where the continuous printing process is interrupted, further including causing the control device to generate the adjustment completed event after adjustment of the printing apparatus, the image forming control method according to Appendix 1 above.

[0145] <Appendix 3> The control device causes the printing device to re-execute the test printing process after the adjustment of the printing device. The control device further includes executing a confirmation acquisition process of acquiring adjustment confirmation information after causing the printing device to re-execute the test printing process. The adjusted event is that the adjustment confirmation information is acquired by the confirmation acquisition process, and the image forming control method according to Appendix 2.

[0146] <Appendix 4> The control device causes the printing device to re-execute the test printing process after the adjustment of the printing device. After the control device causes the printing device to re-execute the test printing process, the control device causes the image reading device to re-execute the reading process for the test image. The control device further includes re-executing the determination process for the read image obtained by the re-execution of the reading process. The adjusted event is that the normality of the read image is determined by the re-execution of the determination process, and the image forming control method according to Appendix 2.

[0147] <Appendix 5> The control device causes the printing device to execute the discharge process of the sheet after image formation in different modes for the process before the target printing process and the target printing process in the continuous printing process. The image forming control method according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4.

[0148] <Appendix 6> The control device further includes causing the printing device to execute one or both of a process of conveying and discharging an additional sheet between the process before the target printing process and the target printing process in the continuous printing process, and a process of conveying and discharging an additional sheet between the target printing process and the process after the target printing in the continuous printing process. The image forming control method according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5.

[0149] <Appendix 7> A printing apparatus capable of executing continuous printing processing for forming images on a plurality of sheets, An image reading apparatus capable of executing reading processing for reading the images formed on the sheets, And a control apparatus for realizing the image formation control method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6 above. An image forming apparatus comprising the same.

Explanation of Signs

[0150] 1: Printing apparatus 2: Sheet conveyance apparatus 3: Image forming unit 5: Image reading apparatus 8: Control apparatus 10: Image forming apparatus

Claims

1. An image forming control method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a printing apparatus capable of executing continuous printing processing for continuously forming images on a plurality of sheets and an image reading apparatus capable of executing reading processing for reading an image formed on the sheet, wherein a control device causes the printing apparatus to execute the continuous printing processing, the control device causes the printing apparatus to execute test printing processing for forming a test image on a sheet every time printing processing of a page at a test timing during the continuous printing processing is executed, the control device causes the image reading apparatus to execute the reading processing for the test image, the control device executes determination processing for determining whether a read image obtained by the reading processing is normal or abnormal, when the control device determines that the read image is abnormal, the control device causes the printing apparatus to interrupt the continuous printing processing, when an adjustment completed event indicating that the printing apparatus has been adjusted occurs in a situation where the continuous printing processing is interrupted, among the executed print processing already executed in the continuous printing processing, the control device causes the printing apparatus to re-execute the target print processing from the page next to the page at the test timing corresponding to the determination processing that obtained a normal determination result most recently, and the control device causes the printing apparatus to execute subsequent processing in the continuous printing processing following the target print processing. An image forming control method including these steps.

2. The method further includes the control device automatically adjusting the printing apparatus according to the abnormal content of the read image in the determination processing in a situation where the continuous printing processing is interrupted, and the adjustment completed event occurs after the printing apparatus is automatically adjusted. The image forming control method according to Claim 1.

3. The method further includes the control device causing the printing apparatus to re-execute the test printing processing after adjusting the printing apparatus, and the control device executing confirmation acquisition processing for acquiring adjustment confirmation information after causing the printing apparatus to re-execute the test printing processing. The image forming control method according to Claim 2, wherein the adjustment completed event is that the adjustment confirmation information is acquired by the confirmation acquisition processing.

4. The control device causes the printing device to re-execute the test printing process after adjustment of the printing device; after the control device causes the printing device to re-execute the test printing process, the control device causes the image reading device to re-execute the reading process for the test image; the control device further includes re-executing the determination process for a read image obtained by re-executing the reading process; The image forming control method according to claim 2, wherein the adjusted event is that normality of the read image is determined by re-executing the determination process.

5. The control device causes the printing device to execute the discharge process of the sheet after image formation in different modes for a process before the target printing process and the target printing process in the continuous printing process, according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The image forming control method described.

6. The control device further includes causing the printing device to execute one or both of a process of conveying and discharging an additional sheet between a process before the target printing process and the target printing process in the continuous printing process, and a process of conveying and discharging an additional sheet between the target printing process and a process after the target printing in the continuous printing process. The image forming control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A printing device capable of executing a continuous printing process for forming images on a plurality of sheets; An image reading device capable of executing a reading process for reading an image formed on the sheet; An image forming apparatus comprising: a control device that realizes the image forming control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images